POL SCI 169
Special Studies in Comparative Politics
Description: Lecture, three or four hours; discussion, one hour (when scheduled). Preparation: two courses in Field IV. Designed for juniors/seniors. Intensive examination of one or more special problems appropriate to comparative politics. Sections offered on regular basis, with topics announced in preceding term. May be repeated for credit with topic change. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 4.0
Units: 4.0
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Fall 2025 - This class itself was really different from what I had taken at UCLA prior. The class is a mixed-methods research class, but the lectures really did not add value to the class and the main group project. The lectures were unclear and disorganized, and I would find myself dozing off. In addition to the group projects, we learned R during our discussion times, and when I say that the TA did everything, I am not exaggerating. She was way more aware of what was going on in the class, what needed to be done, and the professor would direct any questions about R to the TA (mind, there was only 1 TA for the entire class). We had R assignments in class, which were supposed to help us complete our R tutorials (a 15% assignment due at the end of the class). Although these weren't impossible, they required some time, and the TA did the best with the short amount of time given. The group project is in different sections, where you have to do a literature review (10%), research design (20%), and a final research pilot (10%). Randomly, in the middle of the class (not mentioned in the syllabus), they just ended up adding a survey assignment, where we had to create a survey, and this 15% assignment was deducted from our attendance/participation percentage and added as a separate thing. Participation (10%) and attendance (10%) were finalized. Also, we had a critical reading reflection, which is the only reason one has to do a reading in the class, because I will be honest, they did not add value. This was a 10% assignment where you basically summarized a reading. Thankfully, throughout the quarter, they gave a lot of extra credit opportunities, such as presenting, completing the R assignments given in discussion, and just doing some extra work for the final to receive extra credit, which really helped throughout the class. The TA was amazing and really did everything they could to support all the students throughout this disorganized class. They were offering a lot of opportunities to understand assignments, answered emails on time, and were friendly/welcoming. (Also, attendance matters; she goes on Zoom, but you can only use it once, and if you miss, like the QR code, you have to write a 500-word reflection about what was covered.)
Fall 2025 - This class itself was really different from what I had taken at UCLA prior. The class is a mixed-methods research class, but the lectures really did not add value to the class and the main group project. The lectures were unclear and disorganized, and I would find myself dozing off. In addition to the group projects, we learned R during our discussion times, and when I say that the TA did everything, I am not exaggerating. She was way more aware of what was going on in the class, what needed to be done, and the professor would direct any questions about R to the TA (mind, there was only 1 TA for the entire class). We had R assignments in class, which were supposed to help us complete our R tutorials (a 15% assignment due at the end of the class). Although these weren't impossible, they required some time, and the TA did the best with the short amount of time given. The group project is in different sections, where you have to do a literature review (10%), research design (20%), and a final research pilot (10%). Randomly, in the middle of the class (not mentioned in the syllabus), they just ended up adding a survey assignment, where we had to create a survey, and this 15% assignment was deducted from our attendance/participation percentage and added as a separate thing. Participation (10%) and attendance (10%) were finalized. Also, we had a critical reading reflection, which is the only reason one has to do a reading in the class, because I will be honest, they did not add value. This was a 10% assignment where you basically summarized a reading. Thankfully, throughout the quarter, they gave a lot of extra credit opportunities, such as presenting, completing the R assignments given in discussion, and just doing some extra work for the final to receive extra credit, which really helped throughout the class. The TA was amazing and really did everything they could to support all the students throughout this disorganized class. They were offering a lot of opportunities to understand assignments, answered emails on time, and were friendly/welcoming. (Also, attendance matters; she goes on Zoom, but you can only use it once, and if you miss, like the QR code, you have to write a 500-word reflection about what was covered.)
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Most Helpful Review
PS 169 and 119 courses are very demanding. Heavy amounts of textbook reading in addition to assigned articles. Class structure composed of a take home midterm, 8 page paper and an in class final exam. Course is a risk to your gpa but worth it if you really enjoy learning about Israeli society and identity. Make sure you speak up when you ask questions.
PS 169 and 119 courses are very demanding. Heavy amounts of textbook reading in addition to assigned articles. Class structure composed of a take home midterm, 8 page paper and an in class final exam. Course is a risk to your gpa but worth it if you really enjoy learning about Israeli society and identity. Make sure you speak up when you ask questions.
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