Robert Farkasch - University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

Professor: Robert Farkasch

Department: Political Science

College: University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POL260
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Arguably the best Prof ever. There are many who think his views are racist or believe he is insensitive, however, he never expresses ideas with his own bias and even so he alerts us if that is the case. Whenever he discusses something he will put forth both sides of the argument and exceptionally portray the ideas of both sides. Be prepared to read

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

His lecture style is extremely confusing at first, he does not follow the textbook, readings, or notes strictly. He is very dynamic and challenges your beliefs. Lectures are not the most important to attend because the grades come from papers and tutorial, but he will remember you and call you out. He engages with students, shares stories and music

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POL366
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The best professor in my 4 years at UBC. Took him for multiple classes and each one was a highlight of my degree. An extremely engaging and passionate lecturer that doesn't shy away from tough, uncomfortable topics. A professor that embodies what uni is about: challenging ideas and finding the truth. A 10/10 recommendation

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POL260
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Farkasch encourages students of self-victimization to reflect upon why they feel that they are victims. As a member of a visual minority, Professor Farkasch seriously made me consider why I and others of my culture so vibrantly continued to claim our status as helpless victims. We are not victims. We are proud contributers.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Robert is an engaging lecturer and the class is interesting but I would warn students of colour. This man loves racist conspiracy theories especially about Islam and Black Lives Matter. It's very simple once you understand that he believes class differences outweigh racial oppression and has no empathy for people of colour.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I learned so much from the really interesting readings and the insightful lectures from Robert. Yes, he goes off on rants, but I never missed a class and hope to work with him and his ideas again soon. Easy A if you do the readings because you know the exam questions ahead of time

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The course is VERY unorganized and he goes off on so many tangents but if you pay attention he actually brings up v interesting ideas. Fun prof and is not afraid to say controversial things but in a respectful way. Dont have to study much for this class

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POL366
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Highly intelligent but gets sidetracked so easily you really have to work to understand what the lecture is actually about.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POLI369
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Excellent professor who does not depend upon PowerPoint for his lectures.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POL369
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

An incredible professor who inspired me to pursue my MA in Security Studies. I was challenged to really understand the roots of terrorism. Thank You!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Farkasch is a really odd prof. Classes have no real structure, he mostly just rambles for the full time and comes off as a bit of a conspiracy theorist. This class wasn't that tough to do alright in but hard to achieve a really high mark in. No textbook and pretty few readings, almost the entire grade was midterm/final/essay.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POL369
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I thought 369 would be an interesting course but the prof ruined it for me. Lectures are all over the place and he goes off on a lot of tangents Should've skipped this course when I had the chance Take it only if you're really interested in the topic itself Has a lot of readings that re-state the same ideas over and over again

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: 464C
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took his 369D class and thought 464C would be on international security as well, but it was on economic development. Thought of dropping the course but glad I didn't. He cares a lot, gives great feedback, and individually contacts each student to coach them in their writing and get them ready for grad school. My highest recommendation for a prof!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Farkasch is by far one of the best professors I've had at UBC. His lectures are fun an engaging, and he makes a point to challenge your perspective and way of thinking. Sure, he can go off on tangents, but if you go along with it, you might actually get something really valuable out of them. I will definitely take another class with him.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Really interesting guy with quite controversial opinions, lectures hard to follow at times as he goes on so many tangents and doesn't use powerpoint (just a word doc of notes on the projector). Really makes you think critically and tests are all essays, don't take this class if you're looking to memorize info. Very interesting and engaging material

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Lectures are very engaging. He does go on a bit of a tangent, but that keeps things fun. Lecture notes are posted online, along with readings and potential midterm & final questions. Everything is straightforward. 10/10 would take another class with him.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POLI260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Rob is really engaging, and while his lectures are interesting, he often gets side tracked. Sometimes it seems as though what he's saying has no relevance to the course material. He's super nice and approachable, but his midterm and final are quite difficult. You must do ALL of the readings.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POL260
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Farkasch makes every class interesting with real examples and personal experiences. While he can be a little scattered at times, and you have to stay on top of the readings he was engaging and memorable. I leave every lecture feeling as though I've actually learnt something that I can apply right away.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POLI369D
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Farkasch is hands down one of the most engaging professors at UBC, it's practically guaranteed that you won't be bored in lecture. He's always willing to chat during office hours as well. Toughest part of the course is easily the midterm (time limit), but it's fairly easy to do well overall as long as you're paying attention throughout the term.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: POLI369D
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very energetic and engaged in his lectures and his work. Farkasch takes whatever opportunities he can to engage with his students, and is a genuinely nice dude. Take all the courses with him that you can and pay attention in lectures - not only will you do well, but you'll actually enjoy school.