3.2

Melissa Bourbonnais

Political Science - California State University Fullerton

3.2
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
26%
Would Retake
139
Reviews
3.2
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.2
Clarity

26%

Would Retake

139

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

43

4

29

3

24

2

19

1

24

What Students Say

This class is a very heavy book reading

POSC100 - 1.0 rating

She is a terrible professor

POLIS100 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

38%

Textbook Required

43%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 42 grades
Most common grades:
A (13)
Not sure yet (8)
B+ (6)
Grade Distribution
A(16)B(7)C(7)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(11)
Based on 50 reported grades
A: 13
Not sure yet: 8
B+: 6
A-: 5
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (24)
Get ready to read (21)
Graded by few things (13)
Test heavy (11)
Skip class? You won't pass. (8)
LECTURE HEAVY (6)
EXTRA CREDIT (6)
TEST HEAVY (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.00 avg change
May
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

POLYSCI301

5.0

(2)

PSOC300

5.0

(1)

PS100

5.0

(1)

POLSC100

4.3

(3)

POSC101

4.0

(5)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PSOC300

4.0

POLYS100

4.0

POLISCI100

4.0

PS100

4.0

POLSCI100

3.7

Reviews (139)
5.0
3.0
POLYSCI301
Sep 1, 2005

she gets off on tangents sometimes, but they usually can relate back to what is being taught in the class. And generally speaking they are funny stories that she's telling.

1.0
1.0
POSC300
Sep 23, 2005

For an upper division class, not a whole lot of learning goes on. She doesn't teach anything of substance, and class discussions are banal at best.

5.0
3.0
POLYSCI301
Nov 10, 2005

I was reluctant taking this class because I had not heard of this teacher. I am glad I have this teacher. If she is going to teach another class, I hope to take her again next semester.I find her teaching style upbeat, she is opened to answering ?s. I have found her tests to be right on target with the study guides and class material. A+ teacher.

3.0
3.0
POSC300
Nov 13, 2005

not too clear on what she wants for assignments or tests

2.0
2.0
POLYSCI101
Jan 27, 2006

She was really boring -- I could barely stay awake in class. Assigns WAY too much reading. Tries too hard to encourage class discussions. Try and find someone more interesting

3.0
2.0
POSC300
Jan 29, 2006

Only one book to read, but the subject matter requires a lot of attention. Didn't feel prepared for test questions, because the lectures were so simple. Could have used more clarity on writing assignments. EASY CLASS. NICE PROF. GRADING IS UNCLEAR.

5.0
4.0
PSOC300
Jun 15, 2006

Easy Class. Only two small books to read, but you do need to pay attention to her class lectures and stay up on the current events in California. Her exams are pretty clear to figure out, however if you do not study well you will not get the grade that you will expect. Overall I think she is a very good teacher.

2.0
1.0
POL300
Jul 9, 2006

BORING! Way too wordy, goes on and on while most students are fighting hard to keep their eyes open. However, tests are easy (just folow the study guide) and the essays are graded fairly. If you want an easy yet extremelly dull A, go for it.

4.0
3.0
POSC101
Jan 10, 2007

I dont like poli sci but she tried her best to be entertaining. She grades pretty hard considering the class is general ed but she is very clear on what is expected. I tried really hard and got an A so the class is definately do-able

5.0
3.0
POSC101
Jan 23, 2007

she's a really cool and funny prof! loved her and the class. i thought poly sci would suck but i actually ended up learning a lot and liking it also! she grades fairly and her tests and essays are not too difficult. just come to class and pay attention to lecture + read and you'll do fine... a challenging class yet worth takinG!

5.0
3.0
POSC100
May 12, 2007

She is a great professor! I work full time and enjoyed going to her evening lectures - she really made POSC 100 interesting! I'm a chemistry major who added POSC as a minor after taking her POSC 100 class!

4.0
2.0
POSC100
Dec 20, 2007

An awesome teacher! It's a 100 class and I wasn't expecting much, but she is very enthusiastic to teach. She really makes you interested in the topic. Test are a breeze if you fill out the study guide. Tests half from lectures and half from reading. I hope they bring her on full time.

4.0
3.0
POSC100
May 20, 2008

she's pretty cool... if you participate she'll like you. the class isn't that bad so long as you do the study guides b/c about about 85% of the multi- choice is on it... but it wasn't that bad although i got a C, its b/c i slacked on the 1st test... that reminds me, don't fall behind b/c its really hard to pull you grade up, if u start to fail.

5.0
2.0
POSC100
Nov 13, 2008

Her study guides are really helpful, that's the multiple choice part of her exam. The lecture outlines are the written part of the exam. I thought I would hate going to class, but she makes it fun and I enjoy the class a lot. Just do the study guide and study her lecture outlines and you'll pass with at least a B.

5.0
1.0
POL100
Dec 18, 2008

SUPER HOT.

3.0
2.0
POSC100
Jan 24, 2009

great eye candy. boring class. her 3 hour lectures can be done in 20 minutes. she likes to kill time a lot. exams are easy. papers are easy.

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Mar 11, 2009

Very easy. Understand every things and make lots of stuff easy. Test are multiple choice and easy

4.0
1.0
POLSC100
Jul 8, 2009

Great teacher.Young lady.SHe is really passionate about politics, you can tell by her lectures.SHe explains things well.Do the study guides and you'll do good on the tests.I did that and got A's.Test have essay Q's.Easy tho.SHe tells you what its gonna be about.EASY!!.Great Teacher.

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Jul 20, 2009

LOVE LOVE LOVE! I learned more than ever about our government in this class. And she makes it incredibly easy to learn! I would definitely recommend to anyone who does not do well in political science.

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Oct 21, 2010

Is it weird that i would forget she's talking sometimes and just focus on her. HOT! Anyway, class is really easy, attendance not mandatory, but i enjoyed going every class session. Tests are exactly what she teaches. She is there for you when you need her after class. I HIGHLY recommend you take POSC100 with her.

2.0
4.0
POSC100
Dec 15, 2010

she is so unorganized. tries to act cute, and always goes off topic.

4.0
3.0
POL100
Dec 19, 2010

she was always on topic. it may not have seemed that way for those who slept in class.

5.0
3.0
POSC100
Dec 22, 2010

If you want to be in a Poli Sci class where you actually LEARN, then this class is for you! . This class is extremely useful & it can be difficult if you do not keep up with the reading. The professor is extremely nice and she tries to help students if they don't understand a concept or the material.

3.0
5.0
POSC100
May 17, 2011

she must have changed something. her class was very difficult and the tests had nothing to do with her lectures. not only was this class extrmely hard, but it was boring too. she is passionate about the subject and is more exciting than other professors but the material is boring to listen to. basically, dont take this class if you want easy

2.0
5.0
POSC100
May 22, 2011

Don't take this class if you want an A in this class. her rating seemed to be okay so I took her class but seriously, this class was super super hard. it is even hard to get a B in this class. In order to get a B, you should read book througly and study really hard.

3.0
5.0
POSC100
May 23, 2011

Seriously, don't take this class if you want even a B in this class. Tests were super hard, seriously. She goes off topics a lot of times.

3.0
4.0
POSC101
May 24, 2011

the class had its ups and downs. the tests were hard and if you did not read the textbook then you're screwed. she is enthusiastic and loves to teach but i think she expects too much out of a general ed class. the essays were kind of ridiculous. i would recommend this class if you like to read the textbook.

2.0
4.0
POSC100
May 24, 2011

Do not take this class if you want a good grade. She rants a lot and she goes off topic many times. Her tests are hard, she barely talks about anything thats going to be on them. She expects way too much and relies too much on the textbook. She's passionate, but not the best teacher.

3.0
5.0
POLYS100
Jul 20, 2011

This class is extremely hard. She relies heavily on the textbook. No real class structure. No notes except for your own. She basically just talks the whole class period and expects you to know everything she said. Her tests are long and hard. One test is on about 6 chapters so you really need to read. On the plus side she doesn't assign any homewor

3.0
5.0
POSC100
Oct 29, 2011

DON'T TAKE HER Her method of teaching is the worst, you can teach yourself better and will HAVE to if you take her class. Her notes are limited and she rants about about one subject or term for the whole class. She covers less than half the reading she assigns to you and expects you to know 5 to 7 chapters per exam. And she always has an attitude.

3.0
3.0
POSC101
Nov 4, 2011

Just do the readings and pay attention to her lectures and do her study guides, she may be good on the eyes, but don't let that fool you.

4.0
3.0
POSC100
Nov 8, 2011

Alright, first off, ignore all the people below me.I dont even use her lecture notes for exams. She gives you a freaking study guide for each exam with the terms you should know. The online chapter exams are a huge help. Im on track to get an A and all I do before the test is look up the terms and review the online exams. She curves exams too.

5.0
4.0
POSC100
Dec 7, 2011

She's a great professor and I learned a lot! Go to all of her lectures, take good notes, and DO THE STUDY GUIDE! You will NOT pass the tests if you dont do the study guide and read the book. Also study the online chapter exams because questions from them are on the tests. And also on the plus side, not much H/W! Put in the work and you'll do good!!

4.0
2.0
POLI100
Dec 11, 2011

Her tests are easy, but her lectures are boring, and she requires you to read the entire textbook (but gives a study guide). You also have to do 12 current events which just seems like extra work. Her grading on the written part of the test can be a bit harsh but the multiple choice is easy. And she thinks shes funny but shes not.

5.0
2.0
POLSC100
Dec 13, 2011

textbook is necessary, work is not hard at all, exams are easy. shes not even mean just professional shes a great teacher my faveorite class im freshman first semester and got an A its not that hard

5.0
4.0
POSC100
Jan 24, 2012

One of the best profs I've ever had. You could definitely see that she is very passionate about political science, and is very helpful in clarifying things if you are a bit lost/confused. She's a beautiful woman as well! Very funny and knowledgeable. I'd highly recommend her if you don't mind a challenging course, even for a 100 class.

3.0
2.0
POSC100
Feb 3, 2012

As a teacher, she IS enthusiastic and seems to enjoy her job, and her lectures are interesting enough. HOWEVER, I did not like her style of trying to get through to her students through antiquated teaching methods. She has homework and deadlines that are quite useless. I mean I'll do the work to get my grade, let me decide when and how.

5.0
3.0
POLI100
Feb 6, 2012

she's an awesome teacher... but... she wants you to do so much work in addition to the exams. exams are easy though... only if you do the study guides!

4.0
3.0
POSC100
Apr 30, 2012

She knows what she is talking about, for the most part, but I would have to say the most difficult part of this class is to keep up with her expectations in studying and homework. Exams are constructed to trick you so also watch out for that. Read the book, utilize the study guides and don't miss assignments; It's a lot of work, but still do-able.

5.0
3.0
POSC100
May 1, 2012

She is straight forward and professional, loves the subject matter and makes it as interesting as politics can be. I wish more teachers were like her.

2.0
4.0
POSC100
May 25, 2012

Not the greatest teacher out there. She would only cover 2-3 chapters, then test us on 5 chapters. She loves the subject and is very passionate, but she just needs to manage lecture time better.

5.0
3.0
POSC100
Jul 16, 2012

if u read the syllabus and follow directions, the class is fairly easy. no tricks or surprises.

5.0
1.0
POLIS100
Jul 19, 2012

One of the best professors I've had at CSUF. She was great. You could tell that she not only loved Political Science but she loved teaching it as well. There's a lot of busy work in the course but it's simple. Just keep up with the reading and study guides and you'll do great. I would definitely recommend her for anyone taking this class.

4.0
2.0
POLI100
Jul 19, 2012

Multiple choice test. Keep up with reading, she doesnt cover all chapters. Do the study guides. Show that you have an interest. Attendance is not mandatory but every once in a while she does class projects that count towards participation.

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Jul 25, 2012

EAsy class enthusiastic professor she's really passionate about what she teaches jokes around if you really don't have any interest in politics just read the book she offers sessions a couple days before a test that are helpful if u are confused overall a great class

1.0
4.0
POLI100
Sep 12, 2012

She is a hard grader! She gives out a study guide yet only uses like 10% of it! Her questions are not straight forward. AVOID HER! She gives out too much work for a 100 level class!!!

5.0
2.0
POSC100
Nov 14, 2012

Read the chapters learn the basic concepts and vocab and you will pass. Due the poliscilab quizzes really helpful also go over study guides. The TA has review sessions which I'm guessing are helpful I wouldn't know because I never attended. Teacher has a lot of passion and she tries to have class discussions as much as possible

3.0
5.0
POLISCI100
Mar 21, 2013

She's horrible. The tests are very difficult and the study guides are not all covered on the test. She explains things well, just is a very hard grader and creates very hard tests. Avoid taking her class.

1.0
5.0
POSC100
Apr 8, 2013

For a 100 class she is a horrible professor, she needs to remember its a 100! Avoid her if you can.

3.0
5.0
POSC100
Apr 30, 2013

She needs to remember that it's a 100 class and not 300. Stop expecting us to know everything or be majors in law enforcement or something. Some of us have other work to do on top of this class and she doesn't make it any easier if you don't know much about politics before going in.

4.0
3.0
POLISCI100
May 21, 2013

Yes, this class required a lot of work but it's college, and it's on american government, there's going to be a lot of info. Attend class, read, pay attention, you'll learn a lot! I enjoyed this class! She's very excited about the course. She gives out study guides that are helpful! Exams are fair...you do need to study for the A

2.0
5.0
POSC100
May 24, 2013

Avoid taking her class, no more to say.

4.0
3.0
POSC100
May 26, 2013

Tough but fair. Feels awesome when you pull an A.

5.0
4.0
POSC100
May 26, 2013

Gotta work in this class, but she definitely makes it interesting. Study guides help a lot.

5.0
3.0
POSC100
May 26, 2013

I don't like the subject but her passion makes it way more enjoyable than it would have otherwise been (like when I took it with another prof the first time).

5.0
4.0
POSC100
May 31, 2013

Read, take notes, and do the study guide. The class isn't that hard. I skimmed through the reading and still got a B in the class.

5.0
2.0
POSC100
Jul 23, 2013

Take notes along her lecture outlines, completely do the study guides, and you will pass the class. It would help to read, though it is not mandatory. Just make sure you get all info mentioned on each term on the study guides. Written assigments graded slightly harsh, so beware. She is engaging and thorough, so do not be afraid to take her class.

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Jul 24, 2013

easy course when you put in the work. Very similar to the government class you take as a senior in high school. She also laughs at her own jokes before the class does, it was the cutest thing ever! Take her!

3.0
5.0
POLISCI100
Nov 11, 2013

AVOID IF YOU CAN. This is a very difficult course if you have no knowledge of politic. The class is not taught like a 100 class, more of like a 300. She doesn't go over everything on tests in class, not even full chapters that she includes in tests. Very harsh grader.

4.0
5.0
POSC100
Dec 13, 2013

She's does a good job on what she actually teaches in class. But she has two drawbacks; she tends to ramble on about one topic and she only teaches 50% of what is actually on the tests. I wouldn't recommend this class unless you are used to a heavy workload. Im working my butt off for a C. Doesn't feel worth it.

5.0
2.0
POSC100
Dec 19, 2013

Great professor. Very passionate about what she teaches. Study. Read. Do the assignments. You should be fine.

5.0
4.0
PS100
Dec 26, 2013

she's passionate about teaching. plus, she cares about her students and does whatever she can to help them. i think the bad comments are from those interested in an easy A.

5.0
3.0
POSC100
Dec 28, 2013

The complainers don't mention that she gives out bonus points (which basically curves the test), extra credit quizzes, and participation points just for coming to class. It's not hard to pass.

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Dec 29, 2013

This class is super easy. Attend lecture and take good notes. Her tests are based on the lectures and the study guide. All multiple choice. She's really sweet and adorable so it's easy to pay attention during class. I don't know what these other students are saying because she's really easy.

4.0
3.0
POSC100
Jan 2, 2014

Study everything on the study guide, even if she doesn't mention it in class. Which means textbook is necessary. She can be redundant but she makes jokes and tries to make class interesting. Tons of extra credit opportunities.

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Jan 3, 2014

Decent class with lots of extra credit opportunities. Make sure to read the textbook and study the study guide. Friendly, helpful, and will work with you to help you succeed. Genuinely cares about her students.

5.0
2.0
POSC100
Jan 8, 2014

She is really sweet and passionate about teaching & politics, which I think helped the class be more interesting. Also, she's very helpful and willing to work around your schedule, if needed. Take this class! (:

4.0
2.0
POSC100
Jan 18, 2014

Really funny professor who is very interested in her subject and is always willing to help. attendance isnt mandatory and her tests are pretty easy, study and you should be fine.

5.0
2.0
POSC100
Grade: A+
Jan 22, 2014

Her passion for this subject and teaching itself is what made me enjoy the class. Although she talks a lot sometimes, she knows what she's talking about and wants her students to succeed. Whoever complains about this class is just lazy. Some exam questions might be tricky but just study her lecture outlines, read the book and do the study guides.

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Jan 31, 2014

Her class is extremely slow. It takes her 20 minutes to get through 1 concept. It helps you retain the information well but also means that the majority of the test will be from the book. She gives study guides. If you study the study guides you will get an easy A.

4.0
2.0
POLYSCI100
Apr 15, 2014

she wants her students to succeed. however, there were 250 students in my class so she couldn't build a relationship with you. however, she did still manage to schedule study sessions! go to them! she has little quizzes and a paper on current news. read all the chapters in the textbook and review the study guide thoroughly and you should get an A!

4.0
1.0
POSC100
Nov 1, 2014

Lectures are very interesting. No homework. The exams are multiple choice. She provides a study guide. I memorize the terms on the study guide and I did well on the exam. Beware she is ridiculously beautiful.

4.0
4.0
POSC100
Dec 17, 2014

Bourbonnais certainly knew her stuff. She talks a lot and sometimes has trouble wrapping up a topic, but the information she spits out is pretty interesting. Loves her students, as long as you guys are interactive. Midterm and Final based on study guides. Several other pretty simple assignments, so pay attention. Her beauty is a distraction.

5.0
3.0
POLSCI100
Dec 17, 2014

As a graduating senior this upcoming Spring, I often dreaded in taking General Education classes- especially seemingly difficult subjects such as politics. To be honest, she makes politics fun and a lot of engagement is thrown around. Epitome of a good professor. She updates grades next to live and responds to our emails within a day! Will take aga

4.0
3.0
POSC100
Jan 23, 2015

Prof. Bourbonnais really loves Political Science, which made the class more enjoyable. She didn't follow her contract (syllabus) and did not raise people from an 89% to a 90% like she said she'd do. Other than that, I learned a lot. She is also very pretty! :3

3.0
3.0
POLISCI100
Feb 10, 2015

Bourbonnais is mean. She always encourages students to ask "stupid" questions in the beginning of class so we can "feel embarassed later." Her words. Not mine. Also, she confuses terms up which in hand confuses students. Oh by the way, she will not raise your grade up from 79 or 89 to 80 or 90, like stated in her syllabus. What a joke.

4.0
2.0
POSC100
Mar 23, 2015

Melissa Bourbonnais's political science is fairly easy if you read and pay attention to her lectures. However, she often gets sidetracked by her own students or by her own ramblings. Reading is almost essential to her class.

4.0
3.0
POSC100
Apr 7, 2015

The class is fairly straightforward and involves lots of reading. Her lectures are pretty boring and seem useless to me. She sidetracks and rambles on and on, and by the end of the lecture we're only on the 2nd bullet pt. I find the news integration papers a waste of time as she expects a lot. TIP: Always do the study guides to pass the tests

3.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: A
Apr 19, 2015

She knows you're in the class for a GE, but will act like being current on politics is something you're obligated to do as an American. Very easy on the eyes, but tends to go on a tangent barely covering her notes. Expects quite a few writing assignments out of you and has 50Q multiple choice exams. Go to class, study, and you will get an A.

1.0
5.0
POSC100
Grade: Not sure yet
May 11, 2015

Teach cannot teach correctly. Makes the class harder than its suppose to be. Feels like a 300 to 400 class rather than a 100 class. She goes on random tangets and barely goes over the notes. The readings are way to long and does not even go over the readings. There are 2 midterms, 1 final, one integration paper and tons of quizzes.

1.0
4.0
POSC100
May 16, 2015

Professor Bourbonnais was a kind soul, however she not the best professor in my opinion. During her lectures she would ramble on and we would barely cover the necessary material - which often times put us behind. As a result, lectures were hard to sit through and boring. Expect to read A LOT if you want an A in the class. Overall rating: meh.

4.0
4.0
POSC100
May 19, 2015

Overall not a hard class, but it's not easy either. I find her lectures to be very interesting and you'll learn a lot about politics. YOU'LL NEED THE TEXTBOOK TO PASS, because she assigns lots of reading that reflects on what will be on the examquizzes. I find her personality quirky and she's easy to listen to. Easy A? This is not your class.

5.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: A
May 19, 2015

One of the best profs out there! She's so funny and adorable! Most of lectures were really interesting, which made it much easier to memorize since her exams are based on lectures + textbook. She did require a lot of work, but it's nothing too crazy. She also offers a lot of EC opportunities so that definitely helps to boost up your grade

3.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: B+
May 29, 2015

Nice professor who is passionate about what she's teaching, however lectures tend to drag. Class isn't too hard if you put in the work and study. Highly suggest you read the textbook, tests are a mixture of lecture and reading. There is one long assignment (don't stress) and two, short in-class essays.

5.0
2.0
POSC101
Grade: A
Jul 21, 2015

I loved her so much! She made me love political science! Her lectures are so interesting ! I suggest sitting in the front to stay focused. tests contain reading & lecture but she tells you what parts of the reading which helps you cut down on the reading . She offered so much easy extra credit . To me the online quizzes were the hardest part .

5.0
1.0
POSC100
Grade: A
Jan 12, 2016

Great professor. She tries as hard as she can to make her lectures fun. Her class was the last of my day and I always looked forward to it. Although some people felt that her class was a bit hard, I thought it was easy as long as you put in the work. I wish I could take her class again.

1.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: B+
May 9, 2016

She's pretty condescending to the students. The lectures are rambly and don't really stick the material. She spent a half of an hour telling my class that the draft was coming back in June, which is completely false, just to "see if we were paying attention." If you do take her class, just read read read, you'll be fine. I do not recomend her.

4.0
2.0
POL100
Grade: A-
May 14, 2016

So easy!!! If you're taking multiple upper division classes and need an easy polisci class this is it! Shes a very easy grader, and gives extra credit points away before every exam. lectures can be long, but she encourages class discussion. Half of the test materials is from the reading, and the other half is from the lectures.

2.0
4.0
POSC100
Grade: Not sure yet
May 16, 2016

Idk how she has so many good reviews. I would not take her again. She takes this class as if it were an upper division class. Her study guides sometimes dont even relate to what she puts on her tests. Her lectures are so boring and goes off topic all the time. Avoid taking her theres easier posci professors.

2.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: A
May 27, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I managed to get an A, but I am not a fan of this class. +/- is not used. Lectures are long and sometimes go off topic. Might be a hard class to international students. Exams are multiple choice, and they should be easy if you read the textbook. There are some writing quizzes and papers. You have to watch political news and take notes every week.

3.0
3.0
POL100
Grade: B+
Jul 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I can't complain too much being that this wasn't a tough class. My main complaint was the long, tedious lectures that were spent mostly discussing unrelated politics and her opinion on things that had no relevance to what we were learning. We would never get through an entire lecture which meant teaching ourselves. Be prepared to teach yourself!

4.0
2.0
POL100
Aug 18, 2016
Would take again

This was a fun and interesting class that I looked forward to. I thought Professor B was funny but she could also be kind of blunt, which could be taken the wrong way. I passed this class with a B and didn't own the textbook. Having the textbook to study would help but I don't think its worth buying, you can absolutely pass with an A without it.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
POSC100
Grade: A
Dec 28, 2016
Would take again

GREAT professor! Clear, goes slow & uses as many examples as she can to teach concepts. She loves participation and the more you participate as a CLASS the more extra credit she will give. Show up to class, do the work and you will pass. i was lucky enough to have her during election so it was easy to apply concepts and watch weekly political news

Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
3.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: C
Jan 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Lectures tend to go off topic, but whatever is not covered will not be on the exams. Exam and online quiz questions come from lecture notes taken by the student. The student must watch at least 30 minutes of political news for the Integration Paper assignment. Must be present for in-class assignments. Overall, Bourbonnais is a decent professor.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
2.0
POSC100
Grade: B
Jan 7, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Most likely in the huge lecture hall, so expect that much from the class. Long lectures, one-sided communication. Follow along powerpoint slides yourself before the exam and you should be fine. BE CAREFUL of the written assignment!! It the procrastinators nightmare. Heed my warning and do it early and you'll get an A after studying

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
POLSCI100
Jan 23, 2017
Would take again

Not a bad class, but definitely harder than I expected for a 100 level class. Very tough grader on written assignments and sometimes is not clear what she wants. Lecture revolves arounds her explaining her viewpoints on politics which is okay, but shouldn't be focused on. Exams are lecture heavy so attendance is encouraged.

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
POSC100
Grade: A
May 29, 2017
Would take again

Tests are hard and based on details in the reading. Luckily she curves and gives extra credit throughout the semester if the class asks a lot of questions and participates. Quizzes are important so do them. She is very funny and adorable at times. Keeps it interesting by showing videos and joking around. Don't wait until last min to do the papers!!

Participation matters
TEST HEAVY
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
4.0
POSC100
Nov 22, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I love the professor but the class is definitely pretty difficult. She makes you work for the grade. The textbook does provide some good information but her exams are more lecture heavy, so do not miss class. 3 Exams, some online quizzes and extra credit quizzes, integration paper, and 30 min of political news a week.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
1.0
4.0
POSC100
Grade: B-
May 25, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Most of the things on the test youll read on your own from the textbook. She will not go over very much in lecture she repeats the same things over and over and goes off topic. This class is a very heavy book reading.

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
4.0
POL100
Grade: A
Jul 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She cracked jokes every class since most people aren't all interested in politics. She was very enthusiastic about the material. The lectures are very important because she will go over things that aren't covered in the textbook. Participate in the discussion forums and do all the readings!

Get ready to read
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
POLIS100
Aug 21, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She is a terrible professor. She's is very condescending and is not understanding and her class is very dry. Absolute worst class I've taken would not recommend

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
POSC100
Apr 15, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She's very repetitive during lectures, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but most of the material you'll need to know is in the reading/textbook. Her study guides have shown to be only about half of what is on the exam so good luck with that. She's very enthusiastic, but a pretty tough grader so that was less than fun to say the least.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: A
May 18, 2019
Would take again

She is very kind, funny, and enthusiastic! Her lectures are very interesting and she makes it so easy to understand. Her class goes by fast. Make sure to get the online book & do those extra credit quizzes! Her tests are an easy A if you read the book & study the lecture notes. She is one of my favorite professors! TAKE HER!!!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
POSC100
Grade: C
May 22, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Avoid this class at all cost. This teacher talks non stop about topics that are irrelevant to the actually subject which gets really repetitive and annoying. She blabbers useless information that arent even on the test, but is useful enough to give out some test questions. Only way I passed was by watching crash course, and reading the textbook.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
POSC100
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor is very caring and tells her personal stories but is not relevant to our grade. She talks on and on but we seem to never finish lecture. Her study guide and exams are not very correlated because you only see a handful on the exam so I suggest reading!

Inspirational
Test heavy
Caring
3.0
4.0
POSC100
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

She is an all right professor at best. She tends to get off topic but when she does get on-topic, it is hard to follow her lecture because you will mostly likely miss some information. She responds to emails very quickly however, so that's good. Another good thing is she gives you study guides but some info on her tests aren't even related.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
POL100
Grade: B-
Jan 2, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She really cares about what she teaches, shes so enthusiastic about it. But she gives little to no hw and her test can be hard. She gives study guides that dont really help, and you have to read the online book to try to pass her class. She does give extra credit now and then.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Amazing lectures
1.0
1.0
POL100
Grade: A
Jan 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Likes to hear herself talk too much. Lectures are pretty pointless aside from the times she gives out a few test questions. Tests are pretty easy to get a B or higher on if you spent a half hour googling everything in the study guide. The online book (Globalcyem) is trash, save yourself the money.

2.0
2.0
POSC100
Grade: A-
Jan 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Not a great professor. Her lectures are boring and often went on irrelevant tangents about her life, but she did give out a few exam questions with every lecture. The textbook was close to useless; I didn't read it and still did well on the exams. Avoid her if you possibly can, but if you have no other choice, don't procrastinate on the essays.

Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: A+
Jan 16, 2020
Would take again

I love her! She really cares about her students and wants everyone to pass, but she's going to make you work for it. Sometimes she can get off topic but she still gets you the information needed. You MUST read the textbook if you want an A. The class isn't too bad if you put in the work, I ended up with a final grade of 101%. Do the extra credit!!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: D
Apr 13, 2020
Would take again

I got a D in this course and I still wanted to write her a positive review because she was an amazing professor! Im a film major and she made me wish I was in Poli sci. In a GE course like this one, you want a passionate & enthusiastic professor like her, to make the class bearable! Youre pretty much only graded on one paper and 3 exams.

Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
2.0
POSC100
Grade: C+
Apr 25, 2020
Would take again

1 Extra credit quiz on titanium, all quizzes on the book are extra credit, 3 exams. Kind professor and is always willing to help students whenever! She is always clear on her lectures and gives out some quiz pointers as well! With the pandemic, things did change but so far she's been adapting well! love her !!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
4.0
5.0
POSC100
May 11, 2020
Would take again

All she wants to do is help you pass this class. The exams may be tough but she provides study guides for them. As long as you show up you can pass the course

Tough grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
2.0
4.0
POLISCI100
Grade: C
May 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I did well in this class until it became online which is not her fault but she did not offer any form of lecture for online and just had us read on our own. She used to drop questions if more than 50% of the class missed but she stopped which I found very unfair. Hardly any opportunities to earn points so you better be a good test taker.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
POLYS100
Grade: A-
May 15, 2020
Would take again

She was ok until it was online, and even then she was not really the best professor. If you are taking her for online in fall I suggest dropping out because she got rid of her lectures completely and you had to learn everything from the textbook. She was rarely there for us, and when we got emails for the class, it was not even her, it was her TA.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
POL100
Grade: A
Nov 11, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I wouldn't recommend taking this professor online. Her lectures can be hard to follow and she's pretty boring. You need the ONLINE book because she takes from the practice quizzes for the exams. 3 exams, a few discussion boards. She did explain issues going on in the present time well. However, when it comes to everything else, she's very mediocre.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
POSC100
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Awful Class. She lectures a lot, often going off-topic and wasting time. Her tests are difficult and heavily influence grades. There are test questions that are hyper-specific and difficult to understand. (at one point only 3% of all her students got a question correct) She doesn't respond to emails and when she does, she replies very late.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
POSC100
Dec 16, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Talks way too much about unrelated topics and her own opinions. A bit rude and got defensive when students brought up unclear test questions. Would not take again.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
POSC100
Dec 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She does not respond to emails as quick as she says she will. Her tests are EXTREMELY hard and shes a bit rude when we would ask questions about the test. She goes off on tangents at times and her lectures are very long and boring. She is a nice person but would I would not recommend her.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: A
Jan 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

test questions are 50-50 lecture and book (including the quizzes available on the website along with the videos in the book) you HAVE to listen to her and learn how to take good notes in a boring class without a PPT. watched 3-5 crashcourse vids in class and was shocked when test questions quoted them. we watched it once, some weeks ago.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
POSC100
Grade: C+
Jan 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Tests are extremely specific and difficult. Pretty unprofessional at times and is very unorganized. Shes a nice person, but not the best professor.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
POSC100
Feb 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She does not care for students. She ignores emails which is so dangerous since it's an online class.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
POL100
Grade: A-
May 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Bourbonnais uses the entire 2hr 45min time to lecture but the entire first hour is usually just her talking about unrelated things. Lectures are extremely boring and tests are VERY specific. Would not recommend unless you plan on writing down every single word she says for three hours and can summon the memory of a god for her exams.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
POLSC100
Sep 23, 2021
Would take again

She is no bad, I actually like her class. You learn a lot. If you want to get an A, it depends on your work. You have to work hard and not be lazy. Pay attention to lecture, do all her assigned readings, take notes, and study! As long as you do this, her class is pretty good, not hard!

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: B
Apr 26, 2022
Would take again

I had one class a week with her and she doesn't post recordings of lectures, just outlines that you fill in in class, so if you're going to miss class often get someone's notes. Otherwise only grades 3 exams, one timed essay, and one small project + offers extra credit. She's a good teacher and easy grader, just show up, take notes, and study a bit

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: Not sure yet
May 2, 2022

Nice prof, she's clearly very passionate about poli sci, but make sure to take thorough notes on her audio lectures, crash course videos and read the textbook, her tests will literally contain the most random info! She also tends to go on tangents. a lot. She's fine if you just need to get the GE out of the way and can only do it asynchronously.

Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
POSC100
Grade: A+
May 5, 2022
Would take again

Absolutely loved Professor Bourbonnais's lectures. She mainly tests students on material that she lectured about in class for the most part so take excellent notes, read the textbook, and watch the videos she tells you to watch, and you'll pass! There is one political news writing assignment, 2 midterms and a final. TRY TO AVOID SKIPPING CLASS!!

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
POL100
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 29, 2022

Her class is so boring and the tests are partly based off a textbook. Unless you want to hear a heavily conservative opinion every morning do not take her class.

1.0
5.0
POLSCI100
Grade: C
Nov 14, 2022

please do not take this course! I took her class for about 2 hours for a lecture and it was SUPER HARD to keep up!! She always rambled on about unnecessary stuff and was bias towards some subjects, so she would go off topic way too much instead of teaching. The book is EXPENSIVE and doesn't even help with tests, her tests are SUPER HARD TO PASS!

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POSC100
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 30, 2022

Professor sucks. CANCELS CLASS LAST MINUTE AND COMES UP WITH THE DUMBEST EXCUSES. LECTURES ARE BORING. HER TEST ARE HARD. ALSO THERE IS THIS TEXTBOOK THAT YOU NEED TO READ IN ORDER TO PASS THE TEST. TEXTBOOK IS BORING LIKE HER.

1.0
1.0
POSC100
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2022

This class was a waste of time. Professor barely held class, and cancels last minute. She asks us about definitions but doesn't even know the answers herself. She had students google the amendments... how is she even qualified to teach this course? Not to mention her conservative bias for all of our material. Good luck if you take her lol

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
POL100
Grade: B+
Dec 3, 2022

Class was canceled often, lectures were long and mostly tangents.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
2.0
POSC100
Grade: C
Dec 7, 2022

I wouldn't recommend to take this class, you won't learn anything. Every class is just a lecture and you will get very few test/homework. She talks a lot about nothing. Notes are very important. If you are into debates you will like her class. She also takes forever to grade.

2.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: A-
Dec 15, 2022

shes nice and passionate about polsci but maybe a bit excessive cus her tangents take up half of the class time. 3 tests, an online quiz for each, gives easy extra credit, 1 writing assignment that consists of 3 papers, and the final is accumulative. she canceled like 10 classes & some were last minute which is frustrating for commuters

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2022

This professor lacks organization and communication. Lectures are heavy and could have taken less time if she would have stayed on task. Prioritizes her prison job and her talking about her job is what takes up lecture time. Notes that could take a day to fill out in that hour and a half we had her actually take two weeks to get finished.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
POSC100
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2022

claims that this class will be life changing but made me dislike politics even more. 3 exams + writing assignment (single-spaced) lectures are terrible, spends most time rambling about unnecessary details and she admits to it but continues. class is passable if you do the long readings, learned more there then prof. class was a waste of time

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
POL100
Grade: B+
Jan 29, 2023

extremely rude, unprofessional, disorganized, and unqualified to teach. this class was an absolute waste of time. i came out of this class knowing less about polysci than when i came into it. i dont even know why she gets paid to do this

Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
POSC100
Grade: B
Jan 30, 2023

Apparently my rating was taken down. BOOOOOO. Point is: Missed class a lot for other job. Too boring. Doesn't answer emails too often. Tests were too hard. News assignment was eh. 3 exams. First and last exams were pretty easy. Mid term not so much. Believed about 10 or so classes were cancelled.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POL100
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 4, 2023

I would say for an online course, this class structure was so disorganized. There are three exams, and you must cram everything- her podcast lectures, the textbook, and videos to take the test. Also, she constantly tells students that she has spies on our discords and canvas watching us.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

38%

Textbook Required

43%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 42 grades
Most common grades:
A (13)
Not sure yet (8)
B+ (6)
Grade Distribution
A(16)B(7)C(7)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(11)
Based on 50 reported grades
A: 13
Not sure yet: 8
B+: 6
A-: 5
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (24)
Get ready to read (21)
Graded by few things (13)
Test heavy (11)
Skip class? You won't pass. (8)
LECTURE HEAVY (6)
EXTRA CREDIT (6)
TEST HEAVY (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.00 avg change
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Ratings by Course

POLYSCI301

5.0

(2)

PSOC300

5.0

(1)

PS100

5.0

(1)

POLSC100

4.3

(3)

POSC101

4.0

(5)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PSOC300

4.0

POLYS100

4.0

POLISCI100

4.0

PS100

4.0

POLSCI100

3.7

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