Russell Bova - Dickinson College

Professor: Russell Bova

Department: TBD

College: Dickinson College

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POLSC170
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is one of the most wonderful international studies/political science professors. If you plan to major in IR or POSC, do not miss this great opportunity of taking his class while you are here at D'son!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: FYSM105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Definitely my favorite prof from my first semester. He encourages debate and differences of opinions and will even jump into the discussion with an opposing opinion if the class largely agrees on something.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: INST404
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very friendly and helpful, cares about students succeeding.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: INST273
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

One of the most organized professors I've had! He always has an outline up on the board before every class and follows that strictly. Really wish a certain econ prof can sit in one of Bova's classes for once. His tests usually cover a lot of materials, but as long as you do the readings and study you will ok. His office hour is usually v helpful.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POSC271
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

So happy that he came back from Bologna. I took him my freshman year for IR and he was the reason I chose to be a poly sci major. I took another class with him this semester, it has only affirmed my love for him as a prof. He is incredibly organized and writes the outline of each class on the board. Wants you to do well & truly cares about students

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLSC271
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Extremely tough grader and not willing to help you out if you are having trouble. Very engaging class, but unless you are willing to work entirely on your own without any of his input and be graded on an graduate level... be warned

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: IST401
• 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:

He's a really nice guy that encourages people to speak in class. However, it was hard for me to get pass his self-obsession, and love of hearing himself speak. He is the kind of professor who will ask broad very general open ended questions, but will not let it go until he gets the specific thing that he was thinking of.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PS170
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Bova uses his own textbook, so if you are looking for a diverse course, this isn't it. Asides from that, you come out of the course with a better understanding of IR. Be prepared to talk to Bova about tests and get no indication of what he wants at all. Overall, if you enjoy lectures that sort of thing, its a halfdecent class.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POS170
• 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:

Bova is by far the most conceited professor I have ever met. "You won't EVER have to cite a single outside source for your papers, EVERYTHING you need to know is in the book... which I wrote." In no way should this be an intro class. Says he won't knit-pick, but he knows the book inside out and is obnoxiously specific on exams. Merciless as well.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PS170
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's a great teacher if you are truly interested in International Relations. He is the author of the textbook used in class and he speaks very quickly during lectures. If you want to take an introductory class that won't be extremely difficult I would not suggest taking a class with Professor Bova.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POSC170
• 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:

Very clear, structured lectures. Projects well. Very kind and funny in his own way.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: FYSEM
• 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:

A decent professor but he dithers quite a lot. On one hand... on the other hand... it drove me a little crazy. Seemed afraid to influence us with his own opinion, which was almost worse than an outright biased professor at times.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POSC170
• 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:

Lectures were kind of dull at 830 in the morning. really nice professor who is always there to help. tough grader so you really have to know your stuff if you want a good grade. study EVERYTHING for the test if you want above a B. dont take at 830 AM

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PSCI170
• 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:

I am a graduate and Bova was my advisor. He is extremely well organized and informed; the lectures were a joy to follow, and the reading materials always pertinent. I found him helpful inside the classroom as well as an advisor. He is a tough grader and does expect you to do work - woe to those who can't live up to that.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POSC170
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is a well educated and enthusiastic speaker who not only presents all sides of the issue, but encourages class participation in debating and annalyzing the topics. The material is not too heavy but it is necessary to read everything and be sure to understand the concepts. He is very helpful in and out of class and seems to really enjoy teaching.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: POSC107
• 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:

An engaging speaker with all lectures. The lectures are clearly outlined on the board behind him, and he is willing to stop and clarify any confusing points...

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: POLSC170
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is a very nice guy (if he likes you) You need to get on his good side aka do good in the course. Due to the limited amounts of exams and papers it's very easy for you to get screwed over. He is not helpful for extra help, you can ask him a question and he won't give an answer. Overall he's very smart and a nice person, but not compassionate

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: POSC170
• 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:

Definitely a quality professor. One of the most organized professors I've had. Lectures are easy to follow, even if you haven't done the reading. Class is a good bit of work, but it is all relevant--no useless busy work. Class is centered around three straightforward exams and a final paper. As long as you keep up with the reading, youll do fine.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: POSC170
• 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:

VERY well-organized, streamlined, and clear lectures; he will never mislead you on tests. He chooses very appropriate articles and books for his classes, and is overall pretty helpful. I think he deserves more recognition than he gets.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: IR160
• 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:

Great teacher - do all the readings and take good notes if you want an "A".