great teacher...willing to help..but his classes are usually easy enough that you don't need help!

He looks like bernie from weekend at bernies. He is really funny and says weird things that no one gets but him. I really like his class alot and am going to try to take another one of his next semester.

Dr. Ryan is one of the best teachers ever. The class is very straightforward, the tests are very easy (i finished most of mine in under 10 minutes), and mostly enjoyable.

Dr. Ryan is my favorite teacher. His kindness and concern are so genuine. His class is fairly easy, but not so much that you learn nothing. He has the best stories to tell, and is one of the only teachers I don't mind when he goes off on a tangent.

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Extremely easy class but very intelligent professor. He was always interesting and stimulating. He makes witty jokes that only he and I laughed at...I would definately recommend him to anyone who needs this core class or who is interested in politics.

Great teacher took him for more than one class.

Dr. Ryan is great! I love his class, and look forward to having him for PLSC 3573 in the fall. He's a genius and has super stories. Makes class fun and genuinely cares about his students.

Dr. Ryan may be easy in his lower level classes, but he is a Poli Sci genius, and will really push you in other areas. He's got this great, dry sense of humor and tons of stories to tell, and he really cares about what he's teaching. Best teacher!

Had him for intro to pol. sci and a couple of other classes. He was my favorite teacher in undergrad.

GREAT teacher. Knows what he is talking about, illustrates lectures with (relevant) personal stories and examples, willing to answer any questions, and a very entertaining speaker. Essay tests take some time but are only moderately difficult.

One of the best teachers I have ever had. He is a super nice guy, tells fantastic stories, and teaches only relevant information.

Really good professor. His lectures are interesting and he has a good sense of humor. Tests are all notes and vocab, but he likes to test your memory.

cool guy-teaches in his bare feet during the summer

Great professor. Has really cool stories and teaches important information that appears exactly the same on the test. There is usually only one or two questions that test for how well you took notes. Study vocab and notes and test will be easy. Great professor, take from him if you can

very good professor, good grading policy and fair tests, all around one of my favorites

He teaches barefoot year round. I have had two classes with him. I love his stories, and he makes you care about the material. He is very democratic in his approach as well, we got to pick if we wanted higher points on tests or fewer test points and a paper.

He's very nice and funny and loves the subject. it's NOT as easy as his comparitive politics class. 3 tests and a 15 minute individual presentation. he does not grade easy and unless you ask him, does not leave any comments for why he took off points. Going to class is pointless, you have to research on your own for the tests, notes don't help.

I have had 3 of the 4 classes he teaches (have not had political violence). Attend lectures if you actually care about the subject of polisci,if you don't care they are not necessary for success in the course. His classes are by far the most informative and entertaining I have had as a polisci major.

Great teacher. I loved all the stories that kept the class interesting. He cares about what he does and it shows in his enthusiasm. The tests are easy if you go to class and pay attention. One of the best teachers I have had here.

He is really sarcastic and will challenge his students. Some get offended if they think he is teasing them....but, just go with the flow. Participate in his class because that is really important to your grade. If you are quiet, think about taking someone else. He requires you to put your heart into your work. So, work hard. He's a great guy.

if you have the chance to take one of ryan's classes, do. if you don't have a chance, make room. he is one of the best professors you could ever find.

He is an excellent teacher. His classes are fun, so learning is easy, and they aren't painfull. I look forwart to taking more of his classes in the future.

I hate politics. Despite that, he was an excellent teacher! His wit and sarcasm held my interest and his stories continued it. His class really gave me a general understanding of the politics of various nations. Go to class and take accurate notes (including his antecdotes is VERY helpful!) Tests can be difficult, but you'll learn! Great class

you HAVE to participate! if you don't, you get docked mayor points. you write a 20+ page paper (but it can include pictures!) You also do an oral project. he is so sarcastic and fun. he is flexible and i like him a lot.

Just go. He gives lists as notes and those are the tests. 10 Short answer which are a little hard and 20 multiple choice which are SO easy. Just go to class and take notes

Dr. Ryan is a great prof-I recommend him highly

Loved the class and loved him. He's really funny and approachable. The 10 short answers on the test are killer, make sure you read the reading that's the hardest part of the class. His lectures are kinda boring but he throws in random facts that make it not so boring. I loved the class.

Take notes, take VERY careful notes, and you'll get an A. That said, if you listen to him while taking down those notes, you'll learn SO much! No text for Intro Pol. Sci, test comes from those notes.

Dr. Ryan is a really good prof. his classes are really hard, really really hard!! take good notes, ask him for help. he's willing to go above and beyond for his students

This guy is great. His class was ridiculously easy as long as you came and took the notes or got them from someone else. The tests are taken directly from them, so it was not hard to get an A in that class so long as you looked over the material, i usually studied the hour before and made A's on every single test. Not much reading either.

My only regret is that I can't take his Comparative Politics class again. :(

My favorite teacher at the UofA by far! He made Intro. to Comparative really interesting, and pretty easy as well. Tests are straight from the lectures. A little studying and you'll do great! Im taking him for Political Violence right now as well and its a great class too. deffinitely take ryan if you get the chance!

Great teacher, one of the most fascinating classes I have ever taken: political violence colloquium. I would recommend it to anyone. Dr. Ryan is a demanding teacher, but always keeps things interesting and fun

poli violence colloq. Great class esp if ur into latin amer studies/revoluciones! which i am. great readings, discussions. he's sarcastic n hates bush but if u can get past that he's an alright guy. also he has some trouble forming his q's (lol). went to him for help on my paper n he gave me some good insight. looking forward to taking him again

Ok honestly, unless you are a super human studier do not take his class. I am a good student, I have a above a 3.0 and I made a C in his class. I studied more for this class then any other in my life and still got a C. I'm not sure how people can say his class was easy, because it most definitely was not.

Good teacher, tests are next to impossible to feel confident about going into it because there's a lot of info, but decent study guides. If you go to class and study before the test you'll be fine. Would take him again, his curve at the end is AWESOME. If you don't get a B you aren't showing up! All notes are on power point and outlines given.A+

He was interesting. Tests were very consistent. Entire grade was based on 5 tests. Entire class given on powerpoint. It's very easy to take notes.

The best professor I had at the U of A. No textbook required. He will work with you as long as you help yourself. Just buy a lot of index cards and its a for sure A

LOVED this class! He was really informed on the topics that we talked about! Made class fun and had some pretty good jokes! Tests were straight off the outlines and information he provided in class! I will take him again when I have the option!

Great teacher! IF you want an A' in the class then all you have to do is show up, take the notes (which he goes through very fast), and memorize the list and terms. No trick questions/**** and he makes a seemingly boring subject into an interesting and humorous hour and half! Take him hands down!

This class is tough, and he zooms through the lectures so you have to be a quick note-taker. If you enjoy political science, you will love this class. Jeff's comprehension of the subject is unparalleled and he's very passionate about it. For those of you who are just there for the credit, he's funny enough to keep you awake.

Dr. Ryan is great! Tests are straightforward, just definitions and lists from the powerpoint. Go to class every day and take the notes and you'll be fine.

I love this guy, he's awesome. I just had a problems with memorization, so I was only able to make a C in his class. No book required. Attendance isn't taken, but you need to go for the notes. Make flash cards. Study for a few days.

I had a great time in his class. We did not use a text book. We learned through 2 class simulations (group work) and 3 election analysis papers. Participation was 5% of the grade in the class. I never wanted to skip this class. Because this guy is awesome. And "THAT IS A GOOD THING!" JEFE (Dr. Ryan) keeps it real.

Very Clear, great professor, awesome class, take him for sure!

One of easiest, yet most interesting classes I have taken. Dr. Ryan tells you EXACTLY what you need to know for the tests. All you have to do is put in the most minimal effort and you will make an easy A. Best example of how a class can be easy, but you still learn a lot!

Dr. Ryan is a great guy who is really passionate about PLSC. If you want to expand your knowledge and laugh a lot, take Ryan. He rants, but usually it's funny and interesting. You MUST attend class, there is no book and no lectures posted. Worth it, study hard, he wants you to learn and keeps it interesting Be sure to GO TO CLASS! 4 test fill in/MC

This guy has something funny to say about everything and it really made class worth going to. He helps you out by not giving a text book and doesn't take attendance. I recommend going to class, though because he gives you what you need for the test VERBATIM. Use flashcards, and this class is a breeze.

I absolutely LOVE Dr. Ryan and this class! Super easy; all you have to do is study the vocabulary words and you will for sure get an A. If you have trouble with memorization, it will be more difficult, but possible. Bring laptop to take notes! Do NOT use cell phone in class. Show up, get an A. It's that easy!

This was my second class with "Jefe"; I'll be taking my third this Fall. He's among the best at UA, regardless of what your major is. Obviously his classes increase in difficulty the higher leveled they are. He doesn't use textbooks and has a genuine passion for his field and his students. You'll enjoy any of his classes and laugh a lot!

Ryan is a great teacher, he presents the material well in an interesting way. He's had a lot of experience in his field and really knows what he's talking about. His tests can be a bit hard, lots of memorization, but he's fair on his grading.

Dr. Ryan is one of the best profs I've had. He notices when you come to class, which helps. His tests require a lot of memorization, but if you literally do what he says, you should do fine on the exams. He is hilarious and keeps lectures interesting. Do NOT, ever, use your phone in class. Also, he is very willing to help. He doesn't use textbooks.

Absolutely LOVED this class! But memorizing is necessary to pass. I studied for all my tests the night before and made an A in the class. He gives you all the information and all you have to do is memorize it. I'm taking a second class with him in the fall. One of my favorite teachers!

Ryan is really quirky and makes some funny jokes in his lectures. His test are hard if you don't go to class. It's literally all definitions and you must memorize them all. No notes or powerpoints of his are put on Blackboard. YOU HAVE TO GO TO CLASS!!! Overall he's a pretty good teacher and is always really friendly and willing to help you out.

Dr. Ryan is an amazing professor. He is hilarious and makes class very enjoyable. Everything on the tests are memorization. You HAVE to show up or get notes to pass. Its straight definitions, so its not too hard if you study, but good luck if you don't. I would take this class again in a heartbeat.

Dr. Ryan is a funny guy and he makes classes easier in that way, not to mention he's very courteous. He answers all questions presented in class to the best of his ability (even the ones I would deem irrelevant), and he makes himself very clear in his instruction. It's impossible to fail this class unless you just don't do anything. Use flashcards!

If you can show up to class and memorize easy terms, this class will be a breeze for you. Or even if you can get someone to go to class for you and give you the terms, you'll get an A. This class is pure regurgitation and not comprehensive at all. Dr. Ryan is really funny and cool too! 10/10 would take again!!!

You just have to show up and write the definitions. The tests are all definitions. He is fun and sweet. He often goes off coursework and shows funny videos of political leaders, he is a smalltime John Oliver. I loved his class!

Professor Ryan was my favorite teacher so far. He is very strange but in a good way. Loved his lectures. You have to show up to get his notes though. Attendance isn't mandatory but his tests are literally straight memorization so pretty easy if you study. Trying to take him again next semester currently.

Jeff Ryan is awesome! As long as you get the notes and study for each test you've got an easy A. This class is pure memorization.

Dr. Ryan is a great professor. He's honestly really odd, but you can tell he is really passionate about what he does for a living. The Syllabus literally outlines everything and anything you need to know, so you know EXACTLY what you have to do for this class. Tests are pure memorization. Highly recommended.

Jefe is awesome. He's a goober and tries to make his lectures fun by using puns and memes in his slides. Not everyone finds him funny, but I think he's a hoot. Attendance isn't mandatory, but go to class. He tells you exactly what to take notes on. Tests are all definitions. Not bad if you study. Make friends in the class, get notes when absent.

Make notecards for the tests and you'll be fine- they're purely memorizing terms/definitions. The remaining grades are 4 research assignments that don't take long- he does a great job of telling you exactly what information to include. He makes his lectures funny, laid back, and clear on what to write down. Just DON'T get caught texting in class.

Jefe/ Little g is amazing. He is passionate about the subjects he teaches, and he genuinely cares about his students. If I could take him again I totally would, however this is the last class I can take with him. This man is truly a gem, and although he goes off topic sometimes during lecture, there is no way you will not learn anything. VIVA SIM

Jefe is by far the best professor I've ever had. I have taken 3 different courses taught by him and am taking another next semester. He genuinely cares about his students and makes class so interesting. I retained information so much better because of his interactive teaching style. Highly recommend any of his classes!

Prof Ryan is the best! This class is pure memorization. Seriously just go to class and pull up quizlet and make flashcards. There were 5 exams, no final, and 4 Election analysis (super easy). He is a really nice guy and tries to make the lectures funny. 10/10.

i did not know my class was a simulation class but it ended up being awesome, i dont know the course code but it was gov and politics of latin america and it was so interesting i loved coming to class and plan on taking another one of his classes again next semester for fun

Very lecture heavy, but often ends up going on meaningless rants for the class period. He doesn't take attendance, but make sure you have someone send you pictures of the powerpoints, because you won't know the content otherwise. If you struggle with memorization, I would not take this class-the tests are all pure memorizing and no abstract thought

Fantastic person and extremely interesting to be in a classroom with. I had a lot of respect for his wealth of knowledge, however the class is memorizing and memorizing only. He was very kind to me and I enjoyed his class.

He is lecture heavy and tests are based on lecture. He doesn't take attendance, but if you want to pass, go to class and take notes or have a note buddy.

Dr. Ryan is truly a wonderful professor. He is a big goofball and shows course related memes to the class. His lectures are interesting and he does an excellent job explaining the content of the slides in a way that is easily understandable. The tests are reliant on memorization and he doesn't upload the slides so make sure you get the notes.

I absolutely loved having Dr. Ryan. He genuinely cares about his students' academic success and mental health. You can tell that Dr. Ryan loves teaching comparative politics and he is very knowledgeable about the subject.

He makes me want to get up and come to class. A real gem of a human .

Jefe is kooky in the best ways, and a genuine gem of a human being (& an incredible cook). His class was the most transformative of my entire college career - and I learned how to be a better student and person throughout it. Take a small-sized class with him if you can - that's where he really shines.

Its not that I dont like Professor Ryan its just for an intro class this course was alot more work than anticipated. Papers due over things you cant find information on, exams where you get the name of the list but have to write out the whole list. Get a note buddy. He does tell you what to take notes about So youre not studying unneeded stuff

You will love his class!! He is an incredible guy and super funny. The class is pretty challenging but he makes it worth it. If you have a good memory the class will be a breeze.

Professor Ryan is a very caring, and helpful professor. Grading wise with the tests you find out immediately, but for essays you find out very last minute, so its hard to know what you did wrong for the next one. If you communicate with him he's very understanding and does his best to help you along. Very goofy, and doesn't put up with bs

Always has memes on his slides and you can tell he's really passionate about what he is teaching. You learn a lot of information but have to pay attention and come to class to pass.

Professor Ryan cares deeply about his students, and does his best to give us all of the materials to be successful. If you know how to study for the tests, they are not difficult. Literally just vocabulary terms, and he tells us in lectures what to study. He stresses the importance of mental health for his students, which is refreshing.

As long as you take notes you will be able to pass the tests

He is a very kind professor. He makes it clear what is expected of the students for the course and if you do whats required, (which is not difficult in terms of coursework) you should easily pass with an A. He has some crazy powerpoints also haha.

As long as you take notes you should be able to make a good grade and you only have 3 essays which aren't hard and you get to learn more about the world and how the elections work.

His lectures were kind of boring and overloaded with information, as someone who has to re-read material to fully understand the concept I felt it difficult to keep up with, especially since there was no textbook. The test were pretty straight forward but it kind of just felt like a memorization game, and not like I was fully learning the subject.

Lots of lectures full of info you don't use. Things needed for the exams are underlined, and the papers can be a little hard, but a good professor in the end.

Need to go to class to get the material for the tests unless you find a quizlet like i did lol. he lectures about stuff that wont be on the tests. The tests are all vocabulary and not content. 3 papers that take a bit of time but not too difficult and the TA grades somewhat easily. Hes definitely an intresting guy but his lectures are good

Jeff Ryan is by far my fav professor so far. There's 3 papers and 5 tests. He drops a test grade at the end as well. Super funny guy and makes class interesting. His slides are very wordy but he underlines exactly what's on the test. The tests are just memorization. You need to go to class as he doesn't post the slides online.

Uses humor to connect with his students. Makes it clear of what is expected. Extraordinary professor.

Professor Ryan makes the class interesting with his humor and passion. The tests focus on memorizing key terms, so attending lectures and taking good notes is crucial. unstuck AI was a lifesaver for efficiently mastering the material.

While his grading is iffy and you are graded on very few assignments, he was a very knowledgeable professor who was enjoyable to hear lecture. He doesn't take attendance, but if you do ot show up, you will not get the notes which you need for the tests. I really enjoy going to his class and i think he is a very enjoyable man