2.7
Quality3.4
Difficulty25%
Would Retake146
Reviews25%
Would Retake
146
Reviews
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146 total ratings5
28
4
23
3
24
2
33
1
38
What Students Say
“If you don't know everything about pols you will fail”
POLS203 - 2.0 rating“If you are planning on taking this class, think again”
POLS203 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
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Textbook Required
33%
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POLYSCI111
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Reviews (145)
Great teacher, but material on tests seems unrelated to lecture topics.
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As long as you go to class and listen - test will be fine, need to use your brain to figure out best answer/essay question. Though he does seem to go off on tangents that might not be related to course or on syllabus.
Overall, I feel like I learned a lot. Just make sure you go to class, read most of the chapters, and the tests are easy.
It's so frusterating because the stuff he puts on the tests is so random, it's not the stuff he talks a lot about, it's some thing he spent maybe 2 min. on in class or some little thing you might have read in the chapter.
I thought he had very interesting lectures and used relevant examples of subject matter. I felt like I learned a lot and I thought his tangents were extremely interesting. Just make sure to read the chapters and you'll do well on the tests.
Professor Forrest is very knowledgeable and is fairly easy. You don't have to write any papers, but expect fairly difficult tests.
Test are kinda hard, but not if u read the material. He likes to go on tangents which makes the class lot of fun and very interesting. Learned lots
"Good Afternoon my fellow debatees" Nick is a dynamic professor that makes government class not boring. You have to read the text if you expect to do well in his class, but if you do that you will do very well.
This man is the worst teacher I had at Clark. He had a group of favorite students that took up all his attention. He is extremly biased and annoying. The majority of my class signed a petition to the Dean asking him to be fired.
I couldn't stand this class, he hates Bush and read in a class that I paid for why Bush should be President of Iraq. I don't want to hear about that I want to hear about what's on the test. I love political science, but will never take a class with him.
Professor Nick, is a interesting teacher, his class is all lecture but the tests are mainly on the book. If you want to get a good grade then you better read the books, Camelot is fun. you dont really do work, the tests are hard and have random questions.
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I always look forward to his lectures because they are interesting, relevant, and entertaining. His tests are mildly hard, but just do the reading and you'll be fine. Take his class if you want to take a poli sci class that is actually INTERESTING.
If you're not a good test taker, you may have trouble with Dr. Nick as the only graded assignments are tests. Also you can pretty much forget about buying the book, because you won't have to read it. Great lecturer, incredibly knowledgeable. If you're engaged/not dumb, you'll get an A.
Very smart and interesting teacher. The whole class is lectures, and then tests based on the book and the lectures. The tests aren't too hard as long as you have showed up to class and flipped through the book.
Dr. Forrest is awesome, however, he is a not a teacher for everyone. If you are one of those ignorant, inbred, bible-thumping ye-haws who has their head in the clouds (or are stuck in la-la land, if you prefer), then you will probably hate Forrest. (Please refer to the bitter comments below.)
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Like somebody else said, I hope you're good at taking tests. That's all he grades. On top of that, you'll be sure to find questions that make you go "huh? we never learned that". It's hard to stay focused in this class because he just lectures every time, and then tests every couple weeks.
Dr. Forrest is my favorite professor on campus. His lectures are fantastic and his tests are incredibly easy. Just make sure to pay attention in class and skim through the book, you should do fine.
If you have any interest in a balanced education, Forrest is not for you. He doesn't even attempt to present the full story. His classroom is used as his political podium. Outlandish theories he presents make it hard to believe much of what he says. And I'm a liberal...but a rational one.
By far the worst professor that I've had while attending Clark College. He has no interest in actually helping students succeed in his course. Basically, your grade is based on an inherent ability to take his tests, and if you don't understand his "test language," you're screwed. If you're not a poly-sci major, don't bother with this Professor.
Study, actually read the book, do your homework. You dont NEED to show up for class to get an A. If you don't like college you wont like Mr. Forrest. On a personal level, he says hi alot and let me take the final late. I'll keep him on my good prof. list, I got a bad grade because I was lazy. Don't be lazy! (He's cute for an older man geek)
Not a fun class. You sit through boring lectures day after day. He wears costumes to class sometimes and he is a nice guy just not to fun. The class was daily and I went about 2 days a week for the whole quarter and got a C in the class. It was to hard for me to sit for an hour and learn nothing so I read the text instead. Tests are somewhat hard.
You won't learn what you are supposed to, you won't EVER finish what you are supposed to cover. He will constantly go off on unrelated rants, then return and repeat information you have already heard three times. Then his tests will include dumb questions or info you never actually got around to in class. Don't waste your time/money.
This teacher is an interesting person. Does get off subject a bit but I found the different views interesting. He did get behind schedule but that makes it easier for you. He definitely widens your view.
By far the best Political Science professor on campus. I have never had to open a book for any class I've had with him because if you just listen to the lectures he gives you'll learn the material well enough to get at least a C on the tests. Read the book a bit and you're good for an A. Informative, and he really cares about the material.
i really liked this class. we had virtually no assignments, only tests, so if that bothers you, maybe you shouldn't take it. the tests weren't hard, though to get an A you DO have to study.
I have taken two classes with Forrest and found him to be a good political science teacher. I took his posc 111,131 You just have to pay attention and understand his politial views in order to get a good grade. His costumes are funny
I had him for two classes in one quarter, he's a great teacher. Visit one of his classes if you're hesitant and you'll see. Plus 2 extra credit special events he offered, the Camelot simulation, they were all so most excellent. Best Political Science Professor I've had thus far...
The professor goes along w/ the chapters. But is unorganized, doesn't keep on track w/ the quiz dates on syllabus. Lectures are all over the place and you cannot pass w/out reading the chapters and studying on your own. I think it would be easy to pass the class w/ out ever having listened to the professor's lectures.
Almost no assignments, just a quiz and tests. His lectures are ok. He's a liberal democrat but does a pretty good job of not letting that bias take over during lectures. The test are very strange, some of the questions are totally on a different subject. He's a bit unorganized and takes forever to get your tests back to you. An average teacher.
Not Great. Tests often did not match what he covered in class and so you have to read the book cover to cover. Odd guy--reminds me of Steve off of Blue's Clues.
If you are going to take Forrest,you had better hope you are a good essay exam taker. There are only about three exams (not comprehensive). They consist of Multiple choice, short answer and essays. Where you will really lose points is in the essays and short answers. There is ALWAYS more you can say. He is really impossible to please.
If you really want to learn about Polisci- this is the teacher you want to take. His lectures are *very* interesting and you can ask him any question related to the class and he will be able to answer. Extremely intelligent and funny.You'll walk out of class more knowledgable. I got a horrible grade, but I didn't try hard. The best teacher I've had
I enjoyed his class so much that I scheduled Geography this semester instead of the planned Communications Studies so I could have him as my teacher again. I plan to take at least one of his classes next semester also.
Unequivocally the greatest teacher I have every had. The passion with which he teaches is unparalleled by any Clark professor (save Van Forsyth) and his lectures are fact-ridden and extemporaneous. He developed my nascent political science interest into a passion I intend to pursue after high school.
Great professor. Lecture based- if you are not someone who learns in lecture, I do not recommend his class. The best lecturer I have ever had. Very passionate. Very entertaining. Was not interested before I went into his class. Now, insatiably passionate. Grades based on three tests, but if you read and pay attention, tests are extremely easy. =D!
He is an amazing teacher that tells you about what is going on in the world... attendance isnt really mandatory but his lectures are fun and interesting. he is my favorite teacher... if you are a conservative or republican i dont recommend this class. he is very handsome
Very nice, very easy teacher. Likes to lecture a lot and sometimes gets carried away in a off topic, but overall if you pay attention then you can pass his class easy.
u gotta read the book cuz he goes off topic so much that actualy bein in class is nothing. hes pretty hard on tests. class is fun, but tests make NO sence!!! :(
By far the worst teacher I have ever had at Clark College. He rambles on and on about off topic subjects during his lectures. As for his tests, they're ridiculous! He barely ever stays on track with the book and expects the student to know every little detail about the chapters. Only 3 test which determines your grade. Avoid his class if you can.
Interesting guy. Class time is entirely lecture, but not strongly related to the text- which is okay because I assume he wants to teach beyond the scope of the text. VERY knowledgeable. You have to read- and I would highly recommend your book's website. A good memory is a plus because tests cover almost anything- no study guides.
This class is close to impossible to get an A in. There are 3 tests that combine to make 80% of your grade, 1 quiz which is 10% and 10% participation. To survive it is requisite you read a deathly boring text book. He does go on tangents, but they are interesting and helpful for putting the information you learn into context, not so for tests.
this guy was a total joke, he seemed pretty good at first, till you got one of his tests! they were super hard, his questions would only make sence to politicians, if you were a normal person, you would have no idea what he wants from u.
Hes not that bad for INT Relations, most info is taken from lecture. If you skim terms in book youll do alright. Remember essays from each test they will be on final.
State and Local Politics was a very interesting class. Lectures were relevant and informative; Forrest knows his stuff. Tests are easy if you pay attention in class everyday and do the reading. Part of the class includes a "Camelot" simulation, which is a lot of fun if you participate. Forrest is a fair grader and is easy to get along with.
Hard class if you're not interested in Political Science. Dull and boring as well. Little attemp to keep students engaged and can be a little hostile toward students who do not know material. But knows his stuff and seems passionate about material. Uses critical thinking sometimes which is the only interesting thing. Lecture only.
He is a very interesting teacher. The lecture is never boring but the text book is. The tests are very difficult even though its just essay and multiple choice. Some of the questions are not relevant to lecture or text. Grades based only on quiz and tests.
He is a hard teacher!! If you don't go to class and speak up as "participation", you will get a bad grade. Only grades on tests and how often he sees you in class! Picks favorites and if your having trouble in the class and he notices, he doesn't offer to help. Don't take him unless your a teacher's pet.
I've liked Dr. Forrest, he is very clear in his lessons. He expects us to read all the chapters assigned for the test. For a 200 level class, I think that this is a fair class. His tests consist of multiple choise, true and false, and short essay questions. You should be good to go if you pay attention and READ THE BOOK.DON'T TAKE BRIT LIT W/ THIS
Entire grade based on test and participation. difficult tests. runs away from students trying to ask questions (literally) if your interested in international relations it should be an easy class but if your not do not take it.
Hands down, most frustrating class of my entire college career. Straight A's, in my last term. (No, I don't just take easy classes). However, hard work won't get you far. Tests heavily off lectures/book. Unfair grading policy (ONLY TESTS) & incredibly unclear test questions. Bummer of a class. I learned a lot but grade doesn't reflect it!
The most bias teacher I've EVER HAD!! During the FINAL HE GOT BORED WAITING.. so he started making baskets in the garbage can, dragging tables across the front (for no reason), and started pulling up google pictures of celebrities and talking about them.. And saying stuff like If you cheer for Bush, or any republican you fail and can just leave.
super hard class, i get good grades normally but i strgguled through this class, read the book and speak up during class, if you dont youll drop a whole grade. if class is big the switch to a smaller one
HORRIBLE! The tests sucked! Barely anything we talked about or that was in the book was really on the tests! IT MADE NO SENSE! I should have lsitenetdd to you people...
I don't need any more proof that education in this country is dying. People think Nick Forrest is too hard? Honestly? I mean, he isn't a perfect instructor by any means, but TOO HARD?!?! People don't want to learn anymore, they want to memorize and repeat. I took three of his classes, never read any of his books even once, and got three A's.
It can be a hard class if your not interested in the subject. Pretty easy to understand aslong as you read outside class and attend class. Interesting class discussions.Very passionate about what he teaches. NO HOMEWORK!
He is actually a very good professor, his lectures are really enjoyable and aren't difficult to follow, he is fair and instead of lecturing at the students he lectured to the student and allowed room for discussion. His exams can be difficult if you don't atleast skim the text
This is the worst professor I've ever had. He refused to sign a paper stating that I was passing the class since it wasn't an official-looking form. He said he would email the response to my advisor, but never did. Solely because of him, I didn't get to walk for highschool graduation (running start). Never again. Trust me, pick another teacher.
Lecture was interesting. He thinks he's funny but he's not. BUT! he is a great professor.
Grade based only on quiz/test /participation. Boring text book. No study guide lines. Class is entirely lecture with maybe 10 minutes of students discussing. I've learned a lot but, it's been a hard class. Only take if your self-motivated.
He is a nice enough guy but has no structure in the class. He has a syllabus but he doesn't plan his classes ahead of time so you end up way behind before tests. It feels like he just comes in and talks about what ever he wants for an hr. Worst part is he admits to having not even looked at the text book and is not clear about what will be on tests
Seems to be a good guy, but is a terrible teacher. No guidance. No test preparation help. No study guides. Does not follow syllabus at all. I have a 3.9 GPA and I had to withdraw this class because I would have tanked.
He makes it difficult to learn, no preparation for tests, and treats you like you should already know the material, and doesn't take the time to make sure you understand the material. he seems spend more time repeating himself than he does teaching. gets distracted and sidetracks too easy.
If you aren't interested in government then this will likely be a dry, boring class; a class that you can easily pass by reading the text book. But, if you are interested in government, Professor Forrest encourages in-class discussion and thoroughly answers all questions. You get what you are willing to put into this class.
I have no idea why people are complaining. His class is EASY! He often goes over the answers to the test questions BEFORE the tests. He is incredibly intelligent and really knows his stuff. You get to pick which questions you answer on the tests out of a selection so if you come to class you don't have to read the book.
I came into this class dreading it, but his lectures are incredibly interesting and I never get bored (I've got him 2 1/2 hours twice a week). His tests are hard ONLY if you don't actually study and read the textbook. I definitely recommend him. Great professor!
Forrest is a great professor. Everyone on here complaining had to have tanked his class almost on purpose because he is a very easy, sweet person. READ THE TEXTBOOK. He was awesome, I would love to take another class with him and I don't like politics that much. P.S he gets sidetracked a lot but it's always helpful information anyway.
Hard to get an A because he won't give you all possible points on essay questions on exams unless you blow him out of the water with your response. I'm a political science major so it made me mad that I got a B+ :( but the tests are super easy as long as you pay attention to his lecture. I read the text book but it was barely helpful on exams
He gets so off topic. Great guy, very interesting. If you don't read the textbook you will not pass the class. He goes off on these tangents so has less time to cover material you'll actually need for the tests. Offers a study session before the final. Take advantage of that!
Great guy. He's very interesting and makes connections that are relatable. Attendance isn't mandatory but there are some test questions that you will only know if you come to class. There is no group work and you'll be graded on tests and finals. He expects you to read and it gets rough if you get behind on that.
If you don't know everything about pols you will fail. He talks for two hours straight and you have to read the textbook (which is really time consuming). After his lectures you get big tests that have questions that weren't discussed in class. Would not recommend this class unless you want to fail it! He also gets off topic all the time.
One of the best professors I've had. He knows how to give lectures in a way which the students can keep up and find history entertaining and interesting. In my class he always answered questions thoroughly and with detail. Good guy, great professor!
If you are planning on taking this class, think again! This professor gets off topic very fast and he doesn't teach what is going to be on the test. He tells you to read the book but even if you read it you won't get an A on the test. He said he would make study guides for tests but did he do that? No. Don't recommend taking this class!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is the worst teacher I've ever taken. DO NOT TAKE HIM! He is a terrible grader. His tests are the worst because he doesn't give you a study guide but he tells you what chapters to read, and then when you take the test only 20% of the test is from the book! Every one tries their hardest and gets C's on his tests. Participation is a must!
Do not take this class unless you are actually interested in politics or absolutely have to. His lectures are interesting except none of it is on the test. The chapters are boring and the exams are extremely difficult. You have to have an extreme background in politics to get and A in this class.
Not a good teacher. One of the hardest classes ive ever had. He doesn't give lectures on whats gonna be on the test and only lectures on subjects that have nothing to do with the test.
Attendance, homework, quizes and group projects are basically void in this class towards your grade. Pass the few tests he has and you get your credit. 1. If you're fast, efficient and absorb information quick on research... HUGE PLUS. 2. If you're a good note taker and good at lecture classes... you'll do great. Experience overseas +
HE IS SO BORING. This class sucks! If you are not interested in politics don't take it with this guy! All he does is lecture about things that he doesn't even put on the test half the time! I never want to go to class. I'd rather be ran over by a semi. I am pretty positive that half of my class failed. Good luck.
Forrest was a nice guy who was passionate about political science, but his class was disappointing. The only homework was reading and the only thing he did in class was lecture, which I was thankful for. But he lacks clear grading criteria and he's a bit of a scatterbrain and goes off topic in his lectures. Overall decent class.
He is very passionate about the subject, if you're good at taking notes it's an enjoyable class. I recommend bring a laptop and the text book to take notes and follow along. He was a nice guy. This class is probably only enjoyable for people who are interested in politics. He didn't use Canvas for grades unfortunately.. Only graded tests
Do not take this class. It was a HUGE waste of my money, and i wish i had looked at this before, because this class with this professor, was the worst decision I've made in a really long time. And and i got pregnant at 15.
I wish I would have known about this website BEFORE choosing my classes at Clark! NO STUDY GUIDES!!!!! Just told over and over to read the book. When a test or quiz is given the answer sheet is returned WITHOUT the questions! How do I know what I did wrong & what I need to study? After election ended turns out all his classes are behind! Waste!
Dr. Forrest was one of the most entertaining professors I had at Clark. If you have an interest in politics, this class will be incredibly fascinating and a very easy A. However, your grade is based on a few tests, and his lectures do not always cover the content of the test. He does not use canvas, so make sure to occasionally ask about your grade
I took Dr Forrest for multiple classes, he was engaged and I learned something every day. The classes were average in difficulty, but highly entertaining as far as I was concerned. If you are prepared to learn then expect a grade that reflects that.
I loved Forrest's lectures, unfortunately he grades on is 1 quiz (10%), 2 tests (each 25%), a final (35%), and participation (10%). My class made a study group and spend copious amounts of time outside of class for studying. He wasn't clear on what was on the test or his expectations. We all did okay overall. You need to read and show up to class.
Forrest isn't as bad as his reviews seem to indicate. His lectures aren't horrible, but they're not entertaining. He is passionate about the topic and doesn't care if you skip. However, you are only graded on one quiz, two exams, and a final so skipping isn't really an option. You have no choice but to read the book or you'll be lost. He's tough.
Forrest was a nice guy who is very knowledgeable about International Relations. However, this class was fairly challenging. The only outside work was read the book. each chapter was about 40 pages long, so do not get behind. He offered 0 study guides so you have no idea what the test is going to be like. Gets off topic a lot. TAKE NOTES and show up
Get the book or you'll be lost for sure. This professor is lecture-based and gets off topic ALL THE TIME. So the book is your best friend. No study guides, you're on your own. I definitely don't recommend if you're a kinesthetic learner like me!!
He's very lecture heavy and sometimes can get off track. You don't have classwork and your grade depends on what you get on your quizzes and tests. He writes notes on the white board but they're hard to read and his tests and quizzes are based on the reading and lectures. Final is on everything you learned in the quarter.
He really cares about the students and will answer any questions you have. You don't have to come to lectures, but you won't pass w/o them. READ THE BOOK (you just have to follow along). He tells you ahead of time what you're going to be tested on. Take good notes. I really enjoyed his lectures, he makes them interesting and relatable. Good Luck!
For POLS203, Forrest grades you on 4 assignmentsthe first quiz, the first exam, the second exam, and the final exam. He is a VERY very lecture-heavy professoryou have been warned! The exams are made with content half from lecture and half from the textbook as he says (but all info is in the textbook, much more memorable if you attend lecture tho)
Lecture heavy and only graded through tests. You cant check your grades online. Be ready to be on your own for this class.
Absolutely great professor. Doesn't speak in usual professor jargon, but actually engages his students and speaks in language anyone can understand. Tests are based on lectures alone. No homework or other work besides tests, so get ready for that. Overall great professor, absolutely hilarious.
Lecture heavy and tons of textbook reading
Talks majority of the time, he will sometimes incorporate others into activity, but overall goes on rants while not getting back on topic. Lots of independent work. Not clear on grading at all. Especially in the beginning, does not prepare you for tests or quizzes, so you're on your own. Blindsided.
Great professor that prepared me for the bigger college experience. Lectures were interesting and he had a good sense of humor.
This class was a bit of a shock for me. Tests are the only thing that make up your grade, and you cant see your grades online. Tests are based on the lecture and textbook, which sometimes dont interconnect and no study guide is available. He lectures the entire class period and gos off on tangents that make it hard to get through the course.
Nick has never responded to any of my emails that I have sent him over the period of the quarter. His answers to questions are very confusing and he can get on tangents very easily. Also, the entire class is graded upon only 4 tests and there is no way to know your grade until it is put on your transcripts. (he never signed the class up for canvas)
You're on your own in this class. You can't see your grade and are only graded on exams. He lectures through the whole class but doesn't really correspond with the book. We spent 2 months on chapter 2. He talks about stuff you won't need at all. He's a nice guy but this class is not where its at.
Your entire grade is based on 1 quiz, 2 tests, class participation, and the final. What you read in the textbook is completely different than what's discussed in class. Even though attendance isn't required, you need to know the information discussed in lecture. I would not recommend if you don't test well and if you don't like speaking in class.
As a lot of people are saying, he DOES grade on only a few things but they're pretty easy to pass if you pay attention. He's very heavy on lectures with some reading outside of class but they're interesting and funny if you're in the right mindset. My only problem is that he didn't sign up for Canvas so you can't see your grades until after term.
One of the worst teachers Ive ever had. Does not give much direction in what to study. Your whole grade is based on a couple tests. I found a lot of what was on the test he didnt mention at all in class. Doesnt have a canvas or any organization. No study guide for any tests. Would not recommend.
This is a tough class to pass if you dont read the textbook. He gives no study guides for any tests and has no canvas set up. You are graded based off of 1 quiz, 2 tests, final and participation. Be prepared for him to never answer your emails.I reminded him everyday throughout the quarter to respond to my emails and never did. Always participate
Your whole grade is based on a 4 tests. A lot of what was on the test he didnt mention at all in class. Doesnt have a canvas or any organization. No study guide for any tests. Would not recommend.
Dr. Forrest canceled class at least once a week and would constantly cut class short because he was sick . He gives no study guide, the whole class is just a lecture and go home and read the chapter. He also wants constant participation so I would not recommend if you are shy. He was really nice and a great person but would not recommend .
Worst professor I've ever had. He let us out of class early every day. Everything he lectured on wasn't in the textbook which made strict attendance necessary to pass, even though it wasn't technically mandatory. Theres no homework but your grade comes from one quiz, three tests and participation. I would not recommend his class.
Professor Forrest's classes are very lecture heavy. His class is very interesting and educational, but he does diverge from the book a lot so you need to read the book and also go to class. He doesn't use canvas so you have to ask if you want to know your grade. He is very adamant about class participation so don't take his class if you are shy.
Only grades off of 4 exams, no other grades. MUST read textbook as not much is discussed in class.
He encourages a "socratic" style class discussion, but instead lectures the entire time. He goes off on tangents very often, making it difficult to take notes efficiently. Tests and Quizzes make up most of the grade and are quite tough. Dr. Forrest doesn't really make an effort to engage his students with each other, making the class very boring
I would not recommend this class. He does not use Canvas and has poor communication skills. I read my textbook and showed up for test days. Class got canceled numerous times and was cut short every day. The lectures were not clear and he wasn't very friendly. Graded off of 1 quiz and 3 tests all term. Good luck lol.
Only graded off of 4 quizzes/tests, daily lectures, lots of cancellation of classes, weird questions not really from the textbook. Just not the teacher for me
One of the worst professors Ive had. He lectures on random topics and tests students on something completely different. Very unorganized. Teaching style is not affective. You will have to teach yourself if you want a satisfying grade. I have only ever gotten As at Clark but I barely passed with a B due to finals being online due to COVID-19.
Grading is not clear in his syllabus AT ALL and he is terrible at communicating. Would not take his class again.
This Professor is very passionate about what he teaches however, he gets off topic a lot. If you do not read the textbook you will fail the tests. He gives out about 5 tests that are the only thing he grades you on. The tests do not correlate with his lectures at all. Learned almost nothing in this class.
Dr. Forrest is a good professor. He did assign a textbook and readings, but if you show up everyday/nearly everyday, you can most likely get an A. I only read the textbook once, but I participated a lot and had quite a bit of knowledge of the US government beforehand. The class was only graded on tests/quizzes and participation.
There is a fair amount of reading and weekly written assignments. The tests are long, but if you stay up with the reading, the midterm and final are not too bad. There were no surprises in the class.
He never taught. He said at the beginning that he hates online classes but boy I wasn't ready. We had about one discussion a week, which he didn't interact on nor did he ask us to interact on each other's posts. 90% of our grade is made up of three tests that he doesn't give any information or study guide for. Good luck if you're takin this online.
I would not recommend taking him online because wow this class sucked. Absolutely no guidance or interaction on the discussions, which was only given out once a week. No study guides for the tests and the tests were pretty difficult.
Clearly didn't know what he was doing. He had 3 assignments posted in the grade book: Roll Call (we don't do that, it's online), a test (added then as we went), and an assignment that was due before the quarter started. There are three tests and you didn't know what was going to be on them. He never responded to my emails. Wouldn't recomend.
He didn't bother to change the dates to fit the current quarter so they're all wrong. No guidance or interaction for anything at all. His expectations are vague and when asked about he just tells you to read the syllabus. Your grade is determined by three tests, which are difficult. The final exam is tomorrow and I don't even have a grade yet.
Forrest seems like a really charming and caring professor. But, when it comes to online learning he clearly has no idea what he is doing. Grades are not posted, we didnt have a single assignment, and instead had 3 tests. Due dates are not usually included. I received messages from multiple classmates wondering what was going on.
Do yourself a favor, don't take him. You need to read the book and hear every lecture because he might talk about something during a rant that's not in the book and then that concept is on the test. Today's lecture could be a repeat of yesterdays or fly through the rest of the chapter and you're a quarter into the next topic and now behind. yikes.
Assignments aren't due at specific times, discussion prompts are vague, curriculum is randomly spaced and often unrelated. This teacher may be good for on-campus learning, but possibly could use some more online-learning teaching classes.
Taking this as an online course. Only graded on a few exams, and doesn't provide any feedback on the weekly discussions. Definitely necessary to read the textbook.
Please don't take this class, at least not online. There are no due dates for anything, the teacher does not grade anything until the very last minute, and the tests have content that are not in the textbook. Trust me, I read every chapter. I have never been so frustrated with a class before in my life, first time getting anything other than an A.
Assuming the switch to online was difficult for him as he doesn't understand how to use Canvas. The class is not too difficult but not fun at all, especially if you struggle with procrastination. There are no deadlines on anything, only on the 3 exams which make up your grade. You essentially self-read the whole textbook. No feedback is given.
In Dr. Forrest's syllabus, he says that our discussions about topics each week are 10% of our grade. I did pretty ok on our first two tests but on the third one it dropped my grade down to a c- when I emailed him to grade my discussions he has yet to respond to my email that I sent five days ago. He's probably the worst teacher I have ever had.
DON'T TAKE HIS CLASS! I'll keep it simple: He had missing content in the modules. Almost never responded to any of my 8+ emails (if he did, you were lucky and was 5ish days later). 3 total exams that make up your entire grade. Content in the exams that weren't from the textbook. You only watch Youtube or PBS website videos. VERY LIBERAL/DEMOCRAT.
I understand why everyone is leaving bad reviews, but for me as a RS student needing the credit, this class was helpful. There isn't much work, only 1-2 discussions per week with no due date. I would do a bunch at a time to get the done. There are 3 major tests that your grade consists of, pretty hard, but I use google so it's doable.
Terrifying course design. 90% of your grade comes from 3 exams (10% from discussions). However, all the class consists of is reading the whole textbook spaced out over 10 weeks, plus some videos/articles, and some discussions. Basically, the workload is light but he provides everything you need to succeed. Exams weren't particularly hard either.
Entire grade is 3 exams. There are weekly discussions he says are 10% of the grade, but I never received any grading on them. The discussions are vague and many of the exam questions have no direct answer or are his opinion. Exams are multiple choice with 2 long answer questions. He gives no feedback and responds slow. Googled everything
This class was so difficult and I should have dropped out of it. The only thing graded is the two midterms and finals, he said the discussions were graded too but at least for me, he lied. If you do not do well on the test.. good luck..
He just uses the same format every quarter - when I entered class all the dates said Winter 2023 (this is Fall 2023). Almost no involvement from him, the discussions are vague and rushed, and the modules start on Wednesday for some reason? The ENTIRE grade is three long tests, and it's very stressful. Save yourself - find a different professor.
I was a straight A student through high school and so far in college, but this class was unnecessarily difficult. It's graded on three exams, each worth 30% of your total grade, and the exam had material that was not covered in either the textbook/other sources. He also takes a long time to respond to emails.
The teacher was quite hands-off in this class. The teacher was hard to reach. He didn't get back to me in time. He doesn't say what the tests are on. (BTW the tests are on everything) Don't trust that you'll find the assigned reading in the modules. You teach yourself, but the curriculum was well made and I did learn a lot from this class.
Professor Forrest is a great guy and his lectures are great even though he often goes off topic. You are only graded on three things and he doesn't offer any clues as to what the midterm and final essay exams cover so you go in blind. Go to class and keep up somewhat with the reading and you should be fine. I'd take this class again if I had to.
Nick Forrest's POLS111 class is a mixed bag. While the content is interesting, his online teaching approach can be disorganized. The exams are tough, but unstuck AI helps with study prep. Overall, a challenging yet manageable course.
Professor Forrest was an okay teacher. He didn't teach, mostly just provided us with tools to teach ourselves and hope for the best. There are three exams that make up your entire grade for the class and he grades all of the discussion posts at the end of the quarter with no feedback so you don't really know if you're doing anything right.
Professor Forrest was one of the worst professors I've had. He grades based on two midterms and a final worth 40%. He won't say what the tests cover, claiming it's in the textbook when it's not. He never responded to my emails and didn't acknowledge me once all term. He also teaches with his political opinion. Do not recommend.
I took his class for Econ 101 because I needed this class for graduation. Take this class online. He has no hw but only 3 exams (in person) He talks for ever and I never knew what to take notes on. It takes him for ever to grade your exam and don't even try emailing him. It will take him at least a week to reply to you (if he dose).
His class is dead boring. He won't say what the test will cover even of you ask, he'll just say "everything you need is in the textbook." I was so confused in his class. I would often think how does this relate in any way to what we are learning. Made no since. Learned absolutely nothing. Takes for ever to grade. need something = ask in person.
Ngl just Don't take this professor Not worth it Waste of time and money
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
23%
Textbook Required
33%
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