Darren Zook - University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Professor: Darren Zook

Department: Political Science

College: University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: GLOBAL10A
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Zook is the pop music of UC Berkeley lecturers. Though engaging, his class is extremely easy. This may be great for those taking a breath class, or people who prefer to spend college partying on Wednesday nights, but for a person serious about Global Studies, not so much. At times, Zook seemed more worried about amusing his students than teaching.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: GLOBAL24
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Greatest teacher I've ever had. He is wise, but also personable which inspires his whole class to want to learn. He allows students to give their views, then works with them to expand their perspectives on the world. He is funny, quick, and will make sure that you leave each class wanting to think & engage w/ the world. I'll miss this class!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PS149E
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I gave Zook a 5 because he deserves it. He is amazing. His lectures are funny/entertaining. He's extremely knowledgeable. I really looked forward to going to class. BUT I have a bad taste in my mouth from his class because of his readers. They graded so harshly, I couldn't believe it. Ruined my experience. One easy midterm and then two papers.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: GLOBAL10A
• 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:

The first professor that I write a comment on. Super hilarious!!Be ready to laugh a lot! Zook is very knowledgeable, professional, and interdisciplinary. Lectures are eye-opening and inspiring. A light weekly reading workload. A very easy midterm , more like a 15-minute quiz. No final exam, only a 8-page final paper, which takes time and efforts.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: GLOBAL10A
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I love this professor! He genuinely cares about how much you learn, no redundant midterms and readings. Talk to him outside of class, he's done a ton of interesting research and is really accessible. Do the readings, they aren't necessary for lecture but will make a huge difference in your discussion participation grade. Wish I could take again!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: 149E
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

149E in Hearst Field Annex was hellacious. Pouring sweat listening to a lecture that should take 45 min. not 90. Power points are not available and consist of lazy bullet points that help the lecturer more so than the student. Gsi's were unwelcoming, adversarial, and had a negative vibe. Grading is based off of a vague rubric. Overrated...

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PAC10
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Was incredibly helpful and addressed all discrepancies students had trouble comprehending! Also very well organized when it comes to his lectures, which made them that much more engaging. HIGHLY recommended!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POLSCI149E
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Zook is a very entertaining lecturer and gives good insight into many of the subjects of the class. However, PS 149E can feel like a shallow dive at times, though that may be a product of the sheer volume of interesting material on each country. First midterm is easy, second can be tough if you begin late as can the final.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PS149E
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

My favorite class this semester! Zook is a hilarious and engaging lecturer. I didn't know much about the subject before, but he explains everything so well. I'm taking a class w him next semester b/c he's THAT awesome! Grading is super easy- he just wants you to learn.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PACS10
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Zook's classes are highly sought after for a reason. He is incredibly knowledgeable and is able to present even the most sobering topics in an interesting, entertaining, or memorable manner. To be honest your GSI makes or breaks your grade for this class. Great class for anyone regardless of their major.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PAC10
• 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:

He prefers students to know a little bit of material WELL instead of a lot of material poorly. Very manageable coursework therefore, which made the class really enjoyable.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PACS10
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Amazing professor! one of the most entertaining, engaging, and understanding professor I have met so far. Lectures are amazing and the course load is doable. He is one of those teachers that does not drill you with immense reading and essays, yet you still get to learn so much.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PACS135
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Uncomfortable seating arrangement in class (you still get marked down if you don't attend), GSI grading rubric no one understands and a nice general email at end of semester telling you it's not application of course material that matters, its 15-20 hours of learning how to write a paper. At Soviet Cal you don't mess with agenda, it messes with you

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PAC10
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Took pacs 10 at 6pm, do well on your take home essays and final and you will do fine, show up to your discussion because thats where ur attendance grade comes from, amazinggg lecturer will take again !

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PACS24
• 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:

Zook is amazing and is wonderful for discussing current events. The freshman seminar was very enlightening and basically student led.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PAC10
• 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:

Grading based on GSIs. Amazing individual and lecturer!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PACS10
• 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:

Professor Zook was amazing; I would love to have him as a professor again. I wasn't too interested in the subject, but he made it interesting, and I never once zoned out during his lectures (which would be incredible even if I was fascinated with the subject). He's witty and kind, and you can tell he's passionate about what he does.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PACS126
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Surprised he's a professor, class doesn't really consist of much learning/material. He tries to be funny/keep the class engaged, but it just comes off as trying too hard in my opinion. The class seems pretty much like a medium for Zook to show off that he's been to a lot of places around the world and not much teaching about human rights.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PS149E
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Zook is a phenomenal professor. His engaging lectures are enlightening and sprinkled with his cute sense of humor. He knows how to balance heavier topics of political corruption with more lighthearted information on civil society. Definitely would take him again. He's amazing. 2 5-page midterms and 1 8-page research paper.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PAC126
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This is my 2nd class I've taken with Zook, after taking PACs 10 last year. He has an energetic and captivating way of teaching. I never wanted to miss his lectures. He has a way of making you learn with realizing you're learning. He'll inspire passion for the subject within you. The first midterm is a trip though because it seems easier than it is.