Dr. Burden is probably one of favorite professors at this school. He knows everything about American politics and often does panel talks for the University related to that field. The lectures are interesting and focus on concepts you would cover in a civics class. However, I never opened the textbook, and I'm not even sure why he assigns one.

I took two classes with Professor Burden, and both were great. Exams are most of your grade & draw on readings/lectures, so making sure that you do the readings and know main ideas is really important. Lectures were amazing and taught me a lot, and going over them before exams helps you figure out what the key terms for short ID are going to be.

I enjoyed this class and all of the discussions. This is such an interesting field of study. My only issue with Barry Burden is his lack of staying non bias. While it is clear that he tries to stay non partisan, many times throughout the semester his political side would show which did not help when trying to form your own opinion.

Prof Burden has been the best professor I have had at this school. He is great to talk to and great to listen to. He knows what he is talking about and conveys his knowledge in interesting ways. His research is very interesting and definitely worth a read. I would 100% recommend any of his classes to any student.

Great man, great professor. Where some seem actively annoyed by the prospect of teaching, he is patient and enthusiastic without being too much. He will let you put in as much as you want for a course, and will happily take extra time for you if you have the drive.

I always enjoyed lectures and how he put concepts together into a cohesive fabric of understanding the electoral process. However, I found grading to be quite strict: if you do not write your exams and organize points in a certain way/manner, you are not going to perform well, even if you are extremely knowledgeable about the material as I was.

Second class with Prof Burden and I still can't rate him more highly! Very knowledgable, respectful, and genuinely cares about his students! Class is easy because it's mostly common sense just pay attention. Extra points because he's a dilf and I would marry him in an instant. Also, make sure to attend lect and section- they're graded!

This class was super interesting and informative! You will need the textbook and will need to do the readings. Make sure to go to lecture as there are graded lecture check ins (isn't announced, just in syllabus so make sure to read). Exams are straightforward, open note, and online but are timed so use it wisely.

Lectures are essential because midterms & final are based almost entirely on them, textbook reading is helpful but not required because usually gone over in lecture but separate article readings are important, 2 midterms and a final (plus a forecasting project, pretty easy), going to TAs for midterm prep is helpful and prepare lots b/c only 3 exams

Prof. Burden is a great professor and does an excellent job at explaining what Congress does and how it operates. There are three exams, all of which are open book, open note, and take home. There is one paper but it is pretty easy. This was an interesting and relatively easy class if you do the work!

Professor Burden's lectures are concise and clear. They start with current events which is fun. He only puts a few bullet points on his slides, but write down what he expands on. You have to refer to lecture themes on exams that are not present in the book. The grading for exams is a tough. Burden is a really nice guy who cares about his students.

The professor is clearly knowledgeable in the material, but by far one of the worst graders I have ever had (Senior here). Reduces points arbitrarily, you must attend all discussion sections without fail, and you will be penalized if you use specific definitions from your notes on your tests. Don't take this class, there are so many better Poli Sci

Professor Burden's class was amazing. There were two papers, a midterm, and a final due throughout the semester. His lectures were engaging and informative. I also like how he kept a focus on current events as well. This class was super interesting and would definitely recommend!

Burden is a really great prof. He seems to be pretty well renowned in the real world as well. Probably the most interesting/relevant course I've taken at UW. 1 short paper, 2 exams. Exams are pretty easy if you take lecture notes and go to discussion. if you are taking this class bc it interests you, you will do great. hard to get lower than B

I really enjoyed going to Professor Burden's lectures. The way that he presented the information made it easy to learn. It is important to go to class and pay attention because there is not much information put on the slides that are posted online. He did go over readings in class, but it is important to review them right before the exam.

Burden is one of the more respected Political Science professors in the country. UW-Madison had to work to keep him from moving to an ivy league school and it shows. Informative and interesting lectures, strong availability. One of my favorite classes since I stepped on campus.

Dr. Burden is one of my favorite professors at UW. Hes incredibly intelligent, and always clear in lecture when explaining concepts. Hes very helpful in office hours, and it was always pretty obvious what was going to be on the exams. The readings matter, so dont skip them.

Professor Burden is an awesome lecturer. Gives solid powerpoints that are easy to understand. He doesn't get off tasked easily. Super nice guy if you see him in office hours. Has tons of knowledge on the subject matter. Class isn't difficult at all if you do the readings and go to lecture. You won't want to miss them cause they're really good.

For those who are Poli Sci majors I would definitely recommend his classes. He is extremely smart and knowledgable about the topics he presents. Does a great job of staying in the middle of the aisle.

Professor Burden does a great job with making this class interesting. Although some parts of the class are very slow (think congressional procedure), he tries his best to get through them as fast as possible. His lectures rely on you to listen to what he is saying, as he uses ppt slides as more of an outline and not packed with info. Funny & nice.

Hands down THE MOST BORING PROFESSOR I've ever had, and that's coming from a political science major. Lectures are long and he is so monotone. His slides do NOT help and you have to listen or read. Tests were alright in difficulty.

I loved US Congress! Prof Burden was excellent and his lectures were crystal-clear. Some material (legislative procedure) was long but overall interesting course. Three midterm tests. Multiple choice, short answer (and on the final short essays). You have to READ the chapters and you'll ace the tests! Articles can probably be skimmed.

Really, really good prof. Very knowledgeable. Show up to lecture every day and take very good notes. Everything on the exams comes straight from lecture material. Reading the book can be helpful but not necessary. Exams seem easy, but multiple choice makes up 70% of each midterm. Miss a few MC questions and your whole exam score is in the toilet.