Thomas Sowers - Lamar University

Professor: Thomas Sowers

Department: Political Science

College: Lamar University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POLISCI1
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Honestly. Hes rude. Dismissive. And has irrational expectations of students performance. You can tell he doesnt have a passion for teaching, in his teaching performance and strategies. Does not fairly grade. Is also not capable of breaking down class material. I am firm believer that if you do not enjoy teaching, you shouldnt.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POLS3330
• 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:

Dr. Sowers was a wonderful teacher. I took him for an online summer course and he was readily accessible if I had any questions or concerns. He really does want you to succeed. I didn't want to take my exams through Proctor U, so he offered the option to proctor the test for me in person. One note: he's strict with deadlines so start things early.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: POL2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I have had a 4.0 all before taking this class. He doesn't teach you anything, simply just expects you to read multiple chapters. His reviews are practically pointless because nothing from the review is on the test. TERRIBLE

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took his class last year and there are very few grades. The tests are proctored, but he does give large curves, which is the best thing about the course. The quizzes have shaky grading criteria, but he still grades tough and takes off many points for small details. Reviews are given, but they are very vague.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POL2301
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Took his class online. A lot of reading. but as long as you read, re-read, and study, you should not have a problem with this class. It is pretty straight forward. But you HAVE to study. He does give curves on the tests which is good. Both tests were proctored. Definitely requires you to think about the answers. It is not just definitions.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

There was only 6 grades in the class, 4 of which were tests. The tests are pretty hard you really have to study.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I took this class online and I will never take another one of his courses again. I took it online. Although it was my first online class I did not like it at all. He graded tough and the assignments were not clearly stated.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Lots of reading and I feel like I never fully retained all the information to succeed in this class. He was fair if a lot of the class suffered on an exam. All of his tests are proctored.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POL2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is a horrible professor. Do not take him. He has no compassion for victims of natural disasters.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POL2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He uses proctoru which is an online thing where you take the test and someone watches you through a webcam. If you like Polisci then maybe you'll do fine, but if not that can screw you so maybe take a physical class on campus. Either way good luck. grading: 2 midterms (30% each) final (20%) written assignment (20%)

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POL2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

His exams were super hard, 35 min 50 questions. The questions are two-three sentences long. Multiple choices answer is long one sentence. I don't read fast enough to even finish. He was not a very positive person, anytime he sent messages or emails it was short and some were just warnings about cheating or plagiarism. Do not recommend this teacher

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: POL2301
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took this class for a May Mini and just like the other persons comment on here I agree it is hard. I did not do anything besides read and study for the two weeks. Don't do it if you have work or kids. To make a good grade you have to really study and you only get grades on 5 things. There is curves if grades are low enough but don't count on it.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Online: His class is kind of difficult especially for someone who has no interest in Political Science. His test are not on Quizlet and if so, there are a a few questions and some are wrong. He does not respond to his emails. His test are like 35 mins and 50 questions. You have one research paper and its sorta difficult.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: C-
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

3 Test (50 multi choice) 20% of grade. 1 two page paper 10% of grade. Class assignment 5% . And final 25%. Takes attendance as soon as class starts. Miss more than 5 days, F. Test aren't crazy hard, but aren't easy, you have to read! Lectures may get a little boring if you aren't interested in class. Post test grades within the hour. Typical class.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POLS3320
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I've taken Dr. Sowers for four separate classes as a polisci major at LU--Intro, International Relations, Advanced Stats and Advanced Research Methods. I have loved each one. He is a very clear lecturer, funny, and fair. His classes, especially Methods, are hard. But he is always willing to help. One of my fav professors ever.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

You have 35 minutes to complete a 50 question test. Provides clear due dates/time frames to complete readings and optional reading quizzes. I think he found out how easy people thought his class was and set out to make it as hard as possible. Answers are NO LONGER on Quizlet. You may find an answer but it will be the WRONG answer.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I would not recommend taking this class online. It was difficult and I read. The tests are timed and difficult. If planning to take this class get ready to read and reread if you want to make at least a B.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POLS2301
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

You have 17 minutes to finish a 25 question test. There are 8 test and an easy 2 page paper worth 20% of your grade, and an optional final. I would take this class over in class any day, but it was hard. He does curve tests though.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POL2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Currently taking this class online during Summer 1 and it's not hard. Tests are timed but are very easy. Most answers can be found online using quizlet and other websites like that. Quizlet saves lives in this class. Very easy class and highly recommend it.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: POL2301
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The best example of how an Online class should be. No daily assignments that expect that you have no life outside school. He gives quizzes that don't hurt your grade so that you are better prepared for the Exams. And exams are open to be taken anytime in large periods of time. Best online class I have had so far. Others at Lamar should take note.