Minton Goldman is a Political Science professor at Northeastern University rated 3.1/5 by 23 students, with 4.3/5 difficulty (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Minton Goldman professor reviews and ratings: 3.1/5 from 23 student reviews at Northeastern. TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Everyone, below, who claim Professor Goldman should be avoided, was a slacker in class. The truth is, he is a great professor, knows the materials, and communicates with clarity. He expects the same from his students. Its a course you can learn a lot from.POL3445 2012-11-06 10:53:56 +0000 UTC
Professor Goldman should retire. My main qualm is that he did not cover material we were supposed to cover. He lectured on 1/3 of the material and tested us over all of it. His lectures were filled with information, but more often he was on a tangent. Also, it is clear he spent a good deal of time providing feedback, but his feedback was harsh.POLS1155 2011-03-28 07:06:34 +0000 UTC
Professor Goldman is a nice guy. I don't understand the poor ratings, maybe my class was smaller? Anyway, he is aging so he does tend to ramble on about one topic. He is a smart guy and knows his stuff. I wouldn't say he is a tough professor, his essays are pretty straight forward for the exam. Take his class if you are interested in politics!POLS2212 2010-11-15 10:00:34 +0000 UTC
I hated this class. Goldman is impossible. His tests are essays were he wants you to write exactly what he has said. Exactly... synonyms mean nothing to him. And, his lectures are sooo boring.WESTEEURO 2008-11-05 16:49:58 +0000 UTC
One of the smartest professors I have ever met. He knows so much and is so passionate about the subject it makes me love Russia. His tests are long but he gives you the questions ahead of time and tells you exactly what he wants. He knows more about his subject then almost anyone. Amazing professorPOL160 2007-11-08 11:36:04 +0000 UTC
worst teacher i've had by far in five years at northeastern. he basically expects you to regurgitate everything he says in class, including his opinions and biases. asks inappropriately long exam questions and was not polite or approachful in office hours.POL155 2007-08-05 21:58:29 +0000 UTC
Truly an amazing professor. I learned so much in this Eastern European Politics. The class was highly organized, the readings are extremly usefull, and its easy to follow his lectures.POLU445 2007-04-18 10:54:54 +0000 UTC
This is not a class for the lazy. Otherwise, if you work hard, and do what he asks (and I mean do exactly what he asks) you will learn a lot. He's a great character, and I enjoyed his class tremendously.WESTE20 2006-09-20 15:35:55 +0000 UTC
i liked his class a lot--not easy, but very very clear. his notes are the tests, and he gives you the test questions ahead of time, so you basically just memorize your notes--which are very long. if you show up every day your grade improves too.COMPARATIVEPOL 2006-06-22 15:31:39 +0000 UTC
I thought he was just a kindly old man at first, but I think there might actually be something wrong his brain function. On a recent exam, because I did not write literally word for word what he said (e.g. saying 'authoritarian' instead of 'complete control) I was heavily penalised. He also grades on handwriting, so yours better be good.EEUROPEANPOL 2006-02-17 18:53:07 +0000 UTC
A very serious, articulate professor. Goldman loves to deliberate about the topics being discussed, and while this might irritate some people, I think it adds to the learning experience and demonstrates his passion for the politics being discussed. He's pretty meticulous, but this should only bother you if you're interested in slacking in his class. Overall, Goldman is a very coherent professor who knows his subject, teaches it thoroughly, and cares about his students.EUROPEGOVT 2005-10-16 16:07:53 +0000 UTC
An awful professor and example of why tenure sucks. If you do not subscribe to his political ideology (status quo: pax americana) then you will not do well. which is a problem if you are intelligent. his tests involve summarizing his books. a large part of his "expertise" stems from thinking that Russia is far better off with capitalism. hmm...RUSSIANPOL 2005-09-28 15:36:38 +0000 UTC
difficult class, even more difficult teacher. anal, and a sticklerWESTEURO 2005-08-30 19:14:08 +0000 UTC
Most anal, non-sensical (in terms of class policy)teacher I've had in my life. One ex: After I came in half-way through class from a 2-hour co-op interview, he told me I should have "left at 11:45 when class started;" in other words, skip out mid-way through my interview so as not to miss his class.COMPPOL 2004-11-19 14:13:14 +0000 UTC
Good class. I learned a lot. He expects you to know a lot of stuff and is a major tightass. You get a bonus on your final grade if you have 100% attendance.POLU435 2004-07-12 11:22:45 +0000 UTC
Minton Goldman has an average rating of 3.1/5 from 23 student reviews.
Minton Goldman's classes have a difficulty rating of 4.3/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.