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This course is intended to be a core seminar in American Politics. Introduces students to the core literature on American political institutions. Topics include theoretical approaches to studying political institutions, and foundational research on institutions like the presidency, Congress, federalism, political parties, interest groups, states, the judicial system, and other political institutions.

No Prerequisites

4

Units

Letter

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

Graduate students only

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
NALL C M
Clayton Nall
3.0
42 reviews
See All
42
3.0
PS162 . Nall C M A Month Ago

Had him for two upper divs, 162 and 106AD. Both were relatively straightforward as long as you paid attention to the readings and had an idea of what you wanted to do for the papers (memos in 162 and the paper in 106AD). It's a lot of reading but if you can find the arguments in each you'll be way better off.

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PS162 . Nall C M A Month Ago

He didn't receive tenure at Stanford so that's why he is bitter all the time. Now he only torments other people to make himself feel better. Mean professor, terrible attitude. Avoid at all costs.

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POLS12 . Nall C M 4 Months Ago

Prof Nall doesn't seem to like teaching, and definitely doesn't like students. He's condescending, he's mean, and makes fun of you for asking a question. He won't allow computers in class, even for note taking. He seems angry all the time.

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PS162 . Nall C M 5 Months Ago

Nall is definitely a tough professor, but his class is very rewarding: You will learn a lot, but you do have to put a lot of work in. Lots of reading, but if you do it and understand it you will get an A on the quizzes, so it is very doable. Go to lecture and the final is not too difficult if you are on top of your work during the quarter.

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PS162 . Nall C M 5 Months Ago

Reading quizzes and 2 research papers make up most of your grade. It's a hard class but he tells you day 1. Doesn't allow electronics, so you have to handwrite all notes and he doesn't post lecture slides. The 2nd paper was due 4 days before the final and his review is NOT helpful. Don't bother asking questions b/c he will just make you feel dumb.

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POLS170 . Nall C M 6 Months Ago

The concepts of the class are straightforward. However, Nall is a horrible lecturer. Rarely finishes lectures on time. There would be a large amount of reading, and while the concepts are easy to understand, you won't know which ones are important and will be needed for application on tests/projects. Oh, and he doesn't believe in modern technology.

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See all 42 reviews
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