Martorana is an awesome teacher. He really cares about the students and wants you to do well. I dont know what the comment before mine was all about... Martorana will be more than happy to provide you with extra credit opportunities if you go up to him and ask.

Having quizzes and exams based entirely on the reading is normal in college. The class is important because he forces you to make an opinion and discuss. He loves teaching this class and is not afraid to show his liberal opinions. Ties in current events with the teaching, and is a funny, likable guy

He is an awesome teacher. He is into what he does and really has fun with his teaching. I'm taking his Polisci 151 right now and love it. He is tough be he is straight forward. You just have to be ready to work.

Joe is always willing to help you out when you need it. He held hours long study sessions with groups of us the night before the tests, and the only out of class work is light reading and 1 paper. Nice, smart guy. Not a class for wimpy republicans.

Great class, I loved it. Lot of reading, and as long as you do it the class is fine. Joe isn't afraid to speak his mind, very funny, very interested in what he does, he makes you want to change the world. power corrupts!

Very interesting teacher; tries to make people think with discussion-oriented classes. Make sure you read and understand the material before you take an exam, and you'll be fine. If you're ready to expand your views, you'll like this class.

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Joe is a cool dude!

Does have his prefered students, but it's the people who speak out in class the most, the ones he can depend on for a rational, intelligent answer. Funny man. Great educator. Very chill.

Joe is a nice guy, a brilliant man, and an amazing instructor. If not this, then take one of his classes. You will be better for it. Take time to interact with him, for you and he will learn from it, and both of you will appreciate that you had. Be there, write the paper, and speak-up to get a good grade.

This class is hard and the readings are not easy, and you have to read ALOT. The teacher is cool, and really appreciates participation. If you want to become his "preferred students" just participate in the class. Also he has a myspace, and if he really digs you he'll add you to his page. Also he loves the phrase "TRIPPIN HARD!!"

Joe is definently biased, but also fair and honest. If you are a conservative he will debate you. He won't shoot anyone down about ideas as long as they are relevant and well thought out. He is a good guy and laid back. His classes are structured around class discussions. I wasn't a huge fan of his tests, but overall this was a good class.

Joe is an absolutley fun and understanding professor. Definetely provides some interesting facts! Full of humor, you never get bored. Quizes are helpful but not stressful. ANDDDD, despite the claims, hes not completely liberal....just caring! "We blame the victims"

This dude is a tripster, his myspace is rad and he is a good guy. He always talks about this one song by the who that he can never name.

Mr. Martorana is an awesome reporter of the truth. He makes logical arguments that tie today's events back into the material. Some people equate unfavorable truth-telling to mean unfair reporting. But that is insane. Sorry, some people can't handle the truth. I highly recommend the class. He is a very knowledgeable teacher.

The books expernsive, and the tests are some-what hard...but this is one of the coolest classes on campus and Pro Joe is one of the coolest teachers!! He's a great teacher, who explains everything and he really likes people to get involved in his discussions...TAKE HIM!! -----TRIPPIN HARD!!

Look at all the Joe haters in the house!! Unfortunately for you folks, he actually likes being called a bush basher, but bush sucks so at least he speaks truth. He's one of the best teachers at city because you know if you're willing to listen and be analytical and critical you'll see through the b.s.. All you hippies out there, this is your man

You will love this class provided you aren't trippin' hard. He definately wears his politics on his sleeve, but it doesn't get in the way of the facts, as some raters have implied. Facts are facts, get over it folks. Learn the models inside and out and you'll ace the course. RE: prefered students - they're usually the only ones who speak up anyway.

He is a nice guy with a lot to share about the modern day politics which he is good at which I think so. At the end of the semester he gives you a research paper that we have to do a lot of scholary research and cite lots of info and have at least 7-9 pages of written essay. But all semester long he is easy and chill teacher.

One of the best teachers at city college. He sparked my interest in political science. I'm pretty sure he hated me because I always sat in the back and didn't participate, but that didn't affect my grade. Read, study, and you'll get the grade you deserve. More students would enjoy school if teachers were more easygoing like him. Highly recommend.

This dude is a great Professor... This class is for critical thinkers and Political Science lovers, so if you're a Fox News fan or like to watch E! Network this class is not for you... Well organized and follows the textbook... If you like Political Science take it.

There are two types of teachers, those who have something to teach and those who have something to prove. The only thing this guy has to prove is that we have to participate to keep this country a democracy. Take his class, he has something important to teach; and participate, you have something important to learn.

He is a really interesting teacher that brought a lot of great examples from current media into the class to help demonstrate the matierial. I think he had a really great style, but could be really boring at times. I think it's hard material to make intersting to a wide range of people. The tests were all based on the book so READ!

If you're gonna put on your conservative shoes, you better watch out. Because this cat can ball

he is a great teacher, i love his lectures; i've learned a lot from him. the quizzes are multiple choice and they tend to be confusing...the class is harder than i expected. i like it i just wish my grade was better.

Great teacher!! He definitely encourages students to think critically. Very down to earth. Great class if you want to learn the truth about current issues.

He is the best prof at SBCC and you will actually learn something for once. He is really helpful and you can always go to his office hours. Prof martorana is the BEST!

super cool, so happy I get to be in his class, I am even taking his review class!!! Sweet! I love Whales also.

he is a great teacher. he really opens your eyes to what is really happening in our government. he loves his job and he is passionate about the subject. his class is simple if you have a firm knowledge on the subject. you will love his class!

Amazing teacher!!! Please take this class. I get really upset anytime that I miss class because I love to hear his lectures. He really lets you know about everything that goes on and doesn't worry about pissing people off. I am sincerely upset that this class is over :(

He showed us some interesting videos, but his lectures don't have anything to do with the midterms. He does give you the questions ahead of time though, which is a big plus. If you read the textbook to prepare for the quizzes and prepare strong answers for the midterms then you will be fine.

Overall great! You learn a lot and he's not too difficult. There are a fair amount of quizzes all based on the book so do your reading but I didn't and I didn't do great on the quizzes and still got an A. One big paper that you pretty much pick your own topic for. Study guide given, around 3 or 4 exams including a not cumulative final. Very hot!!

If you read the book and try to comprehend its easy...hes a great teacher and uses lots of examples to help you understand and for midterms and finals just write about as many readings as you can relate to the question which should be all the readings in some way

my fav. teacher at sbcc he knows what he is talking about and he knows alot. make sure u go to class to know what exactly he wants and read the book its all in there.. if u do that u are sure to get a A

A good class. Very liberal view, very fun. He is funny and upbeat never a dull moment. He is very passionate about teaching and about the subject. The material is very straight forward, read the book, know the models and you will get no less then a B.

Joe is a fantastic teacher, and by far one of the best at SBCC. If you do not have the same viewpoint as he does, at least come to class with an open mind, you are bound to expand your horizons! Know your models - he is not kidding. I went in with nothing and gained so much from this class. I didn't take 101, but still excelled in 104.

Great Teacher This gentleman is one of the finest teachers the city college has. He is passionate and funny and really seems to want his students who care to succeed. He is very liberal but a liberal is just someone who wants change from the status quo as you will find if you take his class. TAKE THIS CLASS AND GAIN SOME POLITICAL EFFICACY

He is a fabulous teacher, one of the best I had in my two years at SBCC. He has his own opinions but he does not force them down your throat. There is a lot of reading and if you want an easy A, don't take the class. However if you really want to learn and become informed, I highly recommend taking this class. Read the book and you'll be fine.

READ THE BOOK! The exams are essay form and seem easy but you have to reference the readings in your answer or you will fail. The paper is pretty easy and as long as you read, so are the exams. I loved this class and I know so much more now because I took it. He really teaches you and by the end of the semester you'll be happy you stuck with it.

I loved this class. It was hard if you didn't do the reading but if you actually did you could get a lot out of it. Martorana is finnneee!!!

His class is great, and there's enough extra credit where the quiz grades can be easily made up; but the grader he uses for the midterm was very bad. You cannot get an A with this grader and you are lucky if you get a B! This is a teacher who thinks the average grade should be a C and only exceptional students can get an B let alone a A.

This class is NOT for the close-minded, liberal or conservative. Joe's an extremely intelligent professor that combines a high level of knowledge with a lot of insight on the subject, intertwining the subject matter with relevant current events. Very liberal, but as long as you argue a point with reason and validity, your opinion will be respected.

Joe is the best teacher I have had as a student. Hard subject because you need to know how to think critically, write scholarly, do your reading and homework. But I learned the most I have learned in any one class. It does not matter if you are liberal or conservative, if you can stand your ground, you will be fine.

Joe is one of the best teachers I've ever had! He tells the truth about America that American kids in college not necessarily want to hear, but need to hear. The class is hard and so is the grading. Do the readings and of course come to class (which I looked forward to every week, discussions are so good!)

I was surprised to see that people thought this was a hard class. I am a B/C student and I got an A in this class. The grader is a little tough but if you do your work you will be fine in this class. The quizzes are tricky but the extra credit helps. Martorana is biased and strongly opinionated but I learned a lot in this class.

I enjoyed this class! The lectures are not focused and note-taking won't get you anywhere, but that's kind of the point... the subject matter is exceptionally broad-reaching, with no clear answers or facts to memorize. This class is thought-provoking and the text is a compilation of interesting court decisions, stories, reflections, and analyses.

great teacher, wants all his students to know what's going on in politics. Also questions you about certain cases in the book to make sure you've been reading. Loved his class, did learn a lot about politics. Money well spent.

Most people with staunch, Lassez-Faire Capitalist mindsets will automatically condemn Joe to the "Liberal idiot" category. However, he's an educated scholar in the department (who probably knows more than your parents). His passion for education is unmatched. Ask ?s Be interested Visit office hrs. He wants to teach you, and to broaden perspectives.

Had him for a night class and he does an excellent job keeping you awake. Good and very entertaining teacher at times. Opinionated, but he knows what hes talking about. I recommend him to all.

An interesting teacher that presents his case in a somewhat "dramatic" fashion. However, if you are looking for a more objective start into political science, Martorana is not the person to go to. He does have a good grasp on the subject matter, however, he contradicts a lot of things he states in prior lectures and presents half-truths as facts.

This class was not easy by any means, but this teacher knows what he is talking about. Yes, the quizzes he gives each week are difficult, but if you read the book they are not impossible. I got a 98/100 on the midterm (in class essay) and I was worried about even passing it. Got an A in the class because I went to the tutors a lot and read the book

Good human being. Really funny. Not a teacher to go to war with. Be humble and open minded.

The best teacher I have ever taken a class from. The class is hard but he presents the material in a way that makes you want to explore more outside of the reading and the classroom. The content of the class can be dull but with Joe as a professor I had a wonderful introductory experience to Poli Sci. Take this class before you leave SBCC!!!!

If you're looking for an easy A where showing up is about all that's required, move along. Consistent and timely reading is necessary. But he really is willing to help you out if you just put the effort forward. Go talk to him during office hours, it will greatly benefit you. Great class if you're willing to do the work and put aside your ego.

Martorana is the best teacher I have ever had. He's incredibly knowledgeable, funny, and thought-provoking. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the legal system,take this class because he is one of the rare teachers that actually encourages you to critically think and examine the bigger picture. THE BEST class with the best dude.

Loved this class! He is very engaging and makes everything clear before tests. Yes, you have to have at least 5 sources for each test, but if you read then you'll be fine. I was nervous about this class but it wasn't as horrible as everyone makes it out to be.

He is my top favorite teacher! His classes or not for those who are not open minded. He tries to get you to understand the material with everyday examples. But if you are looking for an easy A, get away. The midterms and finals are tough because he wants a lot of information and how everything is connected.

He is very enthusiastic about subject matter and is very educated as well. Really funny guy. You HAVE to keep up with the reading. 2 tests(blue book) and a paper. Don't last minute cram or you'll do poorly. If you are interested in politics the class is really interesting and informative. One of my favorite teachers at SBCC.

Greatest class I took at SBCC. While you have to do the reading you WANT to. He brings so much enthusiasm to his classroom and he makes sense. All of things he says turn your world upside down but are influential. He tells the truth! For exams just throw out and relate all of the readings you can and relate them.

He is an incredible teacher who truly changed my life. He revolutionized how I feel I ought to study and has made me into a better student and more importantly a better person. His lecture is both engaging and informative. His lectures are based on in class participation and as such you need to do the reading, and will be rewarded for it.

He really loves what he teaches. When he says things like what the students below say he is joking. He is a secretly really cool dude. Intimidating but really a sweetheart who is eager to connect with students.

He is very passionate and in my opinion funny during his lectures, one of the few lecturers that could keep my attention even when I was sleep deprived. He made it very clear what material he would cover on tests and was very helpful during his office hours.

This class is not tough. His lectures only emphasize the reading by giving current examples. Read the book! Attendance plays a huge factor on your grade. Also, he doesn't grade the papers, A GRADER DOES. Really display that you understand the main concepts in your writing. Go to the tutor & his office hours! Also jump on any extra credit!

Martorana is the best professor I have ever had. The class requires a lot of reading, but the reading and class will challenge the way you view the world and make you want to read more. Martorana explains in an interesting and engaging way all of the parts of society that are corrupt and need amendment. ABSOLUTELY INSPIRING!

This professor is inspirational. I have taken each of the 4 different subject classes he teaches and I was amazed. The content is thick, rich and life-enhancing. When you take this class, you begin to understand politics better. The professor is humorous, entertaining and knowledgeable. He may seem unapproachable but don't judge a book by its cover

Prof. Martorana opens up political science for those who don't have any knowledge or want to be involved. He shows you whats really going on and leaves you to make up your own mind about where you stand and what you believe. His lectures, his enthusiasm, and his ability to solidify difficult concepts for us, his students, makes him a first choice.

Joe was opinionated but doesn't try to force you to see only his way. He provides you with perspective and shows you the reality of media and political climates. Take his class, it isn't easy but it makes a difference in your digesting the information that is being fed to you.

He is very understanding and his class is interesting and easy to comprehend.

I hated him at first, but once I started actually paying attention in class and going to office hours, he became one of my favorite professors. I enjoyed his class so much that I am going to be taking another class with him again this semester.

Joe is the MAN!!! If you don't love Joe's class you are a zombie, go get checked out! His classes are so fun, you will have a good time. He encourages participation and he let's you speak your mind and you will laugh frequently. Great lessons. I learned a lot. LAWSO was my major.

Online quizzes are impossible to pass without looking up the answers, but it's good to study them. For the essay exams there's a study guide with questions, and 2 of those questions will be randomly chosen. There's a tutor 4 days of the week and you get 1 extra credit every time you attend a session! He's also very animated and passionate

Martorana is the best professor I have ever had in my 3 years of college. His POLS101 class had such a profound effect on me that it made me change my major to polisci. Do not take Martorana if you are a tool who is not interested in intellectual pursuits. He has a fine tuned bs detector and you won't be able to coast through his classes.

easiest A you will ever get, as long as you go to the tutor every day since the beginning and write as much as you can on the exams. if you do not go to the tutor you will be lost- if you go, you will get an A, its that simple.

I don't think you will find another professor like Martorana in all of cc. His lectures are engaging and he challenges your beliefs and views about the political climate. Be aware however that in order to be successful one must show up, take notes, and read the textbook. Quick tip: During tests and papers write as much as you possibly can.

Martorana is an awesome professor!! His lectures are engaging and extremely interesting. You will learn a lot from him. He has 1 midterm, 1 paper, and 1 final. During tests write as much as you possibly can! The more you write, the better. He has 2 pop quizzes. They can be difficult if you dont study. SO STUDY! Take him you wont regret it!!!

GET READY TO READ IN HIS 151 CLASS! If you don't like reading and discussing the readings in class, don't take this class. prof. Martorana is an interesting teacher with lot's of knowledge on his subject. I enjoyed taking this class

One of my favorite classes and teachers at sbcc. Don't get me wrong it is a tough class but you get the midterm and final in advance so if you fail it says more about them than the teacher.

Joe is super funny and very passionate about politics. He is open to participation and discussion during his lecture. You don't necessarily need the textbook in order to survive the class but it does help a lot. There is no homework besides reading so it's a pretty low stress class. Taking him again next semester as well.

Martorana is probably the best option if you're shopping between the different PS101 classes. Your grade is built off of 2 pop quizzes, a paper, midterm, and final. He gives you the questions that will be on the midterm/final. Highly recommend writing out your answers before and using a lot of historical proof (court cases) to back up your answers.

Joe is great and the 151 class is awesome. The readings are complex and really thought-provoking (but are DEFINITELY worth doing). Joe's outlook is pessimistic and sometimes can get you down, but if you have beyond a surface level interest in politics, some of the things he says will really stick with you and you'll have some great discussions.

Joe is deeply passionate about the subject and is an absolute wealth of knowledge if you listen to what he's saying. Avoid the instinct to write him off as a biased lefty professor. I took him for 151, which was a fairly tough and reading-intensive class. But there was so much to learn from the readings he assigned and his lectures. It's worth it.

Joe is one of the most respected professors in my experience. However, he will not put in the effort to teach if you do not put in the effort to learn and do the readings. The readings for Law and Soc are dense but well worth the extra time needed to delve into deeply. Not an easy A, but it will challenge you to become a better political thinker.

The class was lecture based with many interesting topics. If you read the book thoroughly and take notes during lectures (because there are no PowerPoints) it will help you understand the content better and become prepared for the writing exams. Overall this class made me become a more motivated student and broadened my view of politics.

Political Science is not my field of study, but I am so glad I took this class with Joe. He helps you open your eyes and think for yourself. Very educational and useful for the real world. It is a challenging class, but he does what he can to help you get an A, you just have to put in some work. Thanks Joe!

The first few weeks you are introduced to his personality and over the top attitude which might make some uncomfortable. I lean right and he leans very far left so his constant attack was a little off-putting at first, until you realize that he really just hates everyone but himself and he'll admit it. Just pander to democratic ideolgies, Easy A.

Joe has a funny and dry sense of humor that makes the lectures engaging and entertaining. I would say you must do all the readings and go to the tutor weekly. The class is structured on mostly midterms, paper and final. HOWEVER, the class is rewarding and definitely helps you think critically. Would recommend!

Prof Martorana is very passionate about what he teaches, if you truly want to learn he will keep you engaged and focused. There are only 2 assignments (notes check) and 3 midterms + final. If you do the assigned textbook readings and pay attention in his lectures, you will do just fine.

I really enjoyed taking his class, and I learned a lot. The tests are hard mostly because they sometimes asks for details from the textbook (almost the entire tests are based of the textbook, but some of the questions were super-specific, like asking for which year something happened, etc).Learn what type of questions he asks, and study the pattern