PLIR 3650

Probably the most interesting class at UVA along with Comm Law - Quandt is a great lecturer; well-organized and eager to share several first-hand experiences in Middle East negotiations and policy-making - the exams aren't easy, so prepare well (study guide, anticipate essays, etc.)

I would advise to accept w/ caution the "I didn't do the readings & I'm doing ok" - OK probably means a B or less. I had never gotten anything lower than an A- at UVA & I did all the readings & studied about 12 hours cumulatively & wound up w/ a B- on the midterm. I strongly recommend a theories of IR course or intro to IR course before taking this. It comes up on the MT & Final but is only addressed in 1 class at the beginning of the semester. This class was agonizing for me - the readings, the lectures, everything. Only take it if you feel confident in an IR background.

Learned so, so much. Lots of reading. Difficult mid-term and final but it's totally possible to get an A on both. Just do the right readings.

This has to be one of my favorites classes at UVA. Professor Quandt is extremely knowledgeable on the issue, and is interested in his students. i highly recommend going to class everyday, and at least doing half the readings. The exams are hard, but fair. Grade mostly depends on the TA--just hope that Marina Omar is not grading your exam.

Just based on a learning point of view, this class is amazing! I learned so much in this class that I felt I should have already known about the Middle East, but didn't. Quandt has a lot of background information on the US policy towards the region which is great. Grading was only a mid-term and a final which can be good or bad depending on your test-taking ability. Lots of reading, but by the 3rd week you should be able to tell what will be essential reading or non-essential based on lectures.

Quandt can be a bit dry at times, but he definitely knows his stuff. Only problem with lectures is that he tends to jump around a little bit, making him tough to follow at times. His reading assignments are absolutely excessive, but typically redundant and as long as you get the main themes it's quite easy to earn an A for this course.

Good class, though it is impossible to even think about keeping up with the reading each week. Not that difficult to pull off a good grade though, just go to lectures and do a few readings so you can reference them in the midterm and final and you will be fine.

Great class. Quandt is a great lecturer. If you have any problems with the material go to office hours and he is very helpful. Only downside is that the only grades are the midterm (40%) and the final(60%).

Well, this class is mostly a good class. I found it hard to pay attention in class and the reading was sort of overload, but Quandt really knows his stuff and you can learn a whole lote in this course if you put in the effort.

Quandt's lectures are pretty interesting and make the class worthwhile. The reading load is crazy though, but skimming every now and then will get you by. Not a fan of the grading scheme.