The best aspects of the course included the stimulating class discussions and appropriate reading selections. The worst aspects of the course included the few difficult readings and lack of feedback on student presentations. The course would improve if students got a break in class to help them stay more focused. Prospective students should have some background knowledge in political theory. The class has a light workload and students who want to be successful should be open-minded in the class discussions.

Students broadly praised this course, saying the excellent professor and intriguing assigned readings made it one of the best courses they had taken at Hopkins. Some students found the course didn’t tie together themes in books with their relevance to politics. Some students thought the course would have been improved by eliminating some of the denser readings. Prospective students should know that students found this to be a demanding course and that some background in philosophy and political science was helpful.

The best part of this course was the intellectually challenging course material. This course had a unique approach to political theory and philosophy while covering a wide range of modern material. The course time period was long without any breaks and some students found it difficult to pay attention. This course could be improved by giving assignments earlier in the semester, giving clearer directions for essays and presentations, and finding ways to better connect the readings. Prospective students should have an open mind and be prepared for a significant amount of reading. A background in political theory would be helpful.