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Not easy. A lot of analytic thinking. And can be discouraging. This class makes you think. No attendance, no extra credit, TOUGH GRADER. Assignments are difficult. Still, I've enjoyed this class.

awsome teacher you will learn a ton in this class along with his political theory class. I recomend highly you take him. Plus he his down earth and you can talk to him about anything about school or outside of school. One of the best professor kmw

This guy is awesome. You have to go to class regularly and take good notes to do well, but he's really funny and down to earth. The tests weren't that hard, but you def have to study for them! He's great I would take him again for another class.

I feel that Barkalow is an excellant professor. His classes are the only ones in which I had to actually think!

As a requirement for PO major/minor you dont expect to have a professor who is has hard has he is the first day. He tries to scared the living daylights out of you. That being said he makes you think, and his grading is hard, but he gives you suggestions

Not easy, definetly have to study, but its an ok class. He's funny, talks about Texas a lot, and he's hot!! Take it if your interested in Government, otherwise don't because it is a lot of studying.

Well, I am taking him now for govt and he is rather difficult and throws his opinions in there. He is funny and a hottie though. His tests are reasonable if you know the material well. Make sure you come to class, take good notes, and do the readings and you should be golden. 4exams, no fianl.

A very do-able class! he was challenging, but fair! I got a B+ in the class. We had 4 tests(all mult choice), an extra credit assignment, and got graded on attendence. More than fair! I enjoyed class and I wasnt interested in govt! He is a funny guy, too! Just study and take good notes!

This guy is soo smart! You will really learn a lot from this class. Although he judges papers really harsh, has a strict attendance policy and you have to read some hard material. He separates the smart people from the dumb

He is one of the smartest professors that I have come across here at BSC. Yes the reading material and essay questions are a challenge, its refreshing to have a professor that doesnt pump you full of their own opinion and lets you come to your own conclusions. He also makes the class fun + enjoyable

Very hard reading and hard to perform on papers but you are graded on improvement over the semester. Don't be concerned with being right, be concerned with arguing correctly on papers and you will do well

Awesome teacher, and anyone that didn't like him obviously didn't get his intelligence.

Very hard grader on essays but very clear about the format he is looking for. Don't be afraid to take chances on essays - he rewards you for it. Grades on whole semester/improvement. Put the effort in (including all essays and re-writes) and he will reward you for it...

Dr. B "appears" scary, but really isn't. He is very tough with his essays, but hang in there. He grades on your overall improvement and encourages you to see him for help. Once you "get" him, you'll see that he is one of the best instructors at BSC. He is tough only so you will look past the surface and really appreciate the course.

Great, interesting class. Very cynical as well. Tests involve a lot of memorization and are somewhat difficult. He teaches at a higher level than most. No papers though.

thought, at first, he ws a pretentious jerk. then i found out that he is. but it is funny and endearing and he is one of the more intelligent and passionate teachers at the school. he might intimidate at first, but then it just becomes funny when you get used to him. i'd probably have a great time drinking with him.

Without a doubt the best teacher I've ever had in my life. Even if you aren't interested in poli. sci, make sure you take him. He is really hard, but you thorougly enjoy his class. He makes it very interesting. TAKE HIM.

Funny, cynical, do your readings and you will do very well. you get extra points for good attendance!

Great teacher, great style, a class act all the way. Dissenters are off base.

Great professor....knows what he teches and adds some jokes during class and was really funny...def need to put some effort but u will learn alot..anybody u doesnt like him is def at a mentally low level..Awesome teacher and course Take Him!

Good base class for PolySci students but there is so much material to cover, he has to move at a very fast peace. Exams are difficult but he does count attendence as a grade so it would be wise to not miss class if possible. He has a good, yet sometimes warped, sense of humor and really knows his subject matter. Good experience

If you take him for a class be sure to bring in a good sense of humor. Please don't take him too seriously. He is a very smart person and is capable of teaching a lot of material in a very short ammount of time. I have learned a lot from this class. He is a great teacher. Take him.

Hard class but well worth it...just attend every class, take good notes, you should do fine. He's a really funny guy, if you've taken any class with his wife (Mogg) he is like totally opposite her, but funny guy. I didn't do awesome but I enjoyed the class. Definetely take!

Very good teacher who brings everyday situations into his lectures. Tests are tough but they are scaled and he uses attendence for 1 test exam. So show up and take good notes

Essay questions always begin with "in what manner and to what extent." One rewrite permitted. Weight of grades gradually increases. Very challenging essay questions. Lecture notes are essential. Copious reading assignments. Always screen essay outlines through him: lots of feedback. Available for help with essays until 10PM before they're due.

Most rewarding class, and professor, that i have ever had in my experience at bridgewater. He actually teaches you how to write and become a better writer. He not only tells you what your doing wrong, but tells you how to fix it. It is a difficulty course and he is a difficult teacher, but very worthwhile and rewarding.

6 Difficult 3 page papers, grades on inmprovement. Goes out of his way to make sure you do well, will read outlines and intro paragraphs up to the night before the paper is due.

Best professor I have ever had. Taught me how to be a better writer, and was very accessible to every student that needed any assistance. Great experience, HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Ok so i did not want to take a political science put it off to my last year of school. Nevertheless, i took him and he was an **** at first but so funny. Failed my first paper, went to him for help was there 100%. I then took him for a 400 level course that was awsome. I really like him and i cant decide if i want to be best friends with him or do notty things to him lol. defently take him though.

Excellent Professor. Had him for my last class needed at BSC and was a great class to end my degree with. As you can see, ratings for Barkalow are love/hate and few in between. Those who love i'm going to blanket with the perspective that they were at BSC to take something away from BSC besides a diploma. Those who hate are used to coasting through

Best teacher I've had while at school, one of the only few that taught me something. Although I got a C+ from him, other teachers give me A's on my papers. (which is a result of what he taught me). Made me a much better writer than I was before having class with him.

Has anyone noticed the similarity between Prof. Barkalow and Dr. Cox of Scrubs? Think about it...Let it marinate. And then get back to me.

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Yes, he wears glasses and is going bald. Does this matter? What is great about Dr. B is his mind and his passion. Take his class. You will work your tail off, but you will learn so much. His class is much better than the rest of the garbage they teach in POLS.

he seems intimidating at first, but he's actually a wonderful professor. i ended up with an A in the class-- just go see him like he says to, and he grades on improvement.

By far the best professor I've had at BSC. He's intimidating at first, but he's really reasonable. I think every girl in my class had at least a small crush on him! Listen to him because he really knows his stuff. I definitely recommend you take him... even if just for an elective!

If this class is not required don't take it. It's interesting, but it's not worth destroying your GPA. For those whom this class is required prepare to devote all of your time. Take copious notes, write in the margins, etc. You must see him for extra help even though it probably won't help you at all. You won't do much better than a C. Guaranteed.

ppl who dont like him are not used to putting effort into their work and r used to hand out As. He makes u WORK for ur grade and understands that not every1 will get everything and ppls interest in the subject matter vary. If u are in college to actually learn something then I HIGHLY recommend him. If not you are better off with a lesser professor

Dr. Barkalow is wicked hard! if it was any other professor I would say not to take him, but he is amazing. He is one of the few professors in POLI who has passion and his passion is contagious. That he is good looking also helps.

It is insane what comes out of his mouth in class! The problem is that the crazy stuff begins to make sense as the semester progresses. I am not sure if this is good or bad. He is extremely difficult, but a great teacher. You have to be patient in his class (grades on improvement). He is an acquired taste, but definitely a good one.

Wicked easy course. A lot of notes but he makes it funny and entertaining. He's very passionate about what he says. Sometimes i feel like i'm at a stand up comedy show... he's pretty much the coolest dude alive next to me 8)

If u think rudeness is funny, he's your guy.Uses words like idiot, moron, retard on a daily bais.He is very condesending. Very hard class. All six papers have to be done in the exact same format, so if you don't get it your in big trouble. He is very excessable for help, not that it does any good. I worked so hard and I got a D.

VERY FUNNY and explains things really well. Not my area of interest, but he made me interested. He tests only on lectures, so you gotta come to class or you'll do poorly and the test are difficult so study hard. But he will crack you up and you will learn a lot. Great class, definitely take it.

Great professor, class is a full lecture and the 4 tests (no final) are based purely on lecture so you need to go. Has a funny sarcastic side that will make the class go by fast. Listens to students and answers any questions asked. You need to take notes and study to pass, but it's do-able. Tests are MC and TF

Hard teacher but very straight forward. attendence is a must. if you dont go you'll fail your tests. 4 tests no final. PAY ATTENTION to lectures!. be prepared to take alot of notes. all in all not a bad class. study and you'll do fine

Barkalow is amazing! Makes your think about things in a completely new way- soooo stimulating! ;) I definitely recommend taking a class from him. It is totally worth it.

This guy is amazing! Takes you through Machiavelli, Plato, Locke & Rousseau effortlessly. No topic is off subject with him which makes every class exciting. I am definitely taking another class from him...such a cutie!

If you are good at memorizing, take this class. Even if you aren't (like myself) it's still easy to at least get a B in his class. Make sure to show up, because if you miss one class, you'll miss pages and pages of notes. He moves extremely quickly, but is willing to repeat himself and explain in detail. Very funny and entertaining. He's worth it!

IF YOU ARE A POLI SCI MAJOR TAKE HIM! If you aren't take him anyway-you'll learn so much from his class. Yes, he's a hard grader so BS-ing is stupid, but if you're passionate about the class you will excel.Actually cares that you do well and is hilarious!

Professor Barkalow is worth taking. His papers are difficult and the readings are tough, however he loves the material, the discussions are really interesting, he's willing to give help if you ask, and he's pretty funny. If your willing to put in the work I'd recommend his class

Barkalow is great. He has a good sense of humor and shows it in class. The lectures are either on the board or from the book. He doesn't give homework, just 3 exams. The exams are take home and you can use your notes.

One of Bridgewater's best instructors.

Dr. Barkalow's politics class is challenging. You CANNOT BS papers and must use direct quotes from the book. That being said, he is one of the funniest and most interesting guys to listen to. His lectures are so entertaining and captivating. You will learn a lot about the nature of the U.S. government.

Great teacher!

Dr. Barkalow is a smart guy with a dry and offensive sense of humor. His passion and knowledge of politics comes through in his lectures. Your grade is based on difficult essays where you have to use direct quotes from politics philosophers and fully explain what they mean. He also grades very harsh. Worked hard and did extra credit and got a B- /:

Great guy, really knows what he is talking about. I found it very interesting to listen to him even though lectures can get a little long. If you are interesting in this kind of stuff Jordan is the guy to take. He goes pretty quick but will slow down if you ask, he is very funny and makes the material interesting, One of my favorite classes so far

Hands down the easiest course I've taken in college. Took this to fill a writing intensive requirement. It doesn't take much effort to BS the papers from notes. If you have good study habits, you'll blow through this course.

I took him for the Dystopian Lit first year sem, and he's pretty tough. Although not impossible, I definitely had to work to get A's on the papers. I would recommend going to his office hours because he'll help you out. He basically tries to freak you out the first couple classes and tells you you're gonna fail the first paper but that's not true.

Don't do it if you are prepared to dedicate nearly all of your time preparing for class. He's an amazing teacher who has a very dry sense of humor, but the class has a lot of work & the essays are insanely complicated. He draws you in with Divergent, but the class actually revolves around Plato. He makes class fun, though, & I would take him again.

I enjoyed his class I would take him again, he gives awesome lectures. Be prepared don't slack off. Make sure you do the homework. He is tough but he will help if you need guidance. He is one of my faves! A plus in my book!!!

Dr. Barkalow is the hardest grader I've had in my life and taught the most difficult course I've ever taken, and it was great. He certainly tackles education as "the slow and painful turning towards the good", but it is totally worth it. Improves your writing and reasoning like an intellectual boot camp. Would take again.

Absolutely one of the best lecturers I have ever had. He is awesome keeps you interested and engaged. I also enjoyed the class discussions. He is tough but he is worth taking. Would take him again with out a doubt!!

If all my professors were like Professor Barkalow, I would consider my college education to actually be worth the $20k I pay. I leave this class with not only knowledge of the subject matter, but writing and analyzing skills as well. Not to mention how funny he is! But if you don't care about a good education (want an easy grade) don't take him.

I had him for my Honors American Govt class. The readings are a little hard but he walks you through it and is available 24/7. Responds immediately to emails and will work outside the class for as long as you need. 2 big essays but you can rewrite both of them. The final is an essay that he gives you weeks beforehand. Love!

Professor Barkalow is an amazing professor, but very tough. You get the grade you work for. Make sure to go to office hours, read the book and ask questions. The class is overall hard but worth it, you'll learn a lot but go to class and take notes.

Can be intimidating in class when describing the papers. Will tell you you might fail the first paper, and truthfully, you might. However, in face-to-face interactions, much more down to earth and encouraging. Will tell you the course is back-loaded, meaning improvement is key. Available for email. I recommend always meeting before a paper is due.

Professor Barkalow is a very tough grader, but he really improves your writing. If you don't do the readings and show up to class, you will not do well on the papers. Don't wait until the end of the semester to do your current events. Barkalow is funny and makes the class and his lectures interesting.

Fun lectures that start with current event topics to discuss. Easy assignments if you pay attention in class, current event papers were easy grades if you knew the lecture materials. 10/10

Teaches through the use of powerpoint. You normally have to do a current even article once a week. Tests cover a lot of material, I believe there are only 3. Current events and tests are your only grades. He offers three opportunities for extra credit. He is very nice and funny but also serious.

Professor Barkalow is the best professor I've ever had. Yes, you have to work hard for your grade but if you go to his office hours and ask for help, he is more than willing to help you. He is a tough grader but it's just because he wants you to know how to actually write. I've learned more from one class with him than any other class I've taken.

Dr. Barkalow is one of my favorite professors that I've taken at BSU. Don't get me wrong, he's a really tough grader but he does it to help you and makes himself available if you're having trouble. I sent him an outline of each paper before it was due and his comments were always super helpful. The lectures are engaging and make class go by fast.

A tricky class in terms of writing and subject material as it reaches across many different theories and time periods. The papers are graded strictly but you're given the chance to rewrite two of them for better grades. Makes the lectures interesting and relates them to things you'd understand more easily. Toughest class but the most worth it.

Professor Barkalow is great. Always makes jokes to keep things light, and actually managed to make dry material quite interesting, and ended up being one of my favorite courses. Easy quizzes, and engaging powerpoint lectures each class. No group work, no essays, just a few current event assignments. Take this guy's class for a great overall time.

I would say the ideas surrounding this course initially stressed me out. The overall course was graded on 4 papers, but Prof. Barkalow is great at giving feedback, and he is transparent about his grading style. While some of the concepts were difficult, he made the course easier through humorous lectures and in depth feedback.

He is so awesome and funny! His grading is also very clear.

Strong Professor that makes the American government really interesting. Though if you miss one class your done-zo. He is a paper-heavy guy so be prepared to type your life off. His Exams and Quizzes are only hard if you do not show up to class. So please show up. I can tell he loves what he does, but also don't get on his bad side.

revolutionary course which will challenge your preconceived notions of reading, writing, and political thought. I had difficulty in this class, personally, (nothing great comes easy!) however, I was able to find a newfound respect for philosophy, and have added several titles to my library since starting this course. And F*** Boy Scouts!

I took his asynchronous course and I'm so glad I did. He posts such clear lecture videos and is so communicative if you reach out, offering you great feedback on your ideas before you start the assignment. His course is paced perfectly with few assignments (clear instructions) - as long as you take notes and watch the videos, you'll do just fine!

If you want to actually learn something worthwhile, take Barkalow's class

Barkalow teaches an engaging POLI172 class, though he has a tough grading system. Attend every lecture, take detailed notes, and utilize resources like Unstuck AI to supplement your studying. Overall, an interesting course if you're willing to put in the work.

Barkalow is a great professor; like any class, you get out what you put in. I can confidently say I've become a much better writer because of his writing style and his extensive feedback. You won't do well in this class unless you show up, the readings are complex, and he breaks it down into chapters and makes it much easier to comprehend.