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A hard grader but very intelligent knows what she is taking about. Offers extra credit. Dont have to do the reading but good for tests. Cummulative midterm 50% of grade

She is hard in her grading, but she is a really nice person and very interesting

super smart, lots of reading, not easy, class notes are very important, one of the best profs i've had at LMU

easy if u go to class and take notes. NOTES ARE THE KEY

one of the most challenging teachers ever! Had a good time in her class, very smart, very interesting person. She knows what she is talking about!

AMAZING WOMAN. class can be a bit boaring if you are not in LOVE with Latin America. take a TON of notes, HAVE TO GO TO CLASS, no need to do reading. good teacher, tests are pretty difficult, but doable, all her classes are pretty much the same

She is a great prof. very informative and you learn a great deal. She is a bit hard in her grading but the amount of information you learn is unbelievable. Everyone should take at least one class with her. She rocks!

Great class. Finkel will challenge you, but it is worth it. I learned a lot about foreign governments. Take this class from Finkel, no one else

If you like to study this class is for you. Makes you study stuff of which more than half will not be on the test-alot of information. Be prepared to take quick notes the whole time. Likes to talk about herself-kind of interesting. 1 midterm, 1 final and a paper.

TOUGH CLASS. Talks the entire 50 min, and students non-stop write notes. Her Test are hard, because there is so much B.S memorizing to do. Good subject, but way too much work. Get ready to have a restless day before finals studying

She's cool, but no class involvement at all. She goes from start to end and for a hour and fifteen minutes your hand is held prisoner. Notes are the number one savior of the class. Difficult midterm/final that you WILL spend hours studying for, and easy quiz.

Course content is based almost entirely on lectures, so it is vital to take good notes so that you do well on the midterm and final. Classes can run long, but she does her best to keep the material interesting.

HA! I don't know what the person below me is talking about. She is extremely intelligent and she is a great teacher. POLS 150 is one of those classes where you actually LEARN. Take her, she is an amazing person.

awesome, after steckenrider sucked out all my interest in politics, finkel brought me back, take this class

amazing that is all i have to about her she is the smartest lady that i have every met , her classes will make you want to be invloved in politics amazing teacher

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One of the smartest women ive ever known. An absolutley amazing teacher.

dr. finkel is a good teacher. she has a bad rep because she grades INSANELY hard but she loves her subject and teaches it well. the midterm, essay, and final are exactly what she teaches and she gives you a study guide. she's a really tough cookie though and doesn't take any slack.

Interesting teacher, and very motivating, but throws too much info at you during class; every class period I found myself taking frantic notes for the entire period, but I definately feel like I learned a lot. I would suggest this class (as if you have another option!)

She is very interesting, and I actually really enjoyed this class. She expects a lot from her studentsYou will learn a lot, she loves to sprinkle in examples which are usually interesting. Perhaps too liberal and abosultely loves talking about Latin America, but is generally fair.

Dope as hell! Iinteresting info, learned alot. Hard grader. A final a mid term and a paper. REally enthusiastic and supportive of students. I would take her again.

This class is way interesting, but way hard. Be ready to take frantic notes for 50min straight, everyday. She grades very hard, but fair considering the amount of material you learn. the worst part is listening to her talk about herself and all her wonderful accomplishments...she is constantly speaking of herself like she is god, but good teache

AWESOME TEACHER, PRETTY HARD BUT YOU LEARN A LOT...KNOWS WHAT SHE' TALKING ABOUT, AND YES GET READY TO A LOT OF NOTES!

yeah this class was hard.. and she does give alot of reading but it was very interesting. it was just questions that coincided with the reading. there was not final.. and she always let out out early.. didnt have to take notes if you read. I mean she is though but if you want to learn shes the teacher to take.

She is not that bad. If you want to take a class where you actually learn something and are willing to challenge yourself then take her, but if you want a dull, easy, gpa-raising class then dont. Plus..what's wrong with having hot latin boyfriends??

She is beyond smart, interesting, and hard. You learn a lot, but it is a lot of work, so make sure you like the subject.

Difficult but you will learn a lot. Must do the reading and there's a ton of it. My pen never stopped moving during lecture and it is straight lecture throughout the 50 minutes.

first of all, she is not arrogant, she just knows a lot and wants to share it. Her class is very organized, she writes an outline in the beginning and then follows it, theres a LOT of info, insane amount of reading, and you are expected to know it all. midterm paper final. if youre looking for an easy A forget it. if you like learning take her.

This was by far one of the most difficult courses I've had to take at LMU. Extremely hard grader and expect to take plenty of notes. On the flip side, she's very passionate about her work and is willing to do what she can to help

She is cocky but u cant expect someone not to be when they have so much knowledge and experience. Just accept that its not going to be an easy class, grit your teeth and bare it, you will come out able to handle ALL lmu classes after Finkel. Tests ALWAYS ask about relatvely obscure examples from class so make sure u review notes thoroughly.

this professor is amazing! she is so inspiring, very smart. students these days just want an easy A but if you want to actually learn something that will help you with your future classes take her. ALthough its a lot of reading it is very interesting. there is no attendance policy one paper one midterm one final, shes very fair just do the readings

Dr. Finkel is inspiring. She is passionate about what she teaches and is an extremely effective communicator. Expect to read and study if you want to do well but let me tell you, its worth it. I learned almost as much in this class than I did in the rest of my classes combined that semester.

Dr. Finkel is the most amazing professor I've met at LMU!! She goes the extra mile to help her students succeed in every possible level including outside the university. LMU is so lucky to have her as social justice role model! She inspires her students to serve their community and to fight for social justice. Time flies in class!AWESOME PROFESSOR!

Great teacher--MUST read assigned readings. Extremely hard grader, but amazing lecturer. Never went to office hours--she was nice but not really approachable. I'm a bio major and this class ended up more difficult than my science classes

An amazing profressor. I think she is one of the best professors in the Political Science Dept. Goes above and beyond the teaching standards. Wants students to learn, she is thought provoking. Expects high expectations, hard grader, but you will learn. You cannot slack of in this class. Highly recommend her.

Finkel is pretty hard. You really have to study and take intense notes everyday. She expects a lot out of her class. I would recommend reading all of the articles as they are assigned, you will need them for every test and paper. She also presents great internships and scholarship opportunities. Felt rushed during office hours, but it's all good.

She has a reputation for having difficult tests and grading habits. The midterm was not very difficult, as long as the readings are done. She is friendly and approachable for help with the class and other opportunities.

shes amazing!! so inspriring!! she has done so many wonderful things and started so many great causes! her lectures are so interesting because they are packed with interesting information ...i would take her every semester if she taught more classes! i love her!!

As a lecturer, she is consistent and very good; I wish she would leave it at that. It seems difficult for her to keep her self-importance out of the classroom (assigning your own article to your class?). I wanted to like her, but something left a funny taste in my mouth. The readings are absolutely essential, even if she never mentions them.

Finkel is a great teacher. She really knows and loves her subject. She's interesting and engaging. Loves answering questions. Come to class, take notes, read the articles (there are A LOT but they're interesting) and you can do well. Her midterm and final aren't easy but definitely doable. I'd recommend her, especially to poli sci majors.

Hard, but you learn a lot.

It's a lot to learn. Few classes have required so much of me. However, you will go places if you are her student. Most of my classmates that did well in that class are at world class gad programs. U of Chicago, London School of Economics, Georgetown Law... This woman inspires. But mediocrity is not welcome.

Hard but you learn so much!! Keep up with you article readings!!

EXTREMELY HARD but VERY HELPFUL. This is a course that will challenge your desire for Political Science as a major/minor. She is AWESOME!

This is a course that will challenge your desire for Political Science as a major/minor. Her finals are difficul if you don't keep up with the articles.

She is extremely helpful, this course challenges your in every way possible. You learn a lot, but you have to keep up with ALL the READINGS! She is extremely helpful, specially in office hours. Take the class!

Prof Finkel is by far the best professor I've had at LMU. She isn't easy, however, but she is so helpful and probably one of my favorite people in the world. I can't wait to take another class with her in upper division. FYI, she is liberal, and i am far from liberal, but i still loved her and she opened my eyes to a different side of the debate

She is by far the best professor I have had at LMU. The work is very challenging, but it is definitely worth it. She will go out of her way to make sure that you can do well in the class. She genuinely wants to help you grow in your understanding of the material.

Very passionate about what she teaches. She is a hard grader and expects a lot from her students, only take her class if you are dedicated, otherwise stay away.

Amazing professor! Yes her class is difficult and it's straight note taking from start to finish, but I enjoyed class because her lectures were interesting. She is really helpful when you visit office hours. 1 midterm 1 paper and 1 final. If you get an A you really deserved it.

Finkle is an amazing professor. She made comparative politics really interesting! The tests are somewhat hard but really intimidating. Just make sure to study your notes several times after lecture.

Finkel is a wonderful professor and a nice woman. Don't take her class if you want to get an easy A. The class is based on three things: midterm, final, and a paper. These are by no means easy and although the class was difficult, I definitely learned a lot. Take notes and pay close attention during her lectures.

Loved her. She is inspiring, love hearing about her experiences around the world. Hard class, for sure. So much reading that IS important because both the midterm and the final asks about the readings. It is also very helpful to read them before class because then you can follow what she is saying a lot better ( a lot of info per class)

I can honestly say Jodi Finkel was the greatest professor I ever had. Shes very passionate and knowledgable and can teach you so much about basically everything. If you dont like her right away walk into her office and I guarantee you will love her. Shes a tough cookie dont get me wrong, but her class is definately worth the time and effort.

By far the hardest course I have taken. However, it is also the course I learned the most. So difficult but looking back, I think it was more than worth it. Expect an ass-kicking; a long, overdue ass-kicking.

You will learn a lot but this class will murder your GPA if you dont devote several hours per night.

SHE IS AMAZING! Great professor that will be willing to mentor you and guide you as long as she sees you are dedicated to her class.

not easy. grade is three things: midterm, final, and paper. reading the articles is necessary, and there is a lot of it. Textbook reading not necessary. Lecture heavy. Attendance not strict but helpful. Professor cares a lot about students, office hours are great, and lectures are clear.

If you care about your GPA, don't take this class. If you care about your education, definitely take this class. If I were to make an instructional DVD on how to lecture, I'd use her lectures, as they are extremely good, but she enjoys her reputation as one of the hardest graders in the department, so its a difficult intro class.

Prof. Finkel is honestly one of the best. Her lectures are extremely interesting and she always goes out of her way to ensure the success of her students. Although I did okay on the first midterm, I aced both the final and the paper and manage to get an A in the end. The textbook is also optional since she lectures from it. Memorize everything!

Prof Finkel is one of the best professors I've had at LMU. She sparked my interest and passion for human rights. Though she is one of the hardest graders I've had, her class is worth it. You will be engaged and happy to learn from her. The papers, lectures, and discussions are thought provoking and makes you want to show up for class. T

Dr. Finkel is an amazing professor who truly cares about her students and is SUPER SUPER educated. She is well respected in the POLS dept at LMU and by her students. Get ready to read a lot and write a lot. She is tough and intimidating at first but quickly warms up to the class. She's understanding and is always up for a conversation.

An amazing professor and person. There's a ton of reading and she is a tough grader, but it is definitely doable. She makes the lectures super interesting with personal anecdotes from living abroad, and the class is almost worth taking just for those. Not an easy A , but if you want to get something more out of your tuition and time, take her class

Finkel is probably the best teacher I have ever had. Passionate, clear, and thoroughly interesting. I energetically payed attention in class, and came to office hours occasionally. However, I failed the midterm and had to withdraw from the class. It really comes down to if you care about life-long knowledge, or your grade.

This class made me learn a lot about identifying arguments as a Political Science major. Grades are heavily based off exams and the paper. Her lectures are very well organized, but the class is extremely difficult for being an intro class. In order to get a good grade, visit office hours frequently and memorize the arguments of the readings.

Super smart woman, holds you to a high caliber. Be ready to do every assigned reading, AND GO TO HER OFFICE HOURS. She will give u specifics on how to do well in her class. Likes demonstrated interest. Learned a lot, but very challenging. Wouldn't shy away bc of it, have to learn how to work the way she wants u to.

Finkel is honestly an amazing professor. Her class is a lot of work, but you get a lot out of it too. I highly recommend taking at least one class with her during your time at LMU, especially if you want to learn something new.

Professor Finkel is the best professor I have had so far. Her lectures are insightful. It's important to pay attention because she bases a lot of the midterm/final on lecture. There are readings every night but they are relevant to the material you are learning in class. You are graded on 1 Midterm/1 Paper/ 1 Final. Challenging but worth it.

Prof. Finkel explain what I did wrong.

I loved Comparative Politics with Prof. Finkel. She is one of the most interesting professors I've ever had and am taking another one of her classes next semester. There are only a few things you are graded on and although attendance isn't mandatory, you will most likely only be successful if you attend. She has amazing stories and advice. 10/10

Here's someone you can tell has a lot of experience in their field. The lectures in this class are very interesting if you're into the subject matter. There's an expectation that you will put in the work to read outside class in order to fully engage in the course's material. It's best to show up to class but you technically don't have to.

This was a hard class. But worth it. she is one of the most down to earth, caring, person I have ever met at LMU. She will challenge u to do ur best and actually show u how much u can accomplish. You will never learn or improve until you are pushed. Take her class learn something and stop hating one someone for doing her job the correct way!

Very nice Professor. Her lectures are very interesting.

Super nice person, lectures and reading are heavy. Her eyes make it hard to pay attention in class for they are so beautiful. Without her glasses, oh my lord. Her voice.... don't even get me started. Her Spanish accent needs work. She elaborates well on questions asked and she overall a beautiful on the inside and out.

Such an amazing professor and such an amazing person!! Definitely recommend!

One of the best professor's I've had. Her class is very interesting and the way she teaches makes the work manageable. She goes out of her way to mentor any student that needs help, and as a Latina I have never felt more included by a professor. I wish I has taken a class with her sooner, I learned a lot and found new interests.

Professor Finkel was the most inspirational and impactful professor I had in all my years at LMU. She not only taught the material outlined for the course itself, but left me with skills I will utilize throughout my career. Professor Finkel's course prepared me for the annotating and case readings for law school. She is the best LMU has to offer!

As a queer student, Professor Finkel supported and advocated for me. For this course, we conduct a research paper in which I chose the topic of Queer Marriage globally. Finkel teaches you to write a research paper worthy of submission for awards and graduate school. I used this paper as a writing sample for admission to my masters program.

Definitely take if you are considering Political Science or IR! This course is what solidified my interest and passion in politics and human rights. The class is conducted at a very high level, meaning Professor Finkel treats her students like adults. While she has high standards, she is always accessible for feedback and help with assignments.

Took Food Politics with Professor Finkel for my elective. This course was one of the most interesting course I have taken. The main assignment is conducting a research paper over the course of the semester. I chose the topic of Food Insecurity in Aboriginal Communities. Professor Finkel allows you to chose your own topic! Take this amazing course!

Prof is lecture heavy, majority of readings and lecture notes will be in the midterm/final. I felt I got my money's worth school-wise, her lectures are pretty engaging and she treats students like adults, but it's very stressful. She's very spunky and a great person who is definitely accessible but class requires a lot of participation and effort.

Dr. Finkel has made me a better student. What sets Dr. Finkel apart from other professors at LMU is her unwavering commitment to her students. Dr. Finkel provides real feedback on papers, and is available outside class to offer support. She has high expectations. You will need to put in real effort to do well. I highly recommend her classes!

Do the readings -- a lot of reading. Really interesting teacher as a person, really engaging, but bell-to-bell lectures. No tests, 4 essays. You have to do well on the midterm + final (they're ~50%). Take a lot of notes in class and make good study guides, you're going to need them.

Beyond Excellent.

Great Professor

She has very high expectations. As long as you pay attention in class, take really good notes, and do the readings, you will do well. She notices students who put in the effort. Prof Finkel has definitely made me a better student and I would love to take one of her classes again.

Professor Finkel's class is challenging but rewarding. She has high expectations, but is accessible and provides great feedback. Engaging lectures and a supportive environment. unstuck study was a big help for exam prep.

If you're actually interested in politics and have a decent work ethic take this class. A lot of reviews are dramatic, do the readings and study in advance for the tests, and you will be fine. Concepts are explained very well in class, and opinions that differ from the professor's are fine as long as you can back them up.

Professor Finkel is amazing! She cares about her students and actually teaches the course. You can tell she is passionate about her job and is teaching for the right reasons. She even challenged us to make a friend in class and paid for our coffee! She makes outlines of the lectures so that we can be prepared for the exams.

Dr. Finkel is one of the most deeply caring professors I've had at LMU. She truly supports her students and goes above and beyond to help them succeed. She challenges them to become critical thinkers and strong writers, and her guidance significantly improved my writing. Dr. Finkel is passionate, fair, and respectful to all students.

Dr. Finkel is an amazing professor! She truly cares about her students. Her lectures are interesting and engaging. Make sure you do your readings, attend class, and seek support during office hours. This will make a difference in your overall performance.

Professor Finkel is one of the most caring and understanding professors in the political science department. She genuinely cares about her students and is committed to their success. She helps students significantly improve their writing skills and provides in-depth feedback. If you put in genuine effort in her class, you can earn a good grade.

Dr.Finkel is one of the most passionate professors at LMU. You can tell she really cares about what she's teaching. She gives lots of feedback and guidance on how to write strong papers throughout the semester. Her enthusiasm for the subject makes every lecture engaging and motivates students to put forth their best effort.

Dr. Finkel is the best professor any student could have as an entry into POLS at LMU. This class may be considered a freshman course, but the level of challenge and precedent she sets is challenging for any class standing in the most rewarding way possible -you may realize more once it ends. You can tell she loves teaching and her students.

She is an amazing professor! The class is not hard you just have to be willing to do the work.

Prof Finkel is amazing. Yes she may seem harsh at first, but she is very passionate and knowledgeable about her field. If you do not like to be told what to do, you probably shouldn't take her, but besides that, she is great. Very lecture heavy and reading is very important

Professor Jodi Finkel is by far my favorite professor at LMU. She is extremely passionate about her work and what she teaches. I took her Food Politics class and I cannot recommend it enough. While it is reading and discuss heavy, that is only because she wants you to engage with your classmates. She teaches you skills that will help you Post Grad.

She's an incredible teacher and a passionate lecturer! Attendance isn't graded but is still heavily recommended for the test. You have to work hard in this class. Read the syllabus and be prepared for the tests! I'm made some wonderful friendships in this class and I truly recommend her because I learned so much from it!

Class is interesting, she's clear while teaching, and the material stays with you for a while if you pay attention. You have to study a lot if you want to pass the class because the final is weighed very heavily along with the midterm. Loved the class, hated the grading.

Professor Finkel is passionate, with cool career experiences/lore, engaging lectures, overall she's a great professor. She wants you to succeed and will push you to be a better student. Readings are on the exams so just do them weekly, otherwise all lecture based. If you want an easy A don't take this class! Hard work but I learned a lot.

I really enjoyed this class and would recommend it to any political science major. The midterm and final make up about 80% of the grade, but they're fair and expectations are clear. She's very kind and has a genuine passion for teaching, and if you put in the work, you will succeed.