This class operates more like an oversized book club than a traditional theory survey, with a heavy reading load that favors accessible memoirs and engaging nonfiction over dense academic texts. Lectures are notoriously unstructured and prone to tangents, so most students rely entirely on the weekly readings and their specific TA to actually grasp the material. Your final grade and overall experience will heavily depend on discussion section, since coursework centers on participation, light lab assignments, and a final research pilot paper rather than high-stakes exams. It is generally a low-stress, straightforward way to fulfill a requirement or spark an initial interest in global affairs, but don't expect rigorous theoretical instruction or a tightly organized syllabus.