[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:51:22.607253+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxMTE3NjY1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2448668","instructor_name":"Brendon Westler","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2018-12-20 18:24:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"His classes were fun and engaging because the material is very applicable to our society. Everything that was taught in lecture was on the exam, so showing up to lecture is pretty much the most important thing to do in the class. The discussions were very fun and a good way to learn more stuff.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2448668","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxNTk4OTA2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-08-25 20:12:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"Always a plus to have a professor who genuinely cares about what he teaches & goes out of his way to explain the nuance, especially in a topic like constitutional law. Assignments aren't easy, but he makes himself available for questions and cares about your success. Good resource if you want to go into law, too. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMjUxODU4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-12 15:08:41 +0000 UTC","comment":"My favorite professor at UW Madison. For as long as you attend class and ask questions, you'll be fine! I don't understand the negative comments whatsoever. He is very enthusiastic about what he teaches, and it makes lectures all the more enjoyable.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTk5NTY3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-07 20:44:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"Amazing professor, brought great energy to every lecture and was always available as a resource for assignments and any law-related questions students would have. By far my favorite professor and course at UW. I don't understand the negative comments below. If you are curious and engaged, you should do fine in the course.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTgxMzg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-06 19:26:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"Comments below sound like they are salty they are never going to make it as lawyers. Fischer is hands down the most enthusiastic and caring professor at UW. His lectures and slides do a great job of summarizing pretty difficult SCOTUS cases. If you attend lectures and review sessions, you won't have to leave ratings like the people below. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTc5ODA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-06 18:09:26 +0000 UTC","comment":"I was genuinely excited for this class. But the professor cannot teach. He crushes 5 hour energy drinks before class and you can tell. He cannot explain the material, because he is too busy jumping around and yelling. The grading expectations and assignments were also so confusing. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":2.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTc5Njc3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-06 18:04:14 +0000 UTC","comment":"Assignments were poorly structured. Expectations were vague. Constantly felt like I was being evaluated on criteria that were never made clear. Professor struggled to explain material. Little effort to connect individual cases to overarching precedents. Asking for clarification often led nowhere. Unfortunate, would not recommend. \n\n","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":1.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTUwMTc2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-04 05:52:24 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not prelaw. Fischer was funny/passionate about the material & made complex topics digestible, but lectures were still a bit of a drag. Reading was heavy; participation requested in the syllabus, but few truly did. I reccomend using a 2 column table for notes; it'll save you during papers, which are challenging with unclear instructions sometimes. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTQ5Nzgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-04 04:29:08 +0000 UTC","comment":"You can tell Professor Fischer is very passionate about the material, however, I frequently found his excitement to be confusing and overwhelming. Furthermore, the instructions for his assignments were often lacking direction and the only clarity on instructions was found through office hours, which I found somewhat irritating. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTQwOTU2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-03 01:31:22 +0000 UTC","comment":"Oh, where do I begin? \n\nOne of the best professors I have ever had at UW. \n","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxMTI5MjE1","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2025-05-02 02:25:57 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Fischer is hands down one of the best I've ever had at UW Madison. The way he taught complicated court cases made them really accessible, and the assignments were actually kind of fun to do. Legal writing was daunting at first, but he gave us a lot of advice on how to do it well. He's also hilarious, would recommend if you're prelaw\n","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:47:31.807642+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwMzE1MzAy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:3000444","instructor_name":"Craig Fischer","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2024-12-16 01:59:27 +0000 UTC","comment":"Craig was excellent when I had him for 470. The concepts were extremely boring on paper but he made them interesting. There was a lot of reading expected before each class (to preview the material), but I never did it and Craig made the concepts easy to understand. Only thing in the grade book are 3 papers so be ready for that. Funny and helpful.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/3000444","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:43:25.326913+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTExMjIzOTk3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:264746","instructor_name":"Donald Downs","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2005-12-20 14:47:06 +0000 UTC","comment":"Downs is a great professor. He lays his political cards on the table, yet is completely open and receptive to other peoples' opinions. Definitely the least "dismissive" professor I've had so far. Just remember: if you raise your hand and there's something on your shirt, he'll ask about it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/264746","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:36:27.987655+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5NjQwNjY0","source_instructor_id":"rmp:464204","instructor_name":"Howard Schweber","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2024-07-24 19:26:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Learning from this professor feels like a privilege. He is fun, increadibily well spoke, and doesn't seem to dislike people who are new to the topic like some poli sci professors. His theory and constitutional law classes are amazing, and I would go out of my way to take courses from him. 10/10 to have a drink with too.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/464204","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:36:27.987655+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMyNTk2OTMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:464204","instructor_name":"Howard Schweber","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2019-12-10 21:28:04 +0000 UTC","comment":"Schweber is funny, personable, and is incredibly intelligent. His lectures, however, are difficult to follow because he goes fast and does not repeat anything. My advice: low key record him. Play it back, it turns out that he actually gives you exam answers in his lecture.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/464204","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:36:27.987655+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxNTA3Njcy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:464204","instructor_name":"Howard Schweber","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2019-04-01 05:54:18 +0000 UTC","comment":"He's an extremely knowledgeable professor but the make sure you're genuinely interested in constitutional law if you want to take this class. He assigns ridiculous amounts of reading and has very lengthy take-home exams. No powerpoints or anything so you have to pay attention in class.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/464204","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:36:27.987655+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MjkzNjQ=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:464204","instructor_name":"Howard Schweber","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2005-05-26 21:52:23 +0000 UTC","comment":"If you don't mind being challenged, you will love his courses.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/464204","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":5.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:36:27.987655+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1Nzg0OTY=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:464204","instructor_name":"Howard Schweber","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2005-04-07 13:28:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"I think he's overrated, simply put.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/464204","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:36:27.987655+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI4MzIwODk=","source_instructor_id":"rmp:464204","instructor_name":"Howard Schweber","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2004-11-24 17:47:43 +0000 UTC","comment":"Schweber is tough to rate.  Some days he's so easy to understand, some days I have no idea what he's talking about.  But it's worth taking a class with him because he is entertaining.  Though I've noticed he's tougher on you if you disagree with him....and the TA's are the same way....","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/464204","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:09:45.020956+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM2MjQ1MjMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2653088","instructor_name":"Robert Burton","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2022-05-04 22:57:47 +0000 UTC","comment":"Not a bad professor at all. Took his class during Covid and it was like 200 people. He made you speak up during online lectures in order to receive credit and that wasn't fun at all. Lots of reading.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2653088","quality_rating":3.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:09:45.020956+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MDUyMTkw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:2653088","instructor_name":"Robert Burton","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2020-12-13 05:44:04 +0000 UTC","comment":"(Fall 2020 during COVID). I'm not a Poli sci major and so can't compare him to other Poli sci professors, but I loved his class. Readings 2x a week are manageable. 3 papers and a presentation. Class is mostly a discussion format. Burton himself is always cheerful, happy and genuinely wants to be there. I would gladly take another class with him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2653088","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:08:39.633779+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMyNTk2ODM2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:1676418","instructor_name":"Ryan Owens","course_label":"POLISCI470","course_id":"POLISCI 470","course_uid":"course_e7b4fd0e5787ff4ba6a21cc2","review_date":"2019-12-10 21:23:38 +0000 UTC","comment":"Owens managed to make Admin Law, a usually boring topic, into something I really wanted to learn. He's eccentric but really loves what he does and breaks the material down to easy to understand concepts. Advice: for tests, focus on the overarching concepts and how to apply them, he'll make you apply them to made-up examples.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/1676418","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":4.0}]