Just have to go to class

If you don't take a course with this man, it's your own loss. He is fantastic, smart, and kind of cute.

DO NOT TAKE CLASS VERY VERY DIFFICULT A LOT OF READING, PAPERS, QUIZES ARE NOT REVIEWED FOR PRIOR TO THEM, DO NOT TAKE COURSE, NICE PROFESSOR AND VERY HELPFUL BUT TOO DIFFICULT FOR 100 LEVEL

This class is one of the most intelligent gen eds offered. It blatantly states on the syllabus that IF YOU DON'T WANT TO DO THE WORK, don't take the class. He and the TA are some of the most delightful people I've worked with, and they're insanely helpful. Use them, that's what they're there for.

took an independent study with this professor, greatest guy ever. i took several of his classes and yeah, there was a lot of reading and quizzes, but if you are interested in the broader scope of what your talking about, youll do fine. speak your mind, youll do better if he sees that your interested in class and can tell if your making it up.

Ugh... don't take this class unless you are good with politics, history, etc. I took it, and I got decimated. 59 on my first paper. =( I had to drop the class. 1 W isnt too bad... right?

Great teacher, there to help the student

This class is an absolute must if you are a poli sci major. Teaches research methods in comparative politics. Requirements included the reading of two studies, several research articles, and a 20 page research paper due at the end of the semester that is written with other students. Highly recommended - challenging, but worthwhile.

Great class! Asal is one of the only professors @ SUNY that has a genuine intrest in your success forllowing graduation, actually he may be the only professor. Very helpful, you just need to ask.

Any student serious in Poli Sci must take this class. Learn how to actually research a topic/issue. He expects a lot, which is a far cry from almost all other professors. Youll think he is expecting too much at first, but realize that this will help you out greatly.

Prof Asal teaches this fantastic, seminar format, class on research methods. Prof Asal is one of UAlbany's finest - and it shows in this class. You are guaranteed to be stimulated intellectually in this class. Expect a mutually respectful and rewarding relationship with Prof Asal.

I loved poli sci before his class but he kinda turned me off from it, even though I still wanna major in it. The one thing that sucks is its pos102!!!! he teaches it like its a grad course, theres a crap load of reading and the quizzes are hard and so is everything...the midterm wasnt bad ill admit, which is good.

Best poli sci class I have taken at albany so far..interesting material..always makes himself available to help..makes class fun with his simulations...if you do the work, you do well..don't expect an easy A

maybe you shouldnt be in college if you cant handle the work

Probably the best Professor at UAlbany, he can take an 8:45 class and make you want to participate and be completely involved in the subject. By far a great Professor to take a class with

Real friendly down to earth guy, if you get to know him. Talk to him, he'll help you out, but your gonna have a decent load of work.

the HARDEST professor i have ever had at SUNY Albany, that being said, great guy, always available, easy to talk to, and gets everyone involved, just do the work and you will have fun

OMG I love this man. Not only does he really know what hes talking about, but he will not stop trying to find a way to explain it to you so that you understand. He's really easy to talk to and I trusted his advise more than my academic advisor. YOu could talk to this man about anything. He gets everyone involved in fun ways. Simulations!!

Prof. Asal is a cool guy. He is quite understanding and is open to others thoughts and ideas. He is also upfront about what he teaches to you so that you make no mistake baout what it is that you are supposed to be doing and learning. Overall great guy.

Professor Asal has been the best professor thus far I've had at the university. He helps his students out in any way he can; he even helped students in my class with other classes. He makes the material really interesting and keeps you engaged. I actually looked foward to going to this class every other morning.

Prof. Asal, STOP READING THESE! (Yes, he reads this site) Great professor, very accessible and no matter the class size, he will make a point to learn your name. Heavy reading load and since he knows your name, participation is a must. Reminds me way too much of George from Seinfeld...

Probably one of the best teachers, advisors, and mentors that this university has to offer. I have never had a bad class with him and do not forsee it in the future. I would bet that he is one of UAlbany's best assets.

Prof Asal is the best ever!!!

This man is a gem. He has a gift for separating his personal feelings from the issues he discusses. If more professors worked so hard to be fair, objective and were as passionate about scholarship, more students would learn to really think.

He is the best professor I have ever had and he is hot too!

Teaches very well. The class is fun and interesting.

Not only is he an interesting speaker, Dr. Asal is really good at helping students new to his subject understand what it's really all about . He is patient, informative and kind. He's also a real cutie!

Likes to communicate with the students, and attempts to learn names :-) Allows the individual to choose which theories they believe in; interested in student opinion. Very interested in what he teaches; make sure you do the reading or else he gets pissed off. Overall one of the best teachers I've had at Albany sofar.

Prof. Asal is one of the best prof. i have had so far. Yes his work is on the difficult side, but he is extremly approachable and very halpful if u feel at all confused. Hes also a lil hottie lol. Be advised if you dont the readings you will get lost in lectures, and u wont do well on his quizes either. Also both textbooks are heavily used.

Prof Asal is amazing. The only lecture hall prof I had that took time to learn names. He or the TA's were always available for extra help/clarification. Class load wasn't too bad and it's easy if you listen and if you're interested in the subject.

Professor Asal is simply amazing. I took this class just to fulfill a GenEd requirement. But I actually learned so much from it. He is the only professor who tries to learn names in a class of almost 200 and over students. He keeps everyone busy in activities and does his best to make the class interesting. He and all his TAs are helpful inside and

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Asal is awesome. Essays were tough but if you got help from TA you learned a lot. Very hard class but very intersting. I took it as a gen ed, worked really hard and got an A.

Very challenging assignments and grading. However, Asal is a really great guy and helpful outside of class. If you work hard you will learn a lot and enjoy yourself. Included a lot of games/simulations instead of lectures every day, and really seemed to care about the class.

AMAZING PROFESSOR!!! Cares very much about students and will do anything to go out of his way to help a student! Always makes students feel welcome and makes material easy for all students to understand

Asal's work can be hard, and if you don't do the readings or go to class you will be lost and confused. That being said, his lectures are not a reverberation of the books, and include interesting simulations, games and examples. He also takes the time to learn the names of anyone who participates in class (over 300 students in my particular class.)

Really great teacher. He knows what he's talking about. Sometimes the work load seems more than what should be required bt a level 100 class but when you study and try your hardest you will get something out of it. Attendance MANDATORY, he gives pop quizzes if attendance is under 100. But overall good class

The man almost had me change my Major with how well he presented and handled the material Superb! prof, engaging, brilliant and has the ability to convey knowledge without any biases if u want a stimulating and strong course, jump on this immediately. Theres is work involved but it never feels like work, only progress on your intellect.

Professor Asal is truly awesome. Having a class with him has been very rewarding and a great experience. He cares a lot about his students' success in and outside the classroom. I can't recommend him enough!

GREAT PROFESSOR! really does cares about his students and he's very helpful. Workload might be a little much but he's always there to help. Definitely need to read the material before class, attendance is mandatory, he does pop quizzes! DEFINITELY TAKE HIS CLASS!

An outstanding professor, to say the least. Very entertaining, always shows every perspective possible in a way that is straightforward. TA's are wonderful; become their best friends. Read the textbooks and keep up on the notes, which are well-written, and you will do well. Don't be shocked if you walk away seeing things as you never did before.

Extremely Nice Teacher and TA's. Gives easy pop quizzes to benefit those who come to class. Gives a lot of reading outside of class that he expects you to do. Lots of fun activities.

Professor Asal was an awesome professor. He made sure to learn everyone's name and was interactive with the class. His methods helped me learn better than I expected. He gives a grade to reflect the effort put into his class.

One my favorite teachers at UA. He is extremely knowledgeable and committed to his work. He will challenge his students and has high expectations, but he is very helpful and fair. He tries his best to make the study topics innovative, fun and interesting. Lastly, take your time reading the assigned materials, he will ask you questions on it.

Probably the best professor i've ever had. Extremely intelligent with a friendly and approachable demeanor. Really helps you out on understanding concepts and even wrote me a recommendation for some of my applications. Best Poli-Sci teacher at UA

Asal really knows how to make class interesting! He uses simulations & games to exemplify points made in class, offers lots of extra credit, and is ALWAYS available to help outside class. Really cares about students' opinions & looks for ways to improve. However, not necessarily an easy class. Make sure you can keep up w/ & understand readings!

This is an AMAZING class. If you're a poll sci major take it with him. Asal got to know everyone in our lecture on a personal level (or tried) which is to your advantage because he's really cool and genuinely wants to help out when he can. If you're not a poll sci major this class will be an unnecessarily hard gen ed but definitely worth it.

Easily my favorite class this semester and I had very little interest in the subject before taking the class. He's one of the best teachers I've ever had and he will do EVERYTHING he can to ensure that anyone that actually wants to learn the material does. I would absolutely recommend taking this class, its an 845 and i actual want to go.

Best professor I have at UA. Lectures are very easy to listen to, and he is very passionate about the subject. I'm not a Political Science major (History for me)but I still find this class fascinating. Always available to help students, just make sure you do the readings. Teaches like a 300 level class, but worth it if you do the work.

Class is pretty simple. Ta's do not grade that hard. Informative class, but could be a lot more detailed and rigorous. Disproportional grading in the sense that 50% of the grade is a final and a paper.Lots of small assignments and quizzes. Could be a lot more informative, but it is a 100 lvl class. he says you do 300 level work, but I don't see it

Best professor at UA. The total teaching package: expert in field, published author, superb teacher, lots of after class time if needed, cares about students.

It's a moderately difficult course, but the instruction is great.

INCREDIBLE PROFESSOR. Most of these students that rated Asal negatively are: 1. lazy and/or 2. not majoring/interest in poli sci. This is college, people. The professor challenges u and is always there to help you. People want an easy A but you need to actually work for it. If you don't have the slightest interest nor work ethic, this isn't for u

Very smart and helpful professor, with a great sense of humor. The class is challenging; however, if you put in effort and use the help of TAs, it becomes a really interesting and rewarding experience.

The professor is actually really fun and will take extra time to explain the confusing parts of the lecture. The only part I had a problem with was how early the class met

Go to class, trust me its interesting enough to keep you awake even if its at 8:45am. He is a great professor, without his lectures I wouldnt have done so well since my TA wasnt very good. Great class, very interactive and fun!

nice class

Tough but fun class.

Professor Asal is a great professor. He is helpful, engaging, funny and very knowledgeable about his field. The class is somewhat challeging and you have to do the reading every night, but if you are willing to put the work in its no problem. Highly recommend.

Yes, class is at 8:45. Yes, that sucks. But Asal makes the lectures incredibly interesting and you will learn a ton. If you don't go- he'll notice. And if you don't go and then try and ask for help before testspapers, he won't be super accommodating. But that's fair. TAs are always fantastic- utilize them.

Was fun

He expects you to read everything he assigns. If you're willing to read and do the work you'll do fine in the class if not you're screwed. The TA's help a lot but depending on the TA depends on what grades your papers get.

Such a great class, you really have to put in effort if you want to do well but we play a lot of games. USE YOUR TA. They/Asal will literally go to amazing lengths to help you. If you're willing to put in the effort, take it.

Although there is generally a decent amount of reading, he is pretty clear in class about explaining what was read in case you didn't understand it. MUST do the readings to understand the class discussions.

Professor Asal is a great teacher. He is really, really smart on a variety of different subjects. He is good at teaching, too. He does games/simulations to really help you understand the material. There is a ton of reading, though, and you have to do it if you want to pass the class. He gives pop quizzes all the time on the readings, too.

This class is a real challenge to the unsuspecting student. You need to make sure you do the work before going to lectures, because he loves giving pop quizzes when people don't show up, or he suspects that people didn't do the reading required for class.

Professor Asal is a great teacher period. His lectures are very informative and interactive which is great since some concepts are hard to understand. I believe there was a pop quiz almost every time there was a reading for HW, so make sure you do your homework. This course was hard but if you do your work, you'll be perfectly fine!

Great guy, knows how to convey the class material in a way most people can understand. Show up for lectures even though they do not take attendance because it really does help you get a higher grade. Will go to any lengths to help students who ask for help.

Professor Asal is a really great guy and is relatable. His lectures are taught in a way that makes it easy to understand, it's not very lecture heavy and he throws in a lot of in class games. The tests aren't very hard, actually, if you pay attention you'll do amazing. The TA are so amazing and helpful.

Professor Asal is a real gem. This guy is a genius and becomes very approachable as the semester wears on. If you skip class you will get a 0 on the pop quizzes they give out when they see a decent number of people are missing. Make sure to do the readings and you'll be fine. The TA's really help ppl out. It's the most interactive class I've taken.

He is a great professor! The only downfall is that his TA's are just average but compared to him they are sub par. I could go to him with any question and find great answers.

GREAT Professor. Fun Course. MAKE SURE YOU READ. Key Terms you will need to pass: Realism Liberalism Marxism Constructivism ^IF YOU KNOW THESE YOU WILL PASS THE MIDTERM. 100%

Asal's is a respected expert in his field, and he really knows what he's talking about. Whether or not you are interested in his topics, you will be kept engaged the entire class. He likes to do activities by moving around, he makes up games, and will rephrase things so you can understand. He's so funny, and his TA's are always amazing.

This class was great for anyone who needs a political science credit. It was clear and easy to follow. Professor follows the syllabus almost exactly to the date. However, he did pop quizzes based on attendance so there was a quiz almost every day.

One of the best political science professors I have ever taken in UA. I definitely recommend taking him. He goes out of his way to make sure students get a good grade in his class and tries to be as engaging as possible. There are many assignments that play part into your grade.

Very interactive. Do the Reading!!

Professor Asal made my first semester bearable. His class is difficult but there are plenty of resources available if you ask, and you really get the sense that Asal cares about his students. Make sure you attend class because there are often pop quizzes and take home short essays that aren't available to those who aren't there.

Love Professor Asal! I had him for RPOS102 and it was okay, but having him for a smaller class where he can interact with students more directly has been fantastic. He is funny, respectable, and respectful of student's viewpoints and never pushes his beliefs (or even shares them for that matter).

Fantastic person, cares so much about his students. Take advantage of office hours. TAs were so helpful and understanding. His lectures are always so entertaining, and he is an excellent lecturer. Hes always willing to help as long as a student asks him for it. 3 papers in the course, 2 exams, tons of pop quizzes but youll be fine if you read

Genuinely interesting and engaging class. Subject material can be hard to grasp at times, but he makes it easier by comparing to real life situations and playing games in class. Two papers, with a midterm and final that are writing based, but pop quizzes are given depending on student attendance for that day. Do the reading! Even just scan it.

Asal is amazing. Intelligent, thoughtful, very funny, and cares about his students. I'm a business major and taking his class opened up my eyes to issues around the world- every class blew my mind. It's not an easy course, and you will be reading a lot, but the content is really good. Definitely worth taking.

Asal was one of the best professors i have ever had. He is a really likable guy and will respond to emails fast. he has MANY pop quizzes, so its a good idea to do the readings, study last lectures notes AND SHOW UP. if you skip, you will not do well. other than that the course is fairly easy, just a few big essays.

An amazing person and an even better professor. Read, show up, and participate.

Totally worth taking this class, honestly, if you sit in the front, worth with your TA and Professor Asal and do the reading it is an easy A. Attendance is not taken technically but very easy quiz questions are often given to show that you were there (consider this a gift because they aren't all that easy). Work hard and participate in the games

I took the honors version of RPOS261 with him & his knowledge of political violence& non state actors cant be beat. Hes hilarious& really cares about his students. I love Dr. Asal a smaller atmosphere hes really great. In the class there were a few projects & a lot of ways to participate & games! If you can take a smaller class W/ him, DO IT

He is so funny and it was such an easy class. I had three mental breakdowns tho. The papers are scary but the TAs grade them fairly so dwai

If you ever want to know anything about taking a career as a lawyer he will break it down to you without any sugar coating.

He's great. I took 102, 260, and 361 with him and he's honestly my favorite professor here. The work load is heavy but Asal was more than helpful and understanding if you showed effort in the class. There were multiple times throughout the classes where he allowed me extensions for quizzes and papers simply because he knew I was stressed.

Professor Asal was a more than amazing professor! He explains things in a way that you will almost always understand and even if you dont he will go in depth for you. He had a few guest speakers for resources that would help students in the future and his class was really fun overall. There will be a lot of reading but its completely worth it.

So much love for this man and his course. He somehow makes a lecture hall personal. It seems like he gets to know every student and deeply cares about their success, in school and in life.

While attendance is technically "not mandatory", there is random pop quizzes based on student counts done by the TA's, so if you choose not to go, you may miss a quiz that you can't makeup. AWESOME lectures, super interactive & will work around your hours if you can not make office hours. Definitely would take a class with Prof. Asal again.

Dr. Asal is one of the sweetest and most knowledgeable polisci profs at UA. He genuinely wants you to understand material and will work overtime just to make sure you get it. I've taken both small and lecture center classes with him and he knows EVERYONE. Great for advice as well. Go to his office hours and get to know him so he can help you 1 on 1

Do the readings The TAs are there to help you on any assignments He can be engaging during lectures and they can sometimes be very information filled. Overall a good class to take with him. When people are absent , he gives easy quizzes like doodling on paper for credit

He is a good professor. He expects you to participate and readings can get pretty heavy. Be prepared to get called on. He makes sure that everyone is included and is very interesting. The TA's are also really nice and made the class so easy.

Professor Asal is a great man, he is willing to help discover what your path is at UA, his class is interesting, mainly just playing games and some very light notes. If In need of an honors credit, this is an easy one to grab. One semester long project with a presentation at the end, and that all, great man, easy class.

Nice guy, really wants to help you with your future especially if youre pre-law/politics etc. You have to attend and participate in the simulations to do well. Just make sure he knows your name. Final project is design your own sim with a group. Easy A.

No attendance, has pop quizzes. Pay attention to syllabus, it's VERY important since he won't tell you what to do. Never skip discussion or you'll be lost for the final paper. It's an okay class, you'll pass with minimal effort. Only complaint is I felt it's scary to voice your own opinion as he will hit back (doesn't allow free opinions).

He is amazing! I absolutely love him! He was so helpful and so open to helping anyone who is struggling. I was so concerned for this class since I wanted to do well, and he helped me so much! This class does require work, so get ready to write. Also, go to class since there are pop quizzes, but they are super easy if you did the reading

ROne of the best professors aI had

Prof Asal is pretty funny and easy going. Just stay on top of the readings and participate even if it is just once a class and you should be good to go.

Asal responds easily to emails, he is funny, and gives pop quizzes often either at the beginning or end of class (they are very easy, like: draw Asal. His lectures only make more sense if you read, however, readings are assigned pretty often and they can normally span from 3 pages to 40. The textbooks can be bought, but I used online copies.

Great Professor. I loved my 9am with Prof. Asal. He definitely helped prepare me for the future in my academic skills.

Great professor, there was a lot of reading that I didn't do however I would recommend doing them. instead of attendance he does pop quizzes so beware of that however his lectures are genuinely enjoyable so you'll be happy you went. My TA was also fantastic however your mileage may vary.

Very knowledgeable professor. assigns huge readings you must do them or else he will test you on them if he knows you didn't read. overall he is a nice guy though and I enjoyed his class. Luckily I had amazing TA's this semester.