Alam Payind - The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Professor: Alam Payind

Department: International Studies

College: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: NELC5645
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This class was very unstructured and pretty easy if you've taken a class or two on the Middle East before. He clearly knows a lot but isn't an effective lecturer. There are few assignments that make up your grade and he gives little to no feedback. It's easy but I didn't really learn much. People skipped a lot and you don't need the books.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: INTST2200
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Payind's class was unexpectedly easy. I went into his class thinking it would be like other history classes where you have all of these random class assignments but it was the complete opposite. Go to class until the first midterm to see what kind of professor he is and then you can skip at least once a week. Returned the textbook after 1 week.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: INTST2200
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Let me start of saying that Dr. Payind's personality as well as his actual teaching of the material have made me decide that I want to minor in International Studies of the Middle East. He is SO passionate about the Middle East, and is one of the smartest teachers I have ever had throughout my life. AMAZING PROFESSOR, AMAZING CLASS.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: INTS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Payind is a phenomenal professor, who clearly has an extensive depth of knowledge of the Middle East. He is very enthusiastic about conveying that information to his students so they may develop well-informed, intelligent perspectives on the current conflicts and interactions in the Middle East.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: IS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

the class was too easy. it's geared for people who know little to nothing about the middle east. dr. payind is a nice guy and very knowledgeable and passionate about the middle east

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: IS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Brilliant guy, extremely knowledgeable about Middle East, but a bit scatterbrained. TA (Jennifer) always posts study guides for exams, definitely use them. Class moves fast and covers a lot of material, but worth it.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: IS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Payind is a great guy, very passionate about what he teaches. Had a lot of guest speakers who were great, but kind of made making sense of the notes confusing. The TA Jennifer is great and is super helpful and knowledgeable also.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: IS645
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about his studies on the Middle East, and amazing professor! His lectures and discussions acknowledge all perspectives, but he likes to impart on students the historical, cultural, and linguistic contexts of every topic.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: INTST245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

One of the best teachers I have ever had at Ohio State. Even though attendance was mandatory, I enjoyed going to class. Understanding concepts and theories is a big part of the essay exams. He also has a great sense of humor!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: IS645
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Alam was one of the greatest professors I ever had. He has a passion for Middle Eastern studies and was fair and open minded in his views.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: NELC645
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Prof. Payind is awesome, he knows the Middle East inside out. Occasionally a little unclear and distracted, but you'll love him all the more for it. Great sense of humor too. Had him for International Studies 245 and 645, no problems in either class. Highly recommended.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: INT245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Payind is a good man, smart...well educated...and silly at times. One of my favorite Professors at the Ohio State University.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: INT245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This class was awesome. A great introduction to the Middle East. But you have to have a sense of humor when you are in his lectures. Really knows what he's talking about and his TA Jennifer is great. The carmen site she has is really helpful.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: INTSTUD245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Payind know his material exceptionally well. He is a very knowledgable professor. His writing is a bit hard to understand, but his test formats are clear cut. Studying for them is hard..it's almost like pulling needles out of a hay stack. However, the last midterm and the final were graded pretty easy since they were difficult.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: INTSTDS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor is very interested in course, willing to answer any questions. It's a bit hard to figure out what to study for the tests. Only takes attendance a few times a quarter. Writing is very hard to read.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: INTSTDS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

great class. He is a very knowledgeable prof. Knows more about the middle east than anyone. Must take class!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: INTSTUD245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Payind is a great man, good source of help. I thought tests were a little tricky but, he gives you plenty of options on test format. All in all a good class:)

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: 245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Really knows his stuff and is a great resource. You get to learn so much more than what the U.S. media might present in his courses.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: INTSTUD245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very smart on the subject. Is very willing to help, but if you don't speak up he'll move on to another subject. Wants people to know more then what you see on the news about the Middle East.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: INT645
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Good class, the teacher is an expert and very knowledgeable and helpful. The midterm and finals are straightforward. Dr. Payind is a brillant and nice man.