Fritz Gaenslen - Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA

Professor: Fritz Gaenslen

Department: Political Science

College: Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Fritz is a really great man and I did learn a lot in his class. The only issue I really had is 1) his class was at 8:30 and it was very difficult to pay attention 2) we were graded by very few things. With all that being said, you CAN do well in this class, just be sure to take notes on everything he says and take the exams and paper seriously!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This guy was not only boring but he was also just a terrible professor. Who gives 2 tests throughout the entire semester along with a 9-11 page essay and 3 quizzes? There are barely ANY grades in the class SO you have to make sure you do good in all of them to maintain a solid grade, and it is not easy. DO not take this class.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Solid professor, lays out all expectations and graded assignments in the syllabus at the beginning of the year and sticks to that. Having him at 8:30 can be a struggle as he lectures at the class for an hour and fifteen minutes each class but I would still take again. Ask occasional questions to show you're engaged.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Textbook was not used at all. Tests are based completely on lectures of mostly basic information. The tests involve memorizing specific details from lectures, so making flashcards along with your in-class notes is key. Overall, the class is based on lengthy lectures of basic information regarding gov. systems. There is a paper assignment.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POL270
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I adore Gaenslen! Yes, he almost exclusively lectures and his voice can be monotonous, but he is such a sweet, funny professor. I learned so much from his course on Chinese politics. He definitely wants papers done a certain way, so be sure to ask questions if you are confused. His readings are generally pretty interesting, take a class with him!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: Audit/No Grade
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He does not close his mouth. He rambles the entire class and you do not get to participate whatsoever, which is fine by me because I did not want to anyway. Hard to understand what he says sometimes, VERY monotone voice. Most boring teacher I have had yet and I almost fall asleep every time. Nice guy, just boring.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Show up. Write down every word that comes out of his mouth. Study that. Get an A. The class is based off a two tests, one paper, and 3 quizzes. If you study the lecture notes the tests are a breeze. Some complain about the lectures, but his knowledge to talk for an hour straight with no notes/powerpoint is truly impressive. He's just a nice guy too

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

he is very lecture based. Does not give out homework, tests are very important for his class

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I never participated once the entire semester;Neither did anyone else in the class, as he just lectures at you. He has a very monotone voice that can put you to sleep easily. A majority of the tests are exactly what he says in class, so take detailed notes. His tests are surprisingly hard. Didn't learn much, thought it would be an easy class but no

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He's extremely knowledgeable and has a lot to say. What he says in class matters a lot more than the readings he assigns - most readings are only applicable for the term paper anyway. Skipping class only matters if you don't get ahold of the notes. Fair grader. Loves when you come to office hours - he delights in students who take active interest.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Attended Gettysburg for only one semester (did not like the school at all). He was the best professor I had there. Very into what he was teaching, and it was the only class I looked forward to going to. Only one long paper comparing two novels. If I stayed another semester, I would have taken him for another class.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: P
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very inconsistent. He had two sections of the same class, but would tell somethings to one, and some to another, yet both would be on the test. If you don't have a friend in the other section, good luck. He grades on generous curves, though. When you study, don't look over your notes, just read the textbook he doesn't mention. He tends to ramble.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Prof Gaenslen is good, but his quizzes can be challenging. Even though he says you'll do well if you read the book, you need to do much more. That being said, he will grade on a curve so getting a decent grade isn't too hard if you put in the effort.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The class wasn't too challenging, but if you don't take it seriously you will not fo too good.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

As long as you do the required work an A is easy.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POL101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He loves what he does and that shows when he is teaching, funny guy and great notes.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POLI104
• 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:

Terrific notes, interesting material, incredibly nice guy, he tells you what to study on the tests so as long as you pay attention you'll be fine.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• 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:

not too many grades. his exams are kind of hard but he always grades on a curve and is really generous. a good guy.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POL104
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

EXTREMELY annoying with attendance and he really brings down your grade for it. Quizzes and tests were very specific even though he goes over only basic material in class. Very boring.

Rating # 20

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

FRITZ IS GREAT!!! The subject matter was very interesting and he was a great lecturer (great class to take in the morning to wake up!). Quizzes were tricky but exams were fine, but you HAVE to study; contrary to what he says, he will try to fake you out! I'd recommend him greatly!