Stephen Halpern - University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo)

Professor: Stephen Halpern

Department: Political Science

College: University at Buffalo (SUNY Buffalo)

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PSC303
• 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:

Professor Halpern is one of the best that UB has to offer! He is very upfront at the first day of class that it won't be an easy course and you need to read the material at home, but if you do so and come to class ready to participate, you will get more out of his class then anything on your schedule. Wonderful teacher!!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PSC303
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

MUST READ or you will NOT pass. Again, he has two exams for overall grade, 5050. MUST STUDY also.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PSC215
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

You will get the biggest assigned reading you have ever gotten before probably. If you do not read the assignments, I guarantee you will NOT pass. You must study in order to get a decent grade. There are two exams and they are 5050 for your overall grade.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PSC301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

If you have any notion whatsoever to attend law school, take a Halpern class. He holds you responsible for covering complex, tenacious case law, attendanceparticipation are mandatory, tests are a labyrinth. Easily the most incredible professor at UB. Absolutely brilliant, master lecturer. Never have I ever learned more in a class than with Halpern

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PSC301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I would listen to his lectures all day. A reason by himself, to attend UB.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: CONLAW
• 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:

Professor Halpern will challenge your knowledge to the fullest extent. If you are not going to carefully read the material and take notes on it, don't bother taking the course. His class is very demanding but he makes that clear on the first day. I took three classes and my grade improved each time. If you put in effort, you will learn a lot.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PSC215
• 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: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Halpern is a great guy, however, he teaches like the class is a 400 level class. Readings are highly covered on exams and questions are thorough. Not impossible to do good in class if you give an effort. Reading is a must for this class. Questions are like A) Blue B) Red C) Both Blue and Red D) Purple E) Both B and D.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PSC215
• 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:

Extremely Hard. Runs class like it is law school.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PSC470
• 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:

Very very hard. Don't take unless you are a straight A student and dedicate all your time to his class.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PSC305
• 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 won't lie and say this was an easy class by any stretch of the imagination. I went to every single lecture (which is mandatory) and ended up with a B. He expects you to do all of the reading, which can range from dull, to making you want to bang your head against the desk, but he really is a great lecturer which makes it tolerable. only 2 tests!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: PSC301
• 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:

The amount of court cases you're expected to know for the final is ridiculous. His midterm and final are his only two grades and the curve for the exams are huge because it is near impossible to get an A. I'm expecting a C in this class even though I attended every lecture, briefed every case, and studied for his exams for hours.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PSC301
• 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:

Expectations are clear: do the readings, come to class, study hard - you'll probably do well; don't do one of those things - you'll probably get a C or worse. In accordance with real life, not everybody gets an A. Too bad, so sad. Halpern is an amazing lecturer. I suggest you record them so you can listen back. This class separates men from boys.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PSC215
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Professor Halpern is absolutely wonderful. He expects a lot out of his students but no more than you should expect from yourself. His tests rely a lot on the book so keep up with the readings.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PSC302
• 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:

Very intelligent professor his class is by no means easy, but it can be done. You get out of it what you put in and he will bend over backwards to help you if you are putting forth the effort.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: PSC301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Professor Halpern is hands down my favorite professor at UB. I'm enrolling for my 4th class with him for next semester and I couldn't be happier. He's extremely challenging - but if you can accept that you have to actually do the work for your class, then he will be one of the best professors. He knows his stuff.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: PSC301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Professor Halpern prides himself on offering challenging courses. This course REQUIRES you do the readings and brief the cases. I came into this class as an average student and left with a strong confidence in my academic ability after being pushed by Prof. Halpern. You will do well in this class if you commit to putting the time in. Best of luck!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PSC217
• 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:

Professor Halpern is a very intelligent man. His class is interesting but difficult. He expects a lot out of his students and you NEED to do your reading. I found the class very enjoyable if you are willing to put in the work.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PSC215
• 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:

Readings are a must but even with studying the exams are extremely difficult. He will tell you upfront that you can expect a C in the class. There are 2 exams and most of the questions have the format A) answer B) answer C) A and B are correct D) answer E)answers A, B, and D are correct. Be wary

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: PSC215
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He is such a smart man! His tests are extremely difficult though. The readings are a must, as well as attendence, but his lectures are interesting and helpful in understanding the readings.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: PSC215
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Professor Halpern is one of the best teachers I have had at UB. He explains the material very thoroughly and will always answer any question you have, but don't expect a good grade unless you read the book and attend class...