Michael McDonald - George Mason University

Professor: Michael McDonald

Department: Political Science

College: George Mason University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• 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:

There were absolutely no study guides to his class. When I asked him what we should focus on for a test he said "Don't rule anything out". Yeah, let me just remember 300 pgs of material real quick. No! I wasn't going to play games with my GPA, so I dropped. I still keep in contact with the other kids in class, none of them are doing well.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He knows his stuff, but seems like he expects you to know everything as well. He gives little feedback and doesn't help students prepare for the tests. I went into tests feeling unprepared even when I did all the reading. He expects a lot of his students, but does not give them the tools they need to succeed in the class.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: GOVT510
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He's arrogant, but with the knowledge and experience to be. A seminar class with very little full-class discussion. His style of questioning is often unclear, making you feel inadequate for not understanding. He provided NO feedback - students went into the final with no knowledge of their progress in the class. Very frustrating class.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: GOV510
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This class was rough. Its a graduate course, 8 students enrolled and 25% actually failed-- (not with a B-...with an F!) He is not easy, and he expects a lot out of the students. It was almost impossible to pass because he doesn't explain the material or what he is looking for very well.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• 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:

Yes he can be a bit arrogant but I found him fair. Honestly, many of these comments read as bitter responses to not getting A's. I had to work for my A. You don't have to be a mini-me, just competent enough to defend your viewpoint. Prof McDonald thinks he is a big deal, and frankly he kind of is a big deal. All in all I'm glad I took the cour

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: GOVT312
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is arrogant, snobby, and pretentious, but he knows what he is talking about. If you are interested in the material, don't let his bad reviews stop you from taking the course. Took 2 months to return a simple 4 page paper in a 13-person class and never learned anyone's name, which was bizarre. Tends to ramble off subject. DON'T BUY THE READER!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: GOVT312
• 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:

Really knowledgeable and knows what he is talking about. You should read the material suggested. Always willing to help if you need it.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• 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:

Dr. McDonald is really not that bad. I actually found his opinions on voter behavior very insightful, and he is one of the foremost experts on voter turnout. True, it's hard to get an A in his class, but come on, that doesn't make him a bad person. People have to stop holding grudges just because they couldn't receive their precious little A.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: GOV311
• 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:

The man was offensive and he hates his job. He thinks he should be the top adviser to the world and is pissed that he's stuck teaching classes at a non-ivy league school. DO NOT TAKE THIS MAN

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: GOVT312
• 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:

The lowest grades I have gotten my entire college career! Class is impossible because he is never satisfied! Trying to succeed? Don't bother. Unless you are his mini-me spewing HIS ideas, you are doomed. Overall bitter he is stuck in between NOT running for a political office and FAILING as a professor worthy of anyone's respect--especially mine.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: GOV331
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I had him for two classes. He's super liberal and hates anybody who isn't. He made fun of one girl who was a conservative when she was absent one day. He is a harsh grader. He is also self-centered and talks about how he's on CNN all the time. Do not take his class if at all possible!!!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: GOVT312
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Very unhelpful as a professor. Lousy lecture styles, extremely unprofessional about providing ample class materials. Exams are questioned with high difficulty.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I was terrified of taking this class bc of the posts. However, he must have gotten the burr out of his butt because he was not scary and mean, he was pleasant. Although the lectures could get boring, the subject matter itself (Electoral Behavior) was interesting. He's a leading expert in his field and I sensed that in his lectures.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I was kind of surprised at all the posts. Yes, he DOES come off as arrogant, but he's not the kind of professor that will ridicule you if you disagree with him.The previous posters are correct, his expectations aren't that clear and there's a ton of reading. But still...by the time you get to a 300 level course, you should be able to do well.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: GOVT300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I would have to agree with most of the other comments students have made about him. He is definitely very full of himself. On the other hand, this class was a very difficult class with or without him. I managed to get a B but I worked my a** off. Good luck!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311307
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I hate him! I unfortunatly had to take many classes with him and it was horrible.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Horrible professor. Unclear in expectations and unhelpful when you ask for some clarification. Obviously does not enjoy teaching. Avoid at all costs.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

After looking forward to this class I was severely disappointed. He is a liberal, but hates on liberals and conservatives alike. A true egotist who only wants you to regurgitate what he says. Arrogant. I'd say he played favorites but he disliked everyone equally. Avoid like the plague.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: GOVT300
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

One of the worst - I agree with just about everyting said about him. It is not hard to tell he is uppity and I think disliked me because of a southern accent. He puses some crap about being from U of Cal. and how great his theory is. You won't miss out on much if you take my advice - avoid him!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: GOVT311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Not friendly at all when you communicate with him outside of class. Seems like he doesn’t enjoy teaching and/or teaching at GMU. I don’t recommend him at all and avoid him like the plague when registering for classes.