PLIR 1010

Professor Sechser is a pretty cool dude. He presents the material in a very straightforward manner that is incredibly easy to understand. He spends a ton of time on theories (especially game, prospect, & security). Class consists of an optional (take it) midterm, a final, discussion section, and a light policy memo (four pages). Although he gives great examples of his theories, Sechser doesn't apply them to current events, which can be a bit frustrating. Definitely take this class if you want a very easy introduction to international relations.

I would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in politics, and especially potential majors in politics. Sechser is a pretty chill guy but a little boring. A lot of reading was assigned, but like most politics classes it was not necessary to do. I didn't read at all and pulled out an A minus. Due to a weird policy of his, if you ace the midterm, you don't have to take the final (I got a 92 so I opted not to take the final). There is a substantial "policy memo" project, but there are multiple checkpoints you have to turn in throughout the semester, so it is pretty easy to complete and actually interesting. Just go to lecture and take good notes and participate in discussion, and you should be able to get an A with minimal effort outside of class

Like a lot of classes you will find at UVa, this one is definitely over-rated. Sechser was just so boring. He came across quite well, young guy, always able to answer questions etc but his lecturing was just so dull. I didn't go half the time, it just wasn't worth getting up for when the slides were put online.

I had Mike Poznansky as TA. Cool guy but condescending at times and wasn't the easiest grader.

I probably have myself to blame but Sechser just didn't inspire me to put a lot of work into this course so I came out with a B. However his exam policy is great, the final is optional and the essay question is one of 5 choices which he gives you before so just prepare all 5 well and it's easy to get at least a B

Professor Sechser was an amazing instructor and was very passionate about international relations. This is a good intro course without an excessive amount of reading. You can choose between taking the midterm or the final, OR take both an average your grade. A "study guide" with possible terms and essay topics is provided prior to the exams (there are only the two exams). The main project/homework/assignment of the semester is the Policy Memo where you get to research a topic of your choice. This assignment s spread out over the course of the semester, so it is never an excessive amount of work at once. Lectures are really interesting and overall I really recommend this course - even for non-majors.

This was a very solid intro course to International Relations. Todd Sechser can be a boring lecturer at times, but overall presents ideas in class in a very organized and interesting manner. The grade consists of a midterm, a final, and a 1500 word policy memo which is not too bad, all helped by the fact that the final is OPTIONAL (I got a 95 on the midterm so this just applied to the final as well) which is awesome! Readings are long but not necessary if you go to class. Overall a great intro to IR class, and pretty much made me want to major in Foreign Affairs!

This is a fantastic introductory course to the field of international relations. Professor Sechser is great and effectively communicates what he expects students to know. The readings can definitely be dense and hard to grasp, but discussion and lectures help to clear things up. Abby is a super awesome TA; I would definitely recommend her. Exams are fair and there is only one paper which you work on the entire semester. Overall it's a very fair and interesting class.

Professor Sechser is the man! He is brilliant and so enthusiastic about the subject. His composure during lecture is professional and gets the point across so effectively--I especially like the exerciser we had in class (2 times), they are a cool way to grasp the topic at hand. Reading is heavy at times, but you can get away by skimming most. Take the policy memo seriously, it's not difficult, but it requires work/time. I had Post as my TA and she was just as great as the Professor, she shows great interest into her students!

I'm surprised that I haven't found a review on him so far, his class is great--take it!