Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Introduction to key institutions of government, politics, and policy in U.S., covering their history, contemporary forms, and internal dynamics. Includes various scales and branches of government as well as institutions that exercise power and influence in public decision making and social action, such as corporations, unions, media, social movements, and civil society. Letter grading.

Review Summary

Clarity
10.0 / 10
Organization
10.0 / 10
Time
5-10 hrs/week
Overall
10.0 / 10

Reviews

    Quarter Taken: Spring 2022 In-Person
    Grade: A-

    Overall not a terrible class. It's pretty bland because it's mostly just about American politics, can't say I learned a lot but it more so just reinforced things I had known about already and I gained a stronger understanding of them. Midterm and final are kind of tricky tbh. Homework assignments and memo are easy though, so as long as you do those well you have wiggle room for the exams.

    Quarter Taken: Fall 2022 In-Person
    Grade: A

    Great class, even for non public affairs major. Has a lot to do with politics and some policy. Light weekly assignments that take little to no time. Midterm was online and very manageable. Highly recommend this course!

    Quarter Taken: Fall 2022 In-Person
    Grade: A+

    This was my first public affairs class and one of my favorites at UCLA. Thomas Sherrer is incredibly gifted in the way he presents the material and very knowledgeable, and his HW was not too heavy but considerate given its a reading based class.

Course

Instructor
Thomas Sherrer
Previously taught
22F 22S

Grading Information

  • No group projects

  • Attendance required

  • 1 midterm

  • Finals week final

  • 67% recommend the textbook

Previous Grades

Grade distributions not available.