Richard Waterman - University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Professor: Richard Waterman

Department: Political Science

College: University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Waterman is overall a good professor. His lectures don't really pertain to the class and sometimes he just rambles about whatever is on his mind, but the tests are so easy that it doesn't matter. Seriously, the tests are like elementary level civics. If you have even a basic knowledge of US government or politics you should get an A.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He was a laid back professor and was easy for the most part. I'm not good at politics /government so I had to read a lot, but it wasn't nothing unmanageable. There's quizzes each week, which aren't bad and 3 total papers which are 1-2 pages and their easy for the most part. The exams can be difficult, but if you read the chapters you'll be fine.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PS476
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I found his class to be very interesting. He does ramble on about things but if it concerns the subject of the class there is a chance it could be on the exam, you should take notes while he talks.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: 476G
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Most of the time, his lectures were long-winded and aloof. The essays we had to write seemed to be about very particular pieces of his lectures, and it was difficult to see what he wanted exactly. Fortunately, he is extremely kind and friendly, so his grading is quite generous. Most everyone got an A in my class.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He just rambles in his lectures, but they are required. Basically if you show up to class you'll get an A.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

An amazing person but not so much an amazing professor. His lectures have nothing to do with the course or content on the tests. You're graded off of three tests and your "breakout" grade (attendance, a few essays, and participation in recitation). You pretty much have to teach yourself for the test, but luckily there are some great TAs that help.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Waterman is absolutely hilarious. All three of the breakout instructors were really funny and intelligent. He used clickers for attendance, but they never worked so just be sure to go to the recitation class. Also, I wouldn't buy the online book, I would just buy the breakout session one. Tests were pretty easy. Tons of extra credit.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He's so easy and laid back. If you need an easy A take him. He's really funny and nice but doesn't exactly teach too much.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I think Dr. Waterman is a great guy, however, lectures consist of covering what's going on in the US. TAs are unorganized and slow to submit grades which are stressful. The class revolves around the online textbook. there's a lot of information. Not a hard class, but you definitely have to teach yourself the material.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Waterman's lectures normally consist of a rambling spill about whatever is happening in the world at that point in time, then he attempts to cover the material needed in some connected way to politics. TA's are usually helpful, but there are times when grades are mistaken, left out, etc. Easy class, most stressful part is checking grades.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Waterman is OK. Lecture is him usually rambling about something related to political science. But the TAs aren't that great unless you have Chip. The tests are very unorganized and the TAs have messed up 2 out of our 3 tests. The book is online and you'll have weekly assignments that are due, but as long as you have a brain, you'll pass.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PS390
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Film and Politics; Found Dr. Waterman to be a very likable professor. Each week the class meets to watch a film and Waterman leads a class discussion afterwards. He is extremely funny and very knowledgable. Your semester grade is determined by four 5-6 page papers. Overall, I would recommend taking a class with Dr. Waterman.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PS484
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Super easy course. You need to be there on review days and you will know exactly what is on the exam. Exams are online and submitted through email. He is a great guy and I will be taking more of his courses!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PS580
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Grade was made up of 2 tests and a paper. Test are pretty simple. Review days help with what is going to be on the test. Test's are all short response. Essay on your choice of topic concerning budget. Worth taking again.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Took this class as a core requirement my freshman year. Easiest class I've taken by far. Attendance isn't required and he posts all the slides online close to test time. Tests are super clear and only on the material covered in class. I would take Dr. Waterman again and again and again.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Easy A. Makes you buy his really expensive book, but don't do it if you have to pay more than $30 for it. You don't use it that much. Not the best lecturer, but isn't bad. Good TAs. Test are easy and the final is optional if you are happy with your grade.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Easy A, fun class if you take Ledford as your TA

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Waterman is adorable. He makes so many jokes that no one will laugh at but he is precious.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Waterman is good at what he does. This class is an entry level, very basic Political Science course and he treats it as such. Don't expect to be mentally tried and tested. It won't happen. His lectures can be a bit long winded, but he is a very good speaker and he's pretty funny. I'd definitely recommend this class as a cake elective.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PS101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

I am a PoliSci major and Dr. Waterman made Political Science seem boring even to me. This class is extremely easy, but you will gain no valuable information. Definitely recommend it if you just need to get some core credits out of the way. Dr. Waterman is a nice man, but not a very good teacher. Easiest A you'll earn at UK, though.