Rick Brill - Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo, MI

Professor: Rick Brill

Department: Political Science

College: Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kalamazoo, MI

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Honestly Mr. Brill is my favorite professor. His lectures are fantastic, he explains things very well and is passionate about what he's teaching. Grades are based on tests, and if you take the final your lowest score is dropped. Attendance isn't mandatory, but you'll struggle on the tests if you don't show up.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PSI100
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great teacher. Amazing at explaining things and really knows what he's talking about.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PSI101
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I was dreading this class but by the end of the semester I realized Political Science wasn't all that hard. He made everything relatable.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PSI100
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Mr. Brill was a really great professor. Not every Political Science professor can make the topic interesting, but he did. The curriculum was very clear, as was the grade scale. Just four tests and the exam, and the exam was optional. The book was used, but it was only $12. The class was lecture heavy, but I didn't mind too much. Overall, very nice

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Rick was an ok teacher. The only thing your grade depends upon are four tests from his boring lectures, with the final being optional to replace the lowest test score. He's helpful if you ask, but overall just plain boring.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: HRY220
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

My favorite teacher at KVCC! Grading is based on four tests and the final exam is optional. I never even opened the book! Take good notes, study for the tests and it is an easy A. I took him for PSI 102 and liked his teaching methods so much that I went back and took him for HRY 220. Got 4.0 in both and didn't have to take the final in either!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: HRY220
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Lecture based class. I really liked Rick Brill. He makes it so the class isn't boring. Don't even bother buying a book, you don't even touch it and the lectures don't go along with it. Only 4 tests and the final is optional!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Great teacher. Unlike most polly sci professors, he doesn't preach his politics to the class. He sticks straight to the facts, and admits both parties are needed in our political system. He clearly lists what both parties stand for, and the pros and cons of each position. Wording on the tests can throw you through a loop, however.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I've Been out of school for 9 years and knew nothing about politics. Finished with a 3.5. He understands people take this course because they have to and tries his best to make it fun. Take good notes and this class will be an easy A. Guy knows what he's talking about too.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Have never taken a government class before, and i passed his class with a A, awesome teacher, must be in class to pass, no book required, and he explaines everything in terms that relate to your everyday life. I would take any class he had to offer. Best teacher ever.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: HRY220
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This is one of the best classes at Valley, taught by one of its best instructors. The material's interesting, the class simple, and Brill is just the smartest & most pleasant human being there is. To top it off, it transfers as upper-level credit to some universities. Can't beat that.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This guy was born to be a teacher, has it down pat. One of the best teachers I've had, and I've had many good ones. Excellent.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Brill is a real life MR. Mackey, but is great go to class listen and get the picture he paints for you and you will get an A.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This guy says mmkay more times than Mr. Mackey from South Park. He also talks with a voice that can put you into a hypnotic state. He is, however, a passionate teacher who loves teaching about politics. He is also a very nice person. The tests are hard, but there's no homework and no book. So, show up and take notes. Then study them.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Brill understands that you're not there because your stoked about State and Local Government so he designs his class knowing that kids aren't that excited about the course. He makes it so understanding and lets you take notes on how you learn best. No homework, you don't have to read from the book. He gives you all you need to know. Fabulous guy

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: HIST000
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Very clear, makes something as dry as State and Local Government into near entertainment. Teaches concepts and ideas more instead of just throwing facts at you. If you listen good, come to class, and fill out the study guide while you're there, there's no reason you can't get an A. I haven't even bought the book.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Rick is a great teacher, who is very passionate about state and local government. It was an honor being in his class.

Rating # 18

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Very wise and soft spoken man. His style is the same; understated but with passion. Rick loves what he does and if you spend two weeks in his class, well, you will be incredibly proud to be from Michigan. Take any class you can with this guy.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Best teacher I have had at Valley. I was dreading my government class before the semester but he made it really interesting and I ended up always looking forward to class. No homework and never used the textbook. He really knows what he's talking about and makes the material fun to learn about. I really wish i could take more classes with him.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PSI102
• 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:

Fantastic. Designs his class specifically for non-PSI majors. A soft-spoken guy who knows his diagrams by heart. Answers any question without taking a breath. He tells you: no homework/textbook. More of a crash course in American politics than State/Local gov't. Straight whiteboard lecture, but I found it fascinating. Highest recommendation.