Daniel Friedheim

School: Drexel University
Department: Political Science
Location:Philadelphia, PA
Overall Rating
rated by 18 students
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 Pros: Many of the projects, as I recall, were extra credit and not required. Also, this was just one of the best taught courses I had at Drexel; I learned so much that has stuck with me 100% in the three years since I graduated.
Cons: The thing about international politics is that rarely does a single person find ALL of the material encompassing-ly interesting. So depending on if you find dictators or economics or environmental issues to be more your thing… other aspects of the course can bog you down.
I loved this course so much and it actually made me debate whether I should have majored in polisci or not. (I was a senior when I took this.) It jumpstarted my fascination with economics and the history and philosophy behind different economic systems. It also gave me the knowledge I always needed to debate my political and economic opinions more soundly. It is because of this class that I am equipped to both tear down Ronald Reagan and promote socialist systems in a single conversation.
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 Pros: Expert understanding of international relations, conflict prevention and political risk analysis.
Cons: Zero. His real world experience as a think tank advisor, consultant and foreign service officer bring value to the table that many academics only wish they could replicate.
It was Dr. Freidheim who made my experience at Drexel a remarkable one. For his brilliance and incredible passion for teaching, I give Dr. Daniel Freidheim my highest recommendation. -Rob Kudart Drexel Alum. '11
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 I don't understand the positive comments about this professor AT ALL. I just recently completed this 140 course with him and I know him to be a cocky bastard who sucks so purely that I could barely come to class without wanting to die first. Not just because he is awful "professor", but because is can't seem to function as a normal human being. He is delusional when it comes to grading and he thinks of himself as God. I have rarely been as disappointed with a professor, I have seen him talk down to students and talk over students. I can only imagine the size of his ego and it certainly doesn't leave any room for normal human traits such as rationality. He is not to be trusted, don't take his class he cannot grade or teach well and I suspect it is because his ego clouds his thoughts. (As large as it is, I have no idea how it developed.... an intrinsic birth disorder, perhaps?)
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 Cons: everything
1) sincerely the most boring professor I have ever had to sit through a two hour class with 2) his grading is unreasonable and he is a lazy professor who does not care about his students 3)he cuts students off in the middle of their sentences which totally discourages anyone from participating 4) just a little tip for you: do not take him, he shouldn't even call himself a professor he is pathetic
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 Pros: He knows a lot and definitely loves what he's teaching. I enjoy sitting in class listening to his warm voice a lot. LOL.
Cons: Some people may say he doesn't let other people talk sometimes. Yes he does do that, but overall I believe it's just because he has so much to talk about.
He is very caring about his students and always makes himself available outside class. His generosity in giving a handbook of research sources and clarifying what should be focused on final papers really impress me. I would like to take his class again.
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 Pros: Some of the material he made us read was fairly interesting and class discussion was for the most part good.
Cons: Friedheim has a very big ego and will not listen to an opinion other than his own. During class discussions he would frequently interrupt students and go on about his personal views. His comments on papers written in class were cryptic and when asked for help he did not say much of anything.
Friedheim is an arrogant professor. He has lots of experience but that does not mean that he is a great teacher. I would steer clear of him unless required to take one of his courses.
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 Pros: Very interesting subject
Gives extra credit
Lots of interesting articles and videos
Cons: Harsh and unpredictable grading
Boring and repetitive lectures
A bit snobby
Overall, Mr. Friedheim is a good guy and is always willing to help. His tests are relatively easy, there is plenty of extra credit, and the discussions are always fun. But there are two things that prevent Mr. Friedheim from becoming the effective teacher that he could be. First of all, he somehow manages to make a very interesting subject seem extremely boring. He speaks monotonously, usually just reiterating concepts from the book, and it's hard to stay focused. Secondly, his grading is just chaotic. If you do not stick to his robotic essay requirements, you will struggle, even though you might actually be a good writer. He is very harsh when judging differing opinions and therefore, comes off as a very condescending person.
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 Pros: He gives you extra credit to improve your grade. If you ask him for help he will advise you to work on you weaknesses.
Cons: Do not know what grade to expect after an assignment is turned in.
In this class, you have two of each category: discussions, discussion papers, exams, and video essays. Friedheim is very educated but sometimes he is unclear about his teaching and grading style. Often you do not know what to expect from him. So, if you are considering take this class remember it's not the workload that will get you but how he truly grades his work.
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 Pros: He knows his stuff and cares about his students
Cons: Loves to hear the sound of his own voice, would talk and talk from the beginning to the very end of every 2 hour class.
At first, I didn't like him, but he will grow on you. He cares about the material he is teaching and has some interesting things to say. He does play on favorites, but as long as you go to class and put in the work you will do fine. Grades are based off of 2 video essays, 2 discussion papers, 2 discussions and a midterm and final. Will give the chance to fix essays if he thinks you could use it. Lots of extra credit opportunities
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 Pros: Interesting subject
Cons: Awful teacher, completely full of himself.
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 Pros: Obviously well-traveled, dedicated to his area, knows his information.
Cons: Loves to belittle students, is very condescending and grades based on the principles of favoritism. He also doesn't let you discuss during discussions.
25% of the reason I dropped the political science major.
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 Pros: Work experience in the field
Cons: Slightly monotone delivery
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 Pros: Gives you a study guide for the exams that is very helpful. Pretty niceish.
Cons: Way to much work!! 4 essays, and 2 prepared discussions and 4 exams. This is a 100 level course that acts like it is 300. Oh, and if you have a really important event (that is not a funeral) the day of an exam forget about it. He wont budge at all.
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 Friedheim is a quality professor, he makes this class good for both majors and non-majors. Workload consists of a midterm and a final, 2 video response essays based on what you watch in class, and 2 discussion papers which are used to facilitate a class discussion with a group. His videos were always relevant and interesting, as were many of the readings. As long as you participate and pay attention you should have no problems with this class. Friedheim is very laid back which leads to an easy going class atmosphere, not stressful at all and one of the more fun classes I've taken. Some of the info may seem basic at first but you can get a lot out of the class if you have the right mindset.
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 By far the greatest professor I've ever had. After taking PSCI courses freshman year, I realized that polysci just isn't for me; however, I still continue to take PSCI classes with Friedheim because I feel like he teaches me a lot of research and analytical skills, which are transferable to all fields of study.
If I were to rate him on a scale of 1-10, he'd get a 20 in my book. Thank you Professor Friedheim-we need more caring and genuinely nice academics like yourself.
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 He is the best, I mean the greatest professor in this university, he is just like God in political science. Easy A is guaranteed, I mean to get at least a B+ you have to not come to class or something
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 He's eally easygoing, but at the same time helped clarify a lot of confusing political issues through his lectures. Friedheim has a political background and has worked in a bunch of different countries and is fluent in a couple languages-- so he's very internationally savvy. Encourages discussion and really wants his students to do well :) great prof!
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 Great professor, very helpful and gives many opportunities for EC. Best political science professor I've had thus far.

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