This reading-intensive course examines the evolution of American political institutions, policies, and ideas. It will consider the interplay between constitutional design, social movements, economic forces, and cultural shifts, from the colonial period to the present.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeNall is difficult. Its nice seeing someone so knowledgeable, but wow this class is impossibly difficult. Expect to read a ton of complex readings. On top of that, you MUST participate in the class. It's a huge part of the grade and there IS cold calling. Also, expect difficult grading on the difficult quizzes on the difficult readings.
I took POLS12 last year and it was tough! For a lower division prerequisite course, this class was unnecessarily difficult. Lots of reading from two required textbooks (about 1-2 long, multi-sectional chapters) for each class. Lectures are good but he only pulls from the readings for tests which are extremely nit-picky and specific. Wouldn't retake
Good readings and good lectures. The class is really more of an interactive seminar. The policy memo project is good training for future jobs in politics and policy.
Two midterms, a final, and quizzes. There are tons of readings to keep up with. The exams are crazy difficult but he curves.
Nall is a tough professor but he is ultimately fair. The class projects are a great introduction to doing original original research.
Its one of the hardest classes ive had at ucsb, but I learned a lot and he's a good teacher. very hard class though, tests are really hard, ive managed to get As on them by putting in hours into the textbook and making insane notes for the tests (ahead of time keeping up with readings). might be in some bureaucratic lawyer cult but overall cool.