Sheldon Goldman - University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Professor: Sheldon Goldman

Department: Political Science

College: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PLSCI360
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

It is very hard to dislike Goldman. However, his lectures consist exclusively of him reciting his script and going through (way too many) slides. There is little to no class discussion, no homework, and the lectures are incredibly boring. There are 3 exams all worth 33% of your grade. The exams are so dense w/ info, it is very hard to do well.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PLSCI360
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

The only professor I have taken multiple classes with. If you are interested in the material he is teaching then the class should be easy for you. If you are not interested then you may have to put in more effort. I would highly recommend taking a class with him.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: 360AND361
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I have easily learned more in this class than in my other political science class. Goldman clearly cares about the material and really wants his students to understand the law. He teaches facts, and gives little of his own opinion on the matter which is very refreshing. I would certainly take this class again.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI361
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

If you go to class and take good notes you will have success. 3 tests, 33.3% each, but the questions come directly from lecture so if you took notes and then study your notes thoroughly before the tests you should do well. He offers a lot of extra credit, which allows you to make up for a bad test or improve your grade.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: 360AND361
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Shelly is awesome. I warn you, you do have to have a passion for law to be interested though. His lectures are to the point and long, but if you follow along he adds some great puns in. Tests are clear-cut, if you study the cases, you will get an A. Show up every class and get a huge grade boost. Love Professor Goldman, he's the best I've had.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI361
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Sheldon Goldman demands a level of academic rigor that's not often seen today, so be prepared. He doesn't put the lectures online, so take VERY thorough notes and study in groups for his tests--they're extraordinarily difficult. The class is entirely about the Supreme Court.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: 361
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He adds lots of puns to his lectures, and he is very knowledgeable about the Constitution. If you are more into going in depth into a few court cases and being able to ask questions, this class is not for you. There are many opportunities for extra credit (attending every class boosts your grade by half a letter grade). Would highly recommend.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI361
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Goldman is an amazing professor. He really cares about his lectures and the topic of Civil Liberties. He likes to keep his students awake with a sprinkling of his famous puns and witty sense of humor. Tests are difficult and in depth but the information was straight forward enough if you study. Don't need the books if you attend lecture

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POLSCI361
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

If you can get someone to sign attendance for you, skipping class won't matter. Tests are pretty difficult but he's VERY clear about what is on them and gives sample questions that are then on the exam. A lot of memorizing cases, but that's all there is to it. 2 tests, 1 final. Textbook isn't worth the purchase. His classes are full of puns

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: LEGAL361
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Sheldon Goldman is a very knowledgeable professor and is passionate about the Supreme Court and constitutional law, but he's clearly from a different time. He only gives three tests (which make up the entirety of your grade), and they are extremely difficult-you have to know the ins and outs of obscure SCOTUS cases, and the slides are not helpful.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI361
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Goldman's course is based on three exams, and even though he gives you EC opportunity, it's hard to earn a fantastic grade when you have memory 40 cases per test. His lectures are also just him talking and a lot of note-taking. If you like discussion, this isn't the class for you.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PS260PS261
• 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:

Plain and simple: this guy knows what he is talking about. If you're diving into the somewhat ponderous realm of Constitutional law, Shelly G is your man. Plus his sense of humor is really sneaky-you might not realize for several minutes that he just cracked a very witty joke. In sum, Dr Goldman is a rockstar judicial scholar.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI360
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Very difficult class. Sheldon is pretty cool...if you like gratuitous scripted puns (I do). His slides are text heavy and you have to write it all down. The exams are challenging as you pretty much have to know everything about like 20 cases for each exam. Only take this if you are very interested in Con Law. Lots of studying required.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POLSC362
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I love Sheldon so much! He's one of the best professors I've had. He is very knowledgable and witty which adds a bit of humor to the class. Highly recommend!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POLSC361
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

One of the better poly sci professors. Provides great insight on the Supreme Court and the Constitution. Also, he is an awesome guy.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POLI361
• 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:

I would recommend this class if you have high interest in the supreme court, since 100% of class is memorizing case studies. Purely lecture-style class. Notes are VERY detailed, which helps A LOT with studying for exams even if you don't do the readings. Extra credit for perfect attendance. His enthusiasm for the subject makes it enjoyable.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PLSCI361
• 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:

do yourself a favor, dont take this class. ridiculous amount of notes to try and memorize for the tests. very frustrating.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POLSC361
• 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:

Shelly! Great guy. If you have a passion for Civil Liberties law and you like the lawyer-esque type of course work, debriefing cases, etc. then take his course. He's not much of a teacher...just flips through the lecture slides, but he's consistent and effecient nonetheless. (2) 1 hour in class multiple choice exams and a written final. cake.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POLI360
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great teacher and great class. Prof. Goldman is an excellent teacher and a pretty funny guy. The work in the class is minimal. Memorizing court cases can be a little difficult but if you give your self enough time to study before an exam, its cake. this is a great class for anyone interested in law and is thinking about going to law school.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PLSCI360
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Goldman is a fair teacher. He goes through material very quickly, and attendance is key. He offers a bonus 1/2 letter grade for perfect attendance, though (A- to an A). He hands out studu guides for exams and you know just what you are being tested on. Adorable and funny. Class can be really boring though.