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Courses Taught
Introduction to American Politics Evaluations
State Politics & Policy
Introduction to Politics

Quantitative Evaluation
All ratings are out of six.
Class time is used efficiently.	5.6025
Course requirements are clear.	5.55
Concepts are presented in a manner that helps me learn.	5.47
Adequate time for questions is provided.	5.55
This instructor is conscientious about his/her class attendance.	5.3375
This instructor communicates at a level appropriate to my understanding.	5.6525
Help is available outside class if I have questions.	5.665
My work is evaluated in ways that are helpful to my learning.	5.2325
This instructor's oral communication skills are adequate for the course.	5.52
This instructor is effective in presenting materials in lecture/discussion.	5.4275
The grading criteria for this course are clearly defined.	5.1175
Exams allow me to adequately demonstrate what I have learned	5.1475
This course has improved my writing skills.	4.58
This instructor encourages mutual respect among students of diverse backgrounds.	5.6825
The content of this course is valuable.	5.5775
This instructor seems concerned with whether I learn course content.	5.35
This instructor is effective in teaching the subject matter of this course.	5.47
I would recommend a course taught by this instructor to other students.	5.5025

Comments
"The teaching style was very effective. It was interesting and the main concepts were covered thoroughly but efficiently and connected to the bigger picture."

"I liked the political music. Good Stuff. Also, I liked that you got to the point straight-away."

"James has a natural and comfortable ability to teach. He uses discussion time to allow us to engage in subjects covered in lecture in a effective but fun manner. He should continue to teach the class in the future."

"Enjoyed class. Had fun & filled in gaps between lecture & readings that I had."

"Puts info simply & in a way I can understand. Very effective in teaching @ an intro level. Made class fun to go to & used class time effectively."

"Good outlining of class topics. Good discussions. Helpful to prepare for exams and understand material."

"I really appreciated how James went out of his way for his students. He way very accessible and answered emails promptly. He also had a lot of fun teaching the class, and made sure we understood everything. When I learned I had to take this course I was not thrilled, but I have learned so much, gained an appreciation for the subject and had fun while doing so. Thanks!"

"good @ using current events to tie in what we are learning"

"get everyone involved in the section not just the A people"

"Handwriting on board could be neater. Good examples. Good TA"

"I found this course very interesting. The midterms covered too much material when we were only tested on a small portion of the overall."

"fun and laidback atmosphere, good use of class time, straightforward and helpful pedagogy"

"Hard grader on tests. Gen ed, lots of info, take is a little easier."

"Have a good one!"

"Good class. Occasional use of current events - very good. Easy to understand. Funny at times."

"He's cool, good TA, does good job explaning material."

"Perhaps my most interesting discussion in 4 years."

"Class was great except for the music day. That was a waste."

"You did a good job. I'd do the music thing again. I know we were pretty quite, but keep trying to get discussions going about contemporary political issues."

"Rydberg is a good teacher and a nice guy in my experience. I would recommend him as a TA. Fun class, important material."

"Great Job."

"Would be better if section was 1 week ahead of lecture."

"You're a great teacher!! I thoroughly enjoyed your course."

"Instructor performed well. Encouraged participation from everyone and made sure we had a clear understanding of the material."

"Our TA is always available to answer questions, it's incredibly easy to discuss any course material and grading. Occassionally we waste a little time in class but usually is spent efficiently."

"Good at leading discussion, good supplement to lecture."

"Great course! The goods - I think you really help students think outside "the box" when you teach which broadens our understanding of related concepts & significances. You illustrate ideas clearly and provide valuable insight & analysis to inspire understanding. The bad - Sometimes you gave class too much time to answer questions they weren't sure of. Overall, definately one of the best TA's I've had in 2 1/2 years. Keep up the great work."