Historical instructor
Original student reviews · all captured dates
I liked Professor Dienstag as a person, but his lectures could be kind of out there-- having a good TA was really important to make sure I understood the readings. Overall though, I did like him and the class was a good introduction to Political Theory, just make sure you actually do the readings and be ready for those in-class essays!Rate My Professors ↗
I really didn't like his PS160 at first. Thought it was boring and was intimidated by the (almost) weekly essays on highly intellectual thinkers and concepts. But, this ended up being one of my favorite classes last semester! Stick with it and apply yourself even just a little. Do the readings and prepare for the essays- you will learn a LOT.Rate My Professors ↗
He is a good Lecturer, and you can tell he is passionate about the subject. In-class essays ain't half bad, but the readings can be arduous, especially some of the classics, i.e., Plato and Socrates. Time-consuming class and content can be a bit of a bore, your TA can really help make the class more engaging.Rate My Professors ↗
Prof. Dienstag is such a good lecturer. His lectures are loaded with great insight about the readings. Going to lecture is the best way to develop a full understanding of what you are reading. Be prepared to write a lot.Rate My Professors ↗
Prof Dienstag is the most knowledge person I've ever met. He gives amazing lectures. 50% of your overall grade is a final exam and essay, which was a little difficult for me. If you go to all the lectures and discussion secs. there is no reason not to do well in the class. Be warned, if you are bad at writing essays this class is not for you.Rate My Professors ↗
He was really nice and is actually really funny. His lectures are super dense, so you have to pay attention. Also, there is a lot of reading. It is a really complex class. It was challenging he was really good at teaching it, but you're not going to do well if you don't do the work. THIS IS NOT AN EASY A! TAKE IT IF YOU'RE ACTUALLY INTERESTED.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
No teaching recorded in Fall 2026.
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Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
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