Quality 3/5Difficulty 1/5
Content was easy to understand. Tests are all open book but go off all the readings and lectures assigned. Almost impossible to reach Professor Simmons outside of class.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
Erica Simmons
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
Quality 1/5Difficulty 1/5
Switch out of this class if you have her. So boring, didn't even go to lectures by the end because the slides were self explanatory. Reads off her computer THE WHOLE time. Kept talking about herself.Rate My Professors ↗
Quality 4/5Difficulty 3/5
I would only take this course again because of the content rather than the professor. When reading through these reviews before signing up for classes, I thought people were being dramatic saying how inaccessible Professor Simmons is. They were so right. She cancelled all but 2 office hours all semester. Still an interesting and educational class!Rate My Professors ↗
Quality 4/5Difficulty 4/5
I really enjoyed this class! Lecture can be boring, but is very interesting when prof talks about topics she is passionate about. Do the extra credit, take good notes during lecture, and you can get away with not doing all the readings (however, exams often are on readings/ask for examples from the reading).Rate My Professors ↗
Quality 4/5Difficulty 2/5
The class wasn't too difficult if you have any prior econ 101/102 knowledge. There were lots of readings assigned, but as long as you have some quotes ready, you are set. The tests are open-book and short answer which make them not too difficult. Professor Simmons clearly is knowledgeable and passionate about her topic, as evident through lecture.Rate My Professors ↗
Quality 5/5Difficulty 3/5
Incredible professor who is very passionate about what she teaches. Exams are definitely difficult, but if you do the study guide and take thorough notes you'll be fine. Interesting and engaging lectures. Participation is not taken, but lecture slides aren't very helpful without attending lecture. Overall would definitely recommend and take again.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Classes with Erica Simmons
POLISCI 699
Directed Study
1–4 creditsPOLISCI 699 offers directed study projects for juniors and seniors arranged with a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited samplePOLISCI 990
Research and Thesis
1–3 creditsPOLISCI 990 is a research and thesis course conducted under the direction of faculty.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
No recorded grade history
Recorded teaching history
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | POLISCI 699 | Directed Study |
| Fall 2026 | POLISCI 990 | Research and Thesis |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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