4.5
Quality3.9
Difficulty81%
Would Retake153
Reviews81%
Would Retake
153
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
120
4
18
3
4
2
3
1
8
What Students Say
“Make sure to read the outside articles and you'll be solid”
PSC1210 - 5.0 rating“Amazing professor, knows a lot about what he's teaching and is very passionate”
AMERICANGOV - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
99%
Textbook Required
25%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.48 avg changeRatings by Course
CONGRESS
5.0
(1)POLSCI
5.0
(1)GOVERNMENT
5.0
(2)POLYSCI
5.0
(1)GOV
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
AMERIGOV
5.0
CONGPRES
5.0
GOVT101
5.0
GOV10
5.0
AMGOVPSC1210
4.3
Reviews (153)
Dr. May is an excellent prof, but be warned, he teaches around a graduate level. Be prepared to write like mad (particularly on tests) and spend more time on his assignments then most of your other classes. It's an experience that's well worth your time.
Took him at UT. He's nice and helpful, but not easy. The tests we had enforced more memorization than learning but the subject was a requirement for me-- I may not have cared to really LEARN it! But, if you enjoy Pol. Sci. this is your guy. He's smart.
take the essay tests. the multiple choice tests are tricky and always the ones that people tend to score less on. A lot of memorization and reading but it is very doable.
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This class isn't easy, but it's definitely worth your while. Lots of studying, but you learn a lot. He's very intelligent and even if you don't like political science, this class will probably spark your interest.
The class is tough but it is all worth while. Vaughn is very funny and keeps the class interesting yet entertaining. Definitely take it -- even if it has nothing to do with your major!
I love Vaughn May!! I was dreading his class, but by the end of the semester I considered being a politician. He's very neutral and informative. Lecture is actually interesting!! Take him, you'll love the class!! But, study hard.
A VERY intelligent teacher, probably one of the smartest ppl I've ever met. He is interesting and funny and will make you think. His assignments are very difficult and taught at a graduate level. Be prepared to do lots of writing and have to work very hard for a good grade. A great teacher though!
Dr. May is fabulous! He makes the material incredibly interesting, but the tests can be challenging. Overall though, this class is SO worth your while.
his class was sooo much fun! his tests were hard, but you learn so much from them that it's worth it. class is always really enjoyable though. he knows what he's talking about and makes class interesting. he's also really hot.
AWESOME TEACHER, THE BEST ONE IVE HAD AT BELMONT. VERY INTELLEGENT, AND VERY HELPFUL. MAKES CLASS REALLY INTERESTING REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOURE INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECT OR NOT. YOU DEFINITELY HAVE TO WORK FOR A GOOD GRADE, BUT HES FAIR. DEFINITELY TAKE HIS CLASS!
Very helpful, very interested in seeing his students succeed. I struggled with the multiple choice tests, but I learned a lot. If you write a paper in his class, be sure to finish it two weeks ahead of time and have him critique it for you a couple times...it is nerdy, I know, but it will up your grade at least one letter, promise!
Not only is Vaughn very intellectual, he's also very helpful. His class is hard but he tells you that you need to work hard in the beginning of the semester. I would recomend taking his class because not only is he interesting and fun but also hot!!
Awesome prof. very helpful and not bad to look at either.
He specializes in American Government & Southern Politics and has a very easy to understand teaching style. He encourages discussion and participation within the classroom and fleshes out ideas well. But be warned. His multiple choice tests are a little wacky. Do the readings, participate, and pray before each test. He gives xtra credit opps.
I loved this class! Yeah, you have to actually study for the tests and write, but if you just ask him to go over your study guides he'll help you 100%. He's also VERY pleasant to look at in the classroom!
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very hard class, but vaughn is a great teacher. i had to study often but i really did learn a lot. i would recommend it to anyone, even if you dont need the credit. he's the best!
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Outstanding. I took this "freshman course" as a senior due to transfer issues, and it was a blast. Vaughn's difficult and particular, but he's exceedingly fair. He knows the stuff inside and out. He's thorough. The supplemental readings can be time-consuming, but they're quality material. And he's really a great guy. Good to hang out with and just talk to. Keeps things light, but focused. And he's been very supportive of me after college. A good resource. Take his classes.
Vaughn is a great teacher...he's knows his stuff back and fowards...and makes you think about issues in different ways and is very easy to understand...however his test are really difficult essay tests...great guy...but hard tester...
Vaughn is a wonderful professor-His class is tough, but if you go in for help, he is more than willing. And not only is one of the smartest people I know, he's an extremely good guy as well. Even if you're not a major/minor, I would recommend taking a class from him. And I would have to agree that he's definitely easy on the eyes!:)
He's an amazing teacher who knows his stuff. the class was fun and discussion based so it never got boring. He's down to earth and doesn't patronize his students. you can talk to him like you would someone our age. he's just amazing.
I have taken him for american gov't, civil rights and congress and the presidency. His classes will challenge you but they are worth it. These classes have been my favorite at Belmont and Vaughn is by far the best prof at Belmont. He is very helpful and wants to see his students succeed if they are willing to put forth the effort.
I won't lie, the class was defintely not easy but I learned so much because he is so passionate about what he is teaching. He also really knows his stuff. He is always willing to meet with you and take the extra effort to make sure you do well in his class. You would be stupid not to take from him.
American goverment - Vaugh is by far the best teacher at belmont, though this is the toughest class I have taken yet, his challenge is to make you a better student. Very easy going people person and the class was enjoyable. One of those teachers whos lectures are only 30% of the test. I did poorly on all his tests.. but felt like I learned a lot
May's class is certainly tough, but I've learned more in this class than the rest of my college career combined. If you work hard and do what he asks, it's not terrible, just tough. He helps you learn how to learn and become a better thinker. GREAT class.
This stupid class is way too freeking hard. You have to have no life to do all the work.
A remarkable teacher. Highly organized and knowledgeable. One of the most helpful - i would send him emails all the time and he always got back and guided me along. Challenging, but if you keep up with the work you'll ace the tests. Know what you're getting into---investing a lot of time, but will reap a wealth of knowledge.
In my opinion, hands down the best teacher at Belmont. Really knows his stuff. I've had him as a professor on a couple of occasions as well as an advisor, and in each he was top-notch. Great guy, too. Would go to any lengths to help his students out.
Vaughn is a great teacher. However, I would not go as far as to say that he is the best teacher. His tests are VERY hard. I studied for atleast 6 or 7 hours for each test, and I could never make it past a B. He is able to make Government interesting, even if you arent a big fan. I reccomend Vaughn if you are willing to be challenged.
He is one of my favorite teachers. He is very intelligent and concise. He definitely knows how to make political science interesting, but don't be fooled. His classes can be quite difficult.
Vaughn is fantastic. His tests are really hard (take the essay), but if the class does badly, he offers extra credit and even takes some of the blame, which is rare in a professor. I wasn't excited about the class, but now I'm minoring in poli sci. His lectures are invigorating, and he's hilarious. He's a great guy and an amazing professor.
Very tough, but very fun. Extremely nice guy.
Ha- interesting that on the Vanderbilt Rate My Profs his easiness is rated 3.5. On Belmont it's rated 2.1. Wonder what that indicates...
Awesome Awesome Awesome. I love this teacher. He is helpful, kind, smart, and super hot. He knows what he is talking about and he will walk you through anything you need him to. He is interested in the lives and educations of his students and is a wonderful person. One of my favorites ever.
AMAZING PROFESSOR! Do not take this class if you are lazy. If you put effort and are able to understand material well, you will get an A. Class discussions and intrigue-level are amazing. He's also cute and funny!
His class is easy, as long as you complete the study guide (takes a bit of time) and memorize your notes. If you take the essay, there are no surprises on it. He is pretty straight forward about what he is looking for.
American Government is the most challenging class I have ever taken, however Vaughn is incredible. Will do anything to help you succeed in his class. Great with proofing your study guides before tests. This class is difficult, but he is an amazing prof. You must have him at least once at Belmont.
Vaughn is a great teacher! tests are hard, but study and you can do well. hes extremely knowledgable in the subjects and makes the classes as fun as possible..
I was very disappointed to find out Professor May was married, he is definitely a gorgeous, intelligent, and engaging professor. The class is not necessarily difficult but has a lot of work. Do not underestimate the tests and be ready to put a good amount of time into studying. Marry me, May?
great teacher. very objective and fair. very laid back. cool guy. class consisted of 4 tests that covered teachers notes, outside readings, and the textbook
American Political Institutions involves a lot of reading & writing. There are usually daily quizzes on the assigned reading. We wrote 2 papers: a 3-5 page argumentative essay that involved a lot of research, but wasn't too difficult, and a 10-12 page book review, which was hard.
Vaughn is a great guy and I would recommend him to anyone having to take the class. That being said he has a ton of work required for the class so learn time management. Also take the essay tests if you don't have a photographic memory. BUY-Read the book
AMAZING PROFESSOR. if you need help he will work around your schedule to find a time that works best for you. gives out study guides for the tests and if you complete it ahead of time he will go over it with you. take the essay exam and if you ask, he will give you three possible topics for the essay so that you're not having to study everything.
I took May's Govt class & it is absolutely not an easy A but definitely worth the work. You will know what you believe and, more importantly, why you believe it. It helps that he's not hard to look at.
He's funny and keep class interesting even if the topic isn't. Lots of class discussions based on the (sometimes lengthy) readings. Tests are difficult but he provides study lists that outline the information for tests.
Accessible man, but difficult class. Had the heart to give someone in our class a 50 on a final exam. You'll learn a lot, but your GPA will probably suffer. NEVER EVER take 2 of his classes at once. Super hard grader as well. Required for majors, so just deal with it.
Great professor! Tests can be a little difficult but he will look over your study guides for you and gives out extra credit. Very straight forward about all assignments. Discussions are very interesting!
Dr. May was super helpful and easy to met with outside of class. The six texts we had to purchase were expensive, but he did use all of them. Watch out for grammer mistakes on your paper because he is ruthless when it comes to grading them, even if he says otherwise! Good professor, loved the class discussions, and would take again.
A TON of reading. He even said that he made the class a lot harder than he should have. Really interesting. You don't have to do the readings for the discussions, but you will NEED to know them for the exams, so don't get behind. Type up the answers to the study guide as you go. It'll help A LOT. He's a fair grader but expects a lot.
Awesome. Hard ass class but worth it, don't take it if you're not interested in law, government, politics, etcetera; although I was uninterested prior, I loved it anyway.
Dr. May is a GENIUS. He's really not as hard as the other people may have said (at least at the PSC 1210 level). As long as you do the reading and take good notes, you shouldn't have any problem making an A. Really good at working with students and he'll check your study guides (which he gives you, by the way) to make sure your answers are correct.
BEST PROFESSOR I have ever had. Seriously, even if you aren't interested in the topic you should take his class anyway. He is one of those professors who really makes a lasting impact on his students. The classes are difficult, but not impossible. Take my advice and take this class. You won't regret it.
A phenomenal professor. His class is very difficult due to the amount of reading required, but it is so worth it. If you need extra help, he will sit down with you before exams and tell you exactly what to study/work on. Kind, intelligent, and so helpful. If you aren't serious about the class, don't take it, but if you are, its so amazing.
cool guy, but HARDEST CLASS EVER. His tests are the most confusing thing you will ever experience - DON'T DO MULTIPLE CHOICE TESTS
Awesome guy. Really strives to gather the opinion of each person and acknowledge its validity. You will have to study, the tests are HARD. Very confusing multiple choice tests or extensive essay tests. Lots and lots of outside reading and occasional pop quizzes on readings. He's passionate and understanding and fair, but he'll stretch you.
Vaughn is one of the best at Belmont. He is extremely helpful and loves his job. Although the class requirements are a bit rigorous, you will not regret taking his class. Don't expect and easy A, but do expect to learn something. Quizzes almost everyday, oral presentations, and book reviews are requirements. Be sure to buy ALL of the material
Not sure why people say this is a hard class. Very easy. A lot of pop quizzes and essays that are for extra credit. So many extra credit opportunities. Vaughn is very clear and if he repeats something over and over, it means it's gonna be on the test, so take good notes. A lot of outside readings and textbook readings. Just follow his study guides.
Great class to take! One of the hardest courses i have taken in college, especially for Gen Ed. Besides the course load, it was one of my favorite classes i've taken. Vaughn May is great, & always there to help you. Class was really interesting. If you want to challenge yourself, and learn a lot about Politics, then definitely take this class.
Hardest class I have ever taken. Made my other classes suffer with all of the work he had us do. Treated the gen ed class as a major course and his tests are impossible.
May is a great teacher. He stays unbiased and enjoys the classroom discussions. The class would be difficult if you didn't do readings or pay attention, but honestly I never thought it was that bad. Also, I took multiple choice tests every time. LOTS of opportunities for extra credit.
He is an excellent teacher! He is very unbiased and knows the material very well. It can be a lot of work, but he is willing to help you outside of class. Overall, I really enjoyed the class.
This is the hardest class I have ever taken. However, Dr. May is the best teacher I've ever had. There is reading that will keep you busy every day of the week. Granted, I took the 8-week class so I probably had more work than the typical class. May is incredibly clear, casual and unbiased. The only bad thing about him is his handwriting.
Vaughn May is politically unbiased, relatively polite, and very knowledgable about his subject. However, his tests are very very difficult. He will offer a 50 question multiple choice test on 4 chapters of text, 17 articles, and class lecture notes. It requires a lot of (VERY close) reading and extra work. Do not take if you are easily stressed.
Great teacher
He covers a lot of content in class which makes up about a fourth of the tests. The tests cover 4-8 books, the text book, and the lectures. You put a code on your test that your recognize and he mass emails the codes and their grades out so you see them all. In my class half the students got below a 64 on every test. Never worked harder for a D+.
One of the best professors I've had at Belmont. Lectures are interesting and usually have class discussions once a week. However, it is a lot of reading and you definitely have to study for tests, but extra credit is available if you want it and he is eager to help you. My hardest class this semester, but I'd still take it again.
Vaughn May is a great teacher. Going into the class I wasn't interested in politics at all but he made the subject very interesting. He is very unbiased on his political beliefs; makes arguments for both sides. Tests are extremely hard but he offers extra credit and will look over your study list for you. Good class to take before an election year.
Make sure you're in class and do the readings, and you'll be fine. This is one of the hardest classes I've taken, but V is more than willing to meet with you to go over your study guide. Do the extra credit assignments- there will be lots. The only grades are from 4 exams, so study hard, and you'll be just fine.
By far the toughest class I have taken at Belmont, but also the best! Vaughn is such a down to earth guy and truly cares about the students. He is not at all opinionated and very open-minded to other students' views. He is very helpful and kind. Tests are hard but overall the best class ever taken!
Vaughn is easily one of the most knowledgeable teachers at Belmont. He does a good job of remaining neutral even in discussion classes, always questions your positions to challenge you to have solid ideas behind your stances, and is more than willing to be a help to his students. The workload is heavy, but the class is absolutely worth it.
He is amazing. I suggest taking American Government if you're up for a decent amount of reading. I ended with a grade over 100% because of all of the extra credit he gives. He helps you WHENEVER needed with all class material. Lots of reading, some lecture and in class discussion. You'll get an A if you put the effort into it.
(I took the 8 week class) HE IS THE BEST -LIKE I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!! He really wants you to succeed, so he gives lots of opportunity for extra credit, his discussions are interesting, he definitely wants to have good conversations, he's willing to help with anything you need, answers email quickly, & he made me love gov!!!
Vaughn May is an amazing teacher. He gives students clear explanations and every opportunity to succeed. Lots of reading material but it is interesting and well worth it, as he gives extra-credit quizes after almost all readings. Class discussion is always interesting as he challenges students to back up ideas. Would recommend him to anyone.
I took American Government with Vaughn and loved it! It's true that there's a heavy load of reading (outside articles & textbook); however, most of them are very interesting. Keep up with the readings and complete/use study list he provides. Also, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXTRA CREDIT. He really wants you to succeed and provides the means for it.
The content is easy, but the work is impossible. He assigns about 10+ articles that are each 20 pages, with reading from two textbooks each week. It's so much work to balance with other classes. Also, if you're a liberal, good luck because he isn't. You'll definitely be challenged, though. He's not easy at all. Such a stressful course.
Dr. May is an incredible professor, and you can definitely tell that he is passionate about government. His tests are incredibly hard, and those are your only grades. I took it as an 8 week class, and that was a mistake. Take him, but don't do the 8 week class.
Vaughn May is one of the best professors I've ever had. His class was intense and difficult with a ton of reading; but he's an incredibly clear communicator. He truly cares about his students and works hard to help them succeed and actually learn. Despite being a 4-hour class, he made it go by quickly. Can't recommend him enough.
Great professor. He goes above and beyond when trying to help students pass the class. I took him for the 8 week class, it was hard, but I would do it again if I had to. There are only 4 test, and he give you the option of mult. choice (50 Qs) or essay .There is a lot of reading, but hes the best option in my opinion. Gives lots of extra credit.
Vaughn May is one of the best professors I have had the chance to take from. His class is also one of the most difficult classes I have taken but that does not change how amazing this course is. If you put in the time and effort then you will see the grades you want. Vaughn's lectures are amazing and memorable, would def retake the class.
Vaughn is a homie. The dude gives up to 15 extra credit points on all tests. However, there are only 4 tests and that is your final grade. Tests are really difficult and wordy, but if you do the extra credit and do all the readings he assigns, you'll be good. Favorite professor I have ever had. Literally.
Dr. May is a phenomenal professor. He has one of the most well organized classes I have taken at Belmont and gives his students plenty of opportunities to earn extra credit for the tests. Be ready to read a lot, but the material is relevant and interesting. If you pay attention during lectures and participate during discussion you will be fine.
Dr. May is a great prof to take even if you're not a PoliSci major. His American Gov class was very interesting and relevant. Discussions are fun and his lectures are great. He offers a lot of opportunities for extra credit. There is quite a lot of reading, but as long as you do it and pay attention in class you will be just fine.
May is a great professor and a great guy! However, he is expects a lot out of you and requires a lot of reading. But if you like American Government and have the time to devote to the class its a great class. As long as you are willing to read you will get an A.
Great professor. Very kind and doesn't judge. Never had a boring class. Tests are hard and if you don't do the HEAVY amounts of reading, you won't pass. MAKE SURE TO STUDY.
Awesome professor, lots of extra credit opportunity, and engaging class discussions. Really current class material that makes it easy for the students to relate to. Make sure to read the outside articles and you'll be solid.
I learned a lot in May's American Government class. I highly recommend taking his class if you are prepared to do the readings each week and fill out the study guides for the exams. Honestly, one of my favorite teachers this semester. During discussions, he poses questions that challenge your views, which is great. Overall, a wonderful prof.
kindest dude in the world. LOTS of reading. You will not pass if you do not study and take notes during lectures. Loved his class despite how hard it was. Really challenged me for the best
Dr. May is the BEST! Seriously one of my favorite teachers since being at Belmont. His class is always so engaging and his discussion topics and materials are thought-provoking, entertaining, and ACTUALLY worth discussing! Lots of reading and HARD tests but if you study and write the extra credit papers you'll be solid! A real gem of Belmont!
I really enjoyed Vaughn's American Gov't class. He is an engaging lecturer, and he did a good job of making sure that discussions over practical political issues were both encouraged and done civilly. If you master the study lists and take advantage of the extra credit, you will learn a lot and do well. Not really an easy A, though.
The class consists of 4 test each worth 25% of your grade. However, the tests are not cumulative and the last test is your final. May is a GREAT teacher and you learn a lot about RELEVANT politics! It is a ton of reading and you HAVE to do them in order to pass. Was hard, but taught me a lot.
Dr May's classes are completely discussion based, he acts as a discussion facilitator. We are yet to receive any lectures from him. His classes become extremely tedious after a while. He assigns readings (approx 160 pages a week) which you are quizzed on each class. This is the only place you get your info for exams - so they're a must read.
I love Vaughn May. He is very respectful to all of his students and he is ready to help if you need it. This wasn't an easy class, there was LOTS of reading and outside preparation involved, but I'm so glad I took it. If you have to take political science, or just want to, I suggest you take this class! You'll be glad you did.
He assigns lots of readings (150+ pages per week) and you have to read all of them or you WILL fail. Even if you do read all of them you still might fail. He is discussion heavy and doesn't teach much. His questions are worded oddly.
Do yourself a favor and take someone else. His American Government class is a sad bookclub where all you do is read long articles and then take lengthy tests asking you the smallest details on the readings. Also don't walk in late, he's going to make you stay after class to explain yourself even if its the first time.
If you have a. chance take Uncle V, he cares about all of his students. He is a very funny and kind professor. However, his class is hard. Be ready to read, study, and listen because the dude is very intelligent in politics. I highly recommend taking him, you will not regret it.
Dr. Vaughn runs his classes in the socratic method. It is all discussion based but at times he makes you respond to controversial topics. His class is extremely reading heavy and exams have nothing to do with what you talk about in class, only what you read for hw. He offers multiple opportunities for extra credit but it is still hard to get an A.
Dr. May is a great person--funny, relatable, kind, and respectful. However, the class contains a lot of reading!!!! The test/quiz questions can be oddly specific, as if you need to memorize the reading to be able to pick out the correct answer from options that are all similar. Fortunately, Dr. May isn't a terrible professor.
Absolutely loved this class. Vaughn is 100% my favorite professor at Belmont. He truly cares about his students and it shows. Everyone's opinion is valid in this class ni matter how crazy. I totally recommend his American Gov class.
Wish I could give this man a lower rating. I took him for an online maymester class during the pandemic. He was not understanding of the current situation in that he showed no mercy. Literally told me one of my papers was a disaster. Treated all of us with intense disrespect. I will not tolerate behavior like his, so I dropped the class.
He is truly one of the best professors at Belmont. He cares that you learn and do well, not an easy A but worth it. Reading outside of class is a must as he is discussion-based. Answer the study guide (quiz and tests based on it), put in the work, and you're solid. Dr. V is a really great guy who will actually help you become a better student.
I took Vaughn May for his American Political Institutions Class; the class is very discussion heavy and requires LOTS of reading. However, he is a very welcoming and helpful professor. He really just wants the best for all of the students, and he is super accessible outside of class! It definitely is a hard class, but I really did enjoy it.
Every day is the exact same. We do the reading (50pgs), take a quiz, and every student gets 2mins to talk. It feels like a personal interview, and you don't have any opportunity to respond to others or discuss. He won't ask students to fact check or site their information (the other day a student said more people died from the vaccine than covid)
You SHOULD NOT take this class if you want an easy A. You SHOULD take this class if you are interested in politics and genuinely want to gain a new perspective. You have to do a lot of outside reading, and really tune in to lectures, but Vaughn offers extra credit opportunities weekly if you're willing to do the work. He is very responsive, too.
Vaughn's class sucks. You have tons of long reading and his tests pick out the smallest detail of the readings. His tests are hard and no matter how much you study you probably won't pass. He isn't good about taking suggestions. He does to extra credit so do that. You probably won't get an A. Sorry.
Dr. Vaughn is such an amazing professor, while his class is difficult and takes a lot of extra effort and time to study (you will read A LOT), his classes overall are just really intriguing. If you have a deep, genuine interest in learning about politics and aren't looking for a class to just breeze through, Vaughn is the guy for you.
Dr. Vaughn is such an amazing professor. I love the fact that makes you chose sides on political issues, and he always played devils advocate, no matter your political ideology. He always gave good feedback on my papers. Make sure you're ready to read though lol
I have no clue what these other ratings are talking about unless he made Political Inst. more difficult, which he has admitted to. The midterm was ridiculously long and covered 21 different readings/authors. Quizzes every single day. This is not an easy class and he is 100% Republican. Weird how he disagrees with most of scholars he makes us read..
Professor May is the best. While the reading is very heavy and the tests very difficult, I thoroughly enjoy this class. Professor incentivizes instead of penalizes and lets us build up lots of extra credit going into tests. Lectures are engaging and the discussions are civil thanks to Professor May's neutrality and ability to play devils advocate.
super fun in class and he wants you to pass! he gives out tons of extra credit for each test, but there are a lot of readings... they usually aren't bad and are usually pretty interesting. you do have to participate in almost every class too... as long as you do the readings it's an easy A!
actually one of the best professors on campus. he has major insights and will help you with anything as long as you reach out. gives everyone a chance to discuss and talk which really makes you stay engaged. gives clear lectures and although the tests are hard as long as you study and put in the work you will do good. also gives lots extra credit
If you have the chance to take Dr. Vaughn, do it!!! He is hands down the best professor at Belmont. I took the once a week night class, so if you missed one lecture it was equal to missing two/three, so i wouldn't suggest that lol. Vaughn is overall just a fantastic professor who I'll most definitely take again, given the chance.
A great professor and person.
Vaughn is great (and hot). Literally just take him. Best poli sci professor fasho
Great prof, would definitely would take again. (p.s. I would also pay for y'all to stop calling him hot it's weird)
Be prepared to do the same thing every single class every day of the semester. Read 50 pages per class meeting, take a quiz, listen to Vaughn read off of a powerpoint. The tests are all multiple choice, but the questions are taken from all of the 20+ readings for each test. If you do not read youre screwed.
Dr.May is the best professor that I have had at Belmont (they've all been great). He is intelligent, and his class always sparks great discussion. I switched my major to Poly-sci because of what I learned in this class and how much I enjoyed it. You absolutely have to do the reading (it is manageable), and study. If you do that, you will do well.
He is a great professor, I will give him that, but the way he goes about with the readings seems ancient. The readings are always so long and about the most obscure topics. After you get done with the 30-40 pages of readings, he then tests you on the tiniest details in the articles. If you can't learn from reading, avoid Vaughn.
I love Prof May! He is super awesome and very knowledgeable. The class itself is crazy enjoyable, but the tests are so hard. I'm pretty much an all-A student, and getting a B- was a huge shock. Lots of reading for every class to do well on the tests. Overall, take this class if you're okay with working hard and not getting an amazing grade.
Vaughn is fantastic, entertaining teaching style and his prompts for discussion are very thought provoking. Although the readings he assigned are quite long, if you comb through them using the study lists you'll do just fine (also you can apply the readings to discussions). He gives you all the tools you need to pass, overall a great guy.
Very fun class! As long as you do the weekly readings and study for the tests using the study guides he provides, the class isn't very hard. He responds to emails and questions quickly and seems to enjoy engaging with students. Expect 3-9 readings weekly with occasional quizzes for extra credit. Would recommend for those willing to put in some work
I struggled with this class because politics/government is not my thing. But Vaughn was so helpful and willing to work with me outside of class to help me get my grade up. He offers tons of extra credit and really cares about his students. 10/10.
Great professor, class consists of multiple weekly readings which are based off memorization. He knows how to run a discussion based class and a very good teacher.
By far one of the best professors at Belmont. Highly recommend his classes, even if you're not a political science major.
One of the best professors I have had at Belmont. It is a very difficult class, and your entire grade is riding on only four test grades. Lot's of reading, but if you do them then you will do well on the reading quizzes (done for extra credit) please DO THE EXTRA CREDIT PAPERS! His lectures are engaging and he teaches the material very well.
Took his Government course as a music student, I did not have the best time. This is a genuinely good class, Dr. May is an amazing but tough professor. Get ready to read, and ACTUALLY DO THE READINGS IF YOU WANT TO PASS. If you are interested in political science, you're in the right place. If not, I would look elsewhere.
As a political science student, I am a huge fan of Vaughn. He is so helpful and cares so much about the success and well-being of his students. His classes are so tough, but I always enjoy them and learn so much.
Professor May was by far one of the best professors I had at Belmont. His American Government course was also one of my favorites because it was very fun to participate in and he did such a good job of teaching the material. He is very intellectual, knowledgeable, and cares about his students. The class isn't easy, but you will succeed with effort.
He is the best Professor I have ever had. His class was hard but I left every day feeling like I really truly had learned something new and had been intellectually challenged. He facilitates conversations that many people avoid, and he manages to do so in a way that remains respectful to everybody. As a BIPOC student myself and being openly gay
Dr. Vaughn was an awesome teacher. I've never been interested in politics and had to take this for a gen ed, but he made everything super interesting. There is a lot of reading and the exams are very very difficult. However, he offers tons of extra credit. Do the extra credit and study hard and you'll be fine! Also very accessible outside of class.
Dr. May has the best teaching method of all professors at Belmont! Readings before each class that are maybe a few pages long. Readings are usually tied to an extra-credit quiz he gives at the beginning of classes. READ, those points are useful! They only help you! Loves hearing students' perspectives! He thrives off of seeing his students succeed!
PLEASE read the stuff he is telling you to read, and pay close attention to what you're reading. He will give quizzes, gives extra points on the exams. The papers, do them as well. They're 7 points each. I am almost positive I will fail, but to no fault towards Dr Vaughn. I struggle reading, and grasping info, but if you don't, take the class!
Dr. May is great, he gives good lectures and the readings are interesting. However, he doesn't post grades so it is a bit confusing to know your progress. This class is very heavy on readings and textbook. You grade only comes out of 4 exams. He does give extra credit toward the exams and can be reached after class.
While his classes are extremely reading heavy and quizzes are not easy, Vaughn is a fun professor that keeps the energy up in his classes and cares about his students. Most classes are largely discussion based and you will be cold called consistently throughout the semester, so make sure you have at least some grasp on what you're talking about.
I love Dr. May! He is an amazing teacher and really tries to help you be able to succeed in his class. His class was graded by 4 exams (including the final exam), but throughout the course we would take reading quizzes and write papers that would count for extra credit on our exams, so it was easy to maintain a high grade.
Amazing professor, knows a lot about what he's teaching and is very passionate. Hardest tests I have ever taken in my life. You have to be extremely detailed and clear with what you say and answer everything about the topic in the question, or he will deduct points. I studied for at least 4 hours a day a week in advance and never got above a 70
Vaughn is very knowledgable, but for a 1000 level political science course that is mandatory for people who aren't a political science major the course load is insane and the only grades are 4 exams. He is a great guy though (kind of odd at times).
Be ready to read anywhere from 1-4 20+ page articles every night of the week and have to remember everything from them throughout the unit. Gives quizzes for extra credit (3-5 points) but other than that hes cool. Some people (me) cant learn by reading all the time.
I took this class as like my very first class. I'm leaving a review because I think they are important to picking a class. You have to read a lot, but he is funny and interesting. We had 4 overall multiple choice exams. Study guide helped. In my opinion, he's nice. Hope this helps!
Great teacher! super smart and not lecture-heavy. There are a lot of open discussion classes and it was so fun to hear everyone's perspective and have him devil's advocate against everyone's viewpoints. He gives you the option to do a written essay test or multiple choice. I always did the essay because I saw the multiple-choice grades..
I've taken 4 classes with Vaughn, there's a big learning curve for these classes. Here's what I learned: Do all the extra assignments, THEY'RE WORTH IT. For essay's cite sources that help your argument (he reads through sources) For exams, get the gist of each author's argument and remember any key terms throughout readings And finally, HAVE FUN!
I love Vaughn but he gives alot of reading and only takes 4 grades over one semester. So be prepared to work but the class is great. AND TAKE THE ESSAY TESTS.
Vaughn's class is challenging but rewarding. The workload is demanding, with frequent readings and tough exams. However, his engaging lectures and helpful feedback make it worthwhile. Unstuck study ai proved a valuable study tool alongside the textbook to excel in this course.
Vaughn is a professor I would take over and over again. This class specifically was reading heavy with daily quizzes (that make or break you) but, he will find any way to work with you to make sure you pass. I wish he taught every PSC class.
Never turn down a Vaughn May course!
He was very detailed in his lectures and was super helpful before tests or quizzes.
Dr. V only has 4 exams in PSC 1210. These 4 exams are all 25% of your final grade. This can seem scary BUT Dr. V creates many areas of opportunity for extra credit points. ABSOLUTELY DO THESE!! You can obtain up to 20 bonus points PER test!! Also, Dr. V's class is free of partisanship! All party views are equally represented and discussed.
I am transgender and was nervous to take a class on poly Sci but he was so accepting and never made me feel isolated. He is an amazing trans ally!
I loved Dr. Vaughn May and loo forward to taking more of his classes.
Vaughn is amazing, he loves discussion in his classes and wants you to speak up. He'll play devil's advocate to your point regardless of what side of the spectrum you fall but it's thought provoking. His exams are hard though and DO THE READINGS!
This class IS tough, but if you show up to office hours and seek out help - Vaughn will 100% assist you with whatever you need. He is hilarious and an entertaining lecturer as well. TAKE THE ESSAY EXAMS.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
99%
Textbook Required
25%
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B+
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-0.48 avg changeRatings by Course
CONGRESS
5.0
(1)POLSCI
5.0
(1)GOVERNMENT
5.0
(2)POLYSCI
5.0
(1)GOV
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
AMERIGOV
5.0
CONGPRES
5.0
GOVT101
5.0
GOV10
5.0
AMGOVPSC1210
4.3