3.5

John David Granger

Political Science - Valencia College - East and West Campus

3.5
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
75%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
3.5
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
3.5
Helpful
3.6
Clarity

75%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

29

4

29

3

8

2

12

1

6

What Students Say

Class is as simple as learning your ABC's but he CANNOT manage time, his voice cracks VERY often and he laughs while talking

POS2041 - 2.0 rating

This professor was awful

POS2041 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

84%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

74% confidence
Based on 8 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
B (3)
C (1)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(3)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 9 reported grades
A: 4
B: 3
C: 1
Incomplete: 1
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
Tough Grader (1)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
Gives good feedback (1)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
Respected (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.02 avg change
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

POS1041

5.0

(1)

POS2112

4.3

(3)

US2041

4.2

(5)

2041

4.0

(1)

GOVERNMENT

4.0

(1)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

POS2401

5.0

POS241

5.0

USGOV

4.4

POS2021

4.3

2041

4.0

Reviews (84)
4.0
3.0
GOVERNMENT
Oct 9, 2003

Professor does not use the textbook, prefers handouts. Exams are very hard. He will explain anything. Very passionate about his subject.

2.0
5.0
USGOV
Dec 10, 2003

Worse teacher ever had. No textbox,but makes u buy it anyways, lectures for the whole class& stares at you werid if u look lost. Give very hard test, will reveiw and then none of the info will be on the test,everyone i knew failed

2.0
4.0
USGOV
Dec 29, 2003

he makes you buy the book, but you never use it, ur just expected to read it and are never told what exactly to read. notes are horrible, tests are hard, especially the first. take someone else.

4.0
2.0
POS2041
Apr 7, 2004

It's true you don't use the book, but Mr. Granger explains everything. He prints out all the notes you need for each test(3) 2 assignments which weren't that hard and an easy internet assignment. You do have to try. It's real easy to get him off topic!

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Apr 21, 2004

In a sea of mediocrity and capitulating professors; Professor Granger is a standout. You should be fortunate to have such an outstanding professor; his knowledge and ability to convey is phenomenal. Sure you have to work hard; but isn't that reality?

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Apr 28, 2004

He's very professional in his handling of class matters. We're fortunate to have an Ivy Leaguer here, but I don't know why a teacher with his standing is here at a community college. I learned a lot. He looks a bit like Keanu Reeves w/o the personality.

5.0
3.0
POS2041
Apr 29, 2004

This class was phenomenal. I learned so much. Far too many professors are incompetent; they get by reiterating boring and useful facts, dates, etc. Instead, we studied ideas, the foundations of U.S. govt. Why don't they hire more like Granger?

5.0
4.0
POS2041
May 5, 2004

This class was very interesting. I must say the approach was different; he focuses on themes instead of facts. All-in-all, the school is forunate to have such a well-educated professor. He can definitely relate the material to real experience.

1.0
5.0
POS2041
Jun 22, 2004

horrible horrible teacher! does not care about your grade only about getting his point across. His tests are impossible!! and out of the blue. he is very knowledgable but is a politician so is very bias! def take someone else if possible, like castelano

4.0
3.0
POS2041
Jun 23, 2004

The professor doesnt work for the sake of your grade, he works for the sake of your learning. Stop whining and learn to appreciate what is beneficial or you will never amount to anything. I have had a few incompotents, and he is definitely not one

1.0
5.0
POS2041
Oct 21, 2004

WHAT A TOTAL JERK! So he's SUPPOSEDLY an IvyLeaguer???Give me a break! I've never met anyone so RUDE in my life. He is out for HIMSELF and making HIMSELF look good. PLEASE take someone else!

1.0
5.0
POS2041
Nov 20, 2004

The worst, most imposible perfessior I have had yet. DO Not Take His Class. And I passed it so i'm not just saying this out os spite. I passed purly out of luck! Don't take his class!!!!!!!!!

2.0
4.0
POS2041
Grade: B
Nov 23, 2004

My complaint is that the tests he makes are hit and miss. here we have 350 or so slides to study, divided into 3 modules. Each module has an exam that's about 25 questions. Too broad a range to be studying for. Also doesn't cover all concepts needed to pass on these tests to begin with.

3.0
4.0
USGOVERNMENT
Nov 29, 2004

The "course notes packet" was crazy, the modules were to large to study and it was a bunch of cases that you had to learn. I felt like I should have gotten my law degree after finishing his class! I liked that his class was an open discussion the whole time, but the tests were unrealistic.

1.0
5.0
USGOV
Grade: C
Dec 3, 2004

This was the WORST professor that i ever had!! He always goes off topic and repeats the same information every time. The tests are very hard and his idea of a "review" is NOT helpful. DO NOT TAKE HIM UNLESS YOU WANT UNWAMTED STRESS!!

2.0
2.0
POS2041
Dec 7, 2004

Strays off the topic way too much. Learn to stick with the material you are teaching. But I have to admit, the test are fairly simple.

3.0
4.0
USGOVERNMENT
Dec 7, 2004

Smart man. I agree the tests are hard but other than that I learned more in his class than any other class I've taken besides back in high school I had Coach Kesler and he taught me more than my parents did about the world.

5.0
2.0
POS2041
Dec 17, 2004

Granger is extremely intelligent and passionate about poly sci. He can be flaky and goes off on tangents,but he always opend up topics for class discussions. My classmates thought poorly of him,but then many of the people in this 'regular' government class were poor students to begin with.Overall B+

4.0
1.0
POS2041
Dec 17, 2004

These bad ratings are mind blowing. You're complaining about a teacher because he gives you too much information on a topic and makes his tests a challenge Why are you in college? Obviously you're not here to expand your minds;retain info. No wonder you're in '13th grade' instead of a university!

4.0
4.0
GOV
Dec 22, 2004

A really intelligent guy, he doesnt let you out of class early. his multiple choice is pretty hard, but he makes up for it in short answer. learned a bit but not things i think i was supposed to learn.

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Dec 25, 2004

Well, We were quite fortunate to have such a knowledgable instructor. The class is structured a little differently, around ideas and theories. THis is quite a relief from some of the incompetent professors who tend to focus on very basic historical notes, etc. Overall, this man is excellent and a tr

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Jan 1, 2005

Extremely knowledgable and intelligent. In addition, he is a pretty nice guy, but I get the feeling he has a hard time with slow folks.

4.0
3.0
POS2041
Feb 27, 2005

Very intelligent. I had to drop because I failed 1 out of 3 tests (this includes the fianl) because of the hurricanes. He does talk about his theories to much and oh ya, sips on coffee the whole lecture. I do not recommend him unless you know quite a bit already, but not the worst teacher.

5.0
2.0
POS2041
May 19, 2005

Very intelligent, easy to listen to. I am normally bad at government but got an A in this class. If you make sure to do the homework and study exactly what he tells you to you will do great on the tests. I enjoyed this class and learned something from it!

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Aug 12, 2005

Yes, I agree Prof. Granger is extremely intelligent. The best thing is the class is interesting; it's certaintly not about memorization. Be prepared because he does put up with slackers. If you work hard and participate -he will recongnize that!

4.0
5.0
POS2041
Dec 9, 2005

Very interesting class!Although, I think this professor should be teaching at Harvard or Georgetown not at a community college.

5.0
3.0
POS2041
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2005

If you study what he tells you, you will do great.

5.0
3.0
USGOVERNMENT
Dec 16, 2005

I have to admit, he was very intelligent, and would answer all your questions about any topic. The only downside is that if you're taking his night class...he will keep you there till the clock strikes 9:45!!! Jeez not one single time did he let us out early. I just had to say that.

4.0
4.0
POS2041
Dec 16, 2005

This guy is smart. Maybe too smart. The class is difficult but interesting. Gives a lot of info. Maybe not the best class if your not interested in a political science major. Three tests, around 4 hw assignments, and an internet assignment. Test 2 was very difficult. Have to memorize court cases and the ammendments. Good Class Good Teacher!

4.0
3.0
POS2041E20
Dec 19, 2005

Government: Great guy but going to class is a waste of time. Everything he says is pretty much word for word in the packet he wants you to buy. Didn't use the book once. He goes off topic really easy. Class is till the second you're supposed to leave. He is really cool though about late work.

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Dec 28, 2005

Prof. Granger is excellent at communicating complex ideas. I don't agree that he is easy and generally he is very strict on most things. Sometimes he can be a bit political; I sense it's a strategy for dealing with different levels of knowledge,intelligence, etc. Anyways, this guy is brillant.

5.0
3.0
POS1041
Mar 31, 2006

Syllabus? What syllabus? Textbook? What textbook? Just buy his packet in the bookstore and it's all you'll ever need in his class. Interesting classroom discussion, very open with answering ANY questions, overall nice guy with very even-keeled demeanor. Tests are easy if you study the packet. TAKE NOTES. DO HOMEWORK.

5.0
3.0
POS2041
May 18, 2006

What is he doing here? This man is brilliant. His class is a kind of comparative study of political cultures, very interesting. I saw an advertisement for a Latin American Politics class that he is teaching in the Fall. I would recommend it, given that he really knows his stuff and he can back that up unlike others who are just BSing.

3.0
4.0
POS2041
Aug 21, 2006

I took him a few semesters ago. Yes, he is a very perceptive and intelligent guy. He is unusual in not following a textbook and absouletely hates memorizing facts, although he has a mega memory, which he demonstrated in class. He can recite lots of Shakespeare appropriate to a situation or question. In addition, he is very knowledgable and teaches

1.0
5.0
POS2401
Nov 1, 2007

TERRIBLE TEACHER!!!!!!!!!!!! DON'T TAKE HIM UNLESS U WANT HEADAHCES!!!!!!!!!!!!

2.0
4.0
POS2041
Nov 14, 2007

IT WAS VERY HARD TO GET USE TO THIS CLASS. DOESN'T NEED THE BOOK BUT TELLS YOU TO BUY IT. DOESN'T TAKE ANY NOTES. HE LECTURES ALL DAY. HAS 3 TO 4 ASSIGNMENTS WHICH WERE LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (ABOUT 6-10 QUEST.) EXTREMELY HARD GRADER. HE MADE ME HAD A COUPLE BRAIN FARTS. I FELT THAT I LEARN A FEW THINGS. OVERALL I DON'T RECOMD THIS CLASS.

4.0
4.0
POSUSGV
Nov 14, 2007

This guy is hard but students are in college. Tests are not bad you just have to pay attention. Overall, he is very intelligent and extremally knowlagble. You can learn a lot in this class. Many students are lazy and they act like babies. He definitely does not like to treat students like children.

4.0
5.0
POS2041
Nov 14, 2007

Yes, class is a lot of work. I agree, however, that the bad comments are very childish. Granger is a very educated man with a lot of experience. The class is often very intersting. Overall, the work is sometimes overwhelming, a lot of work. However, I have learned so much and I am glad that he is here. Given his record, he should be somewhere bette

3.0
4.0
POS2041
Nov 19, 2007

Either you like him or you don't. He's a brilliant man, but he's hard to understand at times if government isn't your thing and if it is, you'll enjoy the class even more. His homework assignments are strenuous and demanding. have faith and you'll make it through his class.

4.0
4.0
USGOV
Nov 28, 2007

Professor Granger is obviously very intelligent. The class is a challenge, but he is fair. He will allow you to redo assignments, but he is picky. Some persons who dont like political science may not like him. However, you can learn a lot if you pay attention and just do what he says!

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Dec 12, 2007

Ok, Granger is very scholarly. You can do well by paying attention and doing the assignment. He is demanding, but he conducts the course very honorably. If you do not have some basic skills in grammar, writing, well you better learn them. He will allow you to redo an assignment, but you have to do it right. Overall, he is fair.

2.0
5.0
POS2041
Dec 12, 2007

This professor is extremely intelligent which makes the class very difficult. You must have a prior knowledge of government before taking his class because he does not start from the fundamentals. There is about 4 difficult assignmnents and 3 tests. I don't recommend him.

4.0
5.0
POS2041
Dec 14, 2007

He is a very intelligent man. Seriously, if you don't know much about the government than you shouldn't take him. He has high expectations. He is a hard grader, but he gives you what he deserves. I don't recommand the class if you think you can just pass the time doing nothing. His assignments are extremely hard-I finished with B's.

2.0
4.0
POS2041
Dec 16, 2007

Granger was my worst teacher of the semester. However, his class did grow on me a bit. I got pretty good grades, but the tests are important. There are three tests and they total 60% of your grade. For the assignments, it is important that your grammar is good, he checks, but he allows some do-overs. He isn't good at preparing students for tests.

5.0
2.0
POS2041
Dec 20, 2007

Prof. Granger is ok. You can call his bluff. He seems a bit tough, but overall you can do fine. Just pay attention, participate, and do the dam assignments as he asks. The class is not for lazy students or those who act like children. Stay on his good side and you will be ok. He is intelligent and very shrewd, so do not try any silly things.

4.0
3.0
US2041
Dec 21, 2007

Mr. Granger is an excellent professor. Some students should stop complaining. What do you think you are complaining about studying late! Last time, I remember, we are in COLLEGE! Students like that are not going to make it in anything. Yes, he is professional and he does things right. He is also a pretty humble, yet intelligent, professor.

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Dec 23, 2007

As one of his "better" students, this is my reflection. I think his organization of the class is very good. It is thematic and not based on memorization of facts, etc. You must pay attention and it helps very much to participate. I can see that he likes students who contribute to discussion. As for the assignments, they are very helpful.

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Dec 25, 2007

I LOVED THIS CLASS!!!! and he loves students that could discuss a good point. Just do the assignments good and dont worry about the exams if you study i guarentee that you will learn. JUST BE A COLLEGE STUDENT NOT A HIGH SCHOOL LAZY STUDENT....I would recomend him to students who like to learn.. I did!!

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Jan 4, 2008

Professor Granger is an excellent teacher. You will learn a lot in his class. This is not a class you can sleep through. You will need to participate and be prepared. He makes it clear that he will not treat you like a child and this actually scares some students who are used to being coddled. So, do what he says and do it right and you will be ok

5.0
1.0
POS2041
Jan 9, 2008

good.

2.0
5.0
POS2041
Jan 11, 2008

This guy is an awful teacher! He talks the whole class and alot about himself. He usually put me to sleep. He is a tough grader and when u ask for help he doesn't say anything useful. I asked him how to do better on a test and he just told me to study better, after I studied for hours everyday for more than a week leading up to the exam!!

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Jan 21, 2008

Whoa, this guy's intelligence makes my other professors look sad. I have to ask what the F is he doing here. That said, you must pay attention. You will like the class if you like political science. You can learn a lot from him. He is unusual, might give you a wierd look, don't know what it means. Who knows what goes on in his mind.

4.0
4.0
US2041
Jan 22, 2008

Yes, intelligent and professional, but demanding. He says what he means and he is right. This is college not high school. Other students say that it is possible to do ok and that the key is to really pay attention, do not distract him. Most important is to do the assingments and discuss them. He likes that. Try not to annoy him, be serious.

4.0
4.0
US2041
Jan 24, 2008

He is ok. He goes on and on about Thucides and Athenians. Thinks US and the tragedy of Athens are very much the same. He also goes on about Latin America but he speaks Spanish very well. He does not appear to be as difficult as some people say but he is organized well and speaks clearly. I would say he is ok but you do have to work and be serious.

2.0
5.0
POS2041
Jan 29, 2008

i'll admit very smart guy. knows what hes talking about..... great teacher but too hard doesnt start from the fundamentals you have to know alot about gov brfore you start the class... hard homework and tests are painful he's more of an auditory teacher not for me

1.0
5.0
POS241
Feb 18, 2008

No Comments

4.0
5.0
POS2021
Feb 20, 2008

He is hot and so smart. But ohh so hot! As long as you do the work you are fine. Tests are ok if you understand the concepts.

2.0
4.0
POLITUSGO
Mar 1, 2008

This guy wasted 8 weeks of ny time. Would not recommend. I would give him a big fat F !!!

4.0
4.0
US2041
Mar 10, 2008

Granger is ok. You just have to pay attention. He practically tells you what you need to know. He is an intelligent and nice guy. He also is professional, dresses like a professor and is kind of cute. He can get a little excited, but that is ok. It just shows that likes what he does.

5.0
4.0
US2041
Mar 10, 2008

Excellent! Can't take it how some people could make negative statements about this professor. He CLEARLY knows what he is talking about. He is also very PROFESSIONAL. In addition, he is exciting and that is the right way!

5.0
4.0
POS2041
Mar 11, 2008

I dont find his class boring at all, just the opposite. He has a passion for the subject, although he sometimes rants about things. Some people just dont appreciate what they have and I think he deserves to be somewhere a LOT better than VCC. If you just listen and PARTICIPATE you will do just fine.

5.0
2.0
POS2041
Apr 8, 2008

Overall good professor. Lectures get boring, and the assignments are long and tedious, but the class is easy and predictable.

2.0
5.0
POS2041
Apr 23, 2008

Waste of time. I was really interested in Government prior to this class. Alls he does is stands in front of the class and pretty much lectures to himself. He answers his own questions, laughs at his own jokes. Nothing he says shows up on tests or graded, and everything he says is online. There's no reason to show up, but he requires it.

5.0
4.0
USGOV
Apr 24, 2008

Super fun class. He's funny and very intelligent. 3 test and 5 assignmnets..kind of long but interesting. Take Granger!

4.0
4.0
POS2021
Apr 25, 2008

Excellent professor

4.0
4.0
POS2041
Apr 29, 2008

all assignments are on webct. don't take him if you're one of those people who forget to sign onto webct, like me. very smart man, very nice. class can be a bit boring sometimes though. seeing as though he teaches everything from the overhead.

5.0
4.0
POS2041
May 1, 2008

Granger is excellent. He is an intelligent and understanding. I will warn that he does assign a lot of work but it is not hard. You just need to do waht he says, pay attention. As for the tests, same thing, just listen.

5.0
3.0
POS2041
Jul 25, 2008

He is defentely the smartest teacher I have ever had. He makes what he has to say very belevable. it is for that reason I must say he is really a politician. But, what he says is true. This is the kind of person we need for this country. I say vote for Granger. As for the class he is fair and not as tough as it seems at first.

4.0
3.0
USPOS2041
Dec 7, 2008

Highly recommend him. Professor Granger is very intelligent. His analysis of political economic situations is very correct. He is a handsome/cute guy. He did not assign a lot of work although there was plenty from the WebCT site.

4.0
4.0
POS2041
Grade: B
Nov 18, 2013

He's a VERY smart guy. You have to listen, take notes, and pay attention. This is higher level stuff. He only gave 3 assignments but they were tough. Nice guy too, very patient with students that tried (on purpose or not) to derail the class.

4.0
4.0
2041
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 21, 2014

I loved his class. He is extremely educated and does a good job at saying facts rather than his own political opinion. The class is a long lecture but sit and listen and you absorb the information. Also a little back round knowledge wouldnt hurt. He is also really hot aha. and dorky

3.0
2.0
POS2041
Grade: A
Dec 25, 2014

take him no test no quiz he is very knowledgeable and will tell u straight forward if doesnt know smthg. I took his short term semester, the class was boring but at the end i pretty much enjoyed it. overall 3 paper among which the last one was ridiculously long I wonder if he had read all of them turn your assignment on time and get extra credits

2.0
1.0
POS2041
Jan 24, 2015

Class is as simple as learning your ABC's but he CANNOT manage time, his voice cracks VERY often and he laughs while talking. If you want an easy A you can take his class but if you have low tolerance and you're easily annoyed don't bother.

4.0
2.0
POS2041
Feb 16, 2015

Overall, the class is good and he is respectful with students. Lectures are a little long but interesting.

3.0
4.0
POS2041
Feb 28, 2015

This professor was awful. You buy the book but don't use the book. Everything is lectures, and they get so off topic that you don't learn the subject. He only posts powerpoints based on the book online, so if you miss a class or forget a random fact (about another country) you won't pass the exams. He's always off topic, you learn nothing and fail.

3.0
5.0
POS2041
Mar 28, 2015

After half a semester of sitting through 3 hour lectures about other countries (in a US gov class), I read the entire book that we were supposed to be "covering" and still failed my midterm because I didn't think to take notes on his ramblings about democracy in other countries. He gets off topic and you don't learn anything about US gov at all.

3.0
3.0
POS2041
Grade: B
Apr 14, 2015

Took him and learned a lot. The notes follow the book. He repeats main points a lot.

4.0
4.0
POS2041
May 3, 2016

Overall, this was a very good class to take during the election year. Professor Granger is very informative and the discussions were open and animated. The professor was very patient with a few students who constantly bothered him about details related to the class. Let me tell you that those students are the ones who did not show up on time.

5.0
4.0
POS2112
May 3, 2016

This was an interesting class. I did not look forward and had no idea what to expect. I got lucky because the teacher did it from an international perspective by including puerto rico and fiscal policy and a lot of federalism including relationship of states like texas to international law and ICJ. I am from brasil and this was good way to do it.

4.0
4.0
POS2112
May 11, 2016

The professor is good. He is organized and punctual. He starts on time and goes over the syllabus and class matters at the start of the class.

4.0
4.0
POS2021
Dec 11, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Professor Granger is a bit long winded. I did find the class interesting especially since this was the election year. The assignments were tedious. He seems to be a nice guy and not hard on the grading and other things.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
POS2041
Dec 14, 2016
Would take again

Okay class. Arrive on time. Turn in assignments. It's a long one. Said he had movies to show for other classes but not this one. Seems to be a nice guy.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
POS2041
Grade: A
Dec 25, 2016
Would take again

The class is interesting and I enjoyed it. He is thorough and he is a good speaker.

Gives good feedback
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
POS2112
Grade: A
Nov 8, 2018
Would take again

I had Prof David Granger for POS 2112 (7-wk). Take notes of what he says to do your paper. Ask him questions from the assignments & he'll tell you all the answers. He's lenient on grading, but attendance is a must & he takes it on the dot! Be prepared to be in class for 2:45 hrs if that's your class time. He's SUPER knowledgeable about the subject!

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

84%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

74% confidence
Based on 8 grades
Most common grades:
A (4)
B (3)
C (1)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(3)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 9 reported grades
A: 4
B: 3
C: 1
Incomplete: 1
Common Tags
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
Tough Grader (1)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (1)
Gives good feedback (1)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
Respected (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.02 avg change
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

POS1041

5.0

(1)

POS2112

4.3

(3)

US2041

4.2

(5)

2041

4.0

(1)

GOVERNMENT

4.0

(1)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

POS2401

5.0

POS241

5.0

USGOV

4.4

POS2021

4.3

2041

4.0

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