3.5

James Powers

Geography - Pasadena City College

3.5
Quality
2.8
Difficulty
47%
Would Retake
155
Reviews
3.5
Quality
2.8
Difficulty
3.4
Helpful
3.5
Clarity

47%

Would Retake

155

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
155 total ratings

5

51

4

40

3

34

2

16

1

14

What Students Say

This class was a miserable experience

GEOG1 - 2.0 rating

Bad: Has no set edition of a textbook, which means tests have some

GEOG001H - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

63%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 22 grades
Most common grades:
A (9)
B (4)
C (3)
Grade Distribution
A(11)B(4)C(4)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 22 reported grades
A: 9
B: 4
C: 3
A+: 2
Common Tags
Hilarious (7)
Test heavy (5)
Get ready to read (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
Clear grading criteria (3)
Amazing lectures (3)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Caring (2)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.31 avg change
Jan
Mar
Jun
Dec
Jun
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

3

5.0

(1)

GEO1AND3

5.0

(1)

GEOG13

5.0

(2)

GEOG

5.0

(1)

GEO

5.0

(1)
+29 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GEOGRAPHY1

4.0

GEOGRAPHYLAB

4.0

GRYGRY

4.0

GEOGR4966

4.0

GEO001

3.8

Reviews (154)
3.0
2.0
GEOG1
Feb 28, 2003

one of the weirdest teachers I've ever had. Weird jokes and sings songs. but pretty easy class

5.0
3.0
GEOGRAPHY
Apr 24, 2003

Very funny teacher. Enjoyed his class. Amazing how he can make geography fun.

5.0
2.0
GEO1
Apr 28, 2003

Very funny! Showed us slides and made jokes about every one of them. Used songs and jokes to help us memorize things-- really entertaining!

5.0
1.0
GEOG1
Apr 28, 2003

Extremely entertaining lectures with easy tests. I highly reccommend him.

5.0
1.0
GEO1AND3
Apr 28, 2003

Very easy.

5.0
2.0
GEOG3
May 1, 2003

He is great. really enjoy his lecture.good class atmosphere. No boring lesson. informative.

5.0
4.0
GEOG3
May 7, 2003

One of the best teachers I have ever had in PCC. Very nice and easy going guy. He seems to enjoy what he's doing a lot. Not doing well on his quizzes do get frustrating so his classes aren;t for everyone.

5.0
1.0
GEOG3
May 13, 2003

I enjoyed his class a lot. he likes making jokes. ^_^

4.0
1.0
GEOGRAPHY
May 28, 2003

his class is more like def comedy jam. funny guy, who likes to makes jokes and they're pretty good. talks alot and is very clear of what he teaches. overall easy class but becareful with his finals, OUCH

4.0
3.0
GEOG1
Jun 4, 2003

Very funny dawg! Powers: Czech people are one of the most discriminated people in the world. Me: Err..why? Powers: In supermarkets there are signs everywhere that says no Czech's! Ha! (slaps knee) Regarding a conversation about Prague. hehehe

5.0
3.0
GEOG3
Jun 13, 2003

Very good prof.! He was always funny, making jokes and making the class interesting. Definitely take his class.

5.0
1.0
GEOG13
Sep 20, 2003

great classes. at pcc, the prof makes or breaks the class. power's class makes school bearable.

4.0
1.0
GEO13
Oct 10, 2003

Powers is a very funny person. The class is never boring, and his quizzes & tests aren't too bad. The best thing about Prof. Powers is that he curves the tests according to the average of the class' performance. Take his class, even just for credits.

5.0
1.0
GEOG3
Oct 28, 2003

Yeah, I think he is the best teacher around PCC!!! Though his quiz sometimes looks not that easy, review your study guide and you'll be okay then.

5.0
1.0
GEOG3
Dec 3, 2003

He is an awesome teacher! Take him if you can. If you do his study guides you will pass the class. Study the study guide! Very easy if you do that. His lectures are clear and his tests are easy. TAKE HIS CLASS, practically an easy A!!!

4.0
2.0
GEOG3
Dec 26, 2003

WE LOVE YOU PROF. POWERS!!!!

5.0
1.0
GEOG3
Dec 27, 2003

This is the funiest guy ever! I love him, he is amazingly whippingly cool! owww!

5.0
2.0
GEOG1
Jan 3, 2004

he is very funny, and will not stand for any cheating what so ever!! Tests are some what hard but i still loved the class.

4.0
3.0
GEOG1
Feb 18, 2004

Nice and Funny teacher...mmm his class is ok quiz are not easy but he curses them so there is no problem...if u take him im sure you wont have a problem passing...

4.0
2.0
GEOG1
Mar 4, 2004

His tests are impossible! He gives you practice tests but there are just so many questions to study! His lectures are mostly pictures drawn on the board. But he's funny and grades on a curve. I got an A!

5.0
2.0
GEOG
Mar 12, 2004

He knows how to keep a class entertained and its fun to learn in his class!

5.0
1.0
GEOG13
Apr 2, 2004

Very funny! Never boring! Tests & quizzes are curbed based on average of class performance. Impossible to do bad in this class. Great professor and very down to Earth.

3.0
3.0
GEO1
Apr 21, 2004

well his test are hard... but i managed to pass the class with a B, he has this sarcastic humor sometimes, though he let us do open notes for most tests..... cause the whole class failed the first exam...

5.0
1.0
GEO
May 3, 2004

he's a crack up.. must take him.... the summers are fun w/ him/ and fast

3.0
1.0
GEOG1
May 16, 2004

the tests are a joke, but everyone always complains about em. hes pretty funny

3.0
2.0
GEO1
May 19, 2004

not too clear on explaining everything and he changes topics often, sometimes during mid-speech which can be confusing. But he is a funny and easy going teacher.

3.0
3.0
GEO1
Jun 8, 2004

not as funny as some people say he is, kind of boring as well, the material is interesting, but he was all over the place. tests are not easy, but not hard, overall the guy is okay, but not great

4.0
3.0
GEOG1
Jun 8, 2004

good sense of humor, helpful. Most of the answers to study guides are in lectures, so take lots of notes! Tests consist of about 10 ?'s. He grades on a curve and drops your lowest test grade. I felt the tests were a little tricky.

3.0
3.0
GEOG1L
Jun 16, 2004

His lab quizes are not as easy as you'd think. Take the lab while taking Geog 1, cuz he doesn't really teach. But he is a nice guy and curves your grade.

1.0
5.0
GEOG1
Jun 21, 2004

bad teacher.Yes he curves SUM of the tests, but not all.If a few people in the class do well, he WON'T curve.Tests r tricky & if u don't have him for the lab u prolly won't to that well in his lecture.If u need just a phys. science, take sum 1 else

4.0
3.0
GEOGRAPHY
Jun 24, 2004

He could become boring to some but if you do the assignments and ask questions, along with okay test scores the Power will be on yourside.

3.0
4.0
GEOG1L
Jun 29, 2004

If you want an easy A in Geog 1L, AVOID HIM! Need to do 20-30(NOT EASY)questions' lab exercise every class but lab exercises don't count in your overall grade. Only Quizzes count! About 6 not easy quizzes. Really need to study to get an A. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

1.0
5.0
GEOG1
Jul 20, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
GEOG1
Aug 25, 2004

His tests were tricky in his language, which most students would not understand what exactly he wanted.

4.0
3.0
GEOG3
Aug 29, 2004

Very interesting humor. Is interested in what he teaches and does a good job of teaching it clearly and is helpful should any students need it. Sure, tests are a little tricky, but gimme a break, they're scantrons! Just study well and your fine.

5.0
3.0
GEOG3
Oct 21, 2004

Great teacher...his humor is awesome as well as his teaching. He makes every country, city, river interesting! Quizzes are a cinch as long as you study!!!

4.0
2.0
GEOGRAPHY3
Nov 8, 2004

He's nice. You can have fun with learning geography in his class. Ask questions if you get confused by his explanation.

4.0
3.0
GEO1A
Nov 9, 2004

Pretty clear about his expectations. Lecture sometimes off topic.

2.0
4.0
GEOG1
Nov 10, 2004

He can be funny, but the workload he give is ridiculous. You need to do your CW/HW or you'll get a Grade Penalty, but if you do it, they're not counted! Hard tests, nothing to do with the book or the lecture. Grades on a curve... but there's always those people who get perfects, so you get screwed.

1.0
2.0
GEOG3
Nov 30, 2004

This guy is seriously lame. His jokes are corny and subtlety ****. I get the feeling that he's an undercover Republican and sports coach who was hired to teach in order to fill in the budget gaps.

3.0
3.0
GEOGRAPHY3
Dec 4, 2004

Nice and good-humored teacher, but his methods are confusing and nonsenseical. He adds on assignments/tests last minute, very unorganized. Note-taking is hard when he skips to different subjects during the lecture and then goes back to them. Ridiculous amounts of studying for really short tests.

2.0
5.0
GEO3
Jan 20, 2005

if you are a type of student that struggles in class, avoid this teacher because he wont help you. especially when he gives hard quizzes. if you go talk to him personally for help, he would try to brush you off his sholders instead of helping you.

4.0
2.0
GEOG3
Jan 28, 2005

I don't agree wt ppl say he's unclear and unfair, but i agree that he do give hard test even though i know much in geog(that's my major, he do curve in the test and easy b(60%-89%) a needs 90% and up) and i don't agree he give test+hw in last mins, since he gave it one weeks b4+ he do help according

2.0
3.0
GEOG1L
Feb 9, 2005

He's using 10 year old syllabus for '05 classes. Needs to update $15 req'd workbook from pre-computer to word processing so page nos jive.

4.0
1.0
GEOG1
Feb 18, 2005

All I can say is easy, easy, easy! Take him, you'll have fun and get an "A". His test are short and not hard at all!

5.0
1.0
3
Apr 3, 2005

No Comments

1.0
4.0
GEOGRAPHY
May 18, 2005

WOOOOOOOOOW this guy doesn't explain anything. You try to ask questions and he'll look at you like an idiot, do not take this class. He gives you no updates on your grade and at the end when you find your grade out it's too late to do anything.

3.0
3.0
GEOG11L3
Jun 11, 2005

I took all three of his classes, and he is a knowledgeable and entertaining lecturer in all three. 1L is mostly take home labs. For geog 1 and 3,it's essential to take notes, read the chapters,and answer the study guide questions. Quizzes are short but tricky. He has a disorganized schedule, but his lectures are clear and interesting.

3.0
3.0
GEOG1L
Jun 28, 2005

He has a great sense of humour! Your grade is based on your tests scores + lab work, though the latter isn't worth as much as the tests. Do the lab, read the assigned material, show up everytime there is a session & u should do just fine. He doesn't really care about tardies, but don't be too late. 5-10 mins is nothing but 30 or more is serious

1.0
4.0
GEO3
Jul 2, 2005

This guy should not be teaching. He's unorganized and disrespectful of his students. His study guide uses outdated maps (and this is a geography class). He doen's explain things well, skips from topic to topic, and treats his lectures as if they are an opportunity for an attempt at stand-up conedy. Do not waste your time with this guy.

4.0
3.0
GEOG3
Jul 5, 2005

Dr. Powers is a man who believes in the human spirit, he is not offensive, people looking for negativity will always find it. He is flexible & an interesting man whose traveled extensivly & always will listen to students opinions with sincerity. Do your reading, take decent notes and you will be on point with him.

1.0
3.0
GEO3
Jul 17, 2005

If you really want to learn about the world, find another teacher. Powers is unorganized, and his students pay the price. He gives you make-work map assignments that will make you feel as though you're back in grade school and his study guide is impossible to decipher and out of date. Plus, he's just plain rude and arbitrary towards his students.

3.0
1.0
GEOG1L
Jul 23, 2005

You just have to study the lab exercise for the quiz, it is 90% the same as the lab exercise, but he teaches too slow, the final is still the chapter 4 lab, if u want to learn something, don't take him, if u want an easy a, take him

5.0
1.0
CULGEOG
Grade: A
Sep 2, 2005

easy and interesting

3.0
3.0
GEOG1
Sep 8, 2005

I got a C in his class when I really deserved an F. He's an entertaining teacher but I found the class to be unorganized. Most of the time, I didn't know what was expected of me.

3.0
3.0
GEOG1
Grade: A+
Oct 13, 2005

Tough but very knowledgeable. His exams are pretty difficult.

3.0
4.0
GEOGRAPHY1
Dec 7, 2005

Does not stay on topic and you end up doing badly on the test. Grades on a curve but tests are still hard. He even tells us he tries to trick us on the tests. Take someone else if you can. Geo should not be this difficult.

5.0
2.0
GEOG1
Dec 7, 2005

He is a really good teacher, his contents are so interesting for me. It is little bit easy to pass this class.

4.0
2.0
GEOG3
May 3, 2006

He is funny. taking his class is just having fun if u care current issues. test is sometimes tricky but not quite hard if u study.

4.0
2.0
GEOG3
May 22, 2006

HE IS REALLY FUNNY, HIS CLASE IS VERY VERY INTERESTING AND IT'S NOT BORING, BUT HE IS PRETTY DISORGANIZED SO BETTER BE ORGANIZED YOURSELF.

1.0
3.0
GEOGRAPHY
Jun 11, 2006

lecture was very interesting... he did not prepare us for test except to tell us the test may be on notes or text. the test would usually not be on either. the class was vague and out dated

4.0
4.0
GEOGRAPHYLAB
Jun 27, 2006

Powers is H-A-R-D however you WILL learn something! I am a poor test taker but luckily I spoke up in class, kept my attendance up and did all of my homework ~ so he took pity on my F and D marks on the test. Those questions are unbelievably difficult. You will still learn something about this world we live in and Powers is a knowledgable guy

5.0
3.0
GEOG11L
Jul 1, 2006

I never liked geograpgy until I took it with Mr. Powers. I learned more during his sixteen week session than I had had for many years of middle and secondary schooling in Europe. He's got the passion, the witt, and knowledge to teach "out of the box, and the book" No surprise tests. Grades on the curve. TAKE HIM!

5.0
2.0
GEO3
Dec 6, 2006

Funny guy, gives great jokes and interesting lectures. Tests/quizes aren't easy because they require alot of memorizations but he curves them. I highly recommend him.

5.0
3.0
GEO1
Dec 11, 2006

Geography 1 @ 1L. Funny guy. Knows his geography. His test are not as easy as you think it might be. Study! Grades on a curve. Some decent amount of reading. Finals has about 75 questions. All quiz/final are multiple choices. Quiz only has 15-20 questions. You will have to buy lots of stuff. Selling the book and etc. E-mail: [email protected]

3.0
2.0
GEO3
Dec 15, 2006

Entertaining professor but he's taught this class too many times because he just kind of enjoys talking. Sometimes exams cover information that hasn't been discussed in class or book. You don't come out of that class feeling like you learned anything from the class except some random facts that you'll forget tomorrow. good guy though.

5.0
1.0
GEO3
Jan 13, 2007

Great guy. One of the most enjoyable classes I have taken. Don't know why some people think he's hard. As long as you read the book and the notes you'll ace the quizzes. The final was unexpectedly hard, though. The material itself is interesting, plus a super funny professor as the lecturer makes the class feels like a trip to Disneyland.

3.0
2.0
GEOG3
Jan 24, 2007

I pretty much enjoyed Mr. Powers class. He really knows what's going on around the world, and he talks about lots of funny stuff. But the downside is that he doesn't prepare u well for the tests; most test questions come from the book or handout, but not from the lecture. But if u study, u will be fine.

1.0
5.0
GEOG1
Jan 31, 2007

One of the worst professors I've ever taken at PCC. Don't take him for Geog 1 lab! He barely seems to know what he's talking about half the time and does not prepare you well for tests. I'm a good student but couldn't take him seriously and ended up with a C.

3.0
2.0
GEO1
Mar 13, 2007

He is the funniest professor at pcc.His tests are based on his notes and the study guide, and he curves as well. It's fun to take his class.

4.0
3.0
GEO1
Apr 14, 2007

Mr. Powers is pretty chill. He makes corny jokes and he has a really good sense of humor. I wasn't thrilled about taking this class in the beginning, but it's one of my favorite classes now. You draw and label maps (which is pretty elementary), but the quizzes are pretty hard if you don't study. My advice: read the book and study guide throughly.

2.0
2.0
GEOG3
May 20, 2007

Wow! this guy makes the crappiest jokes ever! i cant some students find it funny. also you do a lot of time-wasting "classwork" (which he calls them, but it is actually homework) the most pathetic thing i've ever seen a professor assign his/her students is label a map and color it! Color = higher grade. Pathetic. boring, and irrelevant lectures.

3.0
2.0
GEO1
Jun 11, 2007

Must say i did not really enjoy this class. Powers is annoying and talks alot. You have to pay attention and take good notes to get an A. Grades are based on bell curve so maybe 4 ppl max will get an A per test. Not a super easy A but still not that hard. Easy B though. Pay attention, use study guide, and read and you will do fine.

3.0
2.0
GEOG1
Jun 13, 2007

Earth science should be great! Prof Powers is very funny and makes class very interesting!:)

4.0
2.0
GEOG1
Jun 23, 2007

I like his lecture.I had a great time to take him.

2.0
2.0
GEOGR3
Jun 29, 2007

extremely off topic. if you dont mind listening to interestin facts on world its pretty nice. forget his lecture n notes. jus read the book pages he assigns then you will get an A on his test

2.0
4.0
GEOG3
Dec 5, 2007

Mr Powers is a nice and funny man. He tells many stories during his lectures and makes a lot of jokes. HOwever, his lectures are rarely on the tests, and his tests are hard and usually cover a lot of reading. He usually only has 20 questions on the test so its hard to know what to study for. His study guides are hard to follow.

4.0
4.0
GRYGRY
Dec 6, 2007

Funny man with a complicated international family. lol

3.0
3.0
GEO3
Dec 13, 2007

Nice and funny man. Class is very interesting. Tests are pretty hard. Even if you study alot you will have no idea if you are prepared or not for the test. Tests are all graded on a curve but thats only because the tests are so hard. I would recommend the class if you want to learn some interesting stuff, but not if you want an easy A.

1.0
4.0
GEOG1
Dec 15, 2007

Powers is a really nice guy, but his tests are very hard- even if you know EVERYTHING about geography- he tests on things that aren't in the lecture or book. His tests don't test your knowledge of the subject at all, you just have to pretty much guess. But he does curve the tests, so it kind of makes up for how stupid the tests are.

5.0
2.0
GEOG1
Jan 7, 2008

i dont know what everyone else is talking about but Mr. Powers is the best professor that I have ever had. His funny and he always base his lectures on factual ideas and personal experiences. He CURVES every test. i got A's on every single test WITHOUT the curve. I have no idea why everyone says that his tests are hard because they aren't. TAKE HIM

3.0
1.0
GEOG3
Jan 24, 2008

I dont understand why people are complaining, i absolutly LOVED this class. all you have to do is read the book, the questions are seriously striaght from it. He sounds like kermit the frog and hes completely off topic 90% of the time, but thats what made it fun. You HAVE to read, but Easy A.

3.0
4.0
GEOG1
Jan 31, 2008

he's a nice guy, but his lectures are very off topic and hard to follow. lots of reading, but if you keep up you'll do fine in his class.

5.0
4.0
GEOG3
Feb 27, 2008

he is funny and kept me awake. his class was awesome but i didnt try hard enough. but he is good teacher. awesome class, take it! Geog 1 is easier than Geog 3

1.0
5.0
GEO1L
Mar 4, 2008

Has been teaching the same material for too many years; so, he won't teach anything and expect you to figure it all out yourself... don't bother asking questions neither... tests are ridiculously hard and do not relate to the material... QUIT teaching Powers and give your place to another teacher that is actually interested in teaching!!!

1.0
4.0
GEOG1
Mar 25, 2008

Terrible teacher. Worthless lecture, jumps from topic to topic, tests on book material. It's possible to get a B if you study the practice tests and read a lot but all his homework assignments are difficult since you have to figure them out for yourself. Seems like a nice guy but you will regret taking his class. Only plus is that he curves.

3.0
3.0
GEOG3
Jun 6, 2008

Lot of folks were cracking up at his jokes when I took his class, so I don't know why people are complaining. I had a fun time in his class. As far as the tests go, his questions are really specific, so make sure you've memorized the study guide. I'd take his class again for sure.

5.0
1.0
GEOG3
Jun 12, 2008

I agree with the person below me! he made me luagh alot about how each culture he taught! I really learn lot about geography. He class is very easy, he not a hard teacher! His class is fun and full of fun and interested culture information! Overall is an easy class!

4.0
1.0
GEOG1
Jun 26, 2008

I can't think of anyway you can fail this class. I just read the study guide before the test and i passed. Besides, he's really funny! In this class, you'll learn another interesting dimension of the world that you might disagree with. But when you think about it it's true. Just take him! he grades on the curve too.

3.0
4.0
GEOG3
Oct 26, 2008

not a good teacher. tests are hard

3.0
4.0
GEO3
Nov 11, 2008

his quizzes are pretty hard,abput he curves. there are about 20 multiple choice questions and they are very specific. funny teacher but i wouldn't want to take him again. interesting but teaches too many countries at the same time!

1.0
5.0
GEOG1
Dec 3, 2008

What a horrible teacher. Lame!!

5.0
3.0
GEO1
Dec 12, 2008

Hilarious teacher! Made me laugh a lot, and gained an interest in geography from his class. Didnt do so well in the class, however he curves every quiz. Atlas is necessary for climographs.

4.0
3.0
GEOG1
Dec 28, 2008

His tests are hard but he curves a lot. He is funny and if you participate he will help your grade out A LOT. He is nice just act interested so he isn't bored and he will help you out.

2.0
4.0
GEO3
Dec 31, 2008

don't take Powers if you want an A. yes, he curves the tests but the questions are ridiculously detailed and it is nearly impossible to memorize everything from the textbook. his lectures are disorganized and he digresses often. he also isn't very helpful outside of class. on the bright side, he's a pretty funny guy.

4.0
1.0
GEOG0366
Jan 29, 2009

Powers is a good teacher. I highly recommend him. I am taking his class right now and I have over a 100%. I notice that the majority of the class has C's or D's but if you put some effort you can probably garrantee youself at least a B. Text book is a must and his study guides are extremely helpful. get Powers!

5.0
1.0
GEOG2
Feb 20, 2009

Mr. Powers is funny but his jokes can be borderline offensive depending on students' cultural background. It is an easy class however and the fact that he curves makes getting an A very easy.

5.0
2.0
GEOG3
May 23, 2009

His class shouldn't be that hard if you try to understand and actually think geographically (?) You do need to read the book for the tests and it's time consuming. at least for me cus i'm a slow reader. But the subject overall is really interesting and his lectures are funny too. Definitely recommended.

2.0
4.0
GEOG1
Jun 19, 2009

he's a good professor who knows his stuff, but he goes on tangents like crazy and the class is, at times, uninteresting. If you love geography, you'll love this guy, if you don't it's just another class to take. Good guy, good heart, it's probably just the subject matter that turned ME off. Hope that helps!

3.0
4.0
GEOGR4966
Jun 21, 2009

I ll be honest, he is not a great teacher. The things he gives us to study are not on the test and if you read, he does not tell you what section to read..He is nice but not a person that is willing to help you. If you have a chance dont take him at all...He told me even If I got an A on the final I would not pass..wth?

2.0
4.0
GEOG1L
Jun 23, 2009

He is not helpful at all and doesn't like to answer questions. This class was pointless. This guy has been teaching for way too long.

4.0
3.0
G1
Jun 25, 2009

Overall good teacher. Sometimes he makes up of his students and he thinks he is really funny. the class is a little boring, maybe because i don't have a interest in geo. the class is not as easy as everyone expects, i got a B but i worked hard. USE HIS STUDY GUIDE. the tests are based on the study guides so you don't even have to read the chapters

5.0
1.0
GEO1L
Jun 30, 2009

OK look this teacher..is extremely easy..i took the class and the lab and it was a piece of cake... he helps you alot and he makes you laugh and at times sings yeah you heard right he sings...TAKE HIM...TRUST...easy class... :)

5.0
2.0
GEO1
Jul 3, 2009

His class was so fun! He is nice too. It is easy to get a B in his class. You will need to study harder for an A. You must read the book and do the study guide. I liked his class!

5.0
2.0
GEOG1L
Jul 19, 2009

He's very funny and will help you if you just ask. The lab class was so chill but make sure you partner up with someone that seems like they wont be absent lol. The labs can be tricky sometimes but it's not that hard. His quizzes are based on labs so he goes over them and gives you the answers prior to so dont be absent that day!

5.0
2.0
GEO1A
Oct 29, 2009

Overall good teacher, i have no complains. He is funny. The tests are mostly based on lecture and study guide. The test are sort of hard. I got a B but honestly i dont really spend time on geography. If you study you can get an A. I recommend taking him.

5.0
2.0
GEO1A
Oct 29, 2009

Overall good teacher, i have no complains. He is funny. The tests are mostly based on lecture and study guide. The test are sort of hard. I got a B but honestly i dont really spend time on geography. If you study you can get an A. I recommend taking his class.

5.0
3.0
GEOG3
Jan 9, 2010

A funny guy, whose lectures are anecdotal & largely from the text. An A is doable if you study the text VERY well, show obvious effort on easy assignments & listen to specific lecture factoids. Exams are scantron (curved), mostly from the TEXT, w/ at max. 5 lecture questions. I got an A & didn't attend 1/2 the classes, but studied hard.

4.0
1.0
GEOG1L
Jan 27, 2010

Took his lab class. Easy class. Lab assignments took maybe 90 mins to complete, then students were free to leave. He gives a 15 question quiz every other week. An atlas and 2 workbooks are needed and were somewhat pricey.

5.0
4.0
GEOG1
Jan 28, 2010

This guy is the funniest,most engaging professor I have ever had. It is a hard class I spent a lot of time on it, but its so worth it. Only class I look forward to. Plus he is so knowlegeable

4.0
3.0
GEOG3
Jun 22, 2010

He is a very funny teacher!! I wonder why people do not laugh at his jokes very often. But anyway, he is a very good guy and teaches all over the place! But if you read the book, you are sure to get As on his quizzes. He curves his quizzes. 7 quizzes and 1 final total. He drops 1 quiz so total of 7 graded. A good class to take!!

3.0
4.0
GEO1L
Aug 30, 2010

I think he is very chill in this class as he said. But sometimes or most of the time the lab doesnt match with the actual geo class, so it gets confusing. Overall if you make a friend in this class you should be fine

5.0
5.0
GEOG3
Jan 9, 2011

Read this! This is 100% UC level class. The test hard. He teaches with joke, and read the book like a bible. For the whole fall, i slept with the book, went bathroom with it. U have to study really hard to get a A. and Don't slack off. My best advice, persevere! DO EVERYTHING YOU CAN!

4.0
3.0
GEO3
Sep 6, 2011

very funny teacher which made lectures interesting. his quizzes are kind of vague because he chooses questions from a couple chapters of the book but just read the chapter front to back a couple times and you'll do fine. his map drawing assignments are easy way to get extra points so just do it. got an A and didn't feel that I busted my butt.

5.0
5.0
GEO3
Dec 26, 2011

This professor is a great teacher, he speak the truth to the class and he share his knowledge to all his students. Listen and learn carefully in class lecture because all his words help your study and for your real world. Yes, read the whole book and take a note in class. After all you will surprise you know everything about WORLD GEOGRAPHY!

5.0
4.0
GEOG1L
Dec 29, 2011

Fun guy and chill classes. However, the course material is pretty challenging and requires a lot of studying and memorizing. Pay attention to his lectures and remember not to underestimate the exams. 5 Exams, lowest dropped. extra credit opportunities, curve on everything.

3.0
5.0
GEOG3
Jan 2, 2012

The class is good but the curriculum is super challenging. Powers is a chill guy but confusing. He changes things up a lot and gets behind easily which sucks come time to take the final because we ended up not being able to take one of our tests (lack of time) and then he crammed an extra country in our final which sucked.

5.0
3.0
GEOG3
Feb 19, 2012

Great helpful teacher with a sense of humor and a passion for what he teaches. Had a great time learning about the world.

4.0
4.0
GEOG1
Jul 24, 2012

Even though this class was a little bit of a challenge (on the tests mainly), I learned a lot from the lectures and I had a pleasure to listen to all of this teacher's lectures a whole lot. I suggest you take this class if you want to have fun learning a lot.

5.0
1.0
GEO3
Jul 26, 2012

Thoroughly enjoyed the class. The material is interesting and he has a sense of humor.

5.0
3.0
GEOG3
Aug 30, 2012

This class is hard, but worth every bit. The guy knows his subject and tried really hard to make sure everyone is understanding the material. The tests are what makes this class so tough and I recommend taking lots of notes and reading twice.

2.0
5.0
GEO1
Dec 3, 2012

Professor Powers is very smart and has very high expectations from his class. Does he help you to understand what he is teaching you, no. he lacks organization. Little of what he says in lecture will help you in quizzes. This course as others have said is AP level. and Powers needs to revise his quizzes, they're outdated He is not notabitofhelp

4.0
1.0
GEO3
May 11, 2013

This class was so much fun, He cracks jokes in class and tries to make the material fun. He curves every test so everyone should do really well in this class. Tests aren't hard. Just do the work and you'll do fine. I got an A and I sat in the last row. Awesome Professor

2.0
4.0
GEOG1
Mar 26, 2014

This class was a miserable experience. Not only is he extremely unorganized (his lectures are the most scattered things ever) his tests and maps are just as bad. He goes off of the book but doesn't test on everything and his tests don't seem to fit the edition of the book we're using. take this class is you need the honors credit only.

4.0
2.0
GEOG1
May 23, 2014

Dr. Powers is unorganized, but he's nice and pretty funny. His class is interesting but scattered. The tests aren't fully related to the book, they are more related to the study guide. He curves all of the tests, so if you are a moderately studious person the tests shouldn't be much of a problem. Also, his "homework" has due dates 2-3 weeks later.

4.0
3.0
GEOG1L
Jun 19, 2014

Ok, it's hard to explain this class. Somehow, I got an A through this whole thing but I feel like the class was disorganized and difficult. I averaged C's on most of my tests. It must have been the curve. As a teacher, he's really funny and knowledgeable. I felt bad because people would never shut up and he didn't like repeating himself.

3.0
4.0
GEOG001
Jul 22, 2014

Professor Powers has been the best Prof I've taken at PCC. I took his Geography Honors course. He's hilarious, makes the subject material interesting, and as long as you study his practice tests and read the text you'll get an A.

3.0
3.0
GEO01
Grade: A
Aug 27, 2014

Have to agree with the comments about organization (or rather lack of) below. Aside from that, Powers class is totally worth taking! I loved his tangents. They were always entertaining and somehow relevant. He has a really comedic way of presenting his information. Make an honest attempt at participating and you'll do fine. Take his class!

4.0
2.0
GEO1
Sep 17, 2014

Great professor. It''s an easy A if you''re willing. You will at times need to read the textbook but you aren''t reading for hours a day. Needs textbook atlas plus his personal workbook. Really nice guy that enjoys what he does. You won''t regret taking Dr. Powers.

2.0
3.0
GEOG1
Nov 10, 2014

Avoid at all cost!Awful teacher and he often masks his condescending attitude with "humor." Class is disorganized and outdated. Expects you to know about geography at his level. You can get a D on the test and he will curve it to a B. He once bragged about how most people get 50-60% averages on his test. Obviously he can't teach if that's the case.

5.0
2.0
GEO3
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2014

Dr. Powers is great. Funny and really knows his stuff. It's great that he's a geographer and so well traveled. Grades on a curve. If you value your grade, you'll be spending a lot of time on his study guides and map making. Tests every two weeks. Engaging classes. Encourages involvement. Drops a test. 2 books: a text and an atlas, used in class.

4.0
2.0
GEO3
Apr 1, 2015

His class is really easy according to my opinion. Most if the time he give lectures, there are several quizes in his class(drop 1), only homework are maps(due at the end of the semester , sometimes map quizes), and one report. His quizes are pretty easy as long you do the study guide and read the textbook, he also curve them so it's easy to get As.

4.0
4.0
GEOG003
Grade: A+
Apr 10, 2015

Do the study guides he provides!! Mostly everything on the test is through the study guides.

2.0
5.0
GEO001
Grade: D
May 14, 2015

This teacher is a very tough grader and doesn't curve anything. He expects you to know everything about Geography already, and doesn't offer help. He expects you to read all the chapters of the textbook, so get ready to read. His lectures are all over the place and it's difficult to keep up with his lessons. Avoid this teacher!

4.0
1.0
GEO3
Jun 8, 2015

Really easy class, as long as you pay attention during the lectures and read the book. The grading system was very clear.

4.0
2.0
GEOG1H
Grade: A
Jul 13, 2015

He can be condescending but he's also pretty funny. Relatively easy - if you read the textbook (literally 20-30 mins for every class), use practice tests, and show up, you'll get an A no problem. Drops lowest exam, some extra credit opportunities, lenient grader on other assignments. Heavy curver, too. No reason not to get an A or B. Loved it!

4.0
2.0
GEO03
Grade: B
Jul 28, 2015

Lectures are long but not very boring. Tests are pretty easy to pass if you study, study guides basically give you all the answers to the test. However sometimes study guides are much longer than actual test. Drops the lowest grade and gives you chances to bump your grade up.

5.0
2.0
GEOG001
Grade: B+
Aug 4, 2016
Would take again

The lectures are always fun and interesting. He grades on a curve and gives you study guides that have all of the questions used for tests or the information is in the notes. If you study it's an easy "A" and he encourages students to participate during class. I plan to take him for two other classes.

2.0
3.0
GEOG001H
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Good: Good lectures, keeps you engaged. Bad: Has no set edition of a textbook, which means tests have some ?'s from some txtbooks but not in others. Lectures all by hand, which is bad for a visual subject like geography, a powerpoint is better. He is unorganized in his lecture style and his criteria. Misc: Gr8 study guides 4 tests, which is curved

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
GEO001H
Grade: B
Dec 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He provides study guide of the quizzes, which are around 50% of your grade, but you must READ the textbook in order to get an A. However, he doesn't know which edition of the textbook he wants you to use. He curves the test, which is nice.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
GEO001
Jun 16, 2017
Would take again

what a genuinely great teacher & guy. cares about all of his students/their success. likes to engage everyone & likes to make you laugh- especially if you have an early morning class. gives GREAT study guides before every exam which is almost just like the test, curves exams, interesting lectures.. Took this as a requirement, didnt feel like one.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
3.0
GEO03
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Powers was truly a gem, aside from his note taking which could use some work I truly felt that he had a passion to teach and had no trouble engaging the class. Has a unique sense of humor. Drops lowest test out of 5. Grades on a curve. Some extra credit opportunities. Allows you to use maps on the test. Do maps and study guides and you'll pass

Hilarious
Clear grading criteria
Would take again
3.0
4.0
GEO1
Grade: B
Jun 22, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Hes a funny professor. His tests are super hard, theyre like 50% lecture 50% textbook. Class average was super low. Attendance isnt mandatory but if you want to get an A it is. Participate in class and he will 100% notice and give you an A.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
GEOG001
Grade: A
Jun 22, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Powers has great lectures. He curves tests and quizzes. For the scientific hypothesis (group project), it is optional but I highly recommend you to do it. It is super easy and just like free extra credit. As long as you pay attention in class and read the book, you can get an A. He is absolutely a great professor.

Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
GROUP PROJECTS
5.0
2.0
GEOG003
Grade: C
Jul 18, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Powers is a real gem. His lectures are informational but he adds his own humor to them which the class enjoys. Note that maps are extra credit, but must be hand drawn. You need to show up to his lectures if you want to pass his tests. He will put questions on his tests based on them.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
GEO001
Grade: A
Aug 5, 2018
Would take again

Super chill dude. He really made me interested in a subject that I never really considered before.

2.0
3.0
GEO01
Grade: C
Jan 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Took this class in the fall not as easy as everyone says it is. Test every over week around 5-6 total, very little hw, & 1 extra credit. His tests were hard gave you 2-4 study guides each test 40+ questions with no answers. I personally got D,D,B,C,D & C on the final, passed with a C. Super chill & funny guy but wouldn't recommend.

4.0
4.0
GEOG1L
Grade: A-
Mar 6, 2019
Would take again

I took him for just physical geography lab. I really enjoyed him. He lectures a little bit but most of it is you and at least one other person working together on the labs. Youre grade is mostly from the exams which our multiple choice on scantrons. The labs are just practice and are for him to decide which way your grade will go if it on the line

Test heavy
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
GEO01
Grade: C
Jun 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Drawn in by reviews, worst decision Ive made. Hes a hilarious professor who is really nice, but his tests are extremely difficult to answer. Grades are based off tests, hardly any extra credit and theres no homework. Gives study guides but theyre over 10 pages long. Attendance isnt mandatory, but if youd like to stand out and get an A it is.

Test heavy
Hilarious
3.0
3.0
G1
Grade: C+
Jun 28, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor Powers likes to crack jokes during lecture, hes funny and a super nice guy, but his lectures are messy and confusing. This class has a lot of content and between his weird lectures and having to read the textbook, the tests just seemed extremely confusing at times, plus some of the questions are super weird. There is minimal work tho

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
GEO03
Dec 9, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dont take the class unless you have to. Hes a kind teacher and cares about his subject however the way he structures the class is awful. Your grade is based off tests and a final paper and exam. All the tests have 10+ page study guides. The final study guide was 39 pages. If youre good at mindlessly memorizing hundreds of questions you can pass.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
GEO001
Jun 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He was a good, funny lecturer until the class became online. When it became online he didn't do zoom lectures and would just have us rely on our study guide, youtube videos and textbook to help us pass his hard tests. He also doesn't put everything in the grade book because he has a physical one, so you wouldn't be able to track your grades.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
4.0
GEO001
Grade: A
Jun 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

My online experience with Dr. P was on the brink horrible with having no lectures. It took him almost 3 months to work Zoom to only give us office hours. In real life, he did have somewhat funny lectures. He also drops a quiz and does extra credit. Grades depend on your quiz grades (he curves) & give looong pages of homework. Prepare to waste time.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
GEOG1
Grade: B
Dec 9, 2020
Would take again

He doesnt seem to be very tech savvy and has trouble with canvas, BUT if you remember to check on his announcements and watch his lectures, you WILL pass. If you get confused, ask him and hell help you! (He does some SERIOUS grade curves which will help your test scores!!!!)

Respected
Amazing lectures
Caring
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

63%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 22 grades
Most common grades:
A (9)
B (4)
C (3)
Grade Distribution
A(11)B(4)C(4)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 22 reported grades
A: 9
B: 4
C: 3
A+: 2
Common Tags
Hilarious (7)
Test heavy (5)
Get ready to read (3)
Skip class? You won't pass. (3)
Clear grading criteria (3)
Amazing lectures (3)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Caring (2)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.31 avg change
Jan
Mar
Jun
Dec
Jun
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

3

5.0

(1)

GEO1AND3

5.0

(1)

GEOG13

5.0

(2)

GEOG

5.0

(1)

GEO

5.0

(1)
+29 more courses
Difficulty by Course

GEOGRAPHY1

4.0

GEOGRAPHYLAB

4.0

GRYGRY

4.0

GEOGR4966

4.0

GEO001

3.8

Similar Professors