strait foward, but can be harsh at students remarks. passionate about his field.

average class, make sure to take good notes, u will do fine. cant agree with the way he sometimes think...

He is a very interesting teacher full of ideas makes you think outside of the box. I learned alot from his lectures, his tests are hard but he is a good teacher who knows alot about politics and can keep you interested throught the whole class without hoping the class will be cancled.

It's hard to miss that he's a liberal, sure, but he's pretty fair. He just injects opinion sometimes into the lecture and relates it to the curriculum, but he doesn't -make- his ideology the curriculum. And that's what's important, I think. Reasonably interesting (though long) lectures.

really interesting lectures test are based on class lecture and if u study and attend class you should be able to get a good grade really easy class

Professor has interesting views but entertaining. Your grade is soley based on 2 tests and a final, so attend and take good notes and study really hard before the exams. He does provide you a study guide which is really helpful..be really prepared for the essays and READ THE BOOK because the essays only come from the book.find someone to study w/.

I loved him because I agree with him.

you guys do not know this man is fair and balanced. do the reading take the quizzes its a easy A

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Interesting class Beacker was very liberal and just remember that the TV is an Idiot BOX!! Also make sure you read the book!! Essays are really hard!!

He was un-biased I thought even though we all got to know how liberal he was. Even though I didn't get a good enough grade in the class, I learned a lot! The essays were really tough though but do the extra credit he assigns and you'll pass.

Although this was my only "C" I got in college, i do not regret taking this course. I luved Dr. Becker, he was a very intelligent man. His tests are pretty difficult, and the essay quizes were also challenging. His lectures were great. I slacked

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If you are intrested in political science he will deffinately strect you and you will come away with a lot more knowledge. He is hard if you don't study. YOU MUST STUDY. He test are alright as long at you study you notes and read the book.

If you are intrested in political science he will definately stretch you and you will come away with a lot more knowledge. He is hard if you don't study. YOU MUST STUDY. His test are alright as long at you study your notes and read the book.

One of the toughest professor I've had at State, but also one of the best.

I really enjoyed his class. yes he covers a lot so i had to study as much as my other major classes (but not THAT hard) and got B. but it helped me very much to know about american political system. and about the bicycle and vegetarian issue, i think it's really cool and admirable. he has his own thought, and why he can't speak out his oppinion?

Hard grader. Very Liberal and does horrible job keeping his opinions to himself; very slanted presentations. Tests are difficult and you will do poorly if you don't attend class lectures. VERY opinionated.

I honestly do not understand all of the negative comments on here about Becker.He is an amazing professor. By far the best I had at Fresno State.It is a challenging but you'll get a a lot in return.He is a passionate professor with views that may challenge the social norm.But that's what college is all about!He's the reason I'm a polsci major.

He's the type of teacher that you would expect to have in a university. Go figure that you'd have to actually attend class to learn. For those who try to get by on all their classes, this isn't the one for you. He's serious about education, but also makes it simple enough for everyone to be able to achieve. You just have to try or at least want to.

Becker is awesome. I took his class at FCC several years ago and still remember it fondly. I'm not surpised many are rating him harshly here, but I ask you this? Would a mediocre professor elicit these kinds of responses? He does EXACTLY what he means to do: get people passionate about the world we're living in.

Knowledgeable instructor. A bit to extreme in his personal views but does provide ideas that we should all think about. The course is not a cake walk but if you apply yourself you should do well. Pay attention during lecture and read the material assigned. This is an upper division course and you are expected to work for your grade. Go for it.

In my opinion, he had interesting things to say during lectures, sometimes it would get boring though. Can't miss a single class cuz you'll need those notes for tests.

He is very inspiring. I never had an interest in political science and he has made it so interesting and important, i've been considering a minor. Awesome teacher.

Outstanding teacher. You can tell he not only knows his stuff, but lives it as well.

Extremely difficult but you'll learn a lot

Good Stuff

Great, challenging course work. Responsive to logical counter arguments. Expects people to come to class prepared to talk about readings and current events. Don't expect an easy A, he'll make you work for it.

One of the most challenging instructors you will ever take. Extremely knowledgeable,interesting class, and you will learn A LOT. I would not suggest taking 2 classes with him at the same time. I studied around 15-20hrs for each one of his tests, and he tends to schedule them on and around the same time. Very difficult, so be prepared.

This professor is Very passionate. He knows exactly what he is talking about. His class is tough, and so is his grading scale. He will NOT curve your grade, so be prepared for your tests. Text book is required. Overall, I liked him. If you want an A, your going to need to work for it. You will learn a lot. Oh, and he is somewhat imtimidating.

He gets off on tangents A LOT. He loves to discuss current events and inform you about what's going on about the world. That being said, he often goes off on tangents that are pretty irrelevant to the material. If you took AP Gov in high school you should be fine. 3 midterms + Final. 200pts each and 400 pt final. Tests are small, 8 pts per question

He's a very smart guy who knows the material. He expects you to read everything assigned and expects a lot from you. Class is in seminar style, so participation is expected. All the tests are essays. He is very opinionated, and can be arrogant and condescending at times. INTIMIDATING. But, on the plus side, he is HOT. He's a blonde Gerard Butler.

He knows what he's talking about when it comes to politics and government. However, if you enjoy your tv, cell phone, sports, or meat, find another professor. He goes off on tangents that can, at times, be offensive (he basically said I was cruel to my animals just because I raise and sell them to butchers).

Becker knows his stuff and sometimes goes off into passionate rants regarding political and current topics, in a good way; it makes you think. Tests are pretty easy, but you DO have to study. Write a little more than you need to for the class notes; you will be happy you did when you go back to it to study. He's intimidating though.

He's really passionate about the subject. Sometimes he'll go off on a rant about something off topic, but it's cool because he's really interesting. Some of the things he said were pretty hilarious. Just be sure to go to class, pay attention, take notes and read the book. I'd say I'm an average student and I managed to pass with a solid B.

Cool guy, always rants about other things... Calls his class idiots sometimes, pretty hilarious. Real passionate, don't miss class take good notes and actually study.

Class does require effort (go figure). Students don't do well on tests, but I studied (read book, did study guide, and reviewed noted) and I didn't do bad. 5 page paper due at end, extra credit is offered. Study.... He gives you what he's looking for on the study guide. Hope I get an A!! :D Good luck. :)

Very knowledgeable guy. He lectures well and he's very passionate. You MUST read the chapters and do the study guide to get an A. His study guides are pretty straight forward. Study everything he puts in it and you'll do well. Cool teacher, first class i'm actually paying attention in.

Becker's awesome I loved his lectures. I did my best to make it to his class and that's saying something because this class was pretty huge (over a hundred students) and at 9am. Pretty passionate & knowledgeable professor, seriously opened my mind up to a lot of new ideas& viewpoints. Study the chapter terms and actually read the book, its not hard

Intelligent and passionate about what he teaches. Likes to talk about his own experiences and opinions, as well as interact with the class. Do the assigned readings, write-ups, and other work - do not slack off. His classes aren't easy. If you want an "A" in class, he'll make you work for it. Definitely one of the best professors in the department.

Becker is a very interesting lecturer. He is very liberal and very opinionated so if you are conservative he may make you squirm a little bit. He is very helpful outside of class. He does grade very hard on writing assignments so make sure you know what he is looking for before you turn anything in.

attendace isnt mandatory but going to class is very helpful.gives out a study guide and most of the answers are usually from the notes. yet the tests are hard and you have to know the material well. overall not a bad class

Class is hard as hell, and he wants you to really know what you're talking about. All tests are multiple essay questions with random bonus questions. A couple readings every week to discuss in class, notebooks due a few times. Most passionate professor who tells you the truth about the world. But if you're not willing to work, you won't do well.

Great professor, he is really passionate about politics and government. He is helpful and he gives you different perspectives about the world. Class is based solely on tests, but gives extra credit opportunities. Intelligent Professor, really liked him :)

He has been teaching this class every semester since the year I was born. Definitely knows his stuff and can explain it well, but the tests are hard. Textbook is MANDATORY as he tests on the key terms, and 2/4 of the tests are part written and he grades hard. He was also scolded us a lot for not knowing enough, a little harsh. Just take it online.

People just cant handle the truth, he is passionate and he can come across as intimidating because he does challenge you and requires actual work to be successful.

Becker is not easy, but he is a darn good teacher. Ask him for help if your struggling, he is very dedicated to his students. His views are biased, but honestly add to the entertainment factor in his classes. He wants you to EARN YOUR GRADE. This isn't play time it's college. I guarantee that if you do the work, the material will stick with you.

Becker is not easy, but he is a darn good teacher. Ask him for help if your struggling, he is very dedicated to his students. His views are biased, but honestly add to the entertainment factor in his classes. He wants you to EARN YOUR flippin GRADE. This isn't play time it's college.

Great teacher. I actually enjoyed his lectures. He speaks well and makes sure he clarifies his information. Tests are not too bad if you go to class and take notes but the point is to understand the material. He engages with the class by asking questions. I've had dull teachers and Becker is not one of them.

Must attend his class for good notes. Also DO THE EXTRA CREDIT! It will help alot. The 2 textbooks are very much use. The exams are m/c n essays. He gives u a study guide, but u must study n learn on ur own. Easy on m/c if u memorize all the terms in the book. Also, DONT USE UR TECHNOLOGY IN CLASS OR ELSE HE WILL COMPLAIN. Good grade= work for it

The class is difficult and you will have to work--meaning you must attend class, read the texts, and review the materials before every test thoroughly. It was challenging yet rewarding as you will learn much from the class.

Dr. Becker is the best political science professor in the department, hands down. Is getting an A w/him easy? certainly not. Will you learn a lot of useful information? for sure. For plsi 1 and 120, his tests are multiple choice, two essays and a map section. For 114, his tests are strictly essays. READ THE ASSIGNED TEXTS. Overall, great professor.

Great professor. Yes, he can be opinionated - and also disorganized and forgetful at times - but he's always there to help you if you have questions. He will give you all the sides of a particular subject. I actually like that he emphasized on theory - it helps in grasping the subject matter. I will take him again in the future.

Hardest class I've ever taken at state. You better know what your talking about when it comes to the 3 tests, 2 papers, and 1 presentation that are due because Becker doesn't mess around with grades. Even though it is extremely challenging, I honestly liked his class a lot. Very interesting and insightful, just wish he'd ease up on the grading...

Becker is an eccentric lecturer, but he is extremely knowledgeable on International Relations . The exams are m.c. and essay, just be concise and you'll be golden. For the essay make sure you define the theory well and have solid sources and you'll ace it.

Becker is a very passionate and opinionated professor. His class is difficult, but with adequate studying and reading it is VERY manageable. He offers extra credit, that can come in very handy, considering your grade is based solely off of tests.

Definitely the hardest class I've ever taken at State, but I would take it again and any other class by Becker. You have to put the work in if you want to get a reasonable grade, certainly not an easy A. None the less, I learned a ton and enjoyed the challenge. Show up, read, study and ask questions.

Terrific professor. He's fair when it comes to grading, but don't expect any gifts. If you're struggling in his class, sit down and TALK with him. He doesn't want you to fail, but this is a university. Some students fail to grasp that. I really enjoyed Becker's class and I put his name down as a reference when I applied to grad school. Great guy.

Really good teacher if you ever paid attention in history class you'll pass and if you put any extra effort AT ALL you'll get a B. TRUST ME FAM it's not that hard.

Dr. Becker is one of the most talented and brilliant professors at the University. There are no "freebies" in his class, you need to read and you need to study for his tests. He is clear on his criteria and encourages students to contact him or drop by his office with questions. He holds every student accountable, he is engaging and passionate.

Really good teacher test are hard but only if you didn't read. Failed the first test because I didn't read but passed the next tests with A's once I caught up with the reading. Studying key terms is also really important for the tests. Would definately recomend the class

he seemed like he need use to have the whole book not just a response to his information it was not a course of interest polisci was general required outside general ed I did not want him saying he use to smoke walking from behind a little desk. sarah his student asked for my book that was damaged and I said no she was revealing/informative

Honestly Dr. Becker is a tough teacher but it's so worth it. His way of thinking is just inspiring. He clearly knows his stuff. He doesn't really like modern culture and will mock this generations addiction to there phone so PUT IT AWAY and enjoy his class.

I really enjoyed Mr. Becker's class this semester. I found myself looking forward to it, even though I took an early morning section of the class... The lectures are very interesting! Make sure you go to class, read the book, and do the study guide. If you're a good note-taker and a good writer then you'll do very well in his class.

This class is by far the most difficult class I have ever taken. There is a ton of reading that you probably need to read multiple times to get down. The class is purely a discussion on the reading material. Despite being hard, you will learn a ton. You only need to buy a cheap book, all the other reading is emailed, so that was pretty cool.

AMAZING. i loved this professor he was so chill no homework was given just exams but his exams were based on his lectures, exactly. He also used real like examples for his lectures. If you take his class you will love him.

There are 3 exams, and one paper. The exams were multiple choice, short answer, long answer, geography and bonus(extra credit). Take good notes and do the study guide. Tough grader on long answer questions and essay.

This professor was a breath of fresh air. Fresno State needs more professors like him. He inspires you to think actively. To not just regurgitate popular slogans and majority viewpoints. You are encouraged to think about the impact political systems have on us and the environment. He doesn't want to make you employable, he wants to make you think.

I absolutely loved taking his class! His lectures were never boring and he always engaged everyone! His test were hard only if you didnt study! Just study and attend class and youll pass no problem :)

Dr. Becker is not joke, but he knows what he is talking about. If you study all of the terms on the chapters in the book, and answer all of the essay questions on the study guide you will do good on the test. You just have to write a lot because he is a hard grader. But besides the stress during the tests, you are chilling: no homework!

His exams will be hard if you do not attend class or read, but he gives a study guide for each exam and as long as you fill it out his exams are easy. His lectures are so interesting and asks the class for their opinion. Overall I really enjoyed this class.

Becker is lecture heavy. You've got to go to class every single day and rely on the lecture for tests. He gives no homework, 10 extra credit opportunities, and 3 exams. He actually cares about you learning this material and will answer any of questions. This is NOT the class to slack off in. It was interesting and he definitely knows his stuff.

He doesn't take attendance but going to lecture help a lot. You don't really have to read the book if you go to lecture because he basically covers everything. But there are somethings he doesn't cover so just skim through the chapters after the lectures. Its a easy class just go to lecture and you will pass. His lectures can be very interesting.

1. Go to every lecture 2. Type the notes on your laptop because it's the best way to get everything down- he goes really fast during lecture. 3. Work hard on the study guide. 4. Read most of the chapters in the book. 5. Put effort in the class. Only way you'll pass. He's a tough grader, but it won't be hard if you stay focused.

Hes a great guy super radical in his views but very interesting, I would totally recommend him again, but if you were to take him you have to read the material. Overall I love him as a teacher and he really made me move my major and believe in it hes just a great guy overall maybe a little intimidating.

I never cared for politics but Becker made his lectures super interesting. He does not use powerpoints so make sure you attend class and follow along. He repeats definitions many times throughout his lectures which is very helpful. Do the readings, attend class, do study guides and you'll pass. Test are based on lectures so dont miss!

4 tests- Multiple choice, Short Answer, Long Answer and Geography 1- 5 to 7 page essay, hard topic, DONT' PROCASTINATE, go in to office hours for help Can't miss class, otherwise will fail!! Must read book, and do the study guide!!

GO TO CLASS AND READ! You can pass just reading but to be sure, just remember all vocab and take good lecture notes. He doesn't use blackboard/canvas, just email and no gradebook access until year's over. No homework, just tests. Offers extra credit. HATES PHONES. Makes the info interesting and you'll actually learn. Don't get lazy! STUDY STUDY!!

Fantastic lectures. If you do the readings and really try to put yourself in the perspective of the authors, you'll do great. One of the best classes I've had so far, and with the most discussion. Be prepared to talk about political philosophy, and why you believe certain things. I would highly recommend Dr. Becker!

I loved this teacher so much, can tell he cares for students & wants them to succeed. Hes Extremely knowledgeable! This class was hard for me test wise, but reading, taking notes, studying everyday got me through. Get a study partner if you can:) it truly makes a difference! Grading is based off 4 tests but he offers extra credit. Youll love him!

*asynchronous* There was no hw, we were assigned textbook readings. 3 tests each consisting of a multiple choice section and short answer/essay & 1 research essay. The study guide helped. The canvas page was not organized, after a while it was difficult to know which lecture corresponded with the textbook chapter. The lectures were good though.

Professor Becker has an unconventional yet, very effective teaching style. His class was graded on 4 tests, 2 of which were multiple choice and 2 that were multiple choice/essay question. His lectures were very interesting and if you make sure to listen to them you will be fully prepared for the tests. Class is easy if you put in the effort.

great person!!

Dr. Becker is a great human. He is very passionate and takes his role very seriously. If you are looking for a challenging course, this is for you. I personally hate this much reading and he will straight call you out for not being prepared. Essay tests and a 12-page research paper. Hard but if you read and attend class you will be prepared.

Great guy and very passionate. If you ask questions he has an answer. Two books required, must buy on your own. Bases your grade ONLY on four tests and does not offer extra credit anymore. If you miss one day of class you'll be very lost but attendance doesn't matter. Take good notes or you WILL fail. If you skip a lot do not take him. HATES PHONES

his lectures are not mandatory but if you attend, it makes the 4 tests so much easier. He is left leaning but even so, his lectures do not favor a side. this class is super easy and interesting, if you allow it to be! *no phones but wants you to talk to classmates:) Putting it simply, 85% of my class attends even with it not being mandatory

The class is VERY lecture heavy. Class is not mandatory, but notes taken are VERY IMPORTANT. I suggest making friends in the class so you can ask for the notes if you miss a day, or you will be lost. Only grades are 4 exams. He HATES phones. 2 textbooks are required for the vocabulary. He is always available if you need help & always answers "?s"

Professor Becker is pretty straight to the point. If you're a good test taker and don't mind reading this is an easy class. Although attendance isn't mandatory I definitely recommend going to class, most of the notes you take are answers to the exams. Just go to class take notes and you'll be fine.

His readings are a bit much but as long as you go to class and read, you'll do good.