Student Comments, CPO 4057, Spring 2005

Students who gave me low scores said...

• Very critical of student papers.
• I enjoyed only a couple of the readings and enjoyed participating in discussions where I knew where the instructor was going with the topic. The instructor seemed to speak because he liked the sound of his own voice and because he wanted to show the students how smart he is. His questions about the reading were vague though he had specific answers in mind. He should provide sample questions about the reading prior to the discussion.
• The open discussions were good. Attendance was poor. He's very open to new ideas. A list of what is significant in the reading. Wicked yet brilliant.
• I am interested in theories of political violence, but thus far I don't think I know any. We could benefit from structure and organization. Also, I didn't know anything about these theories before I started this class. When the readings make assumptions, I am lost on them. Thus, its hard to form my own opinions (which is what you are looking for in class). You should dedicate more class time to actually teaching the material. Class time failed to engage me in the material even though I am generally a straight-A student. Also, I hate how you draw chips and make students stand up to answer questions. Although you are generally a nice guy it makes you seem like a douche bag. You have to engage students in the material--try using relevant situations in the media.

Students who gave me high scores said...

• This instructor is one of the best professors I've had in college. Professor Moore really reaches out to students and finds out why good students may not be doing as well and works with them, encourages them. He is also the only political science professor I've had to encourage actively all viewpoints, not just liberal ones. His assignments actively engaged students with the material.
• Overall a great course. Stimulating readings and thought provoking questions.
• I really enjoyed the theory part of the class because it exposed me to new concepts about the cause of violence. The second part of the year has become a little monotonous, though I like connecting the theories to what is now happening in Iraq. The instructor uses material that is very challenging and encourages all students to speak freely. I actually really liked the chip system because it is beneficial to students who do all the readings and come to class. I am much more informed about political violence and its causes. This class was extremely fascinating to me.
• The reading selections for this class were amazing. The reading challenged me to think differently and made me interested in the topic. He was very unbiased when discussing issues. He was happy to help me during office hours. I didn't like how the instructor graded the midterm paper. I would have liked more guidance on how it should be written and what would make it an "A" paper.
• I really like the format of the course.
• I enjoyed the intellectual debates and discussion. I also liked how the professor did not impose his views on us. He left it up to the student to express how they felt about the subject matter at hand. Ideas are unclear at times and the readings were a bit lengthy and thus overwhelming. The chips are a source of tension and anxiety for some students.
• Readings were interesting and lectures engaging.
• I liked the material used for the course, however I did not like the book The Demon Lover. I thought there could've been a better book to choose. Also, did not really enjoy the chip participation policy. Especially when I tried reading the material, but I could not pull it up on my computer.
• Material was very informative. Reading levels were a bit much at times. Dr. Moore was interested and enthusiastic about the material. Very well informed and prepared.