Mark Silverstein - Boston University, Boston, MA

Professor: Mark Silverstein

Department: Political Science

College: Boston University, Boston, MA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• 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:

Probably the most interesting class I've taken at BU. Professor Silverstein really knows what he's talking about and although class attendance isn't mandatory, I would recommend going to class because he really makes it fun and entertaining. You don't have to go to every class, but definitely complete all the reading assignments.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PO513
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

It's a damn shame that he will soon retire. His Con Law class actually makes you smarter if you put in the work and you will fail if you don't. He claims that he is too old for this job, but he's more lively, dedicated and energetic when teaching than people half his age. He tries his best and he expects the same from his students - its only fair.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• 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:

Go to lecture and take notes, it's the single best thing you can do for a good grade. Besides the three tests the only work is the readings which are overall pretty manageable. His lectures are pretty clear but he goes fast so I ended up taking my laptop to class which I normally don't do. Exams are straightforward w/ Q's from lecture and readings

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PO513
• 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:

Professor Silverstein is the reason I decided to go to law school. I had him for 315 as well and he is AMAZING. He is smart, funny and genuinely makes law interesting. 513 is challenging yet every bit worth it - I learned more in this class than in any other poly sci class I've taken at BU. Must not miss out on his classes if you're a PO major!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PO513
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I was his student in 1987, and I can still remember his class. He was the best professor I had at BU and his classes were one of the reasons I became a lawyer. His con law classes are every bit as comprehensive as the ones I took in law school, but his were far more interesting. I highly, highly recommend him.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PO512
• 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:

If you've taken 315, you might think he's a jerk. But that's because the class is a joke and you really don't need to go to office hours. Don't let that deter you from 512 though. He's an amazing professor in Con Law and way more approachable. I learned more in this class than probably any other poli sci. Actually challenging, but so worth it.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PO316
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

i hate his guts. grading policies should be taken up with the dean, So self absorbed. Switched from law to teaching cause so he talk down to people without an objection

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Great class. Silverstein is a great lecturer who makes the material fun and interesting, especially if you have interest in law. Can come off as a bit rude at times, but don't take it personally. He really does care and he just happens to have a blunt style. His wealth of knowledge on the subject really makes the class great. Take it!!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very interesting to listen to in class. Rude to students if you go to his office hours or need help for the class.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• 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:

BEST prof at BU. VERY interesting topic/prof esp if you are interested in law/law school. 3 equal weighted exams arent that bad. READ EVERYTHING. Its on the Exam and its really interesting.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Silverstein is a good lecturer. However, he generally detached from his students. This may or may not be a bad thing depending on what you're looking for in a professor. Grade is based on three midterms that come directly from lecture and the readings. If you attend lecture and do all the reading, you should have no problem getting a good grade.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• 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:

silverstein is the BEST. i would recommend this course to anyone, but to people thinking of law school in particular. he is incredibly smart and knowledgeable about all of the topics& very clear in his lectures. readings are all relevant& interesting.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Silverstein is amazing! I looked at my notes after being in the class and they are so orderly, so thought out, and that's just because the way he thinks, the way his brain works is so logical, meticulous, it's incredible. Unfortunately, while he will answer your questions after class, he doesn't really like carrying on conversations. So while

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• 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:

Any ignoramus can get an A in his PO315 class. His upper level classes are a different story.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• 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:

Really great professor. Classes are clear and straightforward, and professor is animated and funny when he lecures. Fair amount of reading, though pretty interesting, but need to keep up with all of it because all the readings are fair game on exams. Very good professor to talk to if interested in going to law school.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: 31551314
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Amazing prof! Loved every class I took with him. Found him approachable, and willing to write letter of rec for law school. Did not suck up, but still did well. Very fair grader, engaging lecturer, and the best prof I had at BU.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Very spirited lecturer. Ends class early. Tests are overwhelmingly drawn from lecture, are noncumulative, and are very studyable. The books are expensive. No papers. Recommended, especially if you are considering law school.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Can't speak for his 500-level course, but his 315 course was good. Tough to correlate readings with lectures, as he doesn't specify what day goes with with what reading, but he explains it all in lecture. Exam also covers readings which can be a pain.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PO315513
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

You couldn't pay me to take another one of his classes. He didn't seem so bad after PO315, but DO NOT take PO513. His grading is far too subjective, and he has a horrible personality. However, if you enjoy kissing up, you'll do very well.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PO315
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Very interesting class, I got alot out of his lectures! He is very helpful, interesting and clear. You can definitely tell that he is a smart guy. I wouldn't want to get on his bad side though...