Joshua Spero - Fitchburg State University

Professor: Joshua Spero

Department: TBD

College: Fitchburg State University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: POLS4000
• 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 can honestly say Im thankful, and appreciative of the classes Ive had with Prof. Spero the last two years. After the 2019 simulation of avian bird flu in his Government Decision-making course, I saw immediately that its not much different than the pandemic were facing, and it's more understandable after facing this real world emergency.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: POL3500
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

After transferring to Fitchburg State as a POLS major I was very impressed to have Spero as my advisor, and a professor. His class differs from traditional courses, and students have an opportunity to learn new skills and be creative in the classroom. I love the freedom he gives his students while also giving exceptional feedback, and answering Qs

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: 3CLASSES
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

If you are looking for classes that will provide real world experience with a professor who has actually had to make difficult decisions directly affecting the lives of millions, then prepare yourself for the seriousness that comes along with that. If you truly put forth the effort, you will succeed. Embrace the challenge and forge ahead!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: POLS4000
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Intense and professional prof. & class! Dedicated to make you understand CRUCIAL material in applicable ways, (simulations!) The assignments he provides are detailed & specific, but allows you to practice research/writing skills you need in any field. Graded on how hard you work & he'll ALWAYS take time to make sure you learn it if you WANT to.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: POLS3510
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Professor Spero is one of the best, if not the best professor at Fitchburg State. His classes while extremely difficult, are incredibly rewarding. Through his teaching style, you will grow both as a person and as a student. You will learn critical thinking, research methods, and how to write professionally and concisely.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: POLS4360
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I took POLS 1300 and POLS 4360 with Professor Spero during the same semester, and they were the most challenging (including o-chem) but rewarding courses I've taken. Don't let the challenge scare you, Prof. Spero is very supportive and wants you to succeed. Starting my career, I know that I'm going to rely heavily on what I learned from him.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: POL3500
• Grade Received: D
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I found the class to be very difficult. Trying to understand the syllabus was impossible for me. He is a smart and nice professor but his teaching style didnt resonate with me personally. However, most students I talk to about him love him!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: IDIS1800
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Idea of Global Issues is to watch Black Panther, and then grade students on ability to follow minute details on assignments like one line after a title, and one space after a period. If that's what you want from a college experience sign up. Toxic classroom environment due to public power struggles with students.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: POLS2200
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This is the hardest professor you will have at this university but you will get the most out of it. He does not do traditional papers, no tests. He treats students like adults. The assignments he gives are similar to the briefs and memos he had to write at the Pentagon.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: POLS1300
• Grade Received: D
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The format of his class is very different than what you'd expect for an intro class. Very little was taught in the traditional sense, instead we focused on outside research and role-playing real world decision making. I would say the class can be rewarding but if you need to pass avoid it, his grading scheme is harsh at best and arbitrary at worst.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: GLOBISS10
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor's class difficult because students' questions are never truly answered. If you like to keep ahead of your research/writing-forget it. He constantly changes the circumstances of the events (the writing subjects) every day. No current international events were discussed in class. Learned very little.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: IDIS1800
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Prof Spero was awful! His syllabus made no sense and when anyone asked him a question he responded with "If you don't understand the material drop the class" he is unhelpful and just rude I had to walk out after he called me out in class because I asked him to explain never take his classes.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: POLS1300
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Professor Spero demands you work hard for your grade. The syllabus is long and incredibly detailed. There is no textbook, all his course documents are online. Read the material he assigns because knowledge of the works is vital to participate. Participation matters as much as the grades. If you try hard, participate, and improve you'll succeed.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: POLS2200
• 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:

I am in my last year at Fitchburg State and I have taken three of Professor Spero's classes. He has a unique teaching style that will challenge you in ways that you have not worked before. He truly wants each of his students to succeed and cares about your success. I have never met a professor who is so invested in his work and cares so much.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: POL3500
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Really cares about his students; goes into a little bit too much of detail into strange tangents at moments, but is really dedicated to his work. Be prepared to use citations and the correct way.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: GLOBAL ISSUES
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Spero will not help you a single bit if you ask him a question. All you do is compose three/four sentences twice a week which is ten times harder than you'd imagine. He will not tell you when he expects you to start using past sources. His words from the first week of classes"it is impossible to receive full credit on anything in this class".

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: GLOBALISSUES
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof spero, Is amazing professor. If you want to get an A in his class he will make sure you work your butt of for it. His teaching style is very unique compared to other professors. He defiantly tells you if you are not willing to work then drop the class.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: IDIS1800
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Spero is a great teacher however he is almost too smart to be teaching undergrad. He grades unbelievably confusing and is a very hard grader. You learn a lot, but if you are not into digging really deep into research, you're tough out of luck. Definitely always there to help however you have to make a huge effort in your work to earn a decent grade

Rating # 19

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

Joshua is one of the best professors at FSU. No other professor prepares you more for a graduate level education than this man. He has a great, unique style of teaching and an interesting life story. He seems like a quiet, serious fellow at first, but he's actually pretty cool. I would recommend him to anyone who actually values their education.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: POL3500
• 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:

Spero is probably the hardest teacher on campus, but very reasonable. His classes are unique, and it requires a lot of reading and quick thinking skills. He pushes you so hard that it will make everything else look easy, and if you work hard in this class it will give you an advantage in the real world. Doing his memos made 20 pg papers seem easy.