Michael Friedman

This professor has taught: KNES285, KNES287, KNES289B, KNES293, KNES347, KNES389C, KNES389I, KNES484, KNES497, KNES689J, KNES689K

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Michael Friedman KNES285 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/21/2023	I loved the structure of the class. We had weekly assigned quizzes or assignments (based on the week's lec), discussions, two midterm papers (~1,600 words), and a final paper (~2,000 words). Go to class and pay attention and you'll have a pretty strong foundation. He'll have "turning points" which are sort of, graded, low stake in-class quizzes (like clickers) to make sure people continue to attend lectures. The TAs are also super friendly and helpful at guiding you through the general structure of the class, and attendance is mandatory, though you get 1 freebie to use whenever, so you probably wouldn't want to skip discussion. Overall, I would say if you don't struggle with writing, are willing to attend at least 85% of lec and discussion, and want a thought-provoking class, this class is for you.
Michael Friedman KNES285 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/08/2023	This professor single-handedly made me want to switch my major. Very boring, reads off slides, and talks way to fast. Avoid taking him if possible.
Michael Friedman KNES484 Expecting a C Anonymous 11/15/2021	Garbage professor. His expectations of this class are that of a grad level course. his personal opinion overly influence his grading and biases his lectures. If you do not agree with his opinion he will force unrealistic expectations upon your critiques. Absolutely avoid this class. Work load is not difficult however there is no rational conversation with Friedman has he is right an any opinion that challenges him is wrong.
Michael Friedman KNES293 Expecting a B Anonymous 02/05/2019	Interesting enough class, however, Friedman is one of the worst professors I have experienced thus far. He is extremely opinionated and if your opinion differs from him you might struggle. Additionally, the papers seem to have no real grading structure. I received some great grades, and other terrible grades while putting in the same amount of effort and with no explanation as to how they were graded. Quizzes are easy which helps boost the grade.
Michael Friedman KNES293 Expecting a B Anonymous 05/04/2016	Unexpectedly difficult class. After taking the very well taught Sport in American Society, I was very disappointed in Friedman's course. The work load was very manageable but the few major assignments we had were graded extremely harshly. The highest grades on papers were very low A's; there seemed to be a disconnect between stated rubric expectations and what the prof/TA actually looked for while grading as a good grade on papers was next to impossible. The lectures were not very engaging and after the first week it was evident that this was the overall consensus as attendance dwindled intensely. Friedman also had many concepts that he failed to concretely define, leaving the responsibility to a disinterested and incompetent TA. I think Friedmans biggest fault was the way in which he employed his TA; he left too much of the course teaching responsibilities to him and did not seem to have a solid amount of communication with him. Often the TA had a very different understanding of assignment requirements and course material significance. Disappointed in this course as I love both sport and history. Sport in American Society had very similar concepts however was a far superior course simply because of its outstanding prof and TAs.
Michael Friedman KNES287 Expecting a B Anonymous 05/08/2012	Friedman's class is definitely not on my list of favorites, but I did not hate it. I had to take it as a kinesiology major. Initially I wanted to drop the class, but after the first couple of lectures, the material actually got interesting. He posts his notes online with blanks that you are able to fill in by attending lecture. He has about 5 pop quizzes a semester, all of which are very easy if you go to lecture on a regular basis. His tests are difficult, but really challenge you. I have definitely learned a lot in this class, and it has changed my perspective of sport for the better.