Jake Vanderkooy - York University- Glendon campus, Toronto, ON

Professor: Jake Vanderkooy

Department: International Studies

College: York University- Glendon campus, Toronto, ON

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ILST2920
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I would definitely recommend the instructor given his focus on quality teaching and learning.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POLS2510
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Awesome prof! Would totally recommend! Grates fair, amazing lectures!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POLS2510
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

In the first few weeks I found the course a bit challenging, given that I did not have a background in a political science; however, as we advanced in the course, and through asking question and consulting with instructor, I became comfortable and confident. Now, I enjoy more political science.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POL3615
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Very helpful and encouraging

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POLS2510
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Approachable and knowledgeable

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLS2510
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The professor is really good, if you want to learn show up for class, he knows his craft he is funny and cleaver And always willing to help, but you have to show interest and a desire to learn, his lectures are well prepared and clear, that if you actually pay attention and analyze the theories I hope he teach other courses I learn a lot .

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ILST2920
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

The best qualities of the instructor is his knowledge that he transmits to students. One of the best ways to learn from the instructor is to pay a close attention to what he has to say . The reason is that although his words or analogies may sound funny, but in reality they carry a deep meaning. That is why attending classes is paramount.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ILST2920
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The instructor based his lector on both theory and practice. It was important to attend the class in order to follow and understand every lecture. In other words, the lectures were interrelated. The book that was used in the course was rich and informative; likewise, the articles in both newspapers and magazines added value to the course.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ILST2920
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I have learned a lot from his lecture; I have applied the concepts and theories that I learned from his class into other advanced level courses. The course was based on making sure that students grasped fundamentals of international relations and political science. In addition, students had the opportunity to choose any topic of interest.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POLS2510
• 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: Mandatory

Comment:

He's not afraid to take a contrarion view on political matters. One of the best courses I've taken.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POLS2510
• 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:

He is clearly one of the best. His grading is very fair and honest, and he returns everything on time. Some of his lectures stay with you long after the course is over.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POLS3615
• 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:

I really enjoyed his IR course last summer, but 3615 was even better. More chance to participate, and he's a very fair marker. He's a bit disorganized, but with a clear purpose: the world's changing so fast that he'd rather stay "on top" then follow a boring textbook. Most students prefer that approach. I sure loved it!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POLSC3615
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

A lot of overlap with Intro to IR, but with the 3615 course, he takes Global Governance in a much deeper direction. Great course.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POL3615
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Big class made partipation difficult. Really enjoyed it though. Great class, great prof.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POLS2510
• 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:

Second term was quite fun. Really enjoyed this class.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POLS3615
• 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:

He tries to take "global governance" BEYOND international institutions. That makes it both difficult and very very interesting. I strongly recommend this course for those who want more than a simplified week by week study of institutions. Great course.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POL3615
• 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:

This professor is always around for student questions.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POLS00
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Sorry, but I would advise most people to avoid a class if he is teaching any upper level courses. He repeats everything from his IR course. I was very interested in the topic before I took the course, pretty much ruined it for me, unfortunately. Nice person, but was very indecisive and dis-organised. One of the worst classes I've taken.

Rating # 19

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Great professor. Should take International relations/organizations and Canadian politics with him. Hope he continues teaching.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: POLS2600
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Prof Vanderkooy really understood Canadian Politics for what it is, and taught in a way that was clear and thought provoking.That being said, you could also learn from the textbook.However when it comes to the tests/exams although they are not at all difficult,he's looking for specific answers with a clear and concise opinion. Also participate!