Lawrence Baum - The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Professor: Lawrence Baum

Department: Political Science

College: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: 4132H
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I was terrified when I heard about the big final paper (20-25) pages. but trust me, it's not that bad, you do 10 of those pages halfway in the year. He is one of the most knowledgable profs at osu, he really leads the field in SCOTUS things. very kind and more than happy to help with anything. I would recommend this class to anyone.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PLISCI4136
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

SHOW UP TO CLASS AND U WILL PASS All lectures are spoken which can be tough. Best professor i've had though, hands down.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POLITSC4136
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

A king. Only spoken lectures which is kind of difficult at first but you get used to it. He puts guides for each lecture on Carmen that are basically study guides for the exams. He really wants his students to succeed and is willing to help in whatever way you can. Every poli sci student should have to take him.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PLISCI4136
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's very auditory and doesn't post his slides online but he's one of the best professors I've ever had. he's very engaging and passionate about the subject. he also is objective when discussing controvercial topics

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POLITSC4136
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Baum is by far one of my favorite professors at Ohio State. He makes his lectures incredibly interesting and does his best to be sure students understand his points. He was extremely helpful when I went to his office hours for clarifications and makes it a goal to get to know his students. If you are a poli sci major, take his classes!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLITSC4138
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Baum is by far one of the best professors I have had the privilege to come across. He is clearly passionate about the material he teaches, respects each students as an individual with valued thoughts, and is very amiable and funny. Definitely attend class and take meticulous notes. This class is totally worth it, learned so much.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POLITSC4136
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Baum has to be one of the absolutely best professors at Ohio State. I came into the class with a mild interest in civil liberties and just trying to get my PoliSci GE, but it's honestly one of my favorite classes to go to. Exams can be tough, but if they are he'll admit it and scale appropriately. An absolute joy to learn from, & funny too.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PLISCI4136
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is probably one of the nicest professors at the whole university. He is very caring and will help you with anything. The midterms took a little getting used to but he provides materials to help. Just keep up with the readings and go to class.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POLITSC4136
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

One-of-a-kind professor. Makes material accessible, and always more than willing to answer any questions you may have. You NEED to pay attention when you go to lecture, as the exams will sometimes cover material that is only discussed in-class. I'd recommend him to people of all majors, but Professor Baum is a MUST if you're a polisci major.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POLITSC4138
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He was one of my favorite professors I've had at OSU. Be ready to take diligent notes if you want to succeed, but as long as you pay attention you should be fine. The material is interesting and it seems like he genuinely wants all of his students to do well.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PLISCI4136
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great professor. Genuinely cares about students, tests are all essays but if you take good notes in class you should get an A

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PLISCI4136
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Three exams (30%, 35%, 35%) and two opportunities to earn extra credit (up to 5%). Go to class and take detailed notes. Take notes on the cases you read. Study these two sets of notes and an A is easy. The class is difficult because the sheer amount of material covered. Baum is clear, friendly, and interested in his students. A great mentor

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: 4132H
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

One of my favorite professors at Ohio State. I have based my schedule around what other courses I can take with him. This was one of my hardest classes ever, but I learned more than I thought I could in one class. If you have the chance, take a class with Professor Baum. There also wasn't a textbook, just online readings.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: 43136
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Lectures are straightforward and so are the exams. Do the readings and take good notes in class and this class should not be any trouble. 3 exams and two chances to earn extra credit as well. Lectures are interesting and he answers questions constantly to help clarify the course.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PS4138
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The best political science professor I have had in my three years at OSU. Would definitely take another course by him.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: 4138
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Tough class. Grading is rigorous. But, the teaching is excellent. If you want to get at least a B, you must read the textbook and follow the study guide.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: 4138
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I loved this class and would take it again in a heartbeat. That being said, the class itself was extremely difficult. All of his lectures are spoken, so be sure to take notes. Do not skip class because you will fail the exam, if you do. He is a tough grader, but he curves his exams. Go to office hours-he is extremely helpful and willing to clarify.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: 4138
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Just to add to what everyone else has said, Professor Baum is awesome. Definitely the best professor I've had here. I took this class because I had previously taken his Civil Liberties class which was great as well. He explains things very well, and always makes time to meet students if you want. Tests should be fine if you take good notes.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POLITSC4136
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Amazing Professor. Very knowledgeable. Kind of difficult exams,but extremely helpful if you need it.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PLISCI4136
• 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: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Great professor. Excellent lectures, very clear. Exams are all essay and can be very challenging. Some topics can be confusing and Prof. Baum does a great job to make them clear. However, again, the exams are not easy.