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Better than expected

Somewhat arrogant and very obviously biased. The course is relatively easy to get through, just not exactly enjoyable.

I guess I'm in the minority, but I thought his PS305 was pretty interesting. But easy.

This was one of the most enjoyable classes I had all semester. Although I fell asleep a couple times it wasnt because of him. Keep up the good job Jay. You rock!

He's so funny but not, but really knows what he's talking about

He thinks he is hillarious, and he definitely wants everyone to fail.

This guy knows a lot. His classes are hard but its COLLEGE, do a little studying! I was a screw off and still got a B by being interested in what he said and listening. Just make sure to show up or you will miss a lot of info!!!!

He's pretty random, but the class isn't that hard. Just show up, take notes and pay attention and you can't fail...unless you're just stupid. I've never read for the class and I'm still doing OK, just b/c of good notes. Lecture DOES get boring, but the class overall is not too bad.

Professor Dow is a great teacher. I think this has been my most interesting class this semester. Although it's a little tough, if you pay attention and read all that's on the sylabus you will do fine. Lectures are interesting and he's very intelligent. I enjoyed this class.

Dow is not as bad as many of the people list him to be. He is extremely smart in this subject which can intimidate some people. His language is hard to follow but you get used to it after a few classes and can follow pretty well. I appreciated Dow when he was sick and we had a crappy replacement when compared to him. Overall, hes a decent teacher.

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Dow is not a bad teacher, especially if you keep up with the readings throughout the semester. His tests are a little difficult, but you can get an A if you have read in a timely manner and then skim through before tests. He can be dismissive during his office hours, though.

Dow's a good professor who knows what he's talking about. When you see people complaining about not being able to take notes, he gives a lot of things that you can easily sum up in a few words. The class is pretty easy if you get into a study group with people who go everyday. His old tests can be found at any frat/sorority with similar questions.

While he may be a little on the strange side, hes a great guy who knows ALOT about what hes talking about.

He definantly expects you to learn the material he presents to you. His test are only are hard if you do not go to class or read the readings. They can be alot easier if you can obtain and old test and use it for a study guide. He was a good professor that knows what he is talking about.

He made you work but it was a good class.

Was extremely knowledgeable, interesting and funny professor. Best class I have taken at Mizzou so far. Don't understand what the difficulty was, studied night before the test and got the highest grade. I highly recommend Professor Dow.

Yes, he's arrogant but he knows his stuff. His lectures can be a bit boring and you have to attend if you're taking one of his upper level classes. Tests are fair- his election campaign class if worth taking

This class was fine, not hard at all. If you get an old copy of the test, you'd literally have to TRY to fail. Went to class, got extra-credit, was let out early on nice days and got an A. Dow was cool, too. As a first-semester freshman, probably one of the easiest classes I took.

For my first semester of college. I enjoyed this class a ton and sparked my interest in political science a ton so much so that i have added a poly sci minor. He may talk over the heads of some students but its college, and was very easy to comprehend. the tests were easy, i got an A- with no effort at all.

I know Dow can seem arrogant at times, but he knows the material very well. And he has a great passion for teaching American Government. I had him in American Government, and now I'm currently taking my capstone with him. He may be arrogant, but that's life, get over it and learn from someone who knows what they're talking about.

My first university class. I thought it was a pretty good experience. I like that he puts a strong emphasis on knowing the constitution. Its a core of American politics and many don't completely understand it. Go to class because he will give a quiz if he see attendance is low. Pretty funny guy, but i can see why some might not like him.

Tests are very hard compared to what is covered in lecture and the book. Pop quizzes are apparently not only over politics, but also over anything and everything in the New York Times. Thinks he is funny but isn't. Quite possibly the worst thing I have to get up for at 8.

Hard tests for me, but that is b/c I cramm 2 days before. Keep up with the textbook, b/c he won't tell you but then put it on the test. Class is boring b/c it's at 8am. Tries to be funny and sometimes is. He rolls a die every morning and if it's a 1/6 your in luck b/c there is a quiz and I don't study everyday so I get 1 out of 3's on those. Study!

Class is not that exciting but you should go whenever you can manage to wake up at 8am because of his pop quizes. His tests are somewhat challenging but if you put in the time, you will be fine. Overall, I would say that he loves what he teachs. I would take this class with him again.

What I consider my first class, Dow was a pretty cool guy to have it with. Most important thing is going to class and taking notes;got a C- on my first test and still ended up with an A. It taught me how to prepare. He will let you fail, but also keeps it loose.The textbook is expensive but needed; try to share one with someone. Lectures are key.

He explains things well the class is just hard as hell

Definitely more of a workload than I expected with this class. You are required to read ALL of the assigned readings. As long as you take good notes and do the readings tests are fairly easy. Go to class- gives occasional quizzes.

Lectures are interesting, but the tests are difficult and he does not give out study guides. There is a lot of material, do not expect higher than a B, class averages on exams were low B range.

Jay Dow knows what he's talking about, and enjoys talking about the government. As someone who wasn't originally that interested in government, he made it interesting. Definitely go to all the classes and at least skim the readings, especially bolded terms and the quizzes at the end of chapters. Taking notes by hand helps a lot. Pay attention.

Go to every class, take notes by hand, at least skim the readings, pay attention, and you'll be fine. Dow knows what he's talking about and is interesting to listen to. I've learned a lot and am now more interested in government. Tests can be difficult, but if you really pay attention, you'll do fine.

Tough class. Come to class take notes and pay attention. If you do that, you'll do fine. He has a zero tolerance policy for technology use that is not used for note taking. So no facebook. Learned a lot.

As someone with an interest in political sciences I really enjoyed this class but it was tough. Its very important to go to the lectures and to ask questions for clarity. Dow knows what he is talking about but can be very pompous at times. Personally I did well without reading but thats rare. If you pay attention in lectures you should be fine.

Funny guy, makes lots of bad jokes but they're usually worth a laugh clearly passionate about what he does. Didn't think it was a horribly difficult course. finished with a B by only going to lecture. Would recommend reading.

Dow can seem intimidating and uncaring at first, but he is just passionate about what he does. Won't care if you come to class, but should because most material is in lecture and slides are not posted to blackboard. If you need help with something serious he is extremely helpful. If you are confused about materials see a TA.

Dow really knows what he is teaching and his passion for the material is obvious. He comes across at tough because he really wants you to learn what he teaches. I use the material I learned in his class frequently, he's a great teacher.

This is a tough class, but Jay Dow knows his stuff. His lectures are interesting and he really is interested in what he is teaching.

I like professor Dow's lectures. It was really interesting to take his class while an election was going on, so if you have the chance to take the class during midterm elections, I would recommend it.

You have to be there for every lecture or else you will miss a lot of notes. I would just skim through the chapters we were supposed to read the day before the test and that seemed to work for me. I think the class had 3 or 4 test, but I can't remember exactly. Almost all questions on the test came from lecture with a few coming from the book.

Study and pay attention. He has been doing this for years and hundreds of students have passed his class. It is doable, trust me, you just can't wait to the last minute to study for exams

Jay Dow is one of my favorite professors at the University of Missouri, as he is engaging and knowledgeable about his field. I understand that many people perceive Dow as a strict, but this perception is most likely from students who he taught in large lecture halls, in which being strict is oftentimes required. In small classes, he is a great guy.

Jay is really a personable guy. Is super passionate about history and cares for each one of his students, even though being in a lecture hall full of 300+ students.

I <3 Professor Dow

Okay, he is a really easy professor IF he knows you. Go to his office and talk with him, become friends with him. You do not have to go to all of his classes but when you do go talk a lot. If he knows your name you will get a good grade. Just show or at least pretend you care about what you are learning.

Professor Dow is phenomenal. The class consists of members reading the necessary texts out loud. Beyond that, there is one test concerning Constitutional knowledge and then 4 essays and participation. Dr. Dow brings awesome stories and good humor to the class. If you are still concerned about a high grade, literally just go to his office hours...

If you don't show up to lectures, you will not pass. His humor during class comes off as rude occasionally and I found myself afraid to answer questions... I have to emphasize you must read every single thing assigned and come to class. I've heard other 1100 teachers are a lot easier so I'd avoid his if you're not going to try!

I'm taking 4190 with Professor Dow right now and it is a really interesting class! He is a good lecturer and explains things well. There are a lot of papers and you will not get a rubric unless you go to his office hours. Attendance is mandatory and you will not do well on the papers if you don't go to class

Dr. Dow is a very sweet guy. He also is the most confusing grader in the world. I consistently received the same feedback that I had no thesis regardless of how I moved or phrased it, and eventually resorted to bolding it so he would see where it was. There's a lot of reading, but as long as you pay attention in class its fine- I suggest annotating

Prof. Dow is a clear instructor. A lot of the work is done in class, and he lectures in a very easy to follow, articulate style. He stays in the intellectual mainstream — you'll read for standard interruption, and very rarely encounter critique of the Founders.

Super sweet guy, 3 midterms and a final & if you do not read the textbook, you are so incredibly cooked. Visit him for office hours and if you score bad on a test, make sure you see him ASAP for help and he will give you tips on how to do better next time. All and all, he's a great guy, lock in for his class though.