Barry Ames - University of Pittsburgh

Professor: Barry Ames

Department: TBD

College: University of Pittsburgh

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: PS1327
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Really nice guy who knows a lot about latin american studies. Tests can be tricky because he requires you to answer every question, no options, so you pretty much have to know everything. If you go to the lectures, at least skim the readings, and review your notes and his outlines before the exams, you'll do fine.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: PS1321
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I find Prof. Ames to be a really nice and knowledgeable guy--however, his lectures are extremely unclear and he is an unbelievably tough grader. I consider myself a good student, but it's impossible to study for his tests or get a good grade because he gives you NO information about what will be on them. He expects way too much from undergrads.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: PS1321
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I absolutely regret taking this class. It is so hard to tell what in lecture is important and what is just his ramblings. He knows his stuff, but he cannot effectively share his knowledge. The readings are pointless; he tests solely on lecture material. I love PS lectures, but I simply could not follow his AT ALL. Not sure if an A is even possible.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: PS1321
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Ames is an extremely knowledgeable professor in the field of Latin American politics. He really knows his stuff! His lectures are fast, but easy to comprehend. It's super important to read the book and pay attention during the lectures. It helps in the long run. The class was a lot of work, but definitely worth it!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: PSY1334
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This class was easy and enjoyable (you watch movies). He is nice, knowledgeable and an easy grader. The coursework load wasn't bad although there was a long paper at the end (10 pages). Don't buy the book. I never read mine. I recommend taking this class if you need the credits.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: PS1322
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Ames knows his stuff. Unfortunately, the assigned readings do not supplement the lecture, or do so to a small degree. His class consists of you writing every word that he says. He, or his TA, grade based on what you do not have written. Worst of all, his exams are not until after pass/fail so you do not know any of this until it is too late.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: PS1321
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Do not take this course unless you are ready to put the time in. So much reading and busy work to do. Although he is very knowledgable in his field, he speaks very fast and doesn't allow you to take notes on a laptop. The first class average was in the low 60s. Overall, a very frustrating experience.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: PS1321
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Take this class if you are truly interested in Latin American Politics. Barry knows it all, & in great detail. Don't take for a whim because it will not help your GPA. Basically told us its impossible to get an A. Got an A-, I think because the TA was more lenient than him. Recommend, but be prepared to read a lot & write down EVERYTHING in lecture

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: PS1302
• 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:

No Comments

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: PS1231
• 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:

Ames knows his stuff--really. I do not think he prepares his lectures, but he knows SO much that he goes unnoticed. If you are interested in the topic, ask him questions. You will be surprised how much he knows. Really sharp.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: POLSC1321
• 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:

Excellent prof if you're serious about Latin American politics. Very knowledgeable

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PS1321
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Very Hard Class! Professor spoke very fast.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PS0300
• 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:

Excellent professor. Knows a lot of his stuff and has a extremely well trained eye to spot problems in research topics. If you are interested in political science analysis of latin America, take it.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: PS1302
• 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:

Barry Ames knows his****. I was extremely intimidated by him at first, and still am, but respect him more than just about any other prof at the U. of pittsburgh. He talks from point to point very quickly, as if he has forgotten that he is teaching an undergrad class.he is the kind of professor that wiil convince you do to do all the course work.

Rating # 15

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Good professor for students interested in material. You have to attend class, because lectures are key.

Rating # 16

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

A lot of reading (many times boring reading) and writing. i still don't understand why i got a B+ instead of an A- but other than that he was okay

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: PS1381
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Class made NO sense. Essay exams, come back with a grade but no comments. I got a B, but I have no idea how or why. Barry just rambles on for entire class. It was a shame because I was really interested in the material.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: PS1381
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Lectures disorganized. Makes interest points, but does little to connect them. Definitely has condescending attitude and expects a lot from undergraduates.

Rating # 19

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Very difficult class. Alot of Work. However, Professor Ames is very knowledgeable...he expects alot from students

Rating # 20

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Lectures were highly disorganized, too much "busy work" to make sure people read, unfair and highly SUBJECTIVE grading, condecsending attitude. Challenging class. I got a B so I'm not just complaining because I didn't do well. He is just not