Professors

[Daggerman]

<p>I’ve read/heard alot of praise of UChicago’s professors in the past, especially with regard to their accessibility to undergrads, and while sifting through their course catalog for political science (what I intend on majoring in), I saw that John Mearsheimer teaches Realism courses there. Has anyone had him as a professor, and if so, how is he?</p>

[unalove]

<p>A friend of mine has had him and says he’s wonderful.</p>

<p>He’s quite (in)famous fo r a book he co-wrote that is critical of the relationship between U.S. and Israel. ([The</a> Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Israel_Lobby_and_U.S._Foreign_Policy]The”>The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy - Wikipedia)) I don’t know if that’s how you’re familiar with him.</p>

<p>Although the book is quite controversial on a few fronts (plus it says things that people don’t want to hear), he’s quite passionate and considerate about his work (so says my friend) and considerate of dissenters.</p>

<p>You may find this article interesting, too:</p>

<p>[Chicago</a> Maroon | Mearsheimer addresses CFI](<a href=“http://www.chicagomaroon.com/online_edition/article/9923]Chicago”>Article displays poor reporting – Chicago Maroon)</p>

[unalove]

<p>I looked up course evaluations for his realism seminar (this feature is only open to those with UChicago accounts). Here’s what I found from different former students:</p>

<p>

Prof. Mearsheimer was an excellent lecturer and very good at facilitation class discussion.

</p>

<p>

Strengths: very knowledgeable, insightful and involved Weaknesses: dismissive of arguments that run contrary to his ideas

</p>

<p>

How has this course contributed to your education?</p>

<p>It has made me more insightful, better able to argue and to answer questions on the go.

</p>

<p>

What were the instructor’s strengths?</p>

<p>Strong at everything, one of the best prof at this university</p>

<p>Funny, argumentative and challenging</p>

<p>Smart(2), explained everything clearly(4), was very compelling to listen to, AMAZING</p>

<p>Makes the course interesting and challenging without making it boring</p>

<p>Ideal professor. Engaging (4), knowledgeable(4) and conveys that knowledge very well</p>

<p>A brilliant teacher(2)</p>

<p>Great sense of humor</p>

<p>Awesome, incredible</p>

<p>Has a very nice voice</p>

<p>Class was always interesting</p>

<p>Thought-provoking, clearly a master of the material. Definitely believes in the Socratic method.</p>

<p>Passionate</p>

<p>Love teaching</p>

<p>Incredible discussion prowess, incredible knowledge</p>

<p>Great at presenting and critiquing some arguments of texts</p>

<p>Good questions for discussion</p>

<p>Great (2)</p>

<p>Great lectures</p>

<p>Extremely intelligent and knowledgeable about international relations. He is eager to teach students and presents clear lectures</p>

<p>He broke down the logic of books clearly and precisely relating why they mattered</p>

<p>Held my attention of the whole time. Absorbing speaker

</p>

<p>

Instructor’s weaknesses?</p>

<p>No real weaknesses</p>

<p>A bit dogmatic though</p>

<p>Sometimes I felt that he would give a fair share to ideas that were not his own.</p>

<p>Intimidating (4)</p>

<p>Doesn’t like ideas to be challenged.</p>

<p>Rigid</p>

<p>Puts students on spot with questions, a bit nerve racking

</p>

[unalove]

<p>And a little bit more…</p>

<p>

How has this course contributed to your education?</p>

<p>A lot</p>

<p>I am now more educated</p>

<p>Helpful in knowledge of IR, realism, current issues, gave me a more analytical mindset</p>

<p>A new method of thought about politics, world events, current affairs</p>

<p>Given me an opportunity to spend 3 straight hours a week with a great teacher</p>

<p>Better understanding of international studies</p>

<p>I know about IR theory now</p>

<p>Taught me to think about a book’s logical argument and break it down to see if it works</p>

<p>Made me better at arguing poli sci</p>

<p>Learned major realist theories and the antirealist responses</p>

<p>Much exposed to new ideas and theories</p>

<p>I learned a lot about IR theory and met a great professor</p>

<p>It was a great class, important for everyone interested in IR/politcs</p>

<p>This was my last class at the U of C, nice way to finish</p>

<p>This has been one of the best courses that I have taken here, and I feel that it has prepared me well for when I eventually go to graduate school</p>

<p>Helped me prepare for grad school</p>

<p>It has given me a vast depth of knowledge</p>

<p>Immensely</p>

<p>Makes me look at arguments more critically</p>

<p>Taught me to argue and think more critically, plus all of the theoretical stuff

</p>