Joel Lefkowitz - SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, NY

Professor: Joel Lefkowitz

Department: Political Science

College: SUNY New Paltz, New Paltz, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Lefkowitz is a really nice man don't get me wrong, but his class is a complete waste of time. We learn nothing... but it's ok cause everyone gets an A. If you don't care about the learning part of education then I reccomend, but if you want to get something out of a class, don't take his class.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POL216
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Lefkowitz really seems to care about students and everything he teaches about. Lectures can feel a bit long if no one participates, but the majority of tests were multiple choice and the final question was given on the first day of class. It seems like he wants everyone to succeed and he incorporates topics that the class wants.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POL216
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Such a nice man! I feel bad because he seems to get sick a lot, and often cancels class. But does whatever it takes to make sure you get a good grade. I'm confident I'll get an A in this course. Always tries to help, but wants you to participate in discussions. Definitely recommend

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POL216
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Lefkowitz is quite eccentric but in a fun way which livens up the classroom. Grade is based on participation and 3 tests and a final, all of which are fair. Take his class!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POL101
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

A sweetheart. One of the only professors I have had that actually cares about the students. Easy to work with and easy to talk to. He is a really understanding person. Makes American Gov interesting. If you ever have the chance, take him!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Takes his time to help and cares about his students.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Lefkowitz is by far the most down to earth, caring and just good professor I have ever had. He truly cares about each and every one of their students. He was very accommodating when a mentor of mine was hospitalized and I had fallen behind. He is somewhat confusing but if you ask for help you will be fine. He wants you to do well.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POL320
• 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:

Professor Lefkowitz is a good man. His lectures can be a little disorganized, but he tries his best to get everybody involved and engaged. Grading is fair. DFTBA

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POL300POL331
• 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:

Lefkowitz is one of the most intelligent and engaging teachers in New Paltz. He can be eccentric, but in a good way that encourages class participation. On the first day he asks the class how THEY would like class to be run and how he could change it for the better, and gives great advice, he really makes you interested to think more critically.

Rating # 10

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Confusing at first, but Lefkowitz is so nice and will help students get thru the hard material. He really wants his students to do well and it shows. Teaching style takes getting used to, but you love him by the end.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I've taken 2 classes with Lefkowitz, as well as having him as an adviser for 3 years. Joel has the biggest heart. He cares so much for his students, his department and those he meets. Scope can be difficult and his teaching methods are a bit strange but once you get a hang of it it's pretty easy. He will definitely go the extra mile for you!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

awesome, engaging, fair. a great man and a great professor

Rating # 13

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

If you don't love Lefkowitz, there is something wrong with you.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POL216
• 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:

Lefko is a well of information. He brings his knowledge to the class in accessible ways and never makes students feel stupid. Lots of guided discussions. He is an asset to NP and his students, and a really fabulous person.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• 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:

Took Joel for APT in spring; taking two more courses in Fall with him. Very impressive with the amount of knowledge he has on his material. Not easy but very fair and definitely on the side of the students. A little quirky like the rest of us, but is not trying to hide it like most of us. Take him if you can.....

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• 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:

Professor Lefkowitz is one of the best professors in the Political Science department at New Paltz. His teaching style is a bit unusual but he is extremely helpful outside of class during his office hours if you need clarification or just to vent. I also had him for POL 320, 331 and 353. If you have a chance to take his class give him a try.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Joel lefkowitz is an extraordinary humanbeing. He is down-to-earth, a man of great intellect, a true believer in equity and justice, and all-and-all a good soul. He is easy to approach and invests in his students. He knows all of his students by name-and amazing he can do this in about the 2 or 3rd week. All the good from the 60/70s,-LSD

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POL300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Lots of reading, but its all very interesting, and he is helpful and personable outside of class. He is a little incomprehensible, and his social awkwardness comes off as condescending, which is disconcerting when you genuinely need to ask a question for clarity, but don't want to be ridiculed in front of the class. Lots of questions went unasked.

Rating # 19

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Why oh why does he let the students run the class when most of them are clueless? Easily the least effective pedagogical approach ever.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: AMERTHO
• 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:

classes are discussion-based, so dont expect an lectures. talks are questioned by joel, so dont try to BS the class. he will want to know why you think what you think. attendance is based on participation.