Robert Gilbert is a Political Science professor at Northeastern University rated 3.4/5 by 28 students, with 3.8/5 difficulty (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Robert Gilbert professor reviews and ratings: 3.4/5 from 28 student reviews at Northeastern. TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Very interested and knowledgeable in his subject - so much so that he can become unfocused at times. But very nice, very engaging and very willing to help and clarify. Would recommend.7250 2015-01-03 14:23:33 +0000 UTC
Professor Gilbert is a wonderful professor. American Pres. was a very interesting course, and he had so many great stories and examples to make it interesting. Attendance in class is a must!AMERICANPRES 2013-03-23 12:35:42 +0000 UTC
One of the smartest graduate professors Ive ever had. Grading Methodology: "Final research paper"(80%),"book review"/oral presentation (10%), & class participation (10%). I would advise you follow his instructions on the research paper to the T, to ensure a good grade. Extremely accommodating if you cant meet during his office hours. Great qualityPOLS7250 2013-02-20 10:56:49 +0000 UTC
I took his American Pres. class. He was GREAT! Show up to every class, and take good notes. The concepts are not hard but you need to study. I got a B+ on the paper, midterm and final but my attendance bumped me up to an A- so it pays to show up to this class.POLS300 2013-01-07 19:30:51 +0000 UTC
Gilbert is a decent educator (somewhat senile) and a relentless grader. He barely gives partial credit, and will mark your answer as incorrect even if it is an opinion question. Do not take this class and definitely do not sign up for any classes taught by this professor. Just another horrid example of a tenured political science professor at NU.POLS2400 2012-11-01 14:01:20 +0000 UTC
I took him for American Pres class. Here's the deal with Gilbert. He has 0 mercy when grading. Most people got D's and C's on the midterm. Only about 5 got A's on the paper. Honestly, I loved listening to him talk, but he goes off topic alot. Extremely hard class. Hes a little rough, but a good guy. Just be warned that this class is HARD.POLS3305 2011-05-02 17:04:18 +0000 UTC
I've taken him for US Gov nd US Prez. He is a good teacher that loves the topic. The 2 classes are nearly identiical. I got a B+ in Gov and a B in Prez. He talks alot and loves to tell stories. He is rly funny guy and all the notes are in list format which you be tested on the midterm and final. test are half lecture than book essay which isnt hardPOLS1150 2011-01-23 00:16:09 +0000 UTC
So smart and funny!! thought is was going to be an awful lecture but he made it so easy to listen, even for 140 minutes.PLC01 2010-03-25 13:22:54 +0000 UTC
This guy is one of the best. VERY little work req. for his class. Just come to lecture and take notes. His stories are SUPER interesting. The essay on the finals and mid term where hard, but the rest was pretty simplePOL309 2010-01-22 23:11:18 +0000 UTC
He is knowledgeable of the subject and gives interesting and engaging lectures. And he is the toughest grader I've ever encountered. See him during his office hours for help on your paper and he's great for help. Don't expect arguing will up your grade.POLU305 2009-04-18 18:21:46 +0000 UTC
Good teacher, nice guy, lots of experience in his field, but the hardest grader I have ever come across at NU. He expects way too much and as an added bonus, had us write our paper on something only he has written books about. Having to cite only your professor in a paper is a sure way for your grade to go down the tubes, ask anyone.AMPRESIDENCY 2006-07-19 11:37:36 +0000 UTC
Look I know college ain't easy, but this man makes it even more unbearable. Very unaproachable, be prepared to beg for your grade from the TA who will take off point for even having a crease in your paper. Be very clear about the paper, becuase there will be no salvation for those who dont understand. Good LuckAMERGOV 2005-10-27 12:58:04 +0000 UTC
Good professor for those who like straight regurgitation. Exceptionally high standards for undergrads. Maybe this explains why he's an eligible batchelor. Does not accept any absences. I was ordered to court to testify as a witness against someone in an assualt case. NOT ACCEPTED. Grandmother died (my mom works at NU) NOT ACCEPTED. Stay away.AMERPRES 2005-09-08 16:57:55 +0000 UTC
interesting&long lectures suprisingly bearable.expectations clear.HOWEVER-his expect. of undergrads seem to be awfully high&he deducts points for minor errors on exams. u happen to have surgery in the mid of semes&bring a dr.'s note to him?-don't expect him to accept it. never got belo a b+ in polisci-D+ in his class.misogynistic.great book tho!AMERPREZ 2005-05-22 21:18:45 +0000 UTC
Love this class, but a lot of people in my class don't. A lot of memorization and lists on his tests. Tends to tell anecdotes which makes the class more interesting. Good at explaining things.AMGOVT 2005-04-11 14:19:10 +0000 UTC
Robert Gilbert has an average rating of 3.4/5 from 28 student reviews.
Robert Gilbert's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.8/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.