4.3
Quality3.5
Difficulty82%
Would Retake96
Reviews82%
Would Retake
96
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
64
4
18
3
4
2
3
1
7
What Students Say
“What can I say about Kurt Troutman”
HIS202 - 1.0 rating“He is the best prof I have ever had”
HIST212 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.39 avg changeRatings by Course
213
5.0
(1)PSI111
5.0
(1)PSC212
5.0
(1)PSCI119
5.0
(1)GOVERNMENT
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HISTORY201
4.3
213
4.0
PSCH111
4.0
HIST101
4.0
HISTORY202
4.0
Reviews (96)
Kurt is an excellent instructor.
Kurt is an easygoing guy, knows his stuff and is willing to work with students if they have trouble. All in all, a great guy.
AWESOME TEACHER! Great guy, too.
I was dreading government class, but Kurt made it real and (gasp) exciting. His courses are somewhat writing intensive - but he always gives you plenty to write about.
Kurt is a very nice guy who will help you pass the class. His papers are not that hard to do. I loved going to class and listening to him each day.Kurt will listen to any comments you would like to say.
Very interesting class, but hard to follow if you're not big into politics, government, etc. We had about two 4-5 page paper every week, for the first half of the semester. Pretty easy though...voice opinions. Amazing how much info. this man can retain! Very well traveled, easy to get along with.
Loved the class. Not a single test all year long. Only papers, and most of them were easy. The paper I thought I did worst on turned out to be 100%. You get a paper/assignment about every 2 weeks, its not tough at all. But if you can don't take the 2 hr classes, they can drag on w/ no break!
He really knows his stuff. He has a lot of papers but if you (as a class) do well on them and put forth some good effort he will give you less homework. He makes you think and participate so don't be shy.
Kurt's a good guy who will go to bat for his students. He truely cares about the subject he teaches and wants to see people suceed. Pay attention in class, and write everything you know, and you'll have no worries.
He is an awesome professor. I took all of the classes he was teaching when I was at MCC.
He is a little biased in his policital views, but he's a good guy overall and always likes to help his students.
I didn't want to take a government class at all, but after taking PSCI 111 with Kurt, I took two more. If you can get into Model Arab League, Model Nato, or Model UN with Kurt, DO IT! Kurt is really opinionated, but will respect you if you disagree with him as long as you can back up what you're saying. If you just like to give opinions that you haven't really thought through, don't take his class. But if you don't mind examining things, his classes are worth it. Also, don't call him Troutman...
Very bad grader-Finals were aweful. Would NEVER recommend anyone taking him.
simply put, kurt is great. i was honestly dreading the class, but after a week or two i found that i loved it. he has seriously made me consider taking more poli sci classes, something i never would have considered before stepping foot in his class. great lectures. a lot of papers - actually not too bad. very passionate about his profession.
He is an amazing professor, but definately not a professor for the weak stomached or the student who is looking for an easy class that does not challenge them both intellectually and psychologically.
Kurt is intense. In fact, you may even call him hyper. But he is passionate. He really opened my eyes to several issues and he made me work for my grade. Kurt tends to focus on grammatical errors in papers along with content. Also, he is a hard core Democrat but he does show both sides to issues.
Kurt is an amazing teacher. He is passionate and dedicated to his work. He has opened my eyes to many issues I never thought about before. He is always willing to help if you visit him in his office. Plus he is amazingly good looking.
Kurt is a passionate, qualified, intelligent and very insightful teacher. Deeply experienced in his field, he knows the content of his courses . The discussions are terrifically profound and topics one would consider off-topic are never as such, as all topics listed in the syllabus or not are a part of life and the world we live in. 15/10 for Kurt!
A great teacher. If you were planning on taking political science or just need some credits- take this class! no tests or exams, only essays that he grades fairly easy!
Kurt is very helpful and easy to approach. He has been almost everywhere and it shows. He is very intelligent, but never arrogant. He grades fairly and is clear about expectations. I would take this instructor again.
This teacher is very wise in the way of Political science but not very much in the ways of teaching. He doesn't grade on anything he talks about or on what you read about. I would not take this teacher again
Way to go!
If you are looking for an easy A do not take his class. If you are looking for a cookie cutter class do not take his class. If, however, you truly enjoy the intrinsic value of education TAKE HIS CLASS. This man is incredibly knowledgeable and has a lot of real life experience. He inspired me--something rare in my college experience. A+ Kurt!
knows his stuff.I went in with moderate expectations, and was blown away.Im going to take his other classes,and going to get a second bachelors in PoliSci because of him.Never have i gotten such a great return on my investment in a class as i did in this one.Kurt is,hands down,the greatest teacher at MCC,just make sure you put the work into it.
Kurt Troutman is a GREAT teacher. He teaches from many different experiences he has had around the world. Many people in the political arena know and respect him. Class is very interesting.
The best teacher, you would be dumb to not take him! I have a hard time even comprehending these negative comments. Mr. Troutman has been my favorite teacher out of every teacher I have ever had!
He's a cool guy that comes off the wrong way to some students. All assingments are papers, this is good or bad depending if papers are your strength. He really wants his students to do well and is willing to help with anything related to the class. His instructions for the class are clearer than clear, so his expectations are concise.
Most excellent
A demanding class that challenged me to think and write. I ws expecting an easy online summer class, but this was not the case. An very good instructor-take him if you want to learn WHY events happen
Like a lot of people have said Troutmans classes are not easy. However you will learn a ton. All tests and assignments involve writing short or long essays which can be a pro or a con depending on your writing skills. I really enjoyed his class.
Before I took this class, I was majoring in Computer Programming. Because of this teacher solely, I am now majoring in Secondary Ed. Social Studies. He is a very good teacher and is fair to all, I want to model most of my teaching off him.
This is what college is about. If you want to LEARN, take this class. If you don't, go take some undemanding classes or drop out. Amazing teacher.
Excellent teacher-fair, demanding and full of information.
Kurt is by far one the most amazing teachers/professors that I have ever had. He helps his students so much when it comes to his class and opportunities in life in general. Take his class! You will learn soooooo much and have a great time. I have had him for a three hour long class, and it goes by so quickly because he makes it fun and interesting.
Not a bad teacher. He just pisses me off because he makes you participate and it is all based on if he thinks you participate or not. He annoys the hell out of me when he puts his ring finger to his mouth to catch his breath.
What a gift it was to have professor Troutman. You will work your butt off, but this is college and if you want the easy route go somewhere else; this is for students who are serious about learning. He is the type of professor that you want, and you want to soak up everything from him like a sponge. I love this man's style, he is a true educator!
Great professor. He is a pretty hard grader but very fair and helpful. I enjoyed taking his class.
The class is very good, but at times too demanding. Every day seems to be a challenge to keep up
I took Mr. Troutman for History. It was all about the Battle of Gettysburg and it included a 4 day trip to Gettysburg! What an AWESOME teacher! The class was so fun as was the trip and I learned so much! Our bus broke down 4 hours into the trip and he got Hungry Howies to deliver to the side of the highway! Is that not the coolest thing?!? Amazing!
Great teacher, I recommend having him during an election year. Great ability to lecture and give somewhat relevant stories. His class is challenging, yet rewarding.
Kurt Troutman is an amazing teacher, he demands a lot! On the other note, you get the grade you deserve by how much effort you put forth in the class. He's easily approachable when you have questions and he grades high on class participation (you have to actively speak in class, otherwise, points will go down). Be in his class around elections.
I loved this teacher. He is hilarious and truly passionate about politics and history. I'm taking two classes by him this fall (2011) and can't wait. I never thought that I would look forward to Poli Sci, but Tuesdays and Thursdays couldn't come soon enough. Amazing teacher.
Excellent instructor-very demanding, classes are filled with never ending class discussion. You must defend your views
Troutman is a good prof. He is very demanding, but if he knows you are putting forth effort then you shouldn't have problems with him. Do the work, participate in class, don't skip lectures and you will do just fine.
A lot of out side work. Must know you stuff. he loves study groups.
Terrible teacher. He is an absolute jerk. Assigns way too much homework and treats his students like they're stupid.
Mr. Troutman is a great professor. His in-class discussions keep you interested in the subject, even if you didn't have an interest prior to that. There is definitely a lot of reading, but if you read and take notes, you will do just fine. You also have to do three participation assignments outside of class, but they are very insightful!
Great guy. Thanks for the help.
A real college class
EXTREMELY Hard if you dont have any prior knowledge to history... Had to drop the class to save my GPA.
Troutman is the best professor I've had. He is a teacher who does not allow any excuses for missing class or not doing the homework. The chapters he assigns to us require quiet a bit of reading, but if you do not understand something, he will help! Definitely not a high school class feeling!!!
Kurt is an amazing teacher. Do not take this class thinking that you can get by without participating in class. Don't be a turtle. This was by far my favorite class at MCC. There is A LOT of reading and the tests require full answers. One paragraph won't get you by. Take this class.
Troutman is one of the finest Professors on MCC's campus without a doubt. He is a stern man who demands scholarship. Don't take the class if you plan on missing even semi regularly. Always be 5 minutes early to class minimum. Be prepared to speak up and interact with your classmates. Take advantage of his grade insurance. Great experience.
He is the best teacher I've ever had. I've never had a teacher push me and encourage me to do my best like he has. He makes you think, makes you question yourself and forces you to not only absorb the material but be engaged in a way that you really remember the material & can apply it to your daily life.
Class material will earn you nothing. Only your work outside of class has value. On quizzes, if you give only CORRECT answers that were discussed IN CLASS, you will earn a C. His grading criteria is based on an individuals outside effort, making his class and him as a professor completely worthless. He got from me what he gave; the minimum.
He is the best prof I have ever had. He is tough but it is in a good way. He pushes you to be better. You will see how much your other classes lacki after you take his class. Anyone complaining about him is probably fresh out of high school and still thinks everything is going to be handed to you in life. Troutman does not play that game.
Great guy, and a great professor if you're willing to put in the work. Very tough grader, and expects only the best from his students. He truly cares about his students working hard and succeeding, which obviously is not appreciated by more lazy students. Knows just about everything there is to know about history, and is always willing to help.
Long midterms and exams that are all handwritten. 6+ pages each time. Reading is a must. Tests are handwritten also. Study study study
He is very knowledgeable about history, but has no clue how to teach this class whatsoever. His class teaching style is ridiculous, read the book then listen to him skip around and ramble. He will not allow anyone to relax for a second, he expects that everyone will be taking the notes for the entire class period, non stop. would not recommend.
He is an awesome professor but if you do not read or show up you will not pass.
Such a classic dude. Best prof. I have ever had. He talks to you and explains everything thoroughly and his teaching style is unique because the way he teaches actually helps you LEARN. It's not one of those classes that you take one semester and then forget everything after. You will actually gain more knowledge from this guy.
He is a very smart man. He believes in participation and thinks it is essential. If you are shy or have anxiety I would not recommend him. He says we need to get out of our comfort zones. Quizzes are always essays, no m/c or fill in blanks. Cares about his students being successful. Answers any questions you have. Pretty cool guy. ATTENDANCE!!!
He will pick on you for being late, or for not participating in front of the whole class.
told someone in my class that if she misses two days he will kick her from the class. Another student had a family member pass away, told her if she missed class she would still be given a zero for the quiz. You will always get a C on a quiz unless you research outside of the course material. We have other classes, his expectations are rediculous.
What can I say about Kurt Troutman? Quite frankly, the man is ridiculous. I can understand wanting participation of your students to an extent, but taking a class with him is an introvert's nightmare. His quizzes are nearly page-long essays, hand-written, weekly. Two participation essays, do NOT use contractions or he'll act like you're Hitler.
The best professor I've ever had. I took his History 201 and PolSci 111. I put in the work and received an A in both classes. His class is very well laid out and there are clear expectations. If you think that it is impossible to receive an A in this class, you're lying to yourself. I hope he teaches for many more years.
Read and you will learn
A good class, rather predictable. Read & quiz, read & quiz. A fun trip to an outdoor Chicago museum
Take advantage of grade insurance
A good class-read the book
His test are 40% of your grade. The stuff on the test is not related to the lecture. On the test it's all written and he doesn't want anything from lecture mentioned in it. Test are hard because you dont know what hes going to ask about.
Direct, no surprises.
Has a real love of history and makes his lectures creative and informative
A good class-very clear instruction when shifted to online. He makes history fun.
This guy is very organized for an online class-most profs are not. Kinda old school. Strict on the assignment due dates-yuck!
His history 202 class was very interesting. He did require us to read the textbook each week and do a weekly discussion board/quiz. Nothing too difficult but prepare to study and know the content in-depth. He also requires you to do your own research and provide that information in the quizzes. Highly recommend the class.
So far so good, the class looks very interesting. Zoom sucks
I dont recommend this professor at all. I got my days mixed and missed a seminar that was required. I explained my situation and Kurt told me to drop his class and to re enroll when you are willing to complete the requirements. If I wasnt willing I wouldnt have woken up that early to attend. To say I was unwilling 2 weeks in is flat out rude.
It's been two weeks into this class, and I am already thinking about dropping. He grades harshly and provides little/no feedback on grades, so it feels like you cannot become better for the next assignment. Beware that you'll have to go about 100 words over the requirement to not get knocked down points. He is also generally rude about concerns.
He is a very rude professor. Get ready for his opinion to base his grading. If you dont believe in the same political view as him he will grade you down. He is the most degrading professor I have ever had. If you dont go over 100 words over word count get ready to be graded down. Doesnt give much feedback on assignments
Rather straight forward, pay attention, you will pass.
He seems rough but he did lighten up at the end. Too much lecture
Not my favorite class, but its ok. We never got out early.
I took this as an online course. Very interesting course, all grades are from tests (midterm/final) projects. You must read the book as the test essay questions are not often from the lectures. Lots of words are required as is spelling and grammar.
Kurt Troutman definitely knows what he's talking about. He gives good lectures and really makes you look at all sides of a situation, but if you are an introvert this is not your class. He really wants everyone to get out of their comfort zone and participation is a big deal. He can be a little harsh but overall I would take his class again.
Class just started, so who knows. But so far things are ok.
A pretty good class. Lot of lecture and he likes students to talk in class. Government stuff is boring.
Better than most at MCC
Nothing to worry about. A basic MCC professor.
KInda the same routine-too much lecture. Group projects would be good. We do get to have a choice for a final. Not real interesting stuff0-just government.
A very cool class. We fully covered the entire American government, good and not to good. Prof Troutman (He does NOT like to be called Kurt) answers all questions, often by asking you a question back. Too much writing, but I did chose my own final exam. Goverment still sucks, but I know why it sucks.
One of the best teachers at MCC. The class ain't too fun, but he do learn history. Some people not like him, but he is ok. At least I am learning.
Class is like any other class at MCC. Not bad, not great.
A good class; I will take another Troutman class in Fall. Elections might be interesting.
Dr. Troutman is the greatest professor I have ever had. His lectures are the funniest and most engaging lectures I have ever witnessed. The quizzes are very relevant because they force you to improve your writing skills. The textbook is enjoyable and very relevant to the class.
Engaging lectures, relevant quizzes, and an enjoyable textbook. I found unstuck ai super helpful for exam prep - alongside the course materials, it really saved me time.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.39 avg changeRatings by Course
213
5.0
(1)PSI111
5.0
(1)PSC212
5.0
(1)PSCI119
5.0
(1)GOVERNMENT
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HISTORY201
4.3
213
4.0
PSCH111
4.0
HIST101
4.0
HISTORY202
4.0