2.9

Tareq Youssief Ismael

Political Science - University of Calgary

2.9
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
51%
Would Retake
123
Reviews
2.9
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
3.0
Helpful
2.8
Clarity

51%

Would Retake

123

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

36

4

16

3

16

2

16

1

39

What Students Say

This professor likes to hear what conforms to his ideas

POLI479 - 2.0 rating

He loves listing things but will say "7 things" and list only 5

POLI283 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

58%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 29 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (8)
B+ (8)
A- (6)
Grade Distribution
A(8)B(5)C(2)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(14)
Based on 42 reported grades
Not sure yet: 8
B+: 8
A-: 6
A: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (37)
Respected (14)
Skip class? You won't pass. (13)
Test heavy (13)
Lecture heavy (12)
Amazing lectures (8)
Tough grader (8)
Participation matters (5)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.02 avg change
Aug
Oct
Dec
Jan
Apr
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

POLI201

5.0

(1)

POLI381

5.0

(1)

MIDEASTSTDS

5.0

(1)

POLI569

5.0

(1)

POLI369

3.1

(50)
+7 more courses
Difficulty by Course

POLI469

4.3

HTST369

4.0

POLI569

4.0

POLI283

3.6

POLI369

3.1

Reviews (123)
4.0
1.0
POLI369
Feb 13, 2002

3 things about him. 1: nice guy 2: bad at making lists

2.0
2.0
POLI369
Aug 29, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
POLI201
Oct 25, 2002

very knowledgeable and impartial

5.0
2.0
POLI369
Feb 9, 2003

Great Prof, very bright - U.of C is lucky to have him

5.0
3.0
POLI283
Apr 7, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
POLI369
Apr 9, 2003

Easily one of the best profs I have ever had! Excellent knowledge of middle east, human rights, international law and international relations.

5.0
3.0
POLI283
Apr 10, 2003

One of my favourites :)

1.0
1.0
POLI
May 16, 2003

Has a lot to say, but much of it is hot hair--doesn't really know his stuff that well, but relies on the class knowing even less.

3.0
2.0
POLI283
May 27, 2003

Seems like a fairly knowledgable guy, but his lectures seem to go round in circles. Terrible diagrams. Not happy having to do big group projects.

5.0
3.0
POLI283
Jun 21, 2003

Very informative class

3.0
2.0
POLI283
Dec 22, 2003

knowledgable but lectures are unorganized

5.0
2.0
POLI381
Jan 12, 2005

Disorganized at times, but still an AWESOME prof. Took the time to do lots of small quizzes to ensure that we all learned the material (even though it was a big class)... very knowledgeable.

2.0
4.0
POLI283
Feb 19, 2005

So disorganized and unfocused. Never talked to the whole class so you'd have gaps in your notes. He's a REALLY smart guy, but his teaching isn't that wonderful.

3.0
4.0
POLI283
Feb 27, 2005

Class is interesting and he's very knowledgeable, but your entire grade is based on biweekly quizzes, which are impossible.

1.0
4.0
POLI283
Mar 10, 2005

Very circular logic and lectures, would never take a class again, quizes are impossible because of the relative obscurity of the information. Relies on showing dated documentaries to avoid addressing actualy current events. Also relies on abstract theories to prevent getting caught being wrong.

4.0
1.0
POLI283
Apr 8, 2005

I think anyone who accused Ismael of being unclear and going too fast should open up their minds. This is one of the easiest profs ever, and all he's trying to do is to get people to think. If people find it hard to raise and respond to issues then I think they deserve to fail.

3.0
3.0
POLI283
May 4, 2005

Lectures were all over the place, but okay. The class needed to be smaller. Grading was done using quizzes this session instead of papers (I think this was new for him). Quizzes were too hard, but I think he adjusted the grading scale or something at the end to make up for it.

1.0
4.0
POLI283
May 5, 2005

His office was a bomb of papers, and his lectures were bombs of disjointed ideas. His only discussed issues from the past, yet his quizzes, which were IMPOSSIBLE, focused completely on current events, most of which I thought he made up on his own. He was really nice, but not cut out for teaching.

2.0
4.0
POLI369
Jan 20, 2006

Awful prof! His quizzes were ridiculous. I felt like I was taking a middle east history class. He obviously hates Israel and it shows in his lectures and books. The final was only worth 10%! 90% of the mark was based on quizzes with mundane details that required intensive reading of the text books-both of which he wrote.

1.0
5.0
POLI283
Mar 2, 2006

While he seems to be an interesting and intelligent person, Dr. Ismael is an indescribably bad prof. His lectures are impossible to follow and he has a lot of trouble sticking to one topic. His quizzes are impossible to study for and the questions are subjective and unclear. I highly recommend arranging your schedule to avoid this prof.

2.0
4.0
POLI283
Apr 18, 2006

Dr.Ismael is a very charismatic, likeable person. Too bad he can't teach! His lectures are sort of like amoeba: roaming and shapeless. He has an obvious bias towards the arab community, and sheds a negative light on the jewish/christian communities. His quizzes are abstract and deal with random bits of info, instead of focusing on broader concepts.

5.0
2.0
MIDEASTSTDS
Jun 1, 2006

Excellent teacher, not your typical tenured professor. Helpful, energetic and a real pleasure to learn from.

2.0
4.0
POLI369
Aug 5, 2006

This guy is smart, but the class is so disorganized. He claims that we will not be able to detect his personal views, but when you come to a specific country for study in the class, it is quite clear which side he is on. The M.C. quizzes that he has are not easy, as the questions asked seem to often be on something obscure or irrelevant.

1.0
2.0
POLI369
Jan 17, 2007

Very disjointed and disorganized lectures--doesn't seem to put much work into his teaching.

1.0
5.0
POLI283
Jan 25, 2007

TERRIBLE prof. His lectures are disjointed, nonsensical, overcomplicated and extremely inconclusive. The articles he uses for the course are just as bad and his quizzes are ridiculously abstract. He also tries to scare kids who aren't paying attention, further embarrassing himself in the process.

1.0
5.0
POLI283
Jan 30, 2007

Abstract lectures, abstract diagrams, nonsensical and contradicting points of information. Just avoid at all costs

1.0
3.0
POLI283
Feb 1, 2007

This is the worst class I have ever taken. Rambles on pointlessly for the entire lecture, with no structure. He doesnt post lecture notes until well after the lectures, and by then you have no time to prepare for his quizzes; which are random and nearly impossible to study for. The amount of reading expected is stupid, and he clearly biased, AVOID!

4.0
4.0
POLI283
Mar 22, 2007

I enjoy the fact that the Prof designs the tests to reward those who actually attend class, do all the readings, and keep up to date with the current events. I just assume those who rate the Prof low do none of these. Only issue is the sheer amount of reading for such short tests - this results in you essentially guessing the questions.

1.0
5.0
POLI283
Apr 4, 2007

Awful prof. Can't teach at all, he is all over the place in lecture and impossible to understand. He expects you to be reading 3 different newspapers to learn current events for quizzes worth 18% of your final grade. He is completely arogant. He accuses people of not paying attention and yells at them when 9/10 they were really just taking notes

3.0
1.0
POLI283
Apr 5, 2007

I believe prof. Ismael is a wonderful professor because he challenges his students to THINK. He wants his students to be critical of the media and be informed individuals. Do your readings, read the news and show up to the lectures. Thats all you need to do very well in his course. Its not that hard.

5.0
2.0
POLI283
Jun 12, 2007

i thought he was great! i learned alot and while the tests were hard because they covered so much material he made up for it by curving the marks in the end. i actually think i learned a lot in the end and he made me decide to pursue my minor in poli sci!

1.0
1.0
POLI204
Nov 15, 2007

very bad prof. lectures not clear, all over the place, no clear topic. very rude prof. avoid

3.0
1.0
POLI283
Dec 15, 2007

Isnt the nicest guy in the world. Wont be afraid to single you out in class if he thinks you arent paying attention. However, this was the easiest class ive ever taken. No essays, no midterms and no final. Only 5 short quizzes,with about 10 bonus questions each. Attend class, stay on top of current events and do the readings and youll get an A.

1.0
4.0
POLI283
Jan 23, 2008

Usless. His class is a waste of money... I had him for 283 and 369 - he teaches a biased view of an area of political science that simply can't afford that (Middle East). His books are garbage and unacademic. Stay away from his lies.

3.0
1.0
POLI369
Jan 30, 2008

He knows history, he teaches students the importance of thinking critically and questioning the media, and his quizzes weren't bad. That said, he really lets his personal views color his lectures way too much. It's silly to expect a completely unbiased lecture from anyone, but he went overboard. Also tended to pick on students unfairly, I thought

3.0
1.0
POLI369
Apr 14, 2008

Very, very disorganized lecture style -- personal anecdotes are entertaining, but overall his presentation is confusing. Tests are EASY if you keep up with the news and are good at rote memorization -- an easy A for sure. Just don't show up late for class; you'll be made an example of.

5.0
1.0
POLI369
Apr 28, 2008

Very easy, If you know the proffesor he will help you. Much more intelligent that people take into account. If you know you stuff its a easy class if you don't it won't be hard to learn. Just don't be a brat

5.0
1.0
POLI369
Dec 6, 2008

This prof was very wonderful i enjoyed the class. He is very good prof knows the matreial also if taking this class read the news articles he posts up

2.0
4.0
HTST369
Dec 27, 2008

He is a good guy but teaching isn't his thing. Such a horrible prof. I don't know why is university keeping such instructors. Tests are stupid and random. Stay away if you can ....

2.0
5.0
POLI369
Jan 3, 2009

TERRIBLE!! University instruction at its worst. Give me my $500 + corruption money (% fee increase every year) back.

2.0
4.0
POLI369
Jul 15, 2009

Not a good prof. His class was more of a history class than political science, and while the two are intertwined, he should focus more on modern politics than ancient history. I don't care about what Iran was like before the birth of Christ! Very opinionated, and very hard to take notes from. Avoid unless you have a good grasp of the topic already.

5.0
3.0
POLI369
Jul 28, 2009

Great class and a great prof ask people to take a different look at the middle east. He gives a point of view that is usually not expressed and wants you to form your own opinion

3.0
2.0
POLI283
Oct 25, 2009

Very biased in all lectures.

1.0
5.0
POLI283
Nov 4, 2009

He's all over the place and belittles his students. Uses lectures as an excuse to rant, then bombards you with ridiculously heavy readings. AVOID!

2.0
2.0
POLI283
Jan 5, 2010

His lectures were boring and were very hard to follow. Thank god he posted the lecture notes or else I would have been totally lost. Don't bother coming to class, just read the lecture notes and the MASSIVE amount readings. You would have to read 100+ pages of the boringest material for a mere 18 quiz questions. Not recomended.

1.0
1.0
POLI283
Mar 22, 2010

Absolute worst teacher ever. Anti-western rants are the foundation of his class, and I learned nothing that I didn't already know. On the bright side if you show up for the five 15-20 question test he gives throughout the semester and pick the most far left answers you're guaranteed an A. It's what I did. Don't bother with the readings, useless.

1.0
1.0
POLI369
Sep 2, 2010

anti western. Associates with and has anti semetic speakers come in. He teaches without consideration of clarity, logical sequence or timeline. He becomes enraged when people are late but is almost always 5-10 minuits late to his own class. He is also unpredictable and frequently abusive (I saw him make a girl cry once because she wasnt listening)

5.0
1.0
POLI369
Oct 25, 2010

Very Knowledgeable, very interesting. I dont know what the other are talking about when they say he is anti-western. He presents a moderate view. He combines both the West and East View, and teach both to students enable to help them make thier own argument. Very easy marker, He cares about lwarning, best prof ever

5.0
1.0
POLI369
Nov 30, 2010

2 words to describe him BEST GUY

5.0
1.0
POLI369
Feb 9, 2011

best guy ever. very nice and helpful. best prof at u of c

1.0
1.0
POLI479
Apr 26, 2011

If you think he gave a lot of reading in 369 you have no idea. 500 level histories have less assinged reading than his 400 level Poli Sci. His lectures are impossible to follow and take notes for. No one knew what was happening in the course the entire way through. The good thing is so long as you know your stuff he is an easy marker.

1.0
5.0
POLI369
Nov 25, 2011

The worst professor in the entire university. His lectures make no sense they have no structure at all. The book is as badly structured and all over the place as the lectures because he wrote it. Worst class my GPA went down so much because of him.

5.0
2.0
POLI369
Dec 3, 2011

Tareq Ismail is such a nice prof and overall it is such an interesting class. Defintley recommend this.. very easy as long as you do the readings!

3.0
2.0
POLI369
Dec 14, 2011

Easy enough class, just do the readings and go to lecture. Watch the videos and do current events and you should come out with a B or better. He rambles on a little bit but he's interesting at least.

3.0
3.0
POLI369
Jan 9, 2012

The content of this class is really interesting, learned a lot and made me feel less ignorant about the middle east.. It is very tough as we all know that part of the world is complicated and the tests are hard. totally worth it though!

3.0
2.0
POLI369
Dec 15, 2012

Not the hardest class I've ever taken, though this could be attributed to the fact that the tests were heavily curved. Dr. Ismael though sometimes difficult to follow, is an expert on the topic, so listen up! The TA, Ali, was fantastic. I voted for him for a teaching excellence award.

1.0
4.0
POLI369
Dec 16, 2013

Confusing. He explains topics with itemized lists, but if he says there are 4 things you need to know, he'll mention 2 before getting distracted — the textbook is equally confusing, as he wrote it. The exams were dyslexic and petty, "what thing what was I talked about the most in class?". I got an A+, but this class BLEW. TA, Ali, was dope though.

2.0
4.0
POLI469
Dec 29, 2013

Nothing satisfies him. He personally doesn't know what he expects students to do!! When he starts talking no one can stop him! grading is fair but you should tolerate him for a whole semester!!

4.0
2.0
POLI369
Jan 14, 2014

Dr Tariq is very knowledgeable and is obviously an expert on the topic, although he does get distracted fairly easily but till the time you do the reading you shall be fine, also the TA Ali is very good, the tests are really easy. The class was one of the best that i have taken at the U of C i dont know what everyone else is complaining about.

4.0
4.0
POLI369
Feb 20, 2014

Very Strict professor who is an expert on the field. This means he is very busy and unless you fall early on his grace, you may as well not exist. If you are somewhat undisciplined, rude or even distracted in class he will call you out on it. However if you are interested in the middle east , this is your class and man to take it with.

1.0
5.0
POLI369
Sep 17, 2014

This professor is the worst I have encountered at U of C I am in my fourth year. Dr. Ismael claims to be impartial regarding his political opinions in his Middle Eastern Politics class. He is not. If you do not share his beliefs he will treat you differently by not replying to your emailsoffering help etc. Don''t take this class.

3.0
3.0
369
Nov 13, 2014

Get ready to read basically the entire book (he wrote it as well). I'm interested in the subject matter (middle east politics) so it wasnt too painful. READ THE CURRENT EVENTS ARTICLES half the test is on them! also there are 4 baby midterms, worth 21-22% each plus 10% in class final. do the work, you'll be fine. not an easy A.

2.0
3.0
POLI479
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 30, 2015

This professor likes to hear what conforms to his ideas. Although he encourages critical thinking, he is not open to other ideas that are contrary to his own. So do not argue with him, or even openly disagree with him on Middle East politics. In short, he is very biased, and this is reflected in his grading.

4.0
2.0
369
Jul 9, 2015

expect to read a lot because you will be expected to learn A LOT. He aims to teach a lot in this course and it can be overwhelming, there should be more than one course covering the Middle East foundations. This course covers historical, sociological, economic, religious, cultural, internalexternal forces that have shaped the modern Region.

4.0
2.0
369
Grade: A
Oct 11, 2015

good prof , but easily get distracted

4.0
1.0
POLI369
Grade: A
Dec 7, 2015

Super easy class, if you do the readings and show up you should be getting an easy A, I personally just did the readings and didn't attend the lectures and got an easy A but then again I naturally keep up with middle eastern politics, he's very knowledgeable though and is actually a fair marker and prof, if you ask a ? Ask after class or officehour

1.0
5.0
POLI283
Jan 12, 2016

Tareq is THE WORST prof I have come across in my 3 years at UofC so far. He's rude and you can't understand his lectures. He's doesn't put his notes on D2L and doesn't allow electronics in his class - not even laptops for notes. I took POLI283 in block week with him and would NEVER RECOMMEND IT! I would NEVER EVER take another class with him EVER

2.0
4.0
POLI283
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 29, 2016

Yikes, his lectures are very confusing. I did not find it useful to go to class at all because it was so confusing. He loves listing things but will say "7 things" and list only 5. Really annoying lecture style, hard to follow, tests are also worded confusingly. Seems like a nice guy on a personal level but I would not take another class with him.

5.0
3.0
POLI369
Sep 6, 2016
Would take again

Very passionate about the subject. I definitely recommend taking a class with him.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
5.0
POLI369
Sep 7, 2016
Would take again

DO NOT TAKE DURING BLOCK WEEK!!! He's a great teacher, but there is a TON of material, and the tests are very specific. It's too much for a block week, but would be good during the regular semester.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
5.0
3.0
POLI369
Grade: B+
Sep 9, 2016
Would take again

He is very inspirational. He teaches a class that is very complex and sensitive but he does it very greatly. This is a real university class, and so do not expect it to be easy he might challenge your ideas and that's okay because that's the whole purpose. Would definitely take him again!

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
POLI369
Sep 9, 2016
Would take again

Tough class. but worth it. very eye-opening. Great and caring guy.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
POLI369
Sep 13, 2016
Would take again

LOVE THIS PROF!!!!!! WARNING: VERY HEAVY READINGS

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
POLI369
Sep 20, 2016
Would take again

Great prof but get ready to read all day and night

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
2.0
4.0
POLI369
Sep 6, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He does not allow computers, and he does not have lecture slides, instead you get to listen to him talk and try to write it all down, he's also a really quiet speaker. While the topic is interesting the readings are exhausting and never ending

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
4.0
POLI369
Sep 10, 2017
Would take again

Very knowledgeable, very keen, very eager. A man of great experience to be sure. Perhaps a little erratic in his lectures - goes off on tangents a little. But overall a guy who knows his stuff and loves sharing that knowledge.

Respected
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
POLI283
Jan 6, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Ismael was a great prof, hes very enthusiastic about the material and for it being a block week course he was able to keep the lectures interesting while going for a few hours on end. Expect a lot of reading because of the condensed material, but no complaints about him.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
POLI283
Grade: A-
Jan 18, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Ismael was a wonderful prof. I took this class during a block week and was ready to be bored to death- uhmm eight hour days for five days- but I was pleasantly surprised. He is super passionate about what he teaches, and is super interesting to listen to. Readings can be extensive, but they were all tested, so make sure to read them.

Respected
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
POLI569
Apr 18, 2018
Would take again

Professor Ismael is unconventional as a professor, as he really prefers discussion and participation to outright lectures. He is always eager for student input and really encourages you to participate and be active. He is a wellspring of knowledge and has expertise is almost every field you can think of related to politics. A great professor.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Participation matters
5.0
4.0
POLI369
Grade: B
Aug 31, 2018
Would take again

This has been one of the hardest classes taken for my undergraduate degree. With that in mind, it has also been one of the most rewarding and valuable. Dr. Ismael navigates this contentious topic with a sense of humor and refreshing realism. Every student should take a class with him!

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
5.0
5.0
POLI369
Grade: B+
Aug 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Extremely knowledgable lecturer, no doubt about that, one of my favourite professors in terms of learning. He has written many books, and other authors copy his books as well. He met and worked with many politicians including Henry Kissinger. Make sure you prepare and memorize the readings for the exams.

Respected
1.0
5.0
POLI369
Grade: C
Sep 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This block week class was difficult for a non-POLI major. Prof was upset from lack of participation and attendance so made it extremely difficult to get ahold of the take home final exam that was given out on Friday afternoon. Class was interesting but MC exam questions are difficult and long. DO THE READINGS EVERY DAY.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
POLI369
Sep 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He's one of those"aristocratic" profs who expects perfection from students in terms of discipline and preparation, which is fine. However, the "laptop ban" hampers the speed of note-taking and leads to bad grades, as he pays Extreme attention to detail. Also, a person having all kinds of connections/experiences does not make oneself a good Talker.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
POLI469
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Reading HUNDREDS of pages of academic writing a week, 3 midterms all of which are insanely detail-oriented (on hundreds of pages). 12-page book report on a 300+ page book, a 2-4 page reading summary EVERY WEEK, a one-hour presentation which you're required to write a quiz for and answer questions for 30 mins so (1.5h total) + more. UNFATHOMABLE.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
POLI469
Grade: B+
Oct 30, 2019
Wouldn't take again

STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS!!! 100s of pages to read every week & the questions on the midterm are random memorized sentences from those readings. Around 4 pages of reading analysis due every week for 1% of the grade. I have never been in a class where everyone collectively hates the class as much as everyone hates 469 this semester.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
POLI369
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2019
Would take again

Took this in block week and despite it being very difficult, its one of my favourite classes Ive ever taken. Got bad marks on the in class tests just cus of the heavy reading and block week structure but busted my ass on the papers and book review and got As on both. Very fairly marked and super knowledgeable. Would recommend!

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
POLI283
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 7, 2020
Would take again

I'm taking him for block week and can honestly say that he is one of the most passionate professors I have ever had. He is very educated in his field and he manages to make the lectures so interesting despite them being 8 hrs long. He does have a very thick accent but it's understandable. I would definitely recommend him.

Respected
Get ready to read
Inspirational
5.0
2.0
POLI283
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2020
Would take again

I would say that Prof. Ismael is one of the best professors i have ever had. He is inspirational and clearly knows his stuff. He has a no electronics rule but honestly it didn't even matter for me, I found that i genuinely did learn better writing by hand. Also, he gave everyone a 20% boost on the midterm just because he knows block week is hard.

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
POLI283
Grade: B
Jan 11, 2020
Would take again

I took a block week class with Ismael and was not disappointed! He was engaged in the classroom and clearly passionate about the subject he was teaching. As a non-major and first year, I found that he balanced the concepts well between catering to the more experienced and less experienced students.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
4.0
5.0
POLI283
Jan 21, 2020
Would take again

Lectures are fine, readings were fine but HOO BOY BLOCK WEEK 2 essays 1500 wds each -worth 40% due in less than 10 days. Gives the essay questions on the last day of class. If it was a regular semester, then yes it would be fine, but 2 essays in 10 days is pushing it. other than that, it was good

Get ready to read
Caring
1.0
3.0
POLI283
Apr 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Course work isn't heavy, exams were fair, and if you do all the readings/lectures you'll get a good grade. Lectures are irritating though prof basically just rambles about his worldview for an hour. Little structure, it's difficult to take notes and frankly he doesn't even try to be evenhanded. Wouldn't recommend but it won't tank your GPA.

Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
3.0
POLI283
Grade: A-
Apr 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Ismael is very intelligent and knows exactly what he is talking about. He has lots of experience in PoliSci but personally, I didn't love his teaching style. The online lectures were twice a week and were just zoom calls with him talking that weren't uploaded. There was little structure to the lectures and taking notes was quite challenging.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
POLI469
Apr 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

No. Here's why: 1. You will not learn about middle east politics. The readings he assigns are general reading at best. His lectures are vague and meandering. Even in a seminar class he talks 75% of the time. 2. He gives no clear criteria. He complains about everything and anything and in the end you still have no idea what you did right or wrong.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
3.0
POLI283
Apr 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Here is a very honest review, I can agree with others on the fact he is knowledgable well dah he has a phd and been teaching for 30 years. But he does not record his lectures, posts 0 notes, not helpful at all. 0 respect for students, some times rude, will not answer your email and will not care about your concern. if you don't have to don't take

4.0
2.0
POLI283
Grade: A
Apr 30, 2021
Would take again

Very knowledgeable however his lectures were very disorganized. He provided no notes and refused to record the online zoom lectures. He rambles and spends time in lecture on things that aren't on the exams, but puts the smallest details in them. Multiple choice exams were easy but reading and film heavy.

Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
POLI369
Oct 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

No clear flow to lectures, no powerpoint for online class. Terrible zoom connection, basically couldn't understand what he was saying had the time. The worst class I took online. Plus a lot of readings from his textbook with no clear idea on what he is going to grab questions from for his exam. Highly avoid unless you have background knowledge.

Get ready to read
3.0
3.0
POLI283
Grade: A-
Oct 29, 2021
Would take again

Ismael was definitely passionate about what he was teaching about however the structure of his Zoom lectures were very hard to follow and very disorganized. Most of what we were tested on came from the textbook as well as various films we had to watch. Great person, mediocre prof.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Caring
1.0
3.0
POLI369
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Ismael's class was a nightmare. His exams were based on older versions on the textbook and he refuses to discuss his exam answers even if he's the one who is in the wrong. He does not care about students nor wants them to succeed. He is a great professional in his field, but is not a great professor.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
POLI369
Grade: B+
Feb 2, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Although he is very passionate and knowledgeable about the content of the course, he does not care about his students' learning. He provides no visual aids, recordings, organized lectures, and willingness to discuss the content or exam questions with his students. Unless you're ok with memorizing hundreds of pages for exams, avoid his class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
POLI369
Grade: A-
Aug 10, 2022
Would take again

He is definitely not for everyone as he provides no visual aids, but I found his lectures very engaging and interesting. A lot of reading which is necessary to understand what he talks about in class. He really cares about his students and curved all of our exam grades. He's really passionate about what he does and its obvious when he teaches.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Caring
1.0
4.0
POLI369
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 2, 2023

I am not one to write reviews about professors but for the first time in my life, I believe this one is necessary. Professor Ismael is quite literally the worst professor at the University. He is the rudest, most condescending professor I have ever had. He is nowhere near helpful and all he does is rumble in his lectures. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI369
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 6, 2023

A student in my class talked to the department head about Ismael's lack of teaching and insulting of students, and the advice given was to drop the class as it would not get better. The poli sci dept. is aware there are issues, but cannot/will not do anything. Do not take this lightly; Do not take a class with this professor.

Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
POLI369
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 17, 2023

I can't even put into words how awful this man is as a teacher. He knows what he's talking about but he does not teach ANYTHING. On top of that, he has an incredibly poor attitude and will snap at you for asking a simple question. All of these concerns were brought up to the department head but apparently nothing can be done about him. avoid him!!!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
369
Oct 23, 2023

this 1 course feels like you are taking 5 courses

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI369
Grade: B-
Dec 13, 2023

This prof is a dictator. I took this class with him not only as an option but also bc I was interested in the topic. He curved the first 2 exams but didn't curve the next 2. His textbook is just a run-on sentence so good luck reading, and he just goes on rants in this class. He also has no lecture slides so good luck. Makes the TA do all the work.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI369
Grade: C+
Jan 2, 2024

Prof doesn't use slides and tests from his lectures. You basically have to read 653 pages of text and memorize it to succeed in this course. When I asked the prof for a study guide for the final, he mocked my request in class, called it an irrelevant request, and that those sort of e-mails are a waste of his time. AVOID this class if you can.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 4, 2024

Do not take this class in block week. His lectures are hard to follow and he has no slides. No computers allowed. His test was ridiculous. He says he will curve because he only expects us to know the basics. The issue is, what are the basics?! He doesn't test or teach the "basics". If you have no POLI background, don't take (not "introductory")

Get ready to read
Respected
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 5, 2024

Professional Yapper; never stops talking. He will talk about anything and everything under the sun except for anything relevant to what the class actually needs to be learning. The class is significantly better when he allows the TA to teach. He tells us that if he repeats something that it will be on the test but he repeats everything he says.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
POLI283
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 7, 2024
Would take again

He's pretty nice, I liked listening to him talk. He is not like any lecturer I've ever had before, but he's passionate. This class is VERY reading heavy, especially since it's during block week. Overall, not too bad, but it's hard. This is not a class you can just breeze through, and almost definitely, it's because of Ismael as a prof.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 9, 2024

Disrespectful, unprofessional email responses, lectures make no sense with no context, exam full of errors and run on sentences. AVOID.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 9, 2024

He cares, just not about you. He thinks he is better than the rest of the world. He has no teaching style and does not understand learning or education. As if students can ready for 8 hours after an 8 hour lecture and comprehend 16 hours of material in a day? I don't understand how this man has a job. He mocked a student in front of the whole class

Graded by few things
4.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: B+
Jan 10, 2024
Would take again

He's tough but fair. The class is intense, especially during block week.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
POLI283
Grade: A+
Jan 10, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Ismael is experienced & knowledgeable. He sets high but fair expectations for student conduct & communication. The block week had heavy reading, but he provided materials early, advising students to start reading in advance to manage the workload- those who didn't felt burdened which is ultimately a lesson in self-responsibility.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
5.0
4.0
POLI283
Grade: B+
Jan 10, 2024
Would take again

Professor is very knowledgeable with his expertise on the subject matter. There are tons of reading which is fair since it is the block week. He is more into understanding than just merely memorization. His passion and engaging style fosters a condusive learning environment. Even with powerpoint or textbook, the course was a success!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: B+
Jan 10, 2024
Would take again

He's definitely a challenging prof, but he's pretty fair. He curved the tests a lot. It was pretty fun, but insanely hard. There's so many readings, I felt like my head would explode. I read the readings (total of 43 items on the outline), repeatedly. I read some of the articles a total of four times, and most of them two.

Get ready to read
Respected
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: A+
Jan 10, 2024
Would take again

He made a lot of jokes about Biden falling down stairs. There were a lot of readings involved, and so much late night cramming. Something about being so busy made me feel content. I don't think I've ever studied so much for one class. Ever.

Get ready to read
Respected
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: A-
Jan 10, 2024
Would take again

He has a sort of logic that takes time to follow and understand. But really, it seems to me that he is an expert in his field, and he is terrified of where the world is going. His fear and anxiety are apparent in most lectures. Honestly fair. He's a good teacher, the class is tough, but it was fun.

5.0
3.0
POLI283
Grade: A+
Jan 13, 2024
Would take again

I literally can't say how much I respect and admire Dr. Ismael. He cares about his material and he cares that his students have a well-rounded perspective on world issues, as well as a depth of knowledge and understanding. We had a ton of really impactful conversations, and while the reading list was heavy, it was all very relevant and valuable.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Respected
5.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: A+
Jan 13, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Ismael was a phenomenal prof. It was a difficult class for sure, but doable if you put in the work. This was an option class but I found the content extremely valuable, prior poli-sci knowledge would've helped. No slides but the lectures were still engaging. You can tell Dr. Ismael is brilliant, so knowledgeable, and cares deeply!

Get ready to read
Respected
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: B
Jan 16, 2024

professor Ismael is a perfect example that you can be knowledgeable but not be a great teacher. Lectures are very unorganized and almost impossible to follow. Lots of reading for a block week course, I understand why though. Tests were not made up the way he said it would be. The best lectures were done by the T.A but that content wasn't tested.

Get ready to read
Respected
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
POLI283
Grade: B-
Jan 17, 2024

I like him though my grade might not reflect it, I did do all the reading for block week before it started. I also didn't study that well after the first midterm. I wouldn't recommend it, because there were questions on the exam that he went over in class, but that's not true. He tends to talk on a tangent, get off top & forgets too. Best of luck!

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI283
Apr 12, 2024

Honestly probably the least professional teacher I have ever had. I'm shocked that he is allowed to teach. No slides just talking in circles. DO NOT TAKE

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
POLI283
Grade: B+
Dec 13, 2024

This class with Professor Ismael was a challenge, but engaging if you're willing to put in the work. Expect heavy reading and lectures that can be tangent-heavy, but the content is valuable. unstuck study was a lifesaver for study prep. Overall, a rewarding experience for dedicated students.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

58%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

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Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 29 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (8)
B+ (8)
A- (6)
Grade Distribution
A(8)B(5)C(2)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(14)
Based on 42 reported grades
Not sure yet: 8
B+: 8
A-: 6
A: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (37)
Respected (14)
Skip class? You won't pass. (13)
Test heavy (13)
Lecture heavy (12)
Amazing lectures (8)
Tough grader (8)
Participation matters (5)
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3.1

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