Michael Burton - Ohio University, Athens, OH

Professor: Michael Burton

Department: Political Science

College: Ohio University, Athens, OH

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POLS4230
• 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:

Great lectures, very entertaining and engaging, only real flaw in the class might be that there is a lot of reading, but other than that this is a very good class to take whether you are a POLS major or not, 10/10 would recommend

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POLS3040
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Michael Burton will always be the professor I look back upon during my time at OU. The man is so inspirational. There is no other professor in the poly sci dept even close to having the amount of political professionalism Burton has. He will challenge you, he will heckle you, but you will learn so much from this man. OU is lucky to have him.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POLS4230
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

If you want someone who has a ton of experience in the political world, take Mike. I wouldn't take him for a lower level course, but his senior level courses are amazing. He's an easy grader on papers, but his prompts are extremely challenging (how he wants it to be). Participate in class- he likes it when others voice their opinions. Take Mike!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POLS1010
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Burton makes you work really hard for the grades you receive. I took History of Politics in the United States and his powerpoint were only for his use, so it was strictly oral learning. The book is helpful but it's really hard to understand what's expected from just his lectures and the full chapters in the book. I think it's a really hard class.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POLS4230
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Yes, Burton is tough and won't give you grades you don't deserve. If you take his class be prepared to do the work. In the end, you'll better for it, he has a ton of political experiences and connections.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLS4060
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Look, Burton is smug and cocky, but he knows his stuff. Go to class most of the time, humor him in discussion, and do the assignments. You will have success.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POLS1010
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Seems like a great guy. Just took his class and I don't know A.who thinks he is hot.. and B.who thinks he is an easy teacher. His lectures were just him talking about how he almost touched the President once. So I relied on the book, there would be maybe 2 questions on the test form the book. He was not a great teacher.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This class can be summed up in one word: vague. The textbook and Burton himself talk a lot, but don't really say much. Definitely read the book and go to class to do well. The tests seem like their written by a third grader, they're vague and difficult to understand.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POLS490
• 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: N/A

Comment:

I've taken Burton twice and I wouldn't say he's for everyone. That being said if you want to learn something useful and challenge yourself, he is one of the best professors in the Polysci dept. You must come to class, you must do all the assignments (though with real concerns he is flexible w/due dates).One of my all time favorites.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He's a really awesome guy. He comes off as arrogant, but at the end of the day, he really knows his stuff. He gives a lot of bonus points, so just as long as you actually show up and pay attention, you will pass. I didn't even have to read the book.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Burton is a good guy, he's funny, but definitely likes to hear himself talk. His tests are difficult.You need to read the book, and the readings are long. The TA helped me out with studying for the tests, but you need to attend class because he'll give you bonus questions answers for the test. Overall, not too bad, but I've heard of better.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POLS523
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Burton is an amazing professor. His classes are always interesting and enjoyable. He expects a lot from students- which is a good thing. You learn a lot from any Burton class. He will keep you the full time- but it's worth it. He has an impressive background and great stories to tell from it.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• 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:

Burton is awesome. Incredibly knowledgeable in American Gov. Be sure to take indepth notes, and you should be ok. I didn't really read, just took really descriptive notes and got an a in the class. If you take this class, take it with him.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

burton is a funny guy but that and his little stories are all that you'll get out of the class. tests are very, very hard and tricky questions. he's arrogant and kind of mean and calls you out if you're late (which we all know is nothing personal). i would've enjoyed political science but not from him. i recommend not taking POLS 101 from him

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Nice guy, difficult class. Definitely necessary to go to lectures AND read, even if he doesn't take attendance. Tests have obscure details from the reading/questions are not always worded precisely, but he is more than willing to help. He will lecture for full two hours, but still keeps it interesting. TONS of reading; be interested and be active.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Burton is a jerk. I hated his class SOO much. He knows his stuff, but is very arrogant and treats his students very badly. I went to every class, read through the book and still got a D. I would advise not taking his class. This was the worst class I have ever taken in my college career.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• 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:

The class lectures are straight from the book! He doesnt take attendance. It is a long class but the second hour is all about answering questions so a lot of people just skip out when the class takes a break. The tests arent bad as long as you read and know the vocab. Most of the tests also have bonus questions. Its a good class and a nice prof!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's a nice guy but wow horrible class. He lectures the whole two hours and half the time its just about his experience in the white house. When he does lecture over polisci its vague and really doesn't help you study in the long run. Avoid this class if you're a horrible test taker because he gives no other grades.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Not a bad class! There are about 5 exams, they are each over 3 chapters in the book, which are each about 50 pages long. It sucks to read all of that, but if you do then you'll do well.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: POLS101
• 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:

Great speaker, fun to listen to, which is good because he lectures the whole time. If you want to get an A you gotta read the book though, and its a big book. If you go to class and read the book, your straight.