Steve Kurvink - Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA

Professor: Steve Kurvink

Department: Social Science

College: Santa Monica College, Santa Monica, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POL1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Kurvink is one of a kind. An eccentric professor, the man is passionate about politics. I took political science 1 over the summer and it wasnt too hard. Showed up to all but one class and got an A. You do need to take great notes and study them carefully for the A, as he is very lecture heavy. Id definitely recommend taking him. Nice, funny guy.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: 1POLI
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I'm very interested in politics but oh my god was this class incredibly boring.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POL51
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Very informative class, he makes it so easy, I regret doing P/NP probably would've gotten A.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PHILO52
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Kurvink is a chill professor whose patience for nonsequiturs from unserious students is unmatched. He's also a very tolerant guy who actually appreciates dissent from his own liberal views. Not sure exactly why (maybe because he's mentioned that he was a hippie back in the day), but the guy reminds me of John Lennon.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: 1POLI
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Kurvink knows politics. The lectures are long but he treats the class well. He's one of those guys that just "get's it". No surprises, what he says is what he does in terms of tests and grading. Great professor, also teaches at University level. Take his class you won't regret it.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PS52
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Although his lectures can get boring and heavy, they were usually very interesting. I enjoyed taking this course. Kurvink knows what he is talking about, he is passionate and open to different ideas than his. Just do the readings and participate in class, and you will easily get an A in his exams.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POLIPHIL52
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Kurvink is wonderful and has a lot of real-world experience. He's a wizened Vietnam War era hippy; he used to participate in rallies and demonstrations. His lectures are worthwhile; a relaxing and fascinating end to the day. You'll read from a few different philosophers as homework and he'll really help you understand them during class.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POLSCI52
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Kurvink is the most brilliant educator Ive had! He is extremely lecture heavy, but gets to the point quickly and clearly which doesnt keep you in class for 3 full hours. No homework other than reading. 3 midterms so your final grade is heavily test weighted. He is always available via email with quick responses,

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POL51
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Amazing class. He is the type of professor you find at elite colleges, so we're lucky to have him at SMC. His ability to present material in a clear, captivating, nonpartisan way is outstanding. In both classes I took from him, I mentioned my support for Trump on the final papers, and got A's on both. Doesn't discriminate against conservatives.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: 1POLI
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Took for summer* 3 MC exams, 50 qs each, no cumulative final! Great professor. Lectures are long but very interesting, make sure to read book and take great notes in class. He has a great sense of humor ! Exams are pretty easy but only if you actually prepare by studying the book and class notes. Also provides a helpful study guide. Take !

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POL1
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Really great professor! Lectures are all interesting, informative, and funny. Read the textbook, take notes both in class and while reading, and take advantage of the reading guides and study guides and you will give yourself a good chance to do really well.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POL1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

A sanctuary for introversive musings & absent-mindedness (although no sleeping/snickering at memes to oneself), nonetheless it's essential to pay attention to the lectures, for most of the answers on all 3 tests will be revealed. Prof Kurvink is a pleasantly straightforward & humorously helpful soul. Highly recommended & liberal-indoctrination-free

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POL1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Great professor! I recommend :)

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor is very boring. Material is reviewed in class but you can just read the book and be just as informed. There are a couple of test and 1 paper. Aside from that, he doesn't offer any EC so just do good on the tests.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PHILO52
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great professor and great class discussions. The subject itself is very interesting. Although it's a lot to be covered and grade is dependent on 3 exams and the readings you do (which should be 4-5 with each exam, he goes over the readings in class though). Had to drop the class but would definitely take again if my schedule wasn't as full.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: 1POLI
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Took the winter class, had 3 non cumulative exams. Teacher is cool, funny, and made learning interesting. He makes an outline on the board and goes over those topics. Take good notes and you can read the text for better understanding or to prepare for the lecture but not necessary. it did help me personally. Test are MC and True False. Easy A!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI51
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Easy class; just show up and take good notes. Going over the readings is pointless as he will go over everything you need to know in class. The only real homework given is the typed essay due by the end of the semester. The tests consist of several essay questions in which you choose one or two to respond to. Very straightforward.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PHILO51
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Grade is out of midterm, final, one paper on your political philosophy, and a 10 points of participation. Didn't do much the reading, he explains everything in class. If you miss a lecture make sure to read though. Tests are two essay questions based on the lectures. Can be hard to get an A bc the grade is based on 3 things, but it's not too hard

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POL51
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Midterm and final; both essay questions. 1 big paper for the term. Pay attention and take notes for the exams, put some heart into your paper and you will at least come out with a B. + He provides plenty of reading/study/paper guides; won't be lost. Participation isn't mandatory, doesn't call you out on stuff; introvert heaven.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: 1POLI
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Kurvink is an AMAZING asset to SMC. He kept my attention throughout class and made me want to show up to listen to his lectures. I couldn't have thought of a better instructor to educate me on the political process during our elections. I would love to take another of his Poli Sci classes! The most laid back person you would ever meet.