Akbar Ahmed - American University, Washington, DC

Professor: Akbar Ahmed

Department: Internation Service

College: American University, Washington, DC

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This specific professor seems to be very knowledgable on the subject of Islam, however when a professor is more interested in promoting his book than teaching his class, deviating from the class syllabus, while constantly reiterating what he says over and over without much development over time, the class suffers as did this course in spring 2013.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: SIS619
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

The worst professor I have ever seen. He is a popular media figure and he is considered as the leading authority on contemporary Islam, yes true but that doesn't make him a good professor. Teaching does not mean reading your book chapters in class. Teaching is not dumping every work to a useless TA who doesn't even know how to grade papers.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HNRS302
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He's nice and interested in helping students get involved in stuff...but it is true that there are a lot of guest speakers, and he can come off as condescending.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I could have used more time learning about Islam and less time being told what to think about Islam. An above reviewer said the message Ahmed teaches is important; broadly speaking, I agree. But the purpose of class isn't to teach the professor's ideology. Not recommended.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Professor Ahmed is highly respected across the globe, but you wouldn't know it from taking his class. He was HARDLY there and when he was, he either gave his opinion on current issues (usually radical) or he made us work on his upcoming research project. Bottom line...this class is a waste of time and money.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Not a good teacher at all. He is never in the classroom because there is always a guest speaker. His TA does all of the work for him. Neither him nor his TA are approachable in the slightest bit for any kind of help. He assigns way too much reading every night and makes you order way too many books. All in all, this class was a waste of a GenEd.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is by far the worst prof. I have ever had in my life. He is completely full of himself and every lecturer and book for this class elaborate on what a great scholar he is. The class was more of a "why you should be a Muslim and not what you currently are" instead a critical analysis. Avoid him if you want to keep your sanity.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: SIS496
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This guy is phony. Avoid him!! Waht a waste of time and money.!!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: SIS496
• 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 absolutely love this man. Best professor at AU. Ever. The most interesting and engaging, and thought provoking class I have ever taken. He is a groundbreaking and extremely influential figure, and I could seriously listen to him talk all day. I will take every class with him that I possibly can. Akbar is the man.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He doesn't teach, all he does is bring in guest speakers of varying quantity. Thinks he's wonderful, which he might be, but again, he never teaches.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: SIS496
• 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:

He's amazing. Hands down most interesting class I've had at AU. Great speakers, great textbook choices. Not a lot of work, but he does have high standards. His TA is very involved in the class, but not to the point that it's annoying. I have never skipped one of his classes, they are that good. Even in a block.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: SIS500
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

His TA treats the grad students like kids. His class is overated. He does not teach at all. Undergrades think he is great but he has no substance and he always uses his books for his class. BLAH! His undergrad and grad classes uses the same circulum. Waste of time

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• 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:

Professor Ahmed's class structure was incredible. I learned so much and never had any reason to skip, for each lecture was something else to look forward to. He is not very available as a teacher, however, he is very experienced and definately not a guy to pass up!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

The professor has such great background experience that is important to the class structure.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

has no idea what hes talking about...he just makes generalizations and is not concise about any perspective he has....

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: HNRS306
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

very interesting--GREAT speakers

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: SIS265
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

AU never ceases to surprise me. Prof. Ahmed is seriously over rated. His class is easy because he does not really lecture or teach. When he does speak, he talks in generalizations. His class mostly functions through mediocre guest speakers. His TA basically runs all the show.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

DCs PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR (Masha-Allah!!). He is the authority on Islam and contemporary issues within. He is a great teacher, speaks very clearly and so well, and knows what he's talking about. For those who want to learn about Islam and its importance today, TAKE THIS!! But his TA sucks, thats all

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: DIALOFCIVS
• 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:

As most have said, hes interesting and knows his subject matter. he doesnt speak often and is repetitive when he does, but the message is a good one and his guest speakers are great. if you show up and do minimum work, this class is easy. anybody who disagrees is just lazy or doesnt belong here.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: SIS245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Even though many of classes are guest lectures, they are still very inspiring and interesting. He really wants to educate about the subject. His TA is annoying but Ahmed grades easy. No exams, just short papers.