3.9

Laurence Becker

Geography - Oregon State University

3.9
Quality
2.9
Difficulty
71%
Would Retake
90
Reviews
3.9
Quality
2.9
Difficulty
3.9
Helpful
3.9
Clarity

71%

Would Retake

90

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

44

4

22

3

13

2

2

1

9

What Students Say

Would definitely have him again

GEO105 - 5.0 rating

Really kind and helpful, learnt all our names and offered outside help to every student if needed

GEO330 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

77% confidence
Based on 9 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
B+ (2)
A- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(1)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 10 reported grades
A: 3
B+: 2
A-: 1
B-: 1
Common Tags
Respected (3)
Participation matters (3)
Gives good feedback (2)
Get ready to read (2)
Inspirational (2)
Amazing lectures (2)
Caring (2)
So many papers (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.39 avg change
Mar
Jun
Mar
Mar
Nov
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GEOGRAPHY

5.0

(1)

GEO312

5.0

(1)

GEO1056

5.0

(1)

GEO105106

5.0

(2)

GEO325

5.0

(1)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

106

5.0

GOE106

5.0

GEOG311

4.0

GEOG330

4.0

GEO330

3.8

Reviews (90)
3.0
4.0
GEO106
Feb 17, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
GEOGRAPHY
Feb 18, 2003

knowlegable, good, thorough explainations

3.0
5.0
GEO106
Feb 18, 2003

rediculously hard for a 100 level 3 credit class... S/U it!!

1.0
5.0
106
Mar 3, 2003

tests are hard

4.0
4.0
GEO105
Mar 6, 2003

yikes! dont expect to get an easy A in this course. its 100 level..but the course number doenst mean anything. rec. are pointless except for quizzes. exams are super hard. class average on exams: D

3.0
4.0
GEO105
Mar 9, 2003

Way too hard for a 100 level class. Had to work my rear off for a B+! Would have had to completely ace the final to get an A. Recommend S/Uing class.

1.0
5.0
105
Mar 9, 2003

No Comments

3.0
2.0
GEO105
Mar 10, 2003

has an i am the **** attitude. the sound of his voice and over pronunciation starts to get annoying.

4.0
4.0
GEO106
Mar 11, 2003

This guy takes the class way too seriously, for the tests, he told us to take notes on all of the readings, and then rewrite them incorporating class notes, then form study groups, and all this other stuff...its a 100 level course for god's sake haha.

3.0
4.0
GEO105
Apr 25, 2003

No Comments

3.0
4.0
GEO106
May 4, 2003

Teaches like he's at Harvard or something. Get a clue when the class average is a D in a huge lecture.

5.0
2.0
GEO106
May 21, 2003

Talks like a priest or like it is his seminal work, but very interesting if you get past the overpronunciation, and the seriousness he has. This way to highly of the class, but makes it fun none the less, do not go to recitation except for exam days.

2.0
5.0
GEO106
Oct 10, 2003

This professor was horrible. I don't know how this man stays employed. He makes everything way too complicated. Half the time he was not even teaching geography. He treated the class as a 300 level class.

5.0
3.0
GEO105
Oct 19, 2003

Dr. Becker is a great teacher. During class he might seem a little distant, but all you have to do is go by his office, and he will help you all the way. The comments below must be from frat and and sorority people who sat in the back talking/sleeping.

2.0
3.0
GEO105
Oct 23, 2003

No Comments

5.0
2.0
GEO105
Nov 20, 2003

I thought he did a good job teaching. He didn't make the class difficult at all. You just have to study the notes. I didn't even do any of the reading and I got an A.

5.0
1.0
GEO106
Dec 2, 2003

The class is simple. It gives you a great understanding of modern geography and that way you don't sound dumb when the topic of convo switches to Kosovo. He's easy and straightforward w/ lots of info. Talk with him one/one and he's fantastic!

3.0
2.0
GEO106
Dec 11, 2003

If you complete the questions on the review sheets before the mid-term and final, you'll know the info and be fine. I did not care for his style of lecturing, but considering it's a Bac Core course, this was a relatively easy passing grade...

5.0
3.0
GEO312
Feb 27, 2004

Very bright professor. No midterm in this class, but several major papers and reading of 4 books. I would suggest him as a professor as he is structured and knows his stuff. Had him for GEO106 too....easy class, midterm, etc.

4.0
2.0
GEO106
Mar 1, 2004

had him for geo 105 and 106. easy. just do the study guide and youre set. the lectures are fine, the biweekly quizzes are easy as well, just memorize part of a map, and showing up to recitation gets you easy points. good teacher, good class.

4.0
1.0
GEO106
Mar 24, 2004

don't bother going to lecture. just show up to recitation for quizes and assignments and use the study guide for the midterm and final. easy class.

1.0
5.0
GEO105
May 10, 2004

This guy is annoying.

5.0
1.0
GEO1056
Jun 5, 2004

He is very well versed in the material he teaches, and teaches it very well. He is easily distracted by people talking in the room though... he blew up once at the whole class because a couple people were talking

1.0
5.0
GEO105
Jun 9, 2004

what a loser, he thinks he is the greatest thing. His teaching sucks, and honestly who cares

5.0
1.0
GEO106
Aug 3, 2004

class well organized and clearly structured. knows his stuff. he only gets bad ratings by whinny frosh who don't know anything anyways. Easy class. Frosh: show some respect!

1.0
5.0
GEO105
Aug 7, 2004

This guy is not cool nor is he a good teacher.

4.0
1.0
GEO105
Oct 7, 2004

Puh-Leeze! The 3 1-1-1 ratings before this are obviously from the same person. Nice scientific rating system. Prof. Becker is a fine teacher.

5.0
3.0
GEO106
Grade: B+
Oct 9, 2004

Really good class. Easy to get atleast a B

5.0
2.0
GEO106
Dec 7, 2004

Class is only interesting by the way he speaks. Like a Shakespearan theatre relic performing King Lear. And then he turns homeboy, every now & then. Totally weird. The powerpoints are kind of remedial. Recitation is necessary, more than lecture. Study map tests and all of study guide q's.

4.0
3.0
GEO106
Dec 14, 2004

good clarity...better be prepared for the exams

4.0
2.0
105
Jan 5, 2005

I thought was the coolest teacher for geography because he has been to half the places he was teaching about so he showed his own pictures and wore these native outfits. an easy way to earn points are the map quizzes, and if you do the study guide, exams are cake.

3.0
4.0
GEO105
Jan 11, 2005

Too much politics, not much geography.

4.0
3.0
GEO106
Grade: B+
Mar 12, 2005

He gets really pissed at the class and gives everyone a lecture on courtesy if people are talking too much, which is a little overboard (abiet rare) but overall he is a fine teacher. His tests are decently hard, and expects you to actually read the book though.

4.0
3.0
GEO105
Mar 21, 2005

good teacher for good students

4.0
2.0
GEO106
Mar 26, 2005

Pretty good proff. He knows his stuff and has been all around the world to prove it. Not very organized, but lectures are fun and interesting!

5.0
2.0
GEO105
Mar 31, 2005

like most topics, geography is related to politics. Foud his class to be interesting and informative. Have recommended to my friends.

5.0
2.0
GEO105
Apr 26, 2005

Dr. Becker is an awesome teacher, and really knows what he is talking about. Just don't talk in class.

5.0
2.0
GEO106
Apr 27, 2005

Good teacher

5.0
2.0
GEO105
Jun 1, 2005

Definately knows his shizzle. Clear outlines and information....lots of pretty pictures....very approachable. Do not leave your phone on! Only iffy factor is the TA you get for the required recitation.

4.0
2.0
GEO105
Jun 20, 2005

Good teacher and knows alot about alot

4.0
2.0
GEO
Oct 18, 2005

No Comments

1.0
5.0
GOE106
Nov 8, 2005

He sucks, there are the most random things on the tests.

5.0
4.0
GEO105
Dec 8, 2005

brilliant dude, and can wield his knowledge well. Class itself was VERY dense content wise. I thought it was kind of hard because of the amount of stuff we had to know for the midterm and final, but you learn more

3.0
4.0
GEO106
Dec 20, 2005

On a complete power trip and believes that Geo is the most important thing ever. He sucks and makes baccore way harder than it should be. You almost have to take his class....

4.0
3.0
GEO105
Feb 20, 2006

very enthusiastic about his subject so he makes it more interesting and easier to bare lectures

5.0
2.0
GEO106
Mar 8, 2006

if you think this class is hard you must be a freshmen... school only gets harder so get used to it. dr becker is cool, and likes this stuff a lot, he gives soo many points in recitation in case you do bad on tests, gives out study guides, etc. not hard class/teacher

1.0
5.0
GEO106
Mar 21, 2006

Dr Becker has the most random questions on his tests. What he teaches has very little to do with what he tests on. It seems as if he is trying to trick you on tests.

5.0
3.0
GEO105
Apr 17, 2006

Very knowledgeable and helpful professor, Dr. Becker makes it clear what he expects from the students and goes out of his way to help them excell in his class.

5.0
4.0
GEO105106
Apr 20, 2006

Not a Geo major? Too bad, if you take a class with him, it becomes your life. You read this is a Bacc Core? Must be a typo. Nice Guy and all, but his class is frustrating for those of us who have a dislike for geography and are forced to take it anyway. I now hate all people from other countries after my bad experience in this class. SU if you can!

5.0
1.0
GEO106
May 24, 2006

Ignore the complainers below. This class is cake. Half your grade comes from recitation, which is simple to get 100% in and his test questions come directly from his study guide. No need to take intense notes or even do the reading. Lectures are interesting since Becker has been all over the world and obviously knows his stuff. Great prof!

3.0
2.0
GEO106
Aug 12, 2006

Pretty easy class but VERY boring lectures and recitations. Like other people said: if you go over the study guide, you'll preety much pass the class. If you work a little harder (I mean do the recitation stuffs) you'll get an easy A.

5.0
1.0
GEO105106
Sep 11, 2006

Very good Prof and VERY helpful if you need it. Took both GEO 105 & 106 courses and they were both relatively easy. I definitely learned some new interesting things. Just go to his office hours before the tests to clarify all your questions and you'll be all set for an A.

5.0
2.0
GEO105
Dec 5, 2006

Awesome. The class covers all aspects of Geography and Becker does a great job of mixing his personal experiences with the book and with current events. He is also extremely helpful if you go to his office. Not an automatic A, but if you do the assignments, go over the map material and go thru the outline, then its easy. GREAT TEACHER!

4.0
2.0
GEO105
Dec 7, 2006

knows his stuff and cares about the issues, but he is a pompous jacka55.

5.0
1.0
GEO105
Dec 13, 2006

Great prof, very enthusiastic and helpful, does his best to make the class as easy as possible.

5.0
3.0
GEO105
Mar 22, 2007

Dr. Becker is great, AWESOME TEACHER and nice guy. passionate about what he teaches. took it as bacc core but he made me love the class. It's not an easy class as there is a lot of work, but it is the best organized class I have ever taken. If you do the work/reading you'll get it. Dr. Becker is extremely knowledgable and ALWAYS excited to help.

5.0
1.0
GEO105
May 21, 2007

Class is extremely easy if you just do the work, and glance over the review and maps. It organized well and made me interested in international affairs. If you can't pass this class, you probably shouldn't be in college.

5.0
1.0
GEO105
Jun 8, 2007

Easy A if you come to class and do recitation work. -- In class work counts as much as a midterm. It's a lot of memorizing and reading, other wise it's a good back-core class to take.

3.0
3.0
GEO105
Aug 6, 2007

I took 105 and 106 with him. It is a difficult class. Make sure you read the text book for the tests. They are really difficult even with reading though. Map quizzes and assignments are easy! If you do well on everything but the multiple choice of the tests, you should at least get a B in the class.

5.0
2.0
GEO105
Sep 23, 2007

the profess is so nice and really ready fr help at any time. He is AWSOME and ready for help any time and he really do understand the students. note though that the class requires alot of work and no chence here for falling behind

5.0
1.0
GEO105
Oct 21, 2007

Great prof-- funny at times. Really passionate about his subject and really cares about his students. Don't need to go to lecture AND read the book. Pick one or the other.

3.0
2.0
GEO105
Nov 30, 2007

Class ends up being a waste of class time. During lectures he wastes time with unimportant stories, and his powerpoints are painful. He starts slowl and barely gets to good info, then class is over. The rec's are worse: the first 5-10 minutes you take a quiz, then waste 10 minutes listening to other students, then the TA reads two slides... end.

4.0
4.0
GEO106
Dec 10, 2007

There is a ton of course work for a entry level class. Becker is a good teacher and very helpful. Quizzes every recitation. Attendance isn't mandatory, however various questions are given in class throughout the course and count for 100 pts. of your final grade.

5.0
3.0
GEO105
Feb 21, 2008

Awesome lecturer, very clear. Sounds like Phil Hartman, until he starts talking about something he's really passionate about, at which point he sounds like Eddie Murphy. Lectures often include collaborative learning questions and tests, in which you may discuss answers with your peers for a short period.

5.0
1.0
GEO105
Mar 1, 2008

Really passionate about the subject. Gotta go to class to get the leccture learning credits, exams are easy if you follow the study guide.

5.0
3.0
GEO105
Mar 25, 2008

Larry Becker is very engaging and fun to listen to. Go to class to get lecture learning points, and do your readings. If you do this you'll be fine. He makes it enjoyable and well worth your while.

5.0
3.0
GEO105
Apr 6, 2008

Dr. Becker is an amazing orator. You'd be surprised that such a powerful booming voice could come out of such a small guy. And yes, I'm short too, so I'm definitely not knocking on him for that. He's traveled the world and then some and has a great wife who teaches GIS and (thank god) actually cares enough to be on the cutting edge of technology

4.0
3.0
GEO106
Nov 20, 2008

Go to the lectures, you get points and he posts the lecture slides but there's basically nothing on them because he talks about it all in class. He's a very passionate, interesting guy if you actually listen, and he really wants everyone to do well. Very helpful. Makes the class as enjoyable as a geo. class can be.

4.0
4.0
GEO105
Dec 16, 2008

Really knows his stuff and obviously enjoys what he's teaching.

4.0
3.0
GEO105
Jan 22, 2009

He is great teacher, he cares about students and very flaexible, but his TA Isaac is not great at all. He doesn't explain well about homework, but he doesn't accept any late homework.Recitaion big part of your great and TA does that,so choose another TA.

4.0
5.0
GEO105
Mar 1, 2009

Super nice guy, very passionate about the subject. If you like geography, you will love this class. However, if you don't you will want to kill yourself every second. This is a 100 LEVEL CLASS and I worked harder than I did in my Math 256 class, only to get a WORSE grade! The class is simply too much work, and the tests are ridiculous.

5.0
4.0
GEO106
Mar 31, 2010

Great teacher, the class was a little bit on the difficult side. I usually get A's and i got an A-. As far as Becker goes though he is great.

4.0
1.0
GEO105
May 21, 2010

Becker is a great teacher, very clear, passionate about the subject. He also presents interesting material to help clarify your understanding.

5.0
5.0
GEO105
Jun 9, 2010

Hes a really nice guy and will help you as much as possible but his class is quite difficult. Recitation was the only reason I didn't get a C in the class. As long as you do well in recitation, you should be fine. When studying for the tests, make sure you know the religions, languages, and ITCZ stuff REALLY well because those are his favorites.

5.0
4.0
GEO105
Jul 1, 2010

Mr.Becker is on my list of my favorite teachers(1 of only 2 on that list) He's very clear, organized, and straight forward. He's one of those teachers that knows so much more about the subject than he will ever be able to teach however I learned a TON!-ADVICE- i hardly read the text book but always went to class and took tons of notes & i got an A!

4.0
2.0
GEO105
Dec 8, 2011

He is a great teacher, shares some of his own experiences, tris to clarify the subject, and make it fun. attendance is not mandatory but he gives lecture learning activities in class that you he grades as participation.

5.0
3.0
GEO105
Mar 5, 2012

Great professor. His lectures are interesting. The exams are a handful but he provides great study guides for them. You have a map quiz in recitation just about every week. As long as you know most of the material, you'll do fine in this class.

5.0
4.0
GEO330
Mar 8, 2012

Extremely helpful. Will make time to talk to you outside of class. Lectures are always interesting - worth attending. Well organized classes and assignments. Difficult and very conceptual tests in 330, essay questions, but in the end very helpful. Excellently written study guides, complete and true to the exams. Best OSU has to offer.

5.0
3.0
GEO105
Mar 8, 2012

Great professor. Genuinely cared about teaching us the material which brought contagious enthusiasm and interest. Would definitely have him again.

5.0
2.0
GEO325
Jun 22, 2012

Professor Becker obviously knows his stuff - he's lived in Africa for years, and has tons of personal stories to help understand the material. I would recommend taking a class from him. Just take good notes and do the assigned readings and getting a good grade is easy.

1.0
5.0
GEO330
Grade: A-
Mar 16, 2014

Dr. Becker obviously had favorite students and would grade incredibly harsh on papers. Although some students worked harder on their papers, it was not up to his "standards". Professor Becker favors certain students, based primarily on how he gets along with them and it is shown throughout the discussions during class time. Do not take this class!

5.0
2.0
GEO330
Apr 18, 2014

Really kind and helpful, learnt all our names and offered outside help to every student if needed. Class was interesting and the mix of coursework and exams good as well. Just be respectful in class, listen and take notes, and you'll do well.

5.0
2.0
GEO105
Nov 18, 2015

Dr. Becker is an amazing, friendly, and very knowledgeable professor. His lectures always kept me engaged and I would definitely take another class with him if I had the chance. That said, don't underestimate the tests, although if you keep up with the lectures and recitation material you shouldn't have a problem. 10/10 would recommend.

5.0
5.0
GEOG311
Grade: B-
Aug 25, 2018
Would take again

I've never taken any Geography classes before, and this class is pretty tough for me. Lots of reading. But I'd say this course is interesting, I learned a lot about Africa. Prof. Becker is legitimately friendly, and you could feel that he really cares about his students. He lived in Africa a couple years ago, he'd share interesting stories about it

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Inspirational
5.0
4.0
GEOG330
Grade: A
Mar 12, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Becker is a phenomenal teacher- definitely recommend his class! I took GEOG 330 and learned a lot. He's good at encouraging class participation, is well respected by everyone in the class, and gives really helpful feedback on papers. Definitely take his class!!

Respected
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
GEOG311
Grade: A
Jun 3, 2021
Would take again

Great professor, really cares about engaging students and helping them learn. Take his class and you will learn a lot and enjoy it all the way.

Respected
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
3.0
4.0
GEO330
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 11, 2022

Required several (4-6) readings a week and both exams were based on all of those readings. Also didn't have formal lectures, he treated this class as a casual discussion, which might be great for some people but I would've preferred a more traditional lecture style. There were long weekly writing assignments which were hard to keep up with.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
So many papers
1.0
4.0
GEO330
Grade: C
Mar 19, 2024

The main assignments were directionless and had nothing to do with what was taught in class. Do not recommend.

Tough grader
5.0
1.0
105
Grade: A
Nov 28, 2024
Would take again

Great at engaging and inspiring students.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Caring
4.0
1.0
GEO
Grade: A+
Jan 3, 2025
Would take again

Took for ENSCI 101 and loved the class. Super basic content meant to be an introduction to the programs offerings but Larry made it super interesting and brought in a ton of guest speakers. Congratulations for moving on from teaching!

Amazing lectures
Caring
Respected
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

77% confidence
Based on 9 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
B+ (2)
A- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(1)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 10 reported grades
A: 3
B+: 2
A-: 1
B-: 1
Common Tags
Respected (3)
Participation matters (3)
Gives good feedback (2)
Get ready to read (2)
Inspirational (2)
Amazing lectures (2)
Caring (2)
So many papers (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.39 avg change
Mar
Jun
Mar
Mar
Nov
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GEOGRAPHY

5.0

(1)

GEO312

5.0

(1)

GEO1056

5.0

(1)

GEO105106

5.0

(2)

GEO325

5.0

(1)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

106

5.0

GOE106

5.0

GEOG311

4.0

GEOG330

4.0

GEO330

3.8

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