Burton Atkins - Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Professor: Burton Atkins

Department: Political Science

College: Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POS4284
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This was my first political science AND online class I ever took. You are graded on discussion boards (every other week) and 2 at home, open book exams. The discussion boards were so interesting (and not hard) that I actually was excited to learn. Definitely taking another class of his!!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POS4624
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

It was without a doubt the most illuminating, inspiring, and especially real world atmosphere I encountered in my time at FSU. It was a real preparation for what Law school would be. He taught like a Law school class. The most memorable of the classes I took there. A city kid like me. He showed me we only have the limitations we set. Just Brilliant

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POS4606
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Definitely take Atkins if you're passionate for law, especially if you're planning on going to law school. He definitely prepares you well, it's a good introduction into supreme court law. Take this class only if you're proficient in reading and writing, because that's what the entire class is based on. Discussion boards and three essay exams.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POS3691
• 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 Atkins is a simple professor and FAU needs more online professors like him. If you are interested in law, he definitely makes the class to the point and makes you read exactly what you need to know of prior knowledge for law. The class is basically sum up of discussions and three essay exams. Super doable. He grades fairly!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POS4606
• 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:

This is my second class with Dr. Atkins and i would take him again and again. I am not interested in politics or history or anything of that sorts, but Dr Atkins makes you read and become interested with the discussion boards. Only 1 DB every other week. All of the discussions are based off of cases presented in the textbook.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POS4609
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great professor with very interesting lectures. The class was based solely on 3 exams, so make sure to study! Notes help a ton, as most of what is discussed in class ends up on the exam. There are assigned readings that may not seem necessary, though a few questions pop up on the tests about them so be prepared!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POS4609
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Atkins is the best professor I've ever had. I took him for 3 courses and loved all 3. Hes very knowledgable and passionate. All of his courses consist of only 3 tests. He doesn't take attendance but u need to go to class to pass. He doesn't post slides online. If u take notes and pay attention you'll get an A or B. Book not necessary but helpful.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PLSC472
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is great and the if you follow his direction it is a guaranteed A but a lot of work. Lots of work for his classes but you do leaRn a lot, he uses movies and a lot of Supreme Court Cases, so get ready to read.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POS4603
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Atkins is a good professor. He can be intimidating at times, will question you to get you to talk more and prove your point but just be confident and don't let it make you nervous. Offers extra credit by presentations on cases. There's a lot of reading but if you do it and take good notes, you'll definitely get an A in this class.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POS3691
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

3 tests. Very straightforward. The main textbook is not necessary, but the side books are a must, so make sure to read them!! Attendance is not required but it is helpful when time of the test.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PLSC110
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is also a professor for World Campus, at Penn State where I took his class. He is great, I would take his class again.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POS4284
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The class material was easy to understand but the TA's are tough graders. I always received a 910 on my discussion boards and high B's on the two essay exams, even when I followed specific directions and read all class material. I would not recommend taking this course if you are looking for an easy A.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POS4284
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

While the class itself is easy, don't expect any feedback from the teacher. He is basically an unknown person and the TA's are like his mediators with no actual direct contact to the professor himself. Good luck working on what you know and following vague directions on exams

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POS4284
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

6 DB's; mid-term; final. You must participate in DB's. Mid-term and final all essay questions. Reading is interesting and insightful. Expects exam essays to be specific and include details from the readings. Not too hard, not too easy. READ and participate and you will do fine.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POS4609
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I took him for constitutional law and judicial process and I don't regret it. Amazing professor, really passionate and inspirational. Tests are easy if you read the material and pay attention in class. He has power point presentations that are very helpful but are not in blackboard. Incredible class I would definitely take it again.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POS3691
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Really enjoyed his class, his tests are easy, but I showed up to every class and took good notes and payed attention, which helped big time cuz I can see them being difficult if you didn't do the above. Assigned 2 books to read, showed movie clips during class. He's a really solid teacher, he obviously enjoys it and it showed in his teaching.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: CPO3123
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I took the Online course. Very interesting. Lots of reading. Grade consisted of bi-weekly discussion boards, 2 research papers, take-home mid-term and take-home final exam. No multiple choice, all essay questions.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POS4284
• 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:

Great professor and class! The discussion board topics were a bit challenging, but overall they were not to bad. The exams were pulled from previous readings and DB, and we are given a few days to work on the exam. This course is very schedule friendly and taught me a lot about current political issues:)

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POS4624
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Before taking this class, I wasn?t sure what a Political Science class would entail. After finishing the course, I can say that Professor Atkins has inspired me to possibly want to go to Law School. While this course is far from easy, dedication and hard work can lead to an A. This isn?t a class that you can skip the reading or not participate in.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: POS4624
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This was a very tough course for me, but I am very happy to call it a success. I now feel like I can tackle anything. This class is one of those courses, I assume taught much like a law school course, designed to weed people out, and separate the persistant and strong from the weak and subpar. Read and study hard!