3.3
Quality2.6
Difficulty83%
Would Retake100
Reviews83%
Would Retake
100
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
30
4
28
3
16
2
13
1
13
What Students Say
“Professor is a great guy, but as a teacher no way”
PA200 - 1.0 rating“Epps is a great teacher who cares about his students”
POLISCI102 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
40%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.02 avg changeRatings by Course
POLSCI101102
5.0
(1)POLIESCI
5.0
(1)POLISCI103
5.0
(1)POLYSCI102
5.0
(1)VALUABLE
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
POLSPOLS
5.0
POLS479
4.3
POLS103
4.0
POLIT356
4.0
PA301
4.0
Reviews (100)
epps is pretty cool. . . his discussions are very open and insightful, sorta doesn't cover the book, but it's American POLI SCI, tests are straight forward, application of terms is everything!
No Comments
If you want an A, go to his office hours and ask him poli sci questions, so that he learns your name. Otherwise, you just blend into the moderate masses. Tests are ALL on the book(s), not at all on lecture. You learn nothing in lecture. Its mostly videos and political discussion. Gives extra credit.
Very helpful and easy to understand. Fair with the grading. Makes you want to be a Pol Sci Major. Excited about Pol Sci, makes you aware of what is going around in the world. Just take his class but unfortumately he is going to Europe for the Spring Semester so if u see his name for spring nope gone
his test r imposible if u don't go to his office hours. the classes r pointless and r only good to get attendance credit. if ur willing to put in the effort then he's ok, but if not then find someone else.
Very nice teacher, and loves to talk to you in his office hrs. TAKE HIM!
Easy class and very nice teacher. He is helpful and likes to get to know his students. Not like other teachers. Much easier to talk to. Plus...he's hot! Take this class. Not stressful at all.
Epps is super cool. The class is easy in the sense that there are only 3 tests. However, the tests can be difficult. Overall, I would definitely recommend this class.
if u don't want to learn anything and get an easy A take this class. this guy is really cool but his class is a joke.based entirely on a group project so if you get bad group it kinda sux.don't buy the book, waste of $$.honestly this guy don't give a**** about teaching.just earns his paycheck.
a homeless man off the street is more qualified to teach than this idiot. you learn nothing, all he talks about is racism against blacks, and shows movies then tests on random crap, oh but if you go to office hours you get an A! some people dont have time to go chat with him every day, he sucks
Epps is a great teacher who cares about his students. Office hours a few times a month are a must, be really takes it into consideration when you need help later on. I would take him again in a heart beat, best teacher Ive ever had at state
This class was mainly for discussion bout current issues and the book. He rarely lectures. Tests are straightforward and easy. He's really nice..but sit in front if you want to hear him more clearly. Easy A.
Irresponsible, disorganized and always truant. More concerned with being friendly to students than teaching. While current events discussed are interesting, lectures have nothing to do with exams. His unavailability and lack of regard for his students is disrespectful and frustrating. Avoid taking.
This guys a joke. Self aggrandizer with a flare for... women, not politics. Unbias agenda with HIS own view. A girlfriend of mine recommended him. Bad advice. His class is as easy as the women he gets. Total loser. I see... a shallow man adorned with old wallpaper. Smooth yapper. Hair white
He's a nice teacher... and likes to talk to you... especially if your female. Class isn't hard. Social bug trying to look for weaknesses in people... not politics. Don't buy a book, it's a waste. Girls... need an "A"... just charm his ego and practice and voila. Chalk one up for a lesbian w an "A"
He is a joke. If you want a CREEPY professor (if you are female)and someone who is paranoid about everything take him. The classes have nothing to do with the test and he is trying to be cool instead of teach. I learned NOTHING in his class. For an easy A take him, but don't expect to learn.
I took his 101 class Sp 02 n everything was ok the semester right after that Fall 02 he always invited me 2 get cups of coffee n I wasnt his T A n I never went 2 get those cup of cafe when I took his 103 class I had 2 insist so that he would help me. I cried by mysel right after taking the midterm. I got As n Bs on midterms and As in d 2 classes.
Below box raters, quit giving yourself so much credit. It was still a fine class
No Comments
No Comments
Epps was the MAN! If you play or played football you have an easy in, just talk to him about that. This class is pretty much set up for and by the Greek system, if you're not Greek, you will feel out of place. Hundreds of sorority girls in his class every
No Comments
Class was interesting. I learned many angles of politics while taking his class. He is willing to help you if you need anything. Nice guy.
Epps is a great teacher. Very fun talks in class discussions. I didn't even take the midterm and when I went to talk to him he said if I showed that I'm taking it seriously now then he'll give me a B. I recommend him. cool guy
Great teacher. He is always there if you need help and don't be scared, he is very friendly and approachable. His tests are kind of difficult but there is always extra credit to boost up your grade if you need to. Make sure you go to the review session you'll pass the test if you do. Oh and try to go to class every day
Horrible teacher,the TA taught more than he did. Lazy & always was sick leaving early. tests are hard and have nothing to do with what was talked about in class
He's a great teacher maybe a little lazy at times but overall he'really nice. Just go talk to him during his office hours and he'll try to explain things better when you can't understand the concept.
Listen people. Have you heard of teachers pet? Wel in this class u need to be 1. Go to class everday, sit in front, start a conversation before class. Make him recognize u. Notice when u turn in exam he writes someting on there to remind himself who is the teachers pet. Dont worry if u do those things u will get an A trust me.i got c's on all exams
I think it's better 2 not even go to his office. U can wait 4ever 2 try 2 talk 2 him and not get 2 talk 2 him at all.
Cool class with a cool textbook and cool topics learned from a cool teacher. May learn more basic fundamental stuff from other teachers but learn a lot of social history kind of things from this teacher. Plus it's not too difficult, 2 tests and a paper.
cool teacher, very easy going. doesnt teach much in class, a LOT of discussion. don't buy any books except for grigsby, thats where he gets all his material from. watch a lot of movies in class. we had a midterm, a 5 page paper, an extra credit paper and the final. no work to turn in.
Epps is a cool guy. He totally gets that we are in college and have lives! Take him and let him know whats up and you'll get a good grade...Just make sure to be invovled, like every class..it matters! I ♥ed his class!
Epps could have done a little better in his class performance, last semester, but I really think he will do much bettter in the next. He really wants his students to think outside the box and if you enjoy open class dialogue this is the class for you.
excellent teacher! cuts you slack and really forces you to look deeper into what "mass society" teaches us. Don't really need book but GO TO CLASS! One of my favorite teachers of all time.
No Comments
class is a GAMBLE depending on your group(that you do not get to choose)you learn that people are two-faced.your GROUP ultimately GRADES YOU.whether you work hard or not epps does nothing.laziest prof ever:arrives late,bs' alot,lets aids run class,late syllabus,overwhelming exam,no extra credit and worst-STUDENTS(not friends)GRADE YOU.
nice guy, likes to talk about what current social problems a lot, doesn''t really cover actual material in class. females have slight advantage over males. If you just study for the tests and write a good paper, its an easy A. Class not hard at all
Biggest fraud in the department but no one would know because if you're taking his class it's cuz you're not a Pol Sci major and looking for an easy A. The following people will pass with an A: cute females, athletes, blacks, and greeks; otherwise, you'll enjoy a healthy dose of discrimination. Kiss his a$$ during office hours.
This fool is a joke. All he cares about is his paycheck for not doing his job. He told us in the beginning of class "attendence matters" I showed up every class and still didnt boost my grade, but if I was a hot girl I woulda got an A, what a loser. He should find another career, because he cant teach to save his life. His TA teaches better.
Not bad as teachers go. Puts people in their place if needed. Approachable. Thinks outside the box but teaches concepts as well.
Good guy. Interesting lectures. Tests were kinda tough but he was liberal with extra points for extra work.
Excellent class. Really knows his stuff about political situations around the world. Take this class if you want a good overall education on world politics. Hard tests totally on book. His lectures are outstanding but won't help you on tests. He really challenges you to question your political beliefs. Great guy.
GO TO OFFICE HOURS! If you go enough times, he will remember you and tell you when reviews are...where he basically gives you all the answers to the test. The only way you can pass this stupid class is by sucking up to his scary ass!!!! PS: He likes caramel macchiato's with EXTRA caramel.. so if you bring him some he will give you an A!!!!
Go to office hours!! He's nice when you talk w/him and he will help you out. But the class is based on two tests, which are hard. Class is mainly lecture which is interesting but not a part of the tests.
He points out some interesting issues in the political world, but other than that he's nothing special. Just go to his office hours and let him know who you are. And he likes women.
Epps is great.......His tests are hard and his lectures are about current events in todays world. He's not just cool to women but to guys as well if they put in the effort
The only way you can get a good grade in this class is if you are an attractive girl or Epps likes you. Epps favors students. You can be dumb as rocks and get an A if he likes you. Become his friend or compliment him & get a good grade. Pointless class if you want to learn nething about international politics.
getting an A in this class is as easy as me just going to his office hours and staring at his washboard abs! Yes want an A i will tell you my little "secret" to get an instant A in this class is by calling me at (619) 565-3951
I don't really think he favors certain students at all. He definitel;y interacts with eveyone and make eye contact. He is interesting and is real. i like him and I really don't think he favors women. I jsut really don't see that at all.
He hates ratemyprofessor.com because it is a forum for students like us to speak out against teachers like him
He knows his field extremely well, and doesn't waste time in class. He favors students that use initiative and are interested in learning. If you want a high school teacher find someone else. He promotes active participation in class, and expects students to be prepared.
Go to class! He will grade you down if you miss a high number of classes. Also, go visit him in office hours, he will help you for the tests! Very interesting professor who taught me a lot.
One of the nicest and most helpful teachers. He truly knows what he is talking about. He is always willing to help people out, he is always in his office, & if you're smart, you would take advantage of this. 2 tests & 1 Essay. He's really laid back to talk too. I really enjoyed his class & make sure that you attend or he will lower your grade
very easy class-2 papers&thats it.I disagree with people below,he wasn't the most intelligent of professors I've had,but chill class.I'd take em again if I had to I guess,but some of the things he said as an African-American raised my brows.1 two page chapter analysis&1 10 page paper on a topic of ur selection.Chill class&prof overall tho
Miss 4 classes and get an F. Interesting lectures, good videos/discussions. Tests have 2 essay questions, but you get to choose which to answer. Little unclear on directions, syllabus said tests would have multiple choice 2. Vague instructions given last minute on paper. Expects u take time introduce yourself personally, like we're not busy enough.
very chill professor very strict in attendance he will lower your grade if you dont go to class. If you go to class and pay attention to the main topics he talks about you will be able to pass the class with no problem.
One of the most approachable and charismatic teachers at SDSU. He cares about you as long as you care about the class. He wants to see participation and students applying the books topics. The lectures are broad, topical and timely. He applies the book to today's world. How to do well: Show up for class, actively participate & see him one on one.
Basic class. Go to class and participate. Women: don't have coffee when this jerk asks! He clearly doesn't know his student/teacher bounderies and will flirt (and more) with those whom he sees as an easy score.
Epps is a good teacher that does a good job to create class discussion and gets people to think more critically. I wanted to go to every class, not because he was strict about it, but because it was interesting.
Good Professor. Lectures consist of open discussion, him summarizing the book and movies. 2 tests (with helpful study guide) and 1 research paper at the end of class. He curses a lot and gives off an agressive/military guy vibe sometimes. Haha.
National Security Policy was a joke... his class was taught by a T.A. who changed the syllabus on a weekly basis. The simulations are AMAZING and you learn a lot about nuclear proliferation and 9/11... One M.C. test, 4 weeks worth of simulations... serious group work! Easy A if you get your work done.
WORST PROFESSOR EVER. Can't teach. Can't communicate. Always absent, but if not absent then very late. I know im getting an A but only because I went in and talked to the boring old man.
He just read parts of the book to us. Boring. He never has notes, and his class is based on group discussion, so this leads to getting way off the topic, which doesn't help for the midterm or final. Honestly, do not take him.
relies on t.a.'s to teach, lots of open discussion (but not pertaining to material that you will be tested on), absent/ late to class. nice guy and very smart, but probably not meant to be a teacher.
1st thing he said was that he was not going to stand in the front & just read from the book, but that was exactly what he did! I think he hates the US. Boring videos. Not prepared. A cool guy, but awful teacher. He once told us a word to write and defined it, but then someone got out a dictionary and read the true definition, so Epps looked stupid.
Definitely not meant to be a teacher. TA s do EVERYTHING whether it's grading or lecturing, and even his office hours. Late very frequently. Two tests (which have no relevance to his lectures),one huge group project and a simple paper. Has extremely long rants on the Iraq war, so don't get him stated.Attendance is mandatory.
Worthless class. He never shows up, I learned absolutely nothing in this class. The tests are high school level and come DIRECTLY from the textbook. Extreme liberal, spends 90% of the class criticizing the Iraq War and the other 10% is bogus group work. Take if you don't want to learn anything, hate Bush, and want an easy A
hes the ishhhhh
Doesn't know how to teach, tests are out of the book and probably not written by him. Should be fired immediately, mandatory attendance though class time is pointless. Worst class I have ever taken, worst teacher I have ever had.
He's a nice guy, especially if you're a girl. Just take time to talk to him and show interest in the class and material and you're golden. Tests are straight out of the book. Simulations are the whole point of the class basically, so make sure you really do well on that. Talk to him, that's really all there is to it.
Be prompt and ready for class. While he is a pretty chill teacher, but he is not afraid to call you out. Study the material regularly, not for the test, but for the simulation. The tests are not that difficult, but the simulation is what your grade is riding on. Also, he is not too clear on directions, so ask questions alot.
THE BEST PROFESSOR.... :)
Professor Epps is a great professor. He teaches the class to apply the information rather than just memorize it. The tests are straight from the Nye book. Do not buy the other it is never used and a waste of money. USE THE WEBSITE!!! One of his test came from it. The simulation is the best part of the class. Not a class for slacking.
Boring lectures, claims he doesn't want to just read off the slides, but does exactly that. Tests are straight from the book, so you need to read all required readings!
Goes over info quickly, you wont know whats really on the tests unless he tells you, one class he sent out a paper of what's on the test the night before, the people who didn't look at their email screwed up on the test no matter how much they studied. But he is easy going and you can soften him up. still confusing teacher.
Class is pointless but his team project is useful for intelligence skills. He states class reqrmts. clearly prior to class! Book is useless (welcome to high school). But if you want an "A" it is up to you, he is passive if you can make it fun! Enjoy the coolest class!!
Took him for both 479 and 375, GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS, he'll help you with what to study specifically regarding tests.Attendance doesn't really matter until the sims but once those start you have to show up and can't slack. I think he is a great guy overall and above average professor
Professor Epps is extremely helpful. He wants his students to pass so definetely recommend office hours. He can explain you in different ways the class material. I would take another with him. Recommend 100%
Epps is awesome if you get to know him. Likes it if you go to his office hours and get to know him. If you really show him you care, you will get an A. I highly recommend office hours.
This professor is the worst ever, I took him this summer online and I didn't learn a thing. He never once lectured in the wimba classroom and all he did was upload the powerpoints and said basically read the book. I got an A- but it was a waste of time. Horrible professor
This isn't a class to have your hand held. You have to read the book on your own and don't expect him to lecture you in class. The class is about learning international relations and how to open up your mind not just "oh look here's the book oh look he gave me a study guide" For those of you that wrote bad review, grow up and learn to read.
Who ever says Ric is a bad teacher is out of there mind. He is a great individual and has more to offer than any of these boring ass teachers at state. With 20 plus years in air force intelligence, it blows my mind how many irresponsible students that consider themselves smart at sdsu. Go to class and get involved and you will receive an A.
This is one of the only classes that interested me, and it was taught by someone who analyzes things instead of gives a textbook answer. Those who complain are probably not going to be good in this field, because those "off topic discussions" actually were exactly on topic. Read the book on your own. Mandatory attendance in the end!
As a person, I think he is probably one of the nicest and most helpful professors I've met at State. As a professor, I'd have to agree sometimes the discussions are off topic but interesting. Shame on girls who thinks he's flirtatious, he's HELPFUL to everyone, get over yourself. Go to office hours and he'll love you.
Horrible teacher. Do not take. TA's do everything. The review sessions for tests are horrible and misleading. not clear about anything. Funny and nice guy just horrible teacher.
Took him for POL479. Runs classes discussion-style and uses student answers to segway into other topics. He def has the experience and credentials (former USAF officer). He sometimes goes off topic. Class was easy. The TA's did ALL of the work but were VERY helpful. Be sure to get focus on the simulations and attend TA study sessions.
Nice guy, horrible teacher. Class had no direction and required we purchase materials that we never used. He missed several classes and never showed up to his office hours. If you ask one of his six TA's you will get a wrong answer. Skip it, if you can.
Poor lecturer and discussion leader. Textbook is written at a middle-school level and is not referenced after week 6. Assignments changed format and topic without warning. Major assignments took 5-6 weeks to be graded.
I really got a great deal out of this class. And, almost 9 years later, I'm a Political Science major going back to school! Very good at lecturing and connecting everyday to the poli I map.
He's super cool! Very interesting class that gets you thinking. Passionate about the subject. It's obvious that he pays attention if he doesn't see you in class (it's your education, so SHOW UP!). No, he's not creepy and doesn't show favoritism toward girls. Doesn't take attendance, but it's obvious he keeps mental note of those who show up/not
Tests are mostly based on arbitrary and insignificant information. Lectures are him reading off Power point slides and watching videos. Be aware that test review material is nothing like the actual tests. A bit of an unstructured class. Intentions in lectures and materials tested on are not cohesive.
What was suppose to be an easy class turned out to be completely difficult to study for. Professor is a great guy, but as a teacher no way. He'll tell you straight up that his class doesn't have a certain structure to it. Completely unorganized and had no agendas set up. final material was introduced a week before the exam... horrible!
One of my favorite professors I've had so far at SDSU. Super funny and will tell everything like it is. A lot of what he lectures about is common sense and self-explanatory so he doesn't usually keep the class very long. Use the practice quizzes on Blackboard and you'll do great on the tests. Would definitely take him again in the future.
Helpful, laid back and knowledgeable professor. Highly recommend
Insanely easy class, but tough point system. There are 2 midterms, 1 essay, and the final. My lowest grade of these was an 88. All the rest 90 or above and I still only got an A-. You do have to read to be prepared for tests. The essay is easy analysis.
One of the best professor's I've ever had he works with you if you dont understand something easy going teaching skill the best youll never regret taking his class
Great professor
Straightforward professor, clear line of what you should be doing as an online student. Three exams (non-cumulative) and 1 paper (not hard). Responds to emails.
The online class has a tough grading system based on 3 tests and 1 paper. Read the textbook and take the practice quizzes for the Kettl site because those helped a lot. The tests were kind of difficult and you needed to get all A's on them to get an A in the class, which wasn't too fair imo. he won't remind you about the paper so stay on top of it
best professor EVER! His class is really straight forward and understanding. The Kettle websites and quizzes helped a TON! DO THEM! DO IT. Just ask if you feel confused or need any help with anything. He is full of knowledge and is willing to share it with everyone. He is constantly on the news! cool!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
40%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.02 avg changeRatings by Course
POLSCI101102
5.0
(1)POLIESCI
5.0
(1)POLISCI103
5.0
(1)POLYSCI102
5.0
(1)VALUABLE
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
POLSPOLS
5.0
POLS479
4.3
POLS103
4.0
POLIT356
4.0
PA301
4.0