2.5
Quality3.7
Difficulty37%
Would Retake100
Reviews37%
Would Retake
100
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
13
4
20
3
15
2
24
1
28
What Students Say
“Lectures are long which consist of mostly tangents and stories making class unclear”
POLS 301 - 2.0 rating“It's about time for this man to retire tbh”
POLS312 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
89%
Textbook Required
50%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.06 avg changeRatings by Course
110
5.0
(1)POLS330
5.0
(1)POLS301AND405
5.0
(1)POLS300
4.0
(1)POLS301
3.2
(13)Difficulty by Course
110203
5.0
POLYSCI110
5.0
POLS110AND203
5.0
POLS100
5.0
POLS301AND405
5.0
Reviews (100)
No Comments
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Good professor, some boring lectures, easy tests if you go to class
No Comments
Very condescending, not at all helpful.
Boring, but clear
Straightforward with what he expects
Makes you think, pushes your mind. Take his courses they are worth it.
He hates teaching this class, and he has a really bad attitute about it. He's mean and rude, but I heard he was better for other classes
Grades his exams a little hard, but you really pick up alot of information in his class.
Not too difficult if you go to class. He's very straightforward and probably considered "unhelpful" by some because his classes are so larger. The class I took had over 100 people. I personally found him amusing.
straightforward but seriously gets off on really random tangents, oddly amusing though. not bad, I survived and pulled off a B+
Horrible and confusing lectures. Not understanding and not willing to help students.
He is boring and annoying.
The lectures were so incredibly boring and he was very rude. Small amount of homework.
I was in one of his big lecture classes (about 150 students). He is INCREDIBLY boring. I skipped 2/3 of the classes and still pulled off an A.
Boring class, graded on 3 exams. I couldn't tell if he enjoys what he's teaching or loathes it. Most of his lecture when I took the class was based off the book he wrote for the class so you can get away with not going a lot.
Ahh he's so boring... i can't stand his class and i think his teaching methods suck.
Oh man. I can't stand him! He rambles so much and doesn't make much sense. I do word searches during class.
Education majors...grin and bear it. You will have to suffer through this course to meet your Pols. requirement. Fine is arrogant and abrasive. His class is difficult not because of the course content but because of the haphazard way it is organized and presented. Just don't take 110 with him.
Ramblin man!! Unclear, dont know what to study for the test. Unclear what his goals are. No structure whatsoever.
Do not take him! Doesnt believe in study guides and each test is 8 chapters and a month of notes. Not easy to understand. Rambles alot.
Dr. Fine is hilarious. He has the easiest classes in the world. You can either go to his class and take the notes, not do the readings, and get a B; do the readings and not go to class, and get a B; or do both and get an A+. Cool guy to talk to one on one cause he gives you his opinions.
No Comments
Well...he can be funny at times but sometimes his lectures get confusing since he does ramble. Keep up with the readings in the text book, study for tests, and take notes. I didn't enjoy the class, but I did well since I put in the time to study.
Not a bad prof-- a little boring at times, but you could choose much worse.
You want an A? Look at the syllabus,read the chapters, go to class..simple as that, if you want extra help go to the www.prenhall.com/burns it's the books website and it has practice tests for each chapter!! Oh..FYI yes, he is an ****, but at least his tests aren't that bad!
A one credit class should not be this difficult. It sucks that this is your only choine in proffesors for this class. His lectures are completely pointless. His tests are way too nit-picky for a one credit class. You really have to read carefully and study a lot.
Fine needs to get some new examples and a new teaching style-he also needs to loosen up on his test-taking administration-it was ridiculous! To top it off, he wouldn't let the class evaluate him becasue he is already tenured...
Horrible Professor!! Take anyone else if possible! Pulled questions out of book and exam, but never gave study guides when they were HUGE! I never knew what exactly to study! Doesn't care about students, and he's just a JERK all around. Thinks he's funny, and is very repetative w/ pointless info!!!!
He talks a lot and none of it is on the tests, and most of the time has nothing to do with the class. He made me dislike politics and did not enjoy the tests because they were hard, and required lots of reading from the book.
BORING! I HATE THIS MAN! BAD PROF... BAD.... VERY BAD! TRY TO NOT GET HIM FOR BOTH OF THESE IF YOU HAVE TO TAKE IT!!!! TRY GETTING A DIFF PROF FOR 110!!!!!
BAD BAD Professor, I want out, but have no choice. All he wants is his pay. Don't bother him w/ anything. Very unapproachable man. No nonsense lecures,hard to follow, blah. Tests are VERY HARD. Dont take his classes. AVOID him &classes. Iam for my remainder of schooling.Hopefully he retires SOON!!!
Yelled at us over "not filling in all the front row seats" and treated us like 3 year olds on the day of our test. Told us "an average of 8 of you will screw up and waste my time, and you want to be teachers"
Big lecture class... Fine just babbles through his book that he wrote! Going to class isn't absolutely necessary, but it does help! For the midterm, all i did was read thru the book a few times, and i was set! It isn't quite as painful as everyone describes, pretty easy!
This is one of the WORST profs EVER. He is RUDE& Condscending to students. He basically makes you feel stupid and inferior. I recommend NOT taking him ever, and if possible avoiding him ALL together. He is horrible. I wish he would just retire or quit.
3 tests are your only grade. Does use a curve at times, but there is always someone getting a 90-something in class. Studying a good amount is integral to doing anything close to well. Get ready for random test questions in this class.
HE SUCKS!!!!!!! Only teaches the class to make money off the book he wrote b/c he requires you to buy it for the class. Tests are bogus... he should be fired!
Great Prof...knows his stuff...gets off subject but really interesting stories. always willing to help out!
not as bad as he is made out to. class is boring. to get a good grade go to class, pay attention, READ the book. there is a web page that the book has and on it you can take practice quizes for each chapter. they are good for studying
serisouly, if u want a good grade in this class better take it with another teacher. Wait for one to open up...it is not worth the stress of being in a class with only 3 tests that dont even relate to the class. I have no idea where he gets the questions for each test! They are so random! I read and go to class and still and doing bad!!!
No Comments
If you read up, study hard and show up to class, it's relatively painless. He may seem a tad arrogant at times but that's because he knows his****.
OMG, are you serious?!?! Need I say more?!?!
Stickler for following the rules. 2 tests and 2 assignments. GO TO CLASS and read the supplement and you'll do fine. I find him rather funny, but can be a bit boring. Easy B if you read the stuff. Plus, he has an easier grading scale.
strong proponent of socratic method. Very good teacher, though grade did not necessarily reflect it. I learned a LOT
His classes really aren't that bad. Read the book and show up for class. Even though you may not thing he is teaching you anything he is. Going off on tangents are his style and usually the stories are funny. Doesn't give any busy work.
No Comments
Yeah, possibly the worst prof. I have ever had. No idea what he was talking about ever. I recommend you only go to class for the tests just read the book or you will get lost.
Although the lectures are very boring, you are prepared for the exams. Fine is a very nice guy and if you ever need clarity he is there to offer assistance. If you go to class and read the book for the exams there should be no reason why you don't succeed in this class. Ppl give him a hard time and don't respect him.. but I enjoyed him.
I actually thought he was pretty funny. I think the main reason people don't like him is they don't appreciate his sense of humor. Sure, the class is kinda boring, but it's just one credit, people. Lighten up a little. It's worth it to go just to see the pink polo shirt.
Proponent of the Socratic method. A Class definitely not intended for those hoping to "float" through. At first I hated the man but after taking his class I have such a great respect for him and his teaching practices. Go to class, keep up w/ readings, understand material, ask questions, seek after-class help from him if needed and you'll do fine.
at first i didn't know what to think of this guy, but after meeting with him to discuss an exam, he was really cool! he really knows his stuff and he expects you know basic information. if you study, you will do fine. don't be afraid to ask for help! i would take him again.
Easy to listen to in lecture. He may stray off topic, but it's easy to remember what was discussed from day to day.
I did not enjoy having Fine at all. He is very close-minded and goes on tangents for inappropriate lengths of time. He does not consider his students questions-cuts them off, in fact--and discusses issues as if whatever he says is absolutely right. He also has a bad attitude sometimes.
Although he may SEEM funny and kinda silly at first...beware! He's actually quite rude..agreed, he often cuts off his students' questions and if you open your mouth, be prepared for an onslought. He's caught up in the power trip of being a professor and makes some of his "speeches" around campus mandatory (even though they're not during normal hr
He is the worst prof. I have ever had.He grades you on 3 tests and that was it.He goes off on tangents that mean nothing, cuts you off and puts you down whenever you ask or answer a question and is just a mean guy. He knows politics but should never had decided to teach he is the absolute worst teacher I have ever had in my entire life.
This guy knows his stuff and you will learn a lot. If you have his night class... bring coffee or coke or something to keep you awake focused. He gave us two essay tests and we knew the potential questions ahead of time (just not which ones he would pick). Overall, I liked him.
Study Study Study! Pretty nice guy and fairly interesting, but tests are hard and on things you don't even talk about really
horrible boring does not lecture on topics just rants
Nice guy. I took this at night. Bring a snack and a computer to take notes on/ stay occupied. Also, he goes off on tangents like MAD. 90% of this class is tangents. Just relax and enjoy the ride. Attendance is mandatory.
Things I liked - only 2 exams, know exactly what's gonna be on the exams - 10 questions, Dr. Fine chooses 5, you answer 2. Most subjects talked in class, more likely 2b chosen. Meet once a week, gives lots of time 2meet him. Honestly, if U attend ALL classes N prove on exams that you had put some effort in studying, U can't get lower than a C!!!!!
Fine is right up there with the worst college experiance you will have. He grades based on how he knows you, if he doesnt know you good luck!
405 is so much work so don't take this class if you have a rough semester already. He stopped collecting briefs after the 2nd time even though he threatened a 3rd time. You must be prepared to come to class.
Class isn't hard, makes final exam optional so just 2 essay exams as your class grade. Each exam consists of 2 essay questions
This class is not that bad. Don't let all the "bad" reviews scare you. Show up, take notes = a "B" with only minimal effort. I would take Fine again no question.
Do not take Fine if you do not have to. There are much better professors at this university who are much more clear and knowledgeable and far less openly politically biased. If you do take him, don't say anything he disagrees with or he will destroy you.
Interesting man. If you do not mind his quirks and random musings take his class. This was the second class I had him for and I think this was much more interesting than the 300 level class he taught. If you ask for help, be prepared for brutal honesty and a bit of on the spot quizzing. Learn the cases and arguements and you will excel!
This class was the most rigorous by far of any class I have had in four years at UWEC.8-10 briefs due per week which he collects and grades several times. Boring and useless lectures but mandatory class.He's very rude and inconsiderate. Get the work done and you will pass and learn a lot with no thanks to Dr. Fine.
Though the subject of the class I took was interesting, Prof. Fine made it incredibly difficult. There is a lot of reading and writing involved, and he does not explain what he wants from you very well at all. You're going to need to love politics to death to enjoy a class with this man.
Classwork is rigorous, but worth it for what you learn. He is willing to help students understand the material, but answers their questions indirectly with examples. Everything about the class forces independent thought. Be prepared for a lot of reading, 40 briefs, and 2 papers. Take if you really want to learn and are up to the challenge.
Dr. Fine is not a professor you should take if you're looking for an easy A. His class is very difficult and time consuming. However, if you are interested in the course material he will give you a better understanding than any professor on campus. I can honestly say that after taking this class, I find myself thinking and approaching problems differently than I did before.
Dr. Fine is quite possibly the worst professor eve. Don't bother speaking in class because no matter what, you are always wrong. He sits and drones on and is incredibly condescending. Avoid him like the plague!
Yes, you have to do 70+ briefs for this class. However, you will learn so much from this project. I have kept them as I prepare for law school. Fine has 30+ years of teaching and it shows by his knowledge of the subject material. I was intimidated at first by him, but later chose him as my capstone director. Smartest professor I had at UWEC.
Fine is a genius, and the class is right up your alley if you enjoy politics. Not just the process, but the history and applications in real, current issues. Lots of work, but worth it 100%. I'd take it over again.
His lectures were so off topic that I never went to class. All the test answers are laid out in the book very clearly! I usually studied about 410 of the questions for a couple hours before the test and hoped that the ones I studied were ones he picked for the test. Got B's on both exams and briefs. The class isn't hard even with minimal effort
Lectures are long which consist of mostly tangents and stories making class unclear. He will ask questions in class but then belittle anyone who answers incorrectly. The briefs for this class are mostly right out of the book but he grades hard. He gives you the Exam beforehand, but they are still very difficult essay questions. Avoid if possible!
Fine knows what he is talking about however, he is terrible at teaching and explaining. He goes on tangents during class that never apply to the course - this happens at least once a class. Also, if you have a sensitive personality then avoid him. He is not rude but he's very direct which tends to offend some people. I would not take him again.
Fine is a very enthusiastic professor, he loves political science and has his opinions on just about every subject. That being said he is very friendly, if not a little intimidating. He is one of those professors that you don't want to hate, but they just aren't the greatest at teaching.
Fine is a nice guy, but he does go off of tangents a lot. If you don't do your briefs then you won't pass the class. Exams are kind of hard but they are essays. One final paper that is difficult. Fine loves what he does and loves being a professor, just some of the expectations are really high.
Not as bad as I thought he would be after reading the other comments on here. Lots of homework and can be very blunt when asking questions but I did learn a lot by having to do all the briefs. 74 case briefs, 2 exams (essay and multiple choice), 1 paper, 1 quiz
Fine is a really nice guy but every lecture he gets extremely off topic but he's a funny guy to listen to. There is SO much reading and writing in this class. You have to write 40 1 page briefs and two 7 page papers over the semester. He's a fair grader and gives great feedback. The entire semester is on the Federalist Papers and Tocqueville
At first, hated Fine's class. He rants in his lectures, can be condescending, and doesn't give direction. There's so much reading, even more writing. But he's a nice guy, and he wants you to learn. Go to his office hours, he'll help you understand. He just wants to know you can think for yourself and can do the work. It's good prep for law school.
Easily the most intense course I've taken to date at UW-EC. Fine is very knowledgeable about the topic and wants you to learn, but he gets off topic and rambles making lectures almost unbearable. Get ready to read and write A TON as well. I had more homework in this class than my other 4 classes combined. Avoid him if you can.
I have never been more uncomfortable in a class in the entirety of my college career. He's a harsh grader, calls people out in class, degrades students and their opinions, and makes this course unbearable. If it wasn't a requirement for my degree, I would've dropped it day 1. It's about time for this man to retire tbh.
Professor Fine is no doubt an extremely intelligent individual, it just doesn't translate well in the form of teaching abilities. His lectures are typically tangents that are barely related to the reading and his expectations for papers are insane.
Horrible. If you can, do not take this class. I did end up with a B, but expect to work your butt off. He is a horrible professor. He is rude, makes you feel dumb, and talks about irrelevant information basically the whole time. If you don't keep up on the readings, attend class, and do well on the papers, you won't do well in this class.
Do not take Fine! Horrible professor! He is rude and rambles on about nothing. He expects so much... 74 briefs. PREPARE WELL FOR THE MIDTERM OR YOU CAN KISS YOUR GRADE GOODBYE. Keep up with the briefs... don't need to read the extra chapters in the book (doesn't really benefit you). He also calls on you in class so be prepared. Good luck.
I took a POLS class with Professor Fine a long time back, in the early 80s I think. Everyone told me he was a stiff grader and hated cops. I was a full time Sheriffs Deputy at the time and he showed no bias towards me. Contrary to that as long as you participate in discussions you were good to go. I found him to be a good, honest professor.
You will work hard here. You will be rewarded even more. Do the work, do the briefs. See him in his office, and the professor-ness melts away. He's a regular guy. Don't be afraid of participating. He will come to respect your bravery and effort, even if you're dead wrong. If you avoid this professor, you are shooting yourself in the foot.
Fine makes the class seem intimidating but in reality goes easy on grading. Two weekly papers make the class a lot of busy work. Your final grade is based on 40% midterm and 40% final. Seems intimidating but if you justify your answers you'll pass.
Hard prof. Midterm and final are worth 80 percent of your grade. Two to three one page papers a week. Doesn't believe in powerpoints and lectures the whole class
Michael Fine is a terrible professor. He knows his material, however he does not allow students to give their own opinions of the court cases he assigns. Those 70 some court cases don't even attribute to ultimately passing the final aside from knowing the names. Not impressed!
If you plan on going to law school this is a great class. If you cant stand doing briefs for every case or stating your understanding of the readings in class I dont see how law school would be any easier. I was wrong on points often but learned because I spoke. He is blunt but nice. My only issue with the class were his tangents which were many.
I didn't know what to expect before taking his class, but it seems most of these reviews would be correct. If you take pols301 or 405, expect to have a bad time. It's not even the workload that's hard, it's the fact he makes no sense, his instructions make no sense, and he expects you to know how to do it all from the start, with no instruction.
Dr. Fine is the most confusing professor you will ever have. He is unclear about expectations, but then expects you to know exactly what he wants you to do. He is also knit-picky about verbiage instead of guiding us on the constitutional concepts. 9 case briefs are due every week, along with 3-4 45 minute long lecture videos. PER WEEK. + readings
This professor is incredibly difficult to work with and very condescending. He requires a lot of reading and is very rude when you don't understand the concepts. 40 briefs are required in this class and he has no instruction on any of them, as well as the midterm and final papers. Avoid him at all costs if you are a Poli Sci major or minor.
He is a professor who genuinely cares about his students. He challenges you because he wants you to rise to the occasion. Yes, the workload of his class is absolutely brutal. Go to office hours, ask your questions, participate in class. He will respect the effort you put in. His class made me a better student and his advice made me a better person
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
89%
Textbook Required
50%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.06 avg changeRatings by Course
110
5.0
(1)POLS330
5.0
(1)POLS301AND405
5.0
(1)POLS300
4.0
(1)POLS301
3.2
(13)Difficulty by Course
110203
5.0
POLYSCI110
5.0
POLS110AND203
5.0
POLS100
5.0
POLS301AND405
5.0