He's one of the best in the political science department

Once again, Paddock is always the best in the department. It doesn't get better

He is oddly cute. Its weird b/c he is older, but he's very nice to look at. Also, he is interesting.

Dr. Paddock does a very good job of explaining some pretty difficult concepts. Plus, he might have the best lecturing voice ever.

Boring class. Tests were pretty easy if you read all of the assignments.

i would recommend (and have been) Dr. Paddock to anyone taking pls 101. His tests arent hard if you study and he is amazingly smart when it comes to government stuff.

Great Teacher! He is extremely smart when it comes to political science, and he does have a great lecture voice. He's willing to help you clear up any misunderstood concepts and his tests are ok if you take good class notes and read. I would recommend!

he is a good teacher, and very helpful. his tests are kinda hard, but not too bad. his class is interesting, but boring at the same time. he is very smart at what he does though. VERY HELPFUL

He is an okay teacher. You will be fine if you go to class and take notes. The tests are over the notes, but you must review. Just 4 tests no homework no extra credit so be ready.

He's an awesome teacher and always makes sure you understand the concepts. He's also cute and has a really nice voice. Make sure you read the assignments and the tests won't be too bad.

Dr. Paddock is a very nice man and he is interested in what he is teaching. On one of my tests I forgot to answer some questions and he let me come in and finish. His tests are pretty much directly from his notes, the washington post, and the reader. I would recommend him.

An absolutely wonderful professor. Fair, knowledgeable and nice, Dr. Paddock is one of the best at the university. Never, never gave his political affiliation or any hint of it. Constantly gave liberal perspective to conservatives and conservative perspective to liberals. Excellent.

Since there was an election this fall, I was looking forward to this class. And it turned out to be better than expected. Paddock is a great teacher. He seems to know everything that's going on, who all is in office. Nice guy, very laid back. One of the best at SMS.

Dr. Paddock is a great teacher. He gives you a study guide at the beginning of the class that outlines the concepts and possible essays that will be on each test. However, if you are not a good testaker I would not recommend taking this class because the whole grade is based on test scores.

Awesome teacher! He knows so much about the subject. The only thing I didnt like about the class was your entire grade was based on 3 test scores and the departmental final.

Awesome professor! Didn't have to open the book once because he was such a thorough professor. Outlines lectures before each class to give a preview of the day. We had Washington Post articles to read each week, but then spent half the class time discussing them...so it wasn't too bad.

Great class. He gives a very detailed study guide. The only downside is your grade is four tests and that is it. Also the test are an essay worth 50 pts. and 25 multiple choice questions worth 2 each! But he does give you options to what the essays may be!

He's a great teacher. His lectures are interesting and he tries to involve the class in discussion. His test are easy too.

Class is easy if you just look at the study guide when studying. Joel keeps class interesting.

Dr. Paddock is an amazingly brilliant and interesting professor! Every class was interesting, and I learned so much from this course. The research paper was pretty difficult, but he will help you on it and will always steer you in the right direction if you just talk to him about it. Come to class and pay attention...and do the reading!

He REALLY knows the material and gives great lectures. There is a lot of reading. Tests include essays, but A's are very attainable.

Paddock is a very good lecturer. The material still gets boring sometimes but he knows what he's talking about. Just take good notes and go over the study guide well, and spend a couple minutes looking at the books and it's not bad. Not for test takers though.

Dr. Paddock is a pretty good professor. He teaches clearly, in outline form, he's really easy to follow, plus, he's not bad to look at. He's got a handsome half-beard. I recommend him.

Paddock is an awesome teacher he is so knowledgeable and he is interested in what he's talking about. Its not the easiest class, but I still liked it.

Dr. Paddock is by far the best professor that I've had at MSU. His class was very interesting (if you like American politics), and he is an excellent lecturer. Must study A LOT before each test, because each is worth 25% of final grade. But last test is the departmental comprehensive final (= easy). TAKE IT!

Dr. Paddock was one of the best lecturing teachers I have ever had. He is very helpful in the material because he knows his stuff! He makes politics more interesting for someone who is not interested in all. Always attend class because his tests are based solely on the lectures and material from the Reader, not necessarily the book though.

PLS 101 Honors was very hard for me, and I got my first B in my entire educational career. He knows a lot and I actually learned more in this class than any other this semester, but I wouldn't take this class if political science isn't your thing. There are no homework assignments, only tests.

I took the honors section of this class and came out with an A. Test are hard because they cover so much information BUT he gives you a study guide that tells you EXACTLY what you need to know. Go to class and study and you should be fine.

Dr.Paddock is pretty much a walking history book. He knows so much, its not even funny. He had some crazy long essays on the tests, but his class was one of those were I got the A, but was still challenged, except it was the good kind of challenge. Take him you will learn something that is for sure.

He's a good teacher. He knows his stuff well. Lectures don't necessarily come from the book, so show up to class. Some test questions do come from lecture and not from the book. Overall good class. He made politics interesting.

Dr. Paddock is amazing. He continues to amaze me with his great knowledge of American Politics. This is a must take.

Very, very nice. I have very little prior interest in plotical science, but he made it fine. It amazes me how much he knows about his subject. Very nice, knowledgeable, and helpful.

I have an extremely low interset in politics, however, I feel like I have learned quite a bit from Dr. Paddock. He has a ridiculous amount of knowledge and could talk about one topic forever. His study guides are exactly what is on the test. Overall, a good class, and practical even for someone who is uninterested in politics.

Great guy, very nice.

He is a great teacher! The class is all lecture and you have to take good notes but he is very clear and is obviously passionate about political science. The tests are a little difficult, but his lectures explain everything

Awesome teacher! He is very helpful and interesting. He doesn't try to complicate something that can be easily explained. I definitly recommend him!

Excellent professor who really knows his stuff. He is always willing to give any assistance needed. He gives out study guides that leave you well prepared for the tests. My only complaint was that he put questions on the test over the Washington Post articles (honors section).

Best lecturer I have ever had!

Paddock made this class more interesting than PLS really is. He is extremely intelligent and knows everything about politics. The only problem is there are only 5 tests worth 100 points a piece for your grade. You have to study to get an A, but you don't have to study that hard. Tests are directly from the notes and his study guide.

Good teacher, he makes it very easy to take notes and all tests are word for word from his lecture notes... take him if you can. He gives a study guide to every test that has the whole test on it. very easy if you actually study

Easy A. No need to go to class, because he gives you study guide in the syllabus at the beginning of the year, and everything that is on the test is on the study guides. No need to buy the book, because you can get the definitions for the study guide online or from a friend who bought it. Fill out the study guides, study, and it's easy.

He explains things well. The topic of political science is extremely boring, but he makes it almost bearable. If you take good notes and study a few nights before a test you should do fine... He likes to use the word Dubious, and thats a great word. He also says behooves sometimes.

Where else can you find a professor who scales mountains, runs 22 miles a day, and knows everything about the American Presidency. Joel Paddock eats other PLS Professors for breakfast. If gay marriage were legal I would marry Joel Paddock. Seriously, Joel Paddock is a TRUE AMERICAN HERO!

Not an easy class, but Joel explains things very well. You don't have access to any notes online - he writes them on the board so go to class! Your only scores are your 4 tests, but he does provide study guides and if you know those - you'll do fine. I would definitely recommend him to anyone - he was awesome.

I don't know if it's because I took this class in the morning (8am) or what, but I had so much trouble with PLS. He's VERY nice, but I would have appreciated more busy work to make up for my tests. Notes are completely auditory, so go to class and pay attention. He was great, I think it was me. Also that it was Honors. Guh. I repeat though, NICE GU

Really nice guy! Really hard class! Definitely go to class! He writes all notes on the board so you will need to pay attention! Email him your study guide before the test and he will tell you exactly what you are missing. Very helpful! Very hard class though. Only grades are 4 tests. Good luck!

This class is hard because your great is based on four tests and a final. If follow the study guide (know it back and front) you are fine (can get 100's on tests). If you don't study or come to class (notes are a must) you are skewed. Took honors. Would totally recommend this class. Dr. Paddok is sooooooo cool.

very nice and intelligent professor, I learned a lot from him. Even though this is a pretty hard course, go to class, take notes and you can pull a B as long as you study HARD.I'd recommend him to anyone!

Joel is one of the best teachers I have ever had. If you attend class and stay conscious you will probably do well. If you take detailed notes and study the study guide (which he gives you) it is not difficult to receive an A. Not only that, but he is EXTREMELY knowledgeable and you will actually learn in his class

He has an awesome laugh!!! And a deep booming voice!! Makes PLS fun.

Mr. Paddock is the best history teacher I have had so far. His lectures are easy to understand. There are 4 tests (20% of your grade) and a final (comprehensive). You won't have any other assignments, but the tests. All tests are based on lectures notes. The book can help you sometimes to do well on tests. But the teacher is VERY helpful, too.

Joel is a great professor. You have to go to class and take notes- even if a friend let's you uses theirs, you really need to hear the lecture. Plus, Joel makes it interesting! Tough class for me, I worked hard and pulled a B. I was interested in the material and loved the class, but it was pretty challenging. I would definitely recommend Joel!!!

Joel is an awesome guy. Really nice, really helpful. The issue is that the entire grade is tests only. 4 tests and a comprehensive final. I don't know if all PLS classes are like that. The lectures can be boring, but he makes them semi-interesting. You need to take great notes and attend all classes. But as far as a teaching, he is outstanding.

Paddock makes boring lessons interesting. If you ask him a question to which he does not know the answer at the time, he will look it up for you. The only bad thing about his class is that your grade is based only off of the four tests he offers. But if you go to class and take good notes, as well as study for the tests, you will do fine.

Paddock was a great teacher and is a really nice guy. Must attend classes to take notes. Book can be helpful but most tests questions come from lecture. Each test is 50 questions and there are 5 tests that make up your grade. Overall easy class

Joel Paddock is AWESOME!!! DO NOT buy the textbook. All the test questions come straight from the lecture so go every class period. He gives you a study guide, and reviews the class period. Grade is based off of 4 tests and a final (all 50 multiple choice questions). TAKE HIM!!!

Dr. Paddock makes political science interesting for people who don't really care about it. Tests aren't hard if you study.

Mr. Paddock is a really good teacher. He makes political science easier to understand. He doesn't use powerpoint slides. He writes on the board in outline form and goes step by step in lectures. Do the study guide and you will pass!

Paddock is a good teacher, but his tests can be a little hard. Some multiple choice designed to trip you up, etc. You HAVE to attend class. All the test questions are from the lecture. Hardly ever used the book.

His lectures are fairly interesting and you need to be there in order to do well on the tests! The book isn't used very much except it is helpful for the vocab. The tests are predominantly from the lecture and exactly from the study guide!

Mr. Paddock was amazing. I took him twice during my years at MSU and I loved both classes. He is always willing to work with students no matter what situation may come up.

What makes Paddock such a great professor is that he is one of those that seems to know everything about his area of expertise, and he'll try to find information when he's asked about something and doesn't know it. He can pull details about peopleevents out of his head like they're common knowledge, which makes him great to learn from.

Lectures can be long and sometimes boring, but he really knows his stuff which helps A LOT. All lecture based, must take notes to pass. Doesn't post anything online. If you miss class, better get notes from a friend. Gives the possible essay choices for test ahead of time and other half of test is multiple choice. Highly recommend, great teacher!

Great teacher. Amazing lectures. I have learned so much in this class!

Easy general education class. He does a fantastic job of being clear with his lectures. Tests are easy if you show up to class and take notes -- very simple test questions. Everything is in the book if you don't feel like going to class. He is very accessible via email and is interested in his students succeeding. Strongly recommend!

He is a very nice guy and his lectures were easy to follow along with. He explained everything in detail and made sure we understood. Although some information is in the book, not all of it is. You will have a better chance at a good grade if you attend class. However, it is possible to not attend every class and still get an A if you work for it

Dr. Paddock was always engaged in his lectures and taught the material in a clear and concise manner. He always went back to give detail to further explain it. This sometimes made the class drawn out, but you were always learning the information. 4 tests & 1 final all worth 20% of your grade. Good class for good test takers. Great professor!

This class is hard, but you really learn a lot. There are only 4 assignments in the class for a grade so be sure to study for the tests and do your research for the paper. Do not skip class, as this is all lecture and if you miss it you will not be able to catch up. Dr. Paddock is a great teacher and really strives to help his students.

Great professor, really knows his stuff when it comes to political science. His classes are tough, but if you simply go to class and take notes you should be fine.

Paddock is a great teacher, the 75 minute lectures were interesting for the most part. There are absolutely NO homework assignments. ALL the class points are tests. That being said the tests are a little tough. He does provide a study guide which helps a lot. But the only study material is you notes. DO NOT buy the textbook I never opened it.

He tests over exactly what he lectures, so go to class and take notes. I was a little bored with the subject, but that's just me. I always knew what to expect and would highly recommend for his class.

Paddock is one of the best in the department. If you go to class, read, and study, you will do fine. Has 3 big tests and one big paper. Other than that class is just lectures and notes. Very knowledgeable and engaged in the subject. Would recommend and take again.

Joel is very knowledgeable and his lectures are east to follow, but you have to take notes and read the book to pass. I would recommend taking a different teacher if you want an easy way out of this credit. I barely passed this class but he was super flexible with my grade and genuinely cared about helping me succeed.

Dr. Paddock's class was always interesting. He's a good guy who really knows what he's talking about and is always willing to answer questions and will help you out if you ask. The grade was all tests, which didn't work out too great for me, but I still really enjoyed this class nonetheless.

Paddock was overall a great teacher. As long as you attended lectures and take notes you should be fine. I never used my textbook for this class, his tests were 100% lecture based. I found this to be a pretty easy course as long as you pay attention in class and review your notes before the tests!

Joel Paddock may be only slightly above average teacher, but he is a very forgiving human. I slept through my 8am test and he still let me take the test. I am so grateful! Further, he is extremely knowledgeable as a PLS teacher. Also, he provides great study guides and interesting lectures. I wish I would have spent more time reading the textbook

Paddock is a great guy. His lectures are fun and accessible. The whole class grade is determined off 5 tests, so theres no hw or papers at all. If you are ever struggling in his class, he's real easy to reach out to and he always offers good advice and help. I HIGHLY recommend this class. I look forward to his other PLS classes.

Your grade is based on 4 tests and the final. But if you go to class, and take adequate notes you will pass the class. Paddock is an awesome guy who is very knowledgeable about his subject. He really cares about his students and will try his hardest to help you pass the class.

4 tests and a final, each test 20% of your grade, with 50 multiple choice questions each. No homework or extra credit. However, I thought he was a great teacher, and made the material interesting. He told our class that if one test is significantly lower than the rest, he is willing to raise it. Also, he will give an A if you get A-, A- for B+ etc.

Great teacher. If you put in effort and study what is on the study guides then you will find the tests easy. It is easy to see that he knows what he is talking about and you do not feel like you are wasting your time or doing busy work. The tests are the only grades.

Paddock was one of my favorite professors, his PLS class stimulated my interest in government and law tenfold. He is very well educated and has a great lecture voice. I never doubted his knowledge. He was also extremely wiling to work with students so they could succeed. One thing I didn't like was that he didn't use blackboard.

Dr. Paddock was an awesome professor! He is really knowledgeable on the subject of political parties and made the class really interesting. He is one of my favorite professors in the department. There was 3 tests and a paper, so it wasn't too bad. He's really approachable if things don't make sense or if you just want to talk!

PLS 101 can be tough because your grade is based on 4 tests, but Paddock is an awesome professor. He gives great lectures and is really knowledgeable. He always takes time to answer questions and his study guides are extremely helpful. Definitely take his class- he makes political science interesting.

I have taken two classes with Dr. Paddock and by far he is the best professor I have had in the PLS department. He lectures off the top of his head and is a tough grader, but he prepares you very well for his tests.

Paddock is a seriously great professor, I look forward to coming to his classes every week. He's clearly very knowledgeable and also quite laid back and approachable, resulting in some truly great lectures. He's a fair grader and as long as you show up and take good notes you should have no problems passing. Couldn't recommend him enough

Very easy to understand lecture materials and thorough study guides for the test. Nice guy who doesn't make you "learn it all by yourself". Very good teacher.

Paddock is a very knowledgeable professor, his lectures cover everything on the test and has study guides for all four tests on the syllabus that are very helpful. His only grades were tests, so if you study hard for them it's easy to get a good grade. Does not take attendance

Paddock is one of the best professors Ive ever had. As long as you take notes in lecture every week and skim the chapter of the book (and I do mean skim, you dont need to read it), you will get As on the tests. Your entire grade is 4 tests, but they are easy (50 MC questions) and he doesnt give a final. Very accessible and kind.

Paddock is awesome! You definitely have to attend the lectures, as his tests are basically just the lectured material (hardly any book info). He is very nice and caring about his students. He can answer any ?s about government. Grade is made up of 4 tests only, so you need to do well on all of them. If you go to class, the tests are pretty easy!

I found Paddock to be one of the most knowledgable professors I have ever had. He is very helpful and his lectures are very clear. The syllabus contains key terms and questions to study for every test. If you show up to class, take good notes, and study what is on the study guide before a test, it is an easy A. just know your entire grade is 4test

He was interesting and I learned a lot from the class.

This class was insanely hard. You have four grades--three tests and a research paper/presentation. Each are worth 25% of your grade. The test are mainly made up of a single essay question. His final had one essay question that was worth a more than 18% of your OVERALL grade. The final is also based off student presentations, which is stressful.

Dr. Paddock is a great teacher, but po-sci is a difficult subject. He lectures off the top of his head, and anything he doesn't talk about in class won't be on the test. Your whole grade in the class is four 50 question multiple choice tests, and no comprehensive final. Very kind man, will bump very close grades if you've been to his office hours.

I thoroughly enjoyed Joel's PLS101 honors class even though I had to be up at 8 am every Tuesday and Thursday for it. Knowledgeable, funny, and interesting during his lectures, Joel possesses the ability to make the often drab topic of the anatomy of government and politics more than tolerable--enjoyable even--and for that I commend him.

Joel is verrrry knowledgeable and cares about whether or not you understand the material. there are only 4 tests, one of them being the final, which is not comprehensive!! He gives you a study guide for each test on the syllabus. if you study his study guide you should do fine

Political Science is very hard in general. Joel is a good lecturer and is very knowledgeable. I struggled a lot in this class and he was willing to help me with the notes and was very flexible with my grade!

Your only grades in the class are four tests, but if you show up, take notes, and study for the tests, it really is not difficult to get an A. He was a great lecturer and I really enjoyed the class

I love Professor Paddock. He is so knowledgeable about the American Political System. In this class in particular, the test are a little harder because his study guides are not word for word like the previous class I took with him. He also asks questions on the exam that are only in the book. I would definitely recommend his classes to all students

Dr. Paddock is one of my favorite professors at MSU. He is super knowledgeable in the field and always quick to answer any questions about tests or assignments. The course consisted of 3 exams and 1 paper/presentation. The tests are difficult but taking good notes during lectures helps a lot.

WHAT A GUY. Super nice, very clear, the study guide basically IS the test. The only thing that is graded are the tests but as long as you do the study guide and take good notes you'll get an A. He's very personable and is great at answering questions. Very knowledgeable. Only talks, never has powerpoints but very easy and interesting class.

His lectures are very interesting. Attendance isnt mandatory, but if you dont show up to the majority of classes you wont pass the tests. No final, just four tests in the gradebook. Dont let the test heavy nature scare you though, he gives you a study guide that tells you everything you need to know.

Paddock is a great teacher for PLS! I really loved his class and learned a ton. Your grade is only tests though there are only 4 and they are not hard. He clearly lays out what you need to study and if you do, then you will be fine. No papers or homework at all but you need to come to class. He moves fast but will send you notes if you're sick!

Professor Paddock is a great lecturer, he tries to keep class interesting. The only things that make up your grade are 4 test, and he doesn't use black board and no extra credit. However, he does tend to bump your grade if you have good attendance.

Only 4 tests all 25% each no extra credit no homework. So, if you're not good with tests avoid this class. He is a good teacher though and enjoyed the class.

This class is super easy to pass if you go every day and take notes. He writes the main ideas of his lecture on the board, so it's easy to follow. There were only four tests and none were cumulative. He has a study guide for each test. We were supposed to read a book, but I only looked in it a few times to find term definitions for the tests.

nicest professor I've come across, actually cares about what he is teaching so I think that helps with it being a lecture oriented class. He's also super great about working with students.10 out of 10 would recommend. I bought my book though, and its a joke. First page, " what's at stake in hashtag activism " Didn't read, passed with a B-

Joel is a master of political knowledge, but he doesn't let his expertise get in the way of teaching an entry level class. He is always willing to listen to his students and never tries to impose his own opinion on the class. Attendance is not mandatory but in my opinion that is the best way to get an A. If you take good notes and study, you got it

4 tests throughout the semester. No final. Lectures are mandatory and take good notes. I got an A in the class. Joel is nice and a good teacher. Explains everything well. Textbook needed for concepts not covered in lecture. Study guides for each exam, recommend taking the time to fill out and study them!

I didn't even have to read the book! His lectures were so informative that I just looked up extra terms off of his comprehensive study guides if I didn't catch something in the lecture. The only 4 grades were tests, but as long as you show up and pay attention, an easy B or A!

Amazing professor, his lectures are very clear and super easy to understand. I am personally really bad at test taking and the entire class is made up of 4 test. While i struggled to have a good grade, it was due to my poor test taking ability. I highly recommend taking this class with this professor as he is so nice and answers all questions.

Amazing professor!! Very nice, answers all questions, make sure that students understand the concepts. Just make sure you come to class and take notes!

Professor Paddock is a gem. He only gives 4 tests a year. the Final is not comprehensive and I barely used the book. Just take notes on the thing he says and you'll pass.

Paddock is probably the best professor for seated PLS 101. His tests are straight forward, so studying the study guide he gives you is helpful. I am so disinterested in Political Science, but still ended up with an A. He'll bump your grade up at the end of the semester if he recognizes you from attending class. The grade is only based on 4 tests.

I know Dr. Paddock is retiring this semester, but I have to say he was a great professor. His lectures were straightforward and he really cared about his students, taking time out of lectures to ask for our opinions. When the coronavirus hit he was helpful to his students and gave us the option to skip the final. Great guy.

Professor Paddock is a GREAT professor. Hes extremely knowledgeable. BUT if you are not taking absolutely immaculate notes, his classes will be difficult. His class is purely lecture with an outline written on the board. I do not do well learning this way, so I struggled. But most of my class mates really enjoyed his teaching methods.

He is a pleasure to listen to in lecture. He provides a very enabling Syllabus that has everything you need to know defined out for the entire close, making it easy to follow along. there is some required independence as some test things will be in books, or need searching, as it can't all be covered in lecture. But the Syllabus will guide you.

I loved his class, his lectures were clear and easy to understand. You only have 4 test per year, which can be challenging if you're not a strong test taker. I 100% recommend anyone to take his classes. He would go over what would be on the test which was a huge help, you could tell he actually enjoyed his job and cared for his students.