Judith Best - SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY

Professor: Judith Best

Department: Political Science

College: SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

When I attended Cortland 30 + years ago, I took all of Dr. Best's classes - even the ones I wasn't required to take. She weaves so many stories into her lectures. The key to doi well is to always have your reading done before class and take copious notes during class. I will always remember and be grateful for the opportunity to learn from her.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POL372471
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Best is the most intelligent and enlightened professor I had as an undergrad at SUNY Cortland. Her seminars allow students an opportunity to observe a level of intellectual prowess that is otherwise lacking across much of the University's faculty. She will make you work, but you will learn. Receiving an A from her is incredibly rewarding.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The way in which she explains what hse is talking about is very difficult to understand. She speaks very slow and makes the class very boring. All she did was stand and talk all class, if someone were to ask a question she would give a look.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• 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:

Probably the smartest and and most interesting person that I've ever been taught by. However lectures get boring and tests can be diffucult.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

For an intro 100 level class, the 2 midterms and a final, long lectures, no review, with a teacher who is atleast 115 years old, it is so not worth it. Your GPA will sink faster than the titanic if you don't attend class on the regular. Interested in pol100 ? you shouldn't be. To add to all of that class was never cancelled, not even once.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Best is by far the smartest professor I have ever had. She is an extremely pleasant lady with many stories that she includes in her lectures. The only problem is her lectures can be very boring. My friend had a different professor for this class and got an A without even trying. I do not suggest taking the 100 level class with her.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POL270
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I've always had an interest in political philosophy but this class was bad. If you're just getting into it don't use this class as your reference. Best's lectures are long, uninteresting and drift off the subject (even though she reads a script). Grading on the exams is arbitrary rather than based on your work. Sadly, you have to take it with her.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Worst class ever taken in my entire life. Way too hard for a 100 level class.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

My favorite professor of this semester. She doesn't mess around and isn't interested in silly group projects or busy work. You learn a lot if you pay attention in class and she is clearly an expert in both teaching and politics.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POLTHEORY
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Best has had a lasting impact on my life. I'm 55 now and still remember much of what she taught. She left me with a deep appreciation & understanding of our founders and nation. I took every course she offered and fought for those A's! She was the most inspiring professor I've ever had. Thank you Dr. Best!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POL372
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Best is by far the most intelligent woman I have ever met. She has 3 very hard essay tests and that's it. I definitely had to work very hard but it was so worth getting an A from her in the end. She's so witty and funny for being an old woman too. Her stories made me laugh every single class.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I tried very hard to do well in her class and I have NEVER had so much trouble in a class. She does not help in office hours and she assumes you know all the little details of politics. She stands in front of class and lectures thats it no notes.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POL470
• 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:

Most influential teacher of my life. She just has a way of bringing out the best in you. She sets the bar high and inspires you reach it. That first class was toughest (POL 270.) I did not get an A in that class but that just made me work harder for the next class. I made it a point to get an A from her before I graduated and I got a few from her.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POL270
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Judy Best is actually a really cool teacher. She really tests your knowledge in a different way than most professors but if you have interest in the theory of government you'll learn to see things very differently. Totally worth the effort guys, take in everything she says in lecture.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Best if very intelligent however she probably should not be teaching 100 level courses. I like politics however I'm not a good test taker so I struggled in her class. She only has 3 grades, 2 mid terms and a final. DO NOT take her if you aren't a strong test taker. She also only lectures and rarely passes out notes. Very tough for a 100 level.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

She probably shouldn't be teaching 100 level courses, because she's obviously very smart and distinguished(and she'll often remind you of that). Taking notes was tricky as she doesn't write anything down. Only 3 tests but they were very tricky, especially for an introduction class. Her lectures are very interesting though and you will learn a lot.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

this professor is completely outdated. She is very intelligent but stands in front of the class without taking notes and just talks, if you're into that kind of stuff then be my guest, otherwise i would avoid her

Rating # 18

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Any class with her will be difficult, but you will learn more than you think. She's a fantastic speaker and her lectures are often enoyable. Changed the way I think.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

you think a 100 level class would be easy, but not with Dr. Best. Yes she is very intelligent but most people with a phD are. Lectures are long and boring and tests are based off of her lectures and are extemely difficult. avoid this class if you can...

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: POL100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Best is extremely intelligent, and is willing to help out her students if they put forth effort into her class. However, she only gives 3 tests (2 midterms, 1 final) only based on her lectures, therefore it is essential to attend her class, and always ask for clarification if you do not understand. I am most privileged to have known her.