Professor Milkis is amazing!! Truly an amazing lecturer and also just a really lovely person. He genuinely cares about all of his students and their thoughts. He's an expert on the presidency which comes through in his lectures and class discussion. He's hilarious and so nice. The class is very manageable --- engaging readings, a writing-based midterm, a final with the same format as the midterm, and a paper on a topic of your choice. I genuinely loved each and every class and felt like I learned so much. It is more of a historically-based politics class so be prepared for more focus on history and primary-source analysis (and less on political science theory/methods). I'd definitely recommend this class to anyone with an interest in the presidency! #tCFfall22

Professor Milkis absolutely makes this class. His lectures are interesting, as are the discussions he facilitates. He is a fair grader and if the readings are made and understood there is a good chance you will make a good grade. A brief backgroup in US history is necessary for this class. Absolutely take this class, I can’t wait to take more classes with Professor Milkis!

Milkis is the best - he's an outstanding lecturer and very approachable, fascinating guy. The lectures were captivating, and his instructor-led class discussions were extremely interesting and changed the way I view politics. Even the readings are very engaging and his grading was fair. Incredible class, highly recommended.

Milkis is the man. He's an electrifying lecturer, and covers an amazing scope of the presidency. The material can be slightly tough to digest if you haven't previously been exposed to American politics, but if you go to office hours to clarify terms you don't understand, pay attention in class, and do the readings, a good grade is in the cards. I learned so much about the American presidency from this class -- definitely recommend for those interested in politics.

I can't believe raving reviews do not exist about this class. At the end of the year, a solid 20 students shook Professor Milkis's hand and personally thanked him. It's easily one of the best politics classes offered at UVa. I've taken 9 so far and it's my favorite. Not a tough class at all, but you gotta stay on top of the readings. One mid-term where you type and essay, a term paper, and a final exam where you type a paper. Participation is also 10% of the grade. He's pretty stingy on the A's, but it's very easy to get B+/A- if you do the reading and go to class. More importantly, I've learned more about the American Presidency than any history class of APUSH ever teaches you. Even non-politics major, take this class... the perspective it gives you on the american politics is invaluable.