PLCP 3500

Cornejo is a fascinating if still new professor. This course was interesting, not particularly difficult, and a great introduction to populism as a political concept. Grading is straightforward: 20% participation, 10% "reflections", "20% project", 20% midterm, 30% final. Participation was through a sign-in sheet, and participating in discussions. Cornejo is friendly, would ask how people's weekends were, and start by discussing current events for a few minutes, so participation was a breeze. 10 weeks of the semester, you had to submit a 1-2 paragraph reflection on the readings via email. He gives pretty straightforward instructions, took maybe 20 minutes a week. The project was a presentation on a populist leader, with pretty clear guidelines. A decent bit of upfront work and a 15 minute presentation, but 3 minutes or so are videos of the leader, and as long as you practice grading isn't harsh. Midterm and final were takehome, with 1 paragraph ID questions, a couple of 3-4 paragraph essays, and a 4 page essay. Very reasonable grading. Readings were interesting, especially the "How Democracies Die" text. I read the abstract, intros, and conclusions of all the pdf readings, and skimmed the rest, and never felt lost. If you get a chance, this is a great class to take.