Easiest courses in Political Science

Students report low difficulty and minimal weekly time commitments, typically 3 to 8 hours, consisting of discussion posts and final projects based on internship work.[1, 2, 3]

The workload includes one easy paper and straightforward tests, with slides posted online and no required lecture attendance, though reading the book is helpful.[1]

Historical reviews of Philip Bunn: One reviewer noted that Philip Bunn assigned a paper over spring break, suggesting potential workload timing issues.[1]

Historical reviews of Daniel Kapust: Reviewers note a heavy reading load, but Kapust covers the material in lecture, making it manageable for those who attend.[1]

Historical reviews of Erica Simmons, Jessica Weeks, Katherine Cramer: Workload varies by instructor; Erica Simmons offered minimal homework and study guides, while Jessica Weeks required extensive writing for the final. Katherine Cramer’s readings were accessible despite seeming daunting.[1, 2, 3]

Historical reviews of Howard Schweber: Schweber’s course involves dense lectures requiring extensive note-taking and long take-home exams that demand consistent attendance.[1, 2, 3]

Historical coursework was manageable with attendance, featuring optional reading not tested on exams.[1]

Historical reviews of Howard Schweber: The workload includes an overwhelming number of readings and three take-home partner exams that determine the grade. Students report that the volume of material is significant and requires careful management.[1]

Students must complete all readings before exams and maintain high attendance, as attendance constitutes a large part of the grade.[1]

Historical reviews of Eleanor Powell, Ethan vanderWilden: Workload centers on a large final project and problem sets rather than exams. Coding in R is a significant component, which some students find difficult or unnecessary for their major.[1, 2, +3]

Historical reviews of Anatoly Detwyler: Workload involves mandatory attendance and substantial reading, with straightforward quizzes based on those readings rather than complex exams.[1, 2]

The course features heavy reading expectations and three major papers that require significant preparation. While some find the legal writing challenging, Fischer provides advice and availability to support student success.[1, 2, 3]

A historical review from 2006 by Bert Kritzer provides a quality rating of 5, though the comment field is empty.[1]

Historical reviews of Michelle Schwarze: Students face dense, difficult readings, but graded assignments like in-class essays and multiple-choice exams are relatively easy, with opportunities to revise essays.[1, 2, 3]

Historical reviews of Barry Burden: Exams are tough and require referring to lecture themes that are not present in the textbook.[1]

Students must attend lectures, complete readings, and participate in discussions to succeed on exams covering multiple choice and essay sections.[1, 2, +6]

Historical reviews of James Delehanty, Neil Kodesh: Workload includes heavy reading and essays or exams, but reviewers note these are manageable if students complete the assigned work.[1, 2, 3]

The course features weekly readings that some find long and dry, but exams are considered easy if students study lecture materials. Workload includes mandatory attendance, weekly quizzes, and occasional extra credit opportunities.[1, 2, +3]

Reviewers describe the workload as heavy, with one noting exams are eight-page papers and another calling them long. A third reviewer found midterms involved writing and were unclear, emphasizing the need to read and attend.[1, 2, 3]

Historical reviewers found coursework not too difficult, requiring attendance and attention for good grades.[1]

Historical reviews of Jessica Weeks: The course involves occasional short papers and heavy reliance on lectures and memorization. Reviewers report that tests are fairly challenging and getting an A requires extra effort, while projects may be graded toughly.[1, 2, 3]

Historical reviews of John Coleman, Kenneth Mayer, Signe Janoska-Bedi: Students report significant reading requirements and exams that demand specific answers from lectures and textbooks. Some found tests difficult, while others noted that prior knowledge or attending office hours helped manage the workload.[1, 2, +3]

The course features heavy readings and is graded primarily on four to five major assignments, including tough, heavily studied midterms and essay exams.[1, 2, +2]

Historical reviews of Andrew Kydd: Students must complete a 4000-word term paper, though they have ample time to work on it and seek help.[1]