2.7
Quality2.6
Difficulty28%
Would Retake84
Reviews28%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
14
4
14
3
13
2
21
1
22
What Students Say
“I'm a straight A student and I had struggled in this class”
PS1 - 1.0 rating“This teacher is horrible”
PS1 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
42%
Textbook Required
57%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.26 avg changeRatings by Course
PSPS
4.0
(2)PS001
4.0
(1)PS1
2.8
(76)POL101
2.0
(1)PS151
2.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
11440
5.0
PS1228
4.0
PS001
3.0
PS151
3.0
PS1
2.6
Reviews (84)
Extremely easy class. She is boring, but its a great GPA booster. Watch alot of videos and talk about articles. Drops lowest test score.
im taking the class right now and i feel like killing myself in class cuz its so boring. i guess she is easy and she does drop the lowest test score. but is the pain of suffering through her class worth it? see for yourself.
if u dont like being in school, take this class, read the book on the chapters she says to read (on the syllabus) and go take the tests. you should have a decent grade then. oh and everyone else is right about what she does in class. if you like to be taught from notes and lectures, then this class is NOT for you.
She is really nice but she talks a lot. Her test were kinda hard but she brings all the tests on the graph. So if you get an F you will actually an C.She drops the lowest grade. Take it with her she is cool.
She is a nice lady. She doesn't teach you sandetail but gives you lots of concepts that you should deal with. I agree that most of class was quiet boring but I think it was worth to be there almost everytime.
Learned the reverse of real politics. Didn't have to take the final; that's great! Read till u get high!A is possible!!!!!!
She lectures for the first couple of weeks, but then switches to videos. We watched videos every single time. There are 3 tests and one of them is dropped. There is curved grading. You get 3 absences after that -5pts. each. There are 3 EC activities 5pts. each. Study guides are messy and very hard to read, but they help. Class is easy & boring
At 1st, she was confusing & hard to keep up with in lecture. She goes from videos, news articles back to white board. 3 tests, one is dropped. Show up to class and take notes. Skim through the chapters that are on the tests. 3 chances for ex. credit pts. worth 5pts. each time. She was very nice & informed.
First day she walked into class and said "i know you dont want to be here, and neither do i" that pretty much explains what kinda teacher she is. rarely actually teaches materail, most of class is old videos and articles from the 60s. never explains whats on tests and is incredably broad w/ wording of questions. DO NOT TAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Run away..run far away..and never look back. Oh man, I HATED her class. I never had ANY clue what she was talking about. It doesnt help that I don't like american gov, but still, she was so vauge and just rambled on and on. She definitely liked the sound of her own voice. I and many others, unfortunately, DID NOT! Pease find another teacher!!!
Rambles. Sit in front or you can't hear. Three tests, drops lowest grade. After the first couple weeks she just showed movies. Tests are multiple choice. She sounds bored while she talks.
Boring. You have no clue what she's talking about. Hard tests, but curved. I just read the textbook before the tests and got B.
I brought my laptop and played games every day in this class (when I actually bothered to show up). I got an A. Never looked at the book once. It's a very boring class, but if you're good at government stuff and/or are willing to pay attention to what she says, it's a very easy A. Great GPA booster.
I got so bored one day I counted how many hairs were on my arm. Just show up and sit there. She gives extra credit for showing up. I did not buy the book or takes notes and got an A. I would take her again.
Horrible women. take only if you have to. Trust me beware.
okay so she is a nice person her class consists of lectures that in no way whatsoever follow the book. u can come to class when u want becuz shes not strict with attendance 3 tests drops lowest test score dont count on a high grade if you miss class and not listen..very hard to follow lectures if possible take someone who is passionate about subjec
Dr M relates the book material to past and current examples. Exams are in PS language but if you come to class everyday, read the text and take notes, then easy A.
Easy class. No hw, just pay attention in lecture and you'll do fine. I took notes and scanned the text before the tests and they were easy (although the vocabulary can be difficult) Lectures are on the boring side though.
Is conservative, but confuses everyone by requiring a very liberal book. Lectures are made up of her asking questions and no one answering for 3 minutes, making it awkward. Tests are alright.
She is a really nice lady. Lectures are extremly boring and repetitve. no hw, 3 exams and drops the lowest 1. attendance is mandatory for the first half of the semester and then she doesnt pass the sign in sheet anymore.. she gives random extra credit, so its a good idea to go to class. study the review before the exam and youll be fine.
Easy class if you constantly read the text. No hw, 3 tests, all curved, and drops the lowest score. Lectures are boring, I was headbobbing every class. When not doing lectures, she plays videos from years ago or articles that have really nothing to do with the text. Gives out extra credit on 3 days, totally random, so try and be there every day.
...yeah.... dont take this class... I mean she seems like a nice person off the clock but.. yikes... lots of old videos where your grandparents probably watched... yeah... not a class I would suggest. 3 Tests, lowest grade dropped and thats your grade. 3 chances for Extra Credit if you are "in class" that day...
3 tests, lowest test score dropped. she grades on a curve with all of her classes combined. EXTREMELY EASY. not a class you would want to sit in, but if you want an easy A, go for it. textbook is a must.
Makes no attempt to pretend fairness in her treatment of the subject; classes consist of the old Orange County collie reciting what amount to a thinly veiled synopsis of the week's Limbaugh talking points. Enjoys when naïve students parrot their parents' right-wing opinions, often rewarding said regurgitations with amused chortles. DO. NOT. WANT.
Horrible teacher . She loves to criticize President Obama. She is extremely bias and if you like for open-mindedness or opinions she won't give you any.
She is a great lady. To me she is an angel without wings. You have to be very lucky to be her student.It is a dream come true class. Enjoy.
Very conservative. Her lectures are very boring and I'm a poly sci major! Most of her views are right in line with Limbaugh and Fox news so if you are anything other than hard right-winger I suggest you stay away. If you like the topic it is an easy A though, 3 heavily curved tests, lowest dropped, nothing else
This teacher was really boring. None of the things she lectured about in class were on the test, you bascially had to read the entire book. only good thing for showing up to class was 3 random extra credit days.
Do Not Add! It will be a though semester!
Super easy to get an A. The class itself is pretty boring unless you watch a movie, but there is no HW and 3 curved tests with the lowest dropped. The only reason to go is 3 random extra credit days and the movies. Tests are on a few of the movies and the book. Reading only the book ensures a B, but go to class and its a super easy but boring A.
Right wing nut job. Mentions Lenin, Stalin, Ho Chi Minh and President Obama in the same breath. She blatantly lied in class, and when I called her on it she laughed me off and changed subjects. She showed the same Glenn Beck video TWICE to show what the right is, then to show what the left is.
She is awesome I don't know what these people are talking about. She is really nice, you don't have to go to class. She drops your lowest test score. Three test and that is it. She is a right wing genius and I love it
In terms of teaching, you know, she knows the material and teaches it fine. She doesn't teach to the book and the book really feels optional, so if you don't like reading, take the course. Though I warn you: if you're at all left wing don't take her. I am and while I found the discourse interesting, the conservatism is irritating. Expect Glenn Beck
She is very nice and knows exactly what she is talking about. She lets you speak your mind. She gets you to think. They are 3 tests.but only grade 2 of them. I never studied and passed both of them. gives 15 pts of extra credit.
If you READ the textbook, you'll do just fine. MAKE SURE YOU GET ALL THE EXTRA CREDIT POINTS!!!
Easy class. No essay to write, no homework. She allows discussion and dissension without judgment. Both the text and her lectures/videos will be on the exam. Get an A on the first 2 and you can waive the final. She curves heavily.
I took her PS1 class. Great class. Come with an open mind and her conservatism won't bother you too much. I learned a lot and some of my illusions about politics faded away. Textbook is required reading if you want to do well in the class. Other than studying, no homework to speak of. She is a nice, friendly person and I am glad I took the class.
class is extremely boring. however its very easy and straight forward. no hw or quizzes. just a couple of tests and she only keeps your 2 best scores.
There are 3 tests, one of which is the final. There are 3 EC opportunities. Just take plenty of notes and pay plenty of attention to the videos she plays. Read the necessary text chapters(easy, about 90 pages for each test) and you should get an A easily. Be open-minded(she sure is), as she comes off as kinda conservative.
If you like politics you will love her.If you hate politics you would say shes boring.Theres no hw or quizzes which didn't help me-Thats what keeps me up with things.Shes very conservative and will sometimes talk to fast for you to write down what she said :/ .3 tests, lowest score dropped.No need to bring book to class but study it
3 test, drops lowest score. Very nice lady, make sure you study the study guide she hands out 4 weeks prior to the test, no excuses for less than a B.
I dread going to this class. You don't learn ANYTHING, no matter how many notes you take! Attendance isn't mandatory, she takes roll by passing out a sheet that you have to sign, but she never checks it. You only have 3 tests, which are very easy. She gets off subject too easily. verryy boring.
class is very boring, but if you study the study guides then you'll be fine. attendance isn't necessarily mandatory, but it'll help your grade out in the end. only 3 tests, and she drops the lowest score.
Hahaa a few incorrect reviews below.. She never voiced her personal opinions even when asked. In controversial subjects like Political science their will always be people offended by discussing certain topics but she contantly maintained a fair and balanced lecture. I loved her class even though I dislike politics.
Professor MacMillan is one of the many teachers in the public California college system who do the bare minimum and curve their tests in order to keep their jobs. So far, I have learned VERY little in this class. I am a political enthusiast so I have prior knowledge involving politics. However, many of my classmates do not, and they are struggling.
She lectures the entire class, or we read an article or watch films. Only grades 3 tests, drops lowest grade. Really easy class if you study the provided study guides. 3 extra credit days randomly throughout semester to encourage attendance. Easy A overall.
I never knew anything or cared about politics before taking her class. She changed my perspective on elections and our government. I LOVE this teacher and the class Ive been recommending it to everyone!! Tests were curved and not too difficult. Take her she's honestly the best which is why shes been at this school for so long.
Excellent teacher. Knows her material but take good notes & read the book! The terms are on the board and she just starts talking, pointing to the terms as she goes.If you know a lot or nothing about Pol Sci, you will learn more. Conservative but well documented. She will bring you out of the Matrix and change your political construct.
She is a very smart teacher and really seems to know her stuff. That being said, it is near impossible to take notes in her class. She writes chicken scratch on the board in no particular order and then proceeds to talk about them as she jumps from topic to topic. She may be a great person to talk politics with, but i reallyreally regret taking her
I missed nearly half of the class sessions, failed all of the tests, but still got a B. She is a Republican, that is clear. However, she does not shove her beliefs down your throat. Her lectures are all over the place, but if you just put some effort in, you will pass. She curves ridiculously in the students' favor as well!
Dr. Macmillan is passionate about what she teaches, but clearly approaches much of the subject matter from a conservative right point of view. Show up and take lots of notes. 3 exams, lowest score is thrown out. She grades on a generous curve. You must have the book. Her lectures can be "all over the place", so pay attention!
I wish i hadnt taken this class! even though i got an easy B i didn't enjoy it. sure i learned a lot but it was not a nice learning enviroment for me. she comes in and writs random terms on the board and talks about them. her lectures are all over the place! Textbook helps! tests were filled with questions never discussed
Writes random words on the board and then does not talk about them at all. Tests are full of questions never discussed. Passes out articles to read and then we stare at them for 30 minutes while she sits on the computer. Watch videos from the 80s and it has nothing to do with the lecture Such a boring class and no one understands what is going on.
This teacher is horrible. She does not teach at all, she writes random words on the board and she gives out handouts while she sits on her phone while you read the handout. Her tests are nearly impossible, even if you read the book. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WITH THIS TEACHER. one of the worst teachers i have ever had.
The professor's lectures were the same every week - a continuous dribble of Republican/Tea Party agenda and a monotonous bashing of President Obama. She even made the class read passages from the New Testament and asked which political spectrum Jesus Christ would be affiliated with. GOP=Good, Democrats=Bad. Remember this and you'll pass with an A.
My advice to you: Attend class, pay attention to lecture, and take good notes. Don't bother buying the textbook. I never used it and passed with a B.
This professors teaching is unorthodox. just attend class. that is my advice. she grades on a GENEROUS curve. take her. 3 tests, drops your lowest score, plus an EASY extra credit assignment. Don't make this difficult, and DON'T worry about studying the articles she passes out. NOT ON THE TESTS! Listen to me #trust :)
Awesome instructor. Prof MacMillan is very knowledgable about what she teaches and will force you to think. Attend class, take notes, skim book. Three tests (incl. final), lowest score is dropped. Grade curved out of all combined classes... Approx 85% = A. Easy extra credit for SHOWING UP and PARTICIPATING.
First, attend class every day. Your grade is based solely off of two tests, (you take 3 she drops the lowest score). She grades off a generous curve and offers 15 points of extra credit (huge when class is out of 200 points). She isn't the typical liberal poli sci teacher, so be prepared for that. Awesome teacher though.
I don't normally do reviews but after Dr. MacMillan deserves some dissenting voices here. I took her this Spring for PS1 and was relieved she was not just another liberal professor. She teaches elitist theory which has nothing to do with the Tea Party (those who claim so show their bias). Attend lecture, read the book, use common sense and pass.
Her lectures make no sense. Very scattered and was not helpful at all.
I took her political science class in the spring semester. You walk into class everyday and there are random words written on the board and when she's lecturing she just points to them. She will put a video on and leave for 40 minutes. However, you can only pass one test and still pass the class because she gives you over 30 points of extra credit
Lectures about random government stuff, then she gives you a 75 question test that have NOTHING to do with the lectures. Even the book didn't help much. Test questions are all "which of the following are truefalse.." so you have no chance of guessing
Wow I can't believe the posts on here... This teacher was one of my first professors at saddleback she is the reason I stayed there instead of continuing with IVC She is honestly the most non opinionated person in the classroom she is 100% neutral. These reviews need to stop lying if u failed her class there is something wrong with you like serio
This professor doesn't really try to engage with individual students to get to know them. You walk into class and there will be random words that are written on the whiteboard that she just points to when she gives a verbal lecture that she expects you to take notes on but the issue is she talks about random stories
Professor Macmillan is a nice person and is truly passionate about what she teaches, However, she is very unorganized in the WAY she teaches and prepares students for exams. Her exams are difficult because the students are not properly prepared for them. The textbook is awful. She doesn't use Blackboard. Only exams and one extra credit assignment.
She is a good professor! I liked her class and how she is actually not biased she just puts the facts on the table and lets you decide. Extremely clear on what is expected which is a big deal for me I like clear schedules and expectations. she's a nice person in general and good teacher take her:)
Basically your grade is determined by 2 tests. You take 3 tests but she drops your lowest test score out of the 3. Show up and listen to her lectures or just read the book and you'll pass. She's super neutral and doesn't give her opinions and doesn't start debates. So she just teaches straight out of the book.
Requires tons of note taking if you want to have any idea of what is going on in the class. You take 3 tests (not cumulative) & she drops the lowest. She GENEROUSLY curves the tests & offers a GENEROUS amount of extra credit. Tests were difficult, but I still pulled out a B in the class. Lecture heavy, but overall an interesting class & nice lady!
I'm a straight A student and I had struggled in this class. There are only 3 tests that are graded on a curve and 30 points of extra credit can be obtained. The tests are too vague to give a definite answer even if you read the material and take notes in class. I do not recommend taking this instructor's class.
This class was alright. Attendance isn't mandatory, which is good because her lectures are all over the place. Sometimes she'll start lecturing and end up on a tangent and everyone is confused in the class. Based off of 3 tests, and she curves them hard. Decent class to take for transfer but not the best.
One of the best prof. I've had. Stays the most neutral while discussing politics compared to most profs. Lots of Extra Credit! Drops lowest test. Only reason anyone would fail is if they didn't bother to show up or have a hard time focusing. She may seem unorganized but she is very clear and if one listens her lectures do have an order to them.
I liked her lectures, but her tests are killer. There are 3 test and 1 is dropped. I thought I could do well on the first 2 and not take the final, but it's impossible even doing all the reading and attending. Most people don't do well so there's a big curve. If you wanna do well, you must show up everyday so you can get all the extra credit.
Don't get the book. I opened it four times at the most to look up a few words and that's it. You really won't want to, but you have to come to class for all the extra credit she gives you - i wouldn't have gotten my grade without it. Besides that she's extremely disorganized and hard to listen to. Take notes and then take notes on your notes!
Nice professor but her lectures can be hard to keep up with. Attendance not mandatory but some days are extra credit. Her tests are very hard and most questions are which of the following are true. Grade is based on three tests, one is dropped and extra credit.
Sweet, caring professor. Not your typical liberal, polisci professor, which is refreshing. Passionate about what she teaches and is very intelligent.
Easy but so boring. She seems uninterested and lectures through the entire class. Take lots of notes on the videos. Make sure to show up for the mandatory 5 day participation for extra credit. I only missed about 3 days total and still the tests made no sense to me at all, I guessed on every question. Attendance is key, which is torturous.
HORRIBLE. I recommend international student not to take this class. You'll deeply suffer by her talking speed and low voice. Grade based on 3 tests, but nothing in the lecture or the book is useful for the test. Extra credits on very random attendance.
don't take! there's no clarity while she teaches. her study guides don't help while taking the class. i was never able to find the words in the book. her teaching is sloppy, once class begins she just talks all the way through and you need to pay attention. get ready for a lot of videos and articles that don't help at all. doesn't update grades!
ABSOLUTELY AWFUL!!! wost class I have ever taken. the professor is very unclear during her lectures and talks way too fast... I didn't even bother showing up because she bugged me so much. the study guides are not helpful for the tests at all and i didn't even use the book one... do your self a favor and don't take this class
If you are reading this, please DO NOT take this class! I am a straight A student and have never been so miserable in a class. You walk in the classroom to 7 words randomly written on the board as she points to them and teaches off the top of her head. All she does is handout 5 articles for you to read or a video for you to watch as she sits around
WORST PROFESSOR I'VE EVER HAD. I dreaded this class every Mon/Wed, her lecture were bad and boring, we read way too many articles and watch nonsense movies/ videos that were so hard to follow along with. Every time I came in the class their would be random words on the board and I just stopped taking notes because they were everywhere. DO NOT TAKE.
pretty easy i guess. i never studied but passed with a B. 3 tests and an extra credit essay during the final. make sure to show up the week of the extra credit opportuities because if not you wont get full credit on the paper. the 3 tests were 74 questions, lowest score is dropped and huge curve
I had a great experience in Professor MacMillan's class. It was awhile ago, but I remember it being a lot of reading and a lot of note taking. If you go to every class and take notes, its an easy pass.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
42%
Textbook Required
57%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.26 avg changeRatings by Course
PSPS
4.0
(2)PS001
4.0
(1)PS1
2.8
(76)POL101
2.0
(1)PS151
2.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
11440
5.0
PS1228
4.0
PS001
3.0
PS151
3.0
PS1
2.6