Good class, very interesting. LOTS of reading and he didn't have a book, all the reading was online. This class is not for you if you don't have any interest in politics. Also on the syllabus it says "no previous knowledge needed" this is false.

He looks like socrates and has a really awesome impressive voice. Tremendous human being, who likes the red sox.

Amazing lecturer. His classes were incredible, however the work load of the class and the weekly quizes were back breaking. The average weekly quiz crade was a 6.5 my in discussion section. Expects a LOT of reading on current events. A lot more work then he makes it sound like at the start.

amazing person. loves what he does. he's very smart and knows what hes talking about. easy class but a lot of reading. take the class just for fun.. definetely worth it

Ferraro is amazing. His lectures are super interesting and infomative. He is very sensitive to students needs and seems to genuinely care. Readings are interesting. Tests are not too bad, he just requires that you think and analyze. Great class if you like polsci/history. Simply fantastic.

Awsome dude..teaches each class with energy and just knows his material. The best political science teacher arround. Take and him and see.

He is very good with foreign policy it is his thing. You ever get the chance to listen to him speak or take a class of his do it. Smart as they come. He is a visiting prof from MT Holyoke though so get him when you can.

This guy is the man! For someone with a degree from MIT he manages to communicate on the level of undergrads very effectively. Surely he could stand up there and speak grandiloquently just to hear his own brilliance, but what Professor Ferraro is more interested in is helping students grasp what he is lecturing. And I learned so much!

great teacher, gives great explanations, non bias..doesnt hurt that hes such a fox

Great class and very easy.

"Vinnie" is a brilliant professor, and very witty. He is very clear about the material and conveys it from all perspectives. When he feels the class is bored he likes to crack jokes. He certainly knows his politics and history, and likely anything else you asked him about the world. 2 papers, and class isn't mandatory--but go anyway it's worth it!!

He is the best professor i have come across. He inspires you to study...he is like a walking encyclopedia in world politics. He did not use any text book and he did not use any powerpoint...He teaches classes like he is teaching students one on one.

A genius and great guy. No reading or note-taking required. Just go to class, listen, learn a lot, and get an A. Or never go to class, have an idea what is going on in the world and get a B. 1 exam, 3 page take home final, both based on your opinions.

This class is wicked easy, discussion sections and two essays. You do not need to go to the lectures but Ferraro is hilarious, and they are entertaining.

Truth is that you probably don't have to go to a single lecture to do well on the exams... HOWEVER Prof. Ferraro was by far the best professor I had at UMass and I would highly recommend attending each and every class because you will learn a lot about the world and enjoy listening to a Jerry Garcia look-alike tell you about it.

Seriously Vinnie is one of the best teachers I have had so far at UMass. He makes what many history and political science teachers allow to be boring, really interesting. he appeals to you and its no trial to sit through the class. He puts the notes online but I actually enjoyed his class and he is a fountain of information always. Love ya Vinnie!

he is the best. He is hard, but he is the most interesting person I have ever heard speak. I'm taking a course at mt. holyoke next semester just for him. He is my favorite professor.

By far the best teacher i have had at umass. He is an amazing lecturer and jolly man. He is fair and very interesting. You do not really have to go to class but I NEVER wanted to miss a class becuase he was that good of a speaker. TAKE IT HE IS AMAZING and teachers do not impress me easily

Absolutely amazing. This class is one of the best I've ever taken, and not neccessarily just because of the course content. Vinnie is an awesome teacher and takes personal interest in each and every one of his students. This class is totally rad, and beyond worth the hour you sacrifice every other day to go to it. Highly recommended!!!!!

EVERYONE should take his class. An amazing professor. That's all I gotta say.

Professor Ferraro is an outstanding, enthusiastic teacher who aims to inspire all of us to involve ourselves in politics. I took his World Politics class Sping 2008 and it has been excellent all around. He is very knowledgable, well-spoken, and well prepared. No attendance or homework is required.

all you need to know is this- at the end of the course we turned in our final paper @ the beginning of the last class so everyone was free to leave the class was over. almost no one did. we all stayed because he is so interesting to listen to. he gave us advice about life in general. it was so good, at the end we gave him a standing O

This guy is one of the best porfessors you can ever have. Really. He is on the Wolff and Resnick level.

this guy is the man his lectures are really informative and entertaining no homework or attendance required, only work you have to do is an essay for the midterm and the final definitely take this class if given the chance

one of the most enthusiastic teachers and one that really got me thinking. I loved his world politics class

UH-MAY-ZING! Prof. Ferraro is an extremey engaging person, with exctiting real life stories that he ties to class. The notes and suggested online articles are not requirements. Attendance isn't mandatoey but the room is always packed anyway. HIghly recommended. i wish he taught more classes.

Prof from Mt. Holyoke. Attendance isn't mandatory but most people go. TAs graded the midterm pretty easily.

Great professror. Highly recomended

Best lecturer I've ever had. Bar none. Can open your eyes to a interconnectedness in world politics, history and morality that never looked so clear and important. Absolutely riveting, passionate speaker who is a professor I can say has impacted me in a way I won't forget. He knows his stuff so well that its effortless, clear and intriguing.

Vinney! This guy is great. Really easy to talk to. Whatever he teaches, he does a superb job at relaying the material and subject matter. I had him for Polsci 121, World Politics. Great course if u know nothing about international relations and foreign policy. I made out with a B.

Vinnie is probably the best proffessor Ive ever had. Hes n great lecturer, a great speaker, very clear, and you can listen to him for hours without getting bored. Hes a very cool guy and loves his students. Extremely intelligent and friendly. Does not use textbooks, just some online readings.work is very managable.Take any class you can with him

Vinny is THE MAN. He is very smart, and an excellent professor. He is always there for you, you can ask him ANYTHING. Known to be if not the best, one of the best professors at the 5 colleges. DEF. Take this class, easy gen. ed. Funny, great guy, you will NOT be bored trust me! Makes material very interesting. AMAZING PROFESSOR! Vinny rocks!

Best Professor I've ever had. Take his class. DO IT!

He does more than teach you lectures about world politics, he teaches you about the morals and wisdom on life. What an amazing person and the best professor I ever had! He will try his best to help you and is his main goal is to help students out in life and be fair! TAKE HIM TAKE HIM TAKE HIMMMM

The man is a genius, but the class he taught was not. The class did not even remotely fit the description and instead focused on current issues around the world. Focused on a few political theories for 2 weeks and that was it. International political theory was hardly taught. This was more of a history and current events class.

Vinny was the best teacher talk about and easy class. He keeps his classes awake and waiting for his next funny joke. The midterms and finals are TAKEHOMES!! so u have 2 quizzes and 2 exams, thats it.

Really interesting, passionate, and lively guy. Not all of the topics he covered interested me though. There were two papers and a couple of quizzes- TA graded.

Vinnie is the BEST! You must take his class. The greatest Professor I have ever had, and will ever have.

Vinnie is an honor to know. He is one of the most sincere instructors I have ever had. He's supremely knowledgeable in his field and answers any question clearly and concisely. When he speaks you listen; this is because as soon as he opens his mouth you know that what he has to say is important. I feel that Vinnie has shaped a generation.

I respect this man. His lectures were interesting, but not mandatory. Two easy papers, and somewhat easy quizzes. His last lecture brought me nearly to tears. Such a great and passionate speaker.

Amazing professor. He challenges your political outlook regardless of where you stand. An outstanding professor who keeps you engaged even when you want to leave. The papers are easy and so are the quizzes. Take this man's class. You won't regret it.

Ferraro is AMAZING! POLISCI121: World Politics was an interesting course! Although lecture is not mandatory, it is greatly recommended. He makes you question what is right. He is very helpful if you do not understand the materials. He teaches every lecture with a great amount of passion. I recommend this class. AMAZING PROFESSOR!

I'm surprised so many gave it an easy rating. Not EASY in my opinion because you have to pay attention. More like a current events/1900s history class. 3 in class quizzes which are based on lecture. No notes online so you're on your own. 2 papers. Don't leave the papers till last minute and GET YOUR TA TO LOOK OVER IT!!!! Very inspiring, nice guy.

Very easy class,it's based out of 110 & an A is a 93.He's probably one of my favorite professors I've had & he's extremely smart & funny.You have to write two papers which are about 5 pgs each but other than that,the quizzes are easy.It's an easy Gen Ed in my opinion so I highly recommend taking his class.

Great guy, friendly professor, definitely take one of his courses.

BEST PROFESSOR TO EVER EXIST. IF THERE IS ONE CLASS TO TAKE AT UMASS, IT IS WORLD POLITICS WITH VINNIE! Seriously, taking this class was the best decision of my life.

I have nothing negative to say about Vinnie. Certainly one of the best: a great thinker, able to conduct a productive discussion in a 200+ student lecture, and SO FREAKIN FUNNY! His sense of humor is just as great as his quality of information. Seriously, take his classes whenever possible, you won't regret it.

I honestly felt obligated to write this review because taking Vinnie Ferraro's class was life changing. This class was a treat to attend each tuesday and thursday afternoon because Vinnie has the ability to inspire, joke, and teach all at the same time. Every person should get the opportunity to listen to this man speak for 2 hours a week.

Best class at UMass. No textbook, no hw, and little work required to get an A.

The most amazing teacher I've had. He genuinely wants his students to succeed and think for themselves

BEST CLASS EVER! Literally, I just learned so much about life. He's an amazing lecturer and you feel like you should stand up and clap after every lecture. It's so easy too!

Vinnie is the man! Inspires you to think and see the world in a different way. Class is easy, his focus is getting to to think and examine the world. Really funny guy, someone I would love to get a beer with.

I loved taking this class. Vinnie is a very funny and informative professor. He knows his information clearly. Even if you are not into world politics, it is a pretty interesting yet easy class. Just a few quizzes and papers, which are pretty tolerable. I highly recommend taking this class!

Easily one of the best and most informative Professors I have ever had. Infantismly entertaining and one of the best lecturers I have had the pleasure of listening too. Highly, Highly recommended, by student and advisers alike. Take his World Politics class.

Vinnie is one of the best professors I've ever had. He wants you to succeed and he gives his exams based on what's learned in class. Attendance is not mandatory, but is recommended.

I felt that I HAD to write this review because if there is any teacher worth recommending, it's Vinnie. He sure knows what he's talking about, teaches brilliantly and seems to genuinely want his students to understand what he teaches. Intro to World Politics was my most interesting class this semester!

Great professor, over-all great guy. Really cares for his students

As a junior econ and int. relations student, I've had some brilliant professors here at UMass. Vinnie, however, may just be the best. Taking a class with him is one of the best and most important decisions you will make as an undergraduate. Incredibly entertaining lecturer; after several classes I have felt very cathartic. Take his class.

Amazing Professor. Lectures are incredibly interesting. Only issue is 85% of your grade is based on two papers and his TA's don't seem to understand that it's a 100 level class

Polisci 121 is an awesome class and Vinnie is literally the man. Definitely take a class if he's the professor.

Vincent Ferraro is an excellent professor, in fact, he may be my favorite at UMass. I strongly recommend him.

3 easy in class quizzes about lectures. no attendance. midterm paper and final paper worth 35% & 50%. the lectures are long, but interesting if you pay attention. I would recommend this class as an easy passfail for credits, or for someone interested in politics. He is a really good speaker. No textbooks.

He was an awesome professor. He doesn't believe in text books and gives maybe a two page article twice a week. There's three quizzes (ten questions each) only to check if you've come to lecture. I went once a week and still got a 100 on the quizzes. The mid term and final are BOTH take home papers. He is understanding, interesting, and helpful.

Vinnie is an AWESOME professor!!! Absolutely take this class. Its relevant, important, and current and EASY to pass. Lectures are interesting! The class is always full. Only 3 mini quizzes to check lecture attendance and 2 papers the whole semester. No textbook. Everyone should take this awesome class! Again, Vinnie is absolutely AWESOME!!

In the first 2 weeks of classes, I was really worried about this class. It seemed like it would be much harder than it ended up being. I have learned so much and really enjoyed the class. Vinnie doesn't let his opinions influence lectures, which i think is great. There are 2 papers that have very clear instructions. Great gened and Vinnie is great!

Professor Ferraro is one of my favorite professors. I actually am able to take something away from his class and sometimes classes turn into debates where you can freely say what you want and he will speak his mind. If I had the chance to take it again I would very interesting and fun class.

He is a great lecturer. Everything in this class is relevant to what's going on in the world. The class is really easy you just have to write two papers. I actually looked forward to going to it. I learned so much in this class. Once you take this you'll be so much more aware of how you make decisions and how you think. Ferraro is amazing!

Ferraro is easily the best professor at umass, but unfortunately this is the only class he teaches there. I've never been more interested in a class. There's 4 easy in class quizes that you can ace if you pay attention and two papers to write. This class is so inspiring. He really makes you think about the way you think about things! Great!

Professor Ferraro is the best professor I've ever had. He clearly cares deeply about both his students and the material he teaches. He is passionate, kind, and quite obviously brilliant. His class is hard to get into because it's probably one of the most popular classes offered at UMass, so if you get the chance, you should definitely take it.

He's amazing. I left every lecture questioning something in life. He really made us think. Only three quizzes, a midterm paper, and a final paper.

He is a great teacher who's smart and enjoys teaching the material. There are three 10-question quizzes that you have to go to lecture to in order to know the information for, but they're kinda tough. No midterm or final exam, only a paper for each.

Vinny was phenomenal. His lectures were inspiring, he was funny, and somehow he was able to instigate debates between students in a 300 person lecture. His subjects really make you think. There were announced "pop" quizzes, and a couple papers, your final being one of them. Highly recommend!

Awesome professor. Has a very intersecting perspective and will answer any question. There are quizzes and they are a little tough the rest of the grade is to essays. They are tough but you have options so its not too bad. Some lectures can be a little long but others are truly inspiring.

This was a phenomenal class. He gives some very inspiring lectures and he literally knows everything in terms of world politics and current events. He give one in class essay test, and an essay for the midterm and final; all questions are given in advance. There are 2 quizzes which you can ace if you attend class, but they are pretty random

Go to class, turn your phone off, and just listen to what he says. Take some notes, and you'll get a new paradigm for looking at the world. Ask him a question about the world at some point in the class! Please don't sit in the front row on facebook. If you care about learning, he'll knock your socks off.

Vinnie is awesome, I would definitely say to go to class to learn about the material for the quizzes and to get a better understanding of what the essays will be about.

On the first day of class he tells you not to ever say you think.. only state what you know and use facts. He encourages debate and respect in the classroom. He is there to give you what you need to succeed and wants to help you learn. He's very funny and intelligent. It's a must take class.

Amazing professor, no homework besides papers, very interesting lectures

I absolutely loved this class Vinnie is an expert on World Politics but since we had this class in Fall 2016 the election results even surprised him just like Brexit did. He has 3 in-class Quizzes (based on the lectures ONLY), 1 Midterm, and 1 Take-Home Final Exam Essay. This is a class you don't want to skip b/c he is so very insightful.

This is the best class I've taken at UMass. The lectures are fascinating. I actually looked forward to going to them. He is really intelligent and and an excellent teacher. The work load is easy. There are only a few papers and you have plenty of time. Seriously, take this class.

Prof. Ferraro is the best lecturer at UMass. Between the tenor of his voice, the precisely timed musical affects, and the inspirational lesson, he genuinely cares for the students, and for the next generation. Can't recommend him enough.

Go to the lectures especially if you don't know much about world history. it so easy to get distracted because of the big hall but pay attention sit in the front. He is a great speaker and his assignments and re kinda easy but it graded by the TA so it depends on who is your TA. Vinny is the stereotypical professor, he gives great talks.

the best

Go to his class, take out a notebook for jotting down some notes, and just listen. Vinnie is one of, if not the, best professors at umass, and taking his class will change your view of the world. Don't be afraid to ask question, he is extremely approachable and deeply cares about his students and future generations. Highly recommend this course

This class was sometimes boring, but Prof Ferraro is extremely knowledgable about world politics. This is a required class for poli sci so I would definitely recommend taking it with him. Pretty easy, only 3 quizzes and two essays.

World Politics was a pleasure to take with Vinnie. He's knowledgable, approachable, and a fantastic lecturer. Class was straightforward. Three quizzes, one midterm, and one final. I would definitely recommend this course.

Vinnie has the most amazing lectures. He is well respected and is extremely passionate on the subject. He always takes time to explain current events and relates them to the course. However, the class can be hit or miss when it comes to TAs!

Vinnie is an amazing professor and you really get to learn so much for him. He has a lot to share and really likes to listen to what the students have to say. This is a class everyone should take, just so you get to hear Vinnie.

Poli Sci 121 is a super easy class but you will also learn a lot. Prof. Ferraro is extremely knowledgable and usually pretty funny. I'd totally take this class again. I will say, however, that he can be very performative and dramatic in his lectures, which sometimes unintentionally translated into alarmist politics.

Ask any person who took this class, they all love Vinnie. The fact he has a 4.8 is insulting. He cares very much about world politics. 99% of professors on campus are liberals, but as a conservative, he never belittle us Republicans. The class is so easy. 3 in class quizzes( he gives you the dates) and a midterm and final paper that your TA grades

Nice enough guy but it was hard to pay attention especially if you didn't really like world politics. you could tell he was really interested and knowledgable about the topics, but the subject matter was really dry and his lectures were very long.

Professor Ferraro is an exceptional lecturer, brilliant, and genuinely a great person. Anybody interested in world politics will absolutely love this class; Vinnie's material covers a wide range of topics throughout history and does a marvelous job of tying in current events at the same time. Any rating below a 5 does not properly describe this man

Vinnie is not only an amazing professor but an equally amazing person. He spreads incredible knowledge about World Politics, welcomes everyone's viewpoint, and sprinkles some life advice into his lectures. So lucky to have had him for a professor!

Great Professor. He is very respected and makes the lectures very amusing at times. Attendance is not required, only problem is there are only 3 grades.

I had the pleasure of taking Professor Ferraro's last class before retirement. He is truly one of the most life changing people I have ever met. He lectures with passion and wisdom that is unparalleled by anyone. He is so knowledgeable about world politics and it shows in every lecture he gives. If only I could take more of his classes :(

Vinnie is the best! His lectures are so informative, and he is clearly very passionate about what he is teaching. Very accessible as well.