Devere E. Pentony

Pentony is one of the worst professors you can have! His favoritism for the Chinese is sometimes sickening. Probably, the reader may accuse me of being racist, but his irrational and somewhat erotic interests on the Chinese upset many students and faculty.

He thinks he is the best writer in the world (an Irish pride?), but his writings do not have any content. No wonder why he doesn't have much publications. His criticism on students' writings are not fair and reminds me a grammar school teacher that he is more qualified.

He abused his power to hire and fire faculties. He personally "favored" some students and gave them lecturer positions, although their qualifications do not meet minimum requirement for the lecturer. Some of them do not even know what they are doing. Three students informed me that was one Pentony's "pet project."

Professor Pentony is a first rate professor of the highest order. He is one of the main people who is responsible for the success of International Relations at SFSU. There are a lot of people who whine and cry at the difficulty of this course. I took this class at SF State for my undergrad. I am now pursuing my PhD at another university and this class gave me very valuable preparation for my doctoral thesis. Actually what you do in this class is very close to a thesis, the research, writing, and defending of your research and analysis. If you are planning on pursuing an advanced degree, and you are serious about your education, then taking this class with Dr. Pentony is the right move. If you are just going to school to pass the time after high school, then absolutely stay away from this course. It is one of the most difficult but most rewarding experiences that SF State has to offer.

Be warned!! Prof. Pentony may seem a bit intimidating the first time you enter his class, but don't slink back out of class. Prof. Pentony is an excellent professor, very interesting and wonderfully knowledgeable about his subject. This class is worth taking just to hear his input on each country. When I started this class I didn't think there was any way I would make it through and I certainly didn't think I would ever get up enough nerve to ask Pentony's help. Don't think this way. If you have any questions or problems, you can approach the professor. He is very helpful as long as you do the work he sets out for you, and fulfill all his requirements. I heartily recommend this class. You will learn more about where to find information and how to use the library than you will ever need to know.