4.8

Andrew Lotz

Political Science - University of Pittsburgh

4.8
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
95%
Would Retake
89
Reviews
4.8
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
4.8
Helpful
4.8
Clarity

95%

Would Retake

89

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

83

4

3

3

2

2

1

1

0

What Students Say

Andrew Lotz is a great Professor

PS1614 - 5.0 rating

Lotz is by far one of my favorite teachers at Pitt

PS1614 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

68%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 38 grades
Most common grades:
A (26)
A- (5)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(30)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(1)A-/B+(6)
Based on 42 reported grades
A: 26
A-: 5
Not sure yet: 4
A+: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (15)
Gives good feedback (15)
Respected (14)
Caring (12)
Amazing lectures (11)
Inspirational (8)
Hilarious (6)
Amazing lectures (6)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.11 avg change
Apr
Aug
Dec
Jan
Apr
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HIST101

5.0

(1)

PS1602

5.0

(2)

PS600

5.0

(2)

PS0300

5.0

(1)

PS1603

5.0

(5)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PS0300

4.0

PS1622

3.8

PS1661

3.1

PS1602

3.0

PS1626

3.0

Reviews (89)
5.0
1.0
HIST101
Oct 11, 2007

No Comments

5.0
3.0
PS1602
Jan 16, 2009

Mr. Lotz is a wonderful teacher. I have no interest in philosophy, but I really looked forward to our class dicussions. Lotz is great at directing conversation and keeping thing interesting. He does require a good amount of writing, but he grades very fairly.

5.0
2.0
PS0600
Mar 29, 2010

Great instructor! Funny, engaging, and open to other arguments. His class, Political Theory, requires a TON of reading, but it's not too bad.

4.0
2.0
PS0600
Mar 30, 2010

He is a wonderful professor and a great person. Really fun and interesting class conversation, and fair in grading. I really was dreading my philosphy gen ed, but he made it enjoyable! Definitely recommend him!

5.0
1.0
PS600
Apr 2, 2010

Very good prof. Had/has some health issues that make him hard to catch in office hours but one of the best professors Ive had. If you see alot of red ink on your papers dont freak out. He provides a ton of feedback

5.0
3.0
PS0600
Apr 23, 2010

Andrew Lotz is one of the best professors I have had since I came to Pitt. He was well-informed of the material, captured the interest of students, and made the class enjoyable. He was so nice, so even though there is a lot of reading and writing, you find yourself completing the work with no problem. Andrew Lotz is the man!

5.0
3.0
PS600
May 9, 2010

Lotz really is great at what he does. Class is really interesting. There is a crapload of required writing, but he grades fairly. The final paper is 10+ pages long though.

5.0
4.0
PS0300
May 23, 2010

Lotz is one of the best professors at pitt. He is extremely knowledgable and truly cares about the students. It's a lot of reading and writing, but well worth the work.

5.0
3.0
PS0600
Jun 9, 2010

A very helpful, highly knowledgeable professor who demands a firm reading of the texts. Though the reading is plenty, Lotz is without a doubt one of the most interesting and respectable Political Sciences teachers the school has to offer.

5.0
1.0
PS1603
Nov 12, 2010

Andrew is the BEST

5.0
1.0
PS1603
Nov 12, 2010

Andrew is the BEST professor at Pitt. I have taken 3 classes with him so far and signed up for 2 more in the spring. His lectures cover the reading, so you can get away with not reading. The papers are easy - he lets you write whatever you want, as long as you back up your argument. He's helpful, friendly and nice. Oh and he's a Viking. Seriously.

5.0
2.0
PS1603
Nov 28, 2010

He is a great professor. He keeps class interesting and upbeat. I have never attended a boring lecture. He favors class participation. Its easy to pass his class as long as you do minimal reading and attend lecture, otherwise just read what is assigned.

5.0
2.0
PS0600
Dec 24, 2010

Awesome professor and keeps lecture as interesting as possible. If you don't mind reading a few books and writing some short papers, this class is a breeze. Not too hard to pull off an A if you pay attention and you will definitely learn a lot!

5.0
3.0
PS1626
Mar 17, 2011

Without a doubt the greatest teacher I've had, counting grade school as well. I originally took Political Theory simply to fill an elective. He made it my most enjoyable class. Definitely worth taking any of his courses!

5.0
1.0
PS0600
Apr 1, 2011

Very entertaining, fun young teacher. Notably interested in the subject matter, which makes his class interesting. Makes great effort to engage class and make each class a worthwhile experience. Good bit of reading. If you do it you'll do fine in the course. Basically have to make the decision: "do I want a great class even if it takes some time?"

5.0
3.0
PS0600
Apr 8, 2011

Extremely helpful, knowledgeable professor - one of the best I've had at Pitt. Definitely recommend. Be prepared to do a lot of reading, and react to what you read in short paper assignments. If you put in the time, you'll get an A and learn tons.

5.0
3.0
PS700
May 18, 2011

Amazing professor! Highly, highly recommend! Down to earth, funny guy who really creates a great lecture environment. Assignments are easy, you just have to do the work and put some effort into them. Best teacher ever :-)

5.0
1.0
PS0600
May 30, 2011

Best professor at Pitt! Very helpful and made class interesting and entertaining. Favorite class and always looked forward to hearing what Andrew had to say.

5.0
1.0
PS0600
Jul 1, 2011

Best teacher i've ever had in college in Political Theory. Grades paper fairly, participation is fun. Overall, makes the class interesting and funny. Also grades fairy on papers.

5.0
2.0
PS0600
Oct 29, 2011

Extremely fun professor. He actually makes it so people don't want to leave his class. He can make even the most boring topic seem like the most interesting topic in the world. I would recommend him for PS majors and non-majors.

5.0
3.0
PS1603
Nov 11, 2011

Professor Lotz is hands down the most engaging teacher I have had at Pitt. I am not a Poli Sci major, but he made all of the concepts relatable and interesting. He assigns a fair amount of reading and expects students to work, but is a fair grader and extremely approachable if you have a question. Cannot recommend enough!

5.0
3.0
PS0600
Nov 16, 2011

Andrew is the man. His lectures are extremely clear, he uses excellent examples, and overall, the dude is just hilarious. 5-7 2 page reaction papers plus a 12 page final. Highly recommend.

5.0
3.0
PS0600
Nov 29, 2011

He is a great professor. He made the most out of a boring subject and class was engaging. His class too a lot of work , but wasn't overall impossible. Very clear, and helpful. Definitely recommend.

5.0
3.0
PS0600
Nov 30, 2011

Engaging, friendly, hilarious. He makes a real effort to get to know his students. After a while, he no longer called our names when he took attendance, he just looked around the room (it was a 50 student class!) If you like discussion and developing opinions, you'll love this class, the grade is totally writing based. Not too hard though.

5.0
1.0
PS0600
Dec 21, 2011

Easiest class ever, i didnt read a single book and still got an A. The class is all papers with a few pop quizzes. Andrew is a very good lecturer and makes class extremely interesting and fun

5.0
2.0
PS300
Jan 10, 2012

Andrew is the best professor I've had at Pitt, and probably the best teacher I've ever had!

5.0
1.0
PS1614
Mar 27, 2012

The class was very entertaining. Andrew is a committed, helpful, intelligent professor. I was very disappointed that after he agreed to write my LOR for law school I never heard from him again and he never completed the recommendation. I had the utmost respect for Andrew and his class, but now I am saddened by his lack of responsibility.

5.0
3.0
PS0600
Oct 31, 2012

Dr. Lotz is just about the best Prof. I have had in my college experience. He is very passionate about what he teaches and is very good at teaching it. He was also my internship adviser and helped me quite a bit in fleshing out a paper idea. He is also hilarious and a great guy to talk to.

5.0
3.0
PS1614
Feb 14, 2013

Andrew Lotz is a great Professor. He is an expert in justice theory and is very good at constructing examples and thought experiments to help the class understand the arguments made in the text. There is a lofty reading list, but all of the books are amazing, and you will learn substantially more if you do the readings.

5.0
3.0
PS0600
Apr 22, 2013

He is an amazing professor, he knows what he is teaching and really loves it which makes it fun even though it makes you think about what your reading. You learn a lot and enjoy it and he really cares about the students and the class he's teaching. I adored going to class to listen to him lecture.

5.0
2.0
PS16811614600
May 7, 2013

Andrew is the best professor or advisor you could ever ask for. I've had him for PS 0600, 1614, and 1681 and as an advisor for 2 years. Andrew wrote me the best letters of recommendation I have ever received. If you ever need to talk or need some help Andrew is always there to help you out. Andrew's classes are uber informative and they go by fast.

5.0
2.0
PS0600
Jul 12, 2013

One of the best professors I ever had. Very passionate about the subject but understands not all of his students have a huge interest in it. Very fair grading and tries to give partial credit. Final was take home but very long. 3 2-page papers and midterm as well. Recitation mandatory. Class and office hours are extremely helpful.

5.0
3.0
POLTHEORY
Oct 12, 2013

Andrew is the bees knees. He is very enthusiastic and clearly enjoys teaching. He is very helpful during office hours and is always willing to look over your papers. Very entertaining and hilarious, definitely take him. Sometimes I laughed until I cried. Best professor EVER.

5.0
4.0
PS1603
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2014

Andrew is the BEST- great personality, hilarious, extremely knowledgeable, very willing to help, amazing professor. Took for phil gen ed. One of the toughest classes I've ever taken, but by far one of the best. Always looked forward to going to lecture. If you want an interesting and engaging class taught by one of Pitt's finest, take ANDREW!

5.0
2.0
0600
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 2, 2015

Andrew is so cool! He does a great job of making difficult concepts interesting and understandable. Just an all-around awesome human. I fully plan on taking another class with him next year.

5.0
1.0
PS0600
Grade: A-
Mar 22, 2015

This class is based on a couple essays and a couple tests. There are very specific guidelines for the essays and if you follow them you can easily get an A. His lectures are incredible and it's hard not to pay attention. Tests are kind of tough, but if you go to class and study, you should be fine. READ THE BOOKS.

5.0
2.0
PS0600
Grade: A+
Apr 4, 2015

Dr. Lotz was a good professor. He seems like a very nice and genuine guy. He is really good at explaining complex material while injecting humor into his lectures. He also has very good TAs who are very willing to help. I would highly recommend Dr. Lotz

5.0
2.0
PS0600
Grade: A-
Apr 14, 2015

The best

5.0
2.0
PS0600
Grade: A
Apr 16, 2015

Political Theory lecture and recitation were the highlights of my week. Andrew's lectures are memorable and entertaining. He uses excellent examples so you can remember difficult concepts. There is some tedious reading, but you will get a lot more out of the class if you do read. I thoroughly enjoyed this class.

5.0
2.0
PS0600
Apr 23, 2015

Very, very, very nice guy who is always willing to help. He is funny, always has a smile on his face, is very interactive with students, even in a huge lecture hall. Expect to read a few book or essays over the semester though. Not a lot of homework. Would definitely take again.

4.0
3.0
PS0600
Grade: A
May 12, 2015

One of the best professors at Pitt. Took him for both Intro Political Theory and the First Experiences in Research seminar. As long as you skim the books, do the work, and study a couple of hours for the midterm and final, you will be fine. Tried to get into his class for next semester but even the waitlist was full. He's the bomb diggity.

5.0
4.0
PS1614
Grade: A+
Sep 8, 2015

Dr. Lotz is by far one of my favorite teachers at Pitt. He took a philosophy gen ed that could've been horrible for me and made it interesting and enjoyable. He is clear about what his expectations are and goes above and beyond to help students. I met with him countless times throughout the semester for help and he was always super helpful.

5.0
4.0
PS1622
Oct 16, 2015

Andrew is the best. He's a great teacher and is always willing to help with anything, plus he tells great stories and he's genuinely hilarious. I withdrew (reluctantly) from class because it was an upper level phil class and I was a freshman, the work was tough and over my head, but I'm planning on retaking the class when I have a better foundation

5.0
3.0
PS1622
Grade: A
Nov 10, 2015

I took a Feminist Theory class with Andrew my first semester at Pitt. He did a great job with a difficult topic, and I found the class discussions not only thought-provoking, but interesting enough to keep me focused. He was very helpful and always made time to give excellent advice to students who wanted to talk about the class or assignments.

5.0
3.0
PS1622
Nov 22, 2015

Definitely my favorite professor at Pitt. Dr Lotz makes subjects that would ordinarily be dry incredibly interesting, and he breaks down concepts in a way that everyone can understand. A really great guy and he really knows his stuff. I go out of my way to take his classes, he's that good.

5.0
3.0
PS1661
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2015

Lotz is a very entertaining lecturer and makes class interesting. I was never bored and paying attention was easy. Class discussion is extremely important. There is A LOT of reading so it is a very time consuming class. Overall, he is extremely helpful and gives pretty good feedback. I would recommend to anyone willing to go to class and work hard.

5.0
3.0
PS1661
Grade: A
Dec 27, 2015

Andrew is AMAZING. lectures are super engaging and thought provoking and he's very approachable and friendly. Lots of reading for his class but the class discussions are fascinating. Maybe not the clearest on paper assignments but if you talk to him he's more than willing to help. One of the best profs I've ever had.

5.0
4.0
PS1614
Grade: A-
Jun 24, 2016
Would take again

Professor Lotz is easily the best lecturer I've taken at Pitt. There's never a dull moment in his classes! Most of his courses are based on essays rather than tests. He assigns A LOT of readings, but you don't have to read every single page to get by.

5.0
4.0
PS0600
Jun 29, 2016
Would take again

Professor Lotz exemplifies what a professor is supposed to be; he's the best professor I've had so far at Pitt. I highly recommend taking him. Unlike other classes where it's just know the material and pass, Andrew's class really makes you think and apply your skills in order to convey that you know the material.. The class is hard but so worth it

5.0
3.0
PS1661
Grade: A
Jan 3, 2017
Would take again

Andrew is simply the best. His lectures are incredible. He runs an effective discussion in a class of 40 people. That alone is astounding. He's very funny, nerdy, but such a nice guy. He keeps it brief in office hours because he's busy but he's still accessible. Several short papers, drops the lowest grade. One final paper (12-20 pgs). Great prof

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
PS1604
Grade: A
Mar 31, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is a really busy guy, but he always makes time for his students, and this level of caring shines through in his courses. He makes learning engaging and fun, and puts genuine effort into his course construction.

Gives good feedback
Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
4.0
PS0600
Grade: B+
Jun 10, 2017
Would take again

Andrew is a great prof, strongly recommended. He breaks down complex philosophical concepts into easy to understand analogies. Get ready for lots of reading!

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
PS1661
Dec 11, 2017
Would take again

Andrew is awesome. Lectures are interesting and engaging and he's really funny. Really passionate about what he teaches! Lots of homework but I ended up skimming through and got through it. Mainly papers and he grades them hard but if you try hard, you'll get an A. Feedback is really helpful. 10/10

Gives good feedback
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
PS1661
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2017
Would take again

Lectures were absolutely fantastic and I always looked forward to going/hearing what he had to teach. You really have to do the reading (which is a significant amount) so that you can take part in class discussion to get the most out of class. He's very busy yet always willing to help talk about papers or the readings. The best professor at Pitt!

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
PS0600
Jan 5, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is great at paper feedback, and most of the time there will be something insightful said during his lectures. He gets the class to participate in fun ways that remind me of pre-college, which I like. He's a tough paper grader but only 3/6 of your papers (and the final) are graded so you have opportunities to get it right.

Respected
Get ready to read
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
5.0
3.0
PS0600
Grade: A
Jan 27, 2018
Would take again

His lectures are THE BEST. Never thought I would enjoy a philosophy class like I did. I would LOOK FORWARD to lecture every day. Absolutely unbelievable how he does it. Could not recommend higher, probably the best professor I've ever had.

Respected
SO MANY PAPERS
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
PS1604
Dec 19, 2018
Would take again

Good professor and advisor. Think he had some stuff going on in his personal life but the class was organized a little oddly-a little too much fluff material and readings in lectures. Final project was more graduate-student level work, but he definitely knows his stuff.

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
PS1604
Dec 19, 2018
Would take again

Andrew is super good lecturer. The hour and a half was always over before I knew it. The course needs to be rearranged a bit, but he said he plans to change it around. I really loved our last project. It was long and a bit daunting but I felt like I learned a lot about research in PS and the topic I picked. One of my favorite classes I've ever took

Gives good feedback
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
PS1614
Grade: A
Dec 23, 2018
Would take again

He's awesome and woke, you should definitely take him if you are a poli sci major

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
3.0
PS1661
Apr 24, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is one of those professors everyone should try to take during their time at Pitt, especially if you're Poli Sci, etc. His Game of Thrones class includes lots of other political theory, so be warned if you're coming from another major. But if you stick with it, you'll realize he's truly an incredible lecturer.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
PS1661
Grade: A
May 1, 2019
Would take again

One of the best teachers I've ever had. Game of Thrones Political Theory was a super insightful class, and although you do end up reading a lot of advanced political theory, you only have to write essays on 3 of the readings + the final research paper. Once u figure out the writing style he wants, you can def get an A. Amazing lecturer, very woke

Gives good feedback
Respected
Amazing lectures
2.0
5.0
PS1622
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Lotz is a very knowledgeable professor, but is extremely condescending. I felt very uncomfortable going to him for help, and usually left class feeling unvalued. Good class, not the nicest guy.

5.0
1.0
FP0001
Jan 6, 2020
Would take again

I took this freshman class with Andrew, he was especially caring and made sure that everybody felt comfortable. The only real assignment is a group project to explore a new neighborhood and present it to the rest of the class about it. Attendance is the majority of your grade accompanied by the project. Class is pass/fail.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
3.0
PS0600
Grade: A+
Jan 30, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is amazing. I genuinely think he is the best professor I've ever had. Not only is he very considerate and caring-he also clearly tries to teach us more than just what's on the syllabus. He guides us towards making mature and forward-thinking choices and encourages us to step outside of ourselves in our daily lives and in lecture. 10/10

Respected
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
4.0
PS0600
Mar 31, 2020
Would take again

I recommend this class to everyone, even though it can be difficult. The grading criteria for the papers is hard to figure out but Dr. Lotz is 100% there to help you! The course content is interesting and his lectures are amazing. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Lotz; he truly cares about his students and is an inspiration for other profs

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
3.0
PS0600
Apr 9, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is the best. There are five short papers but he drops the worst 2. Some pop quizzes but they're just to test if you read or not. He is extremely funny and understanding of circumstances. He makes boring material super fun and interesting. He always pushes students to think deeper about how concepts apply to real life

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
4.0
PS0600
Grade: A-
Apr 17, 2020
Would take again

This class is graded on three short papers and one final paper. You read like seven books during the semester and then pick three to write the papers on. It's not that bad, but does require some philosophical thinking, which isn't easy for everyone. The final paper requires you to have read every book so you can compare them all. The TAs are nice.

Respected
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
PS1681
Apr 22, 2020
Would take again

As a graduating senior, I can honestly say that Professor Lotz is the best professor I've had at Pitt. He is the most caring, passionate, and driven professor. I've taken three of his classes and each one is wonderful. He expects a lot out of his students, which is fair considering the caliber of his teaching.

Respected
Get ready to read
Caring
5.0
3.0
PS0600
Grade: A
May 5, 2020
Would take again

I don't even like political theory, but Dr. Lotz's lectures made it so interesting and engaging. He's funny and enthusiastic, and flexible about giving extensions. There's a lot of texts, but some can be found online and others are really cheap. Lots of papers, but he only grades your best 3 and the final. Would recommend for majors and non-majors.

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
PS0835
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 22, 2021
Would take again

This class was easily the best class I've taken thus far. Dr. Lotz somehow found a way to make a seminar style course engaging over zoom, no easy feat. He was incredibly supportive throughout the entire semester both in terms of the course content and projects, and any other problems we may be having. Take Dr. Lotz!!!!

Participation matters
Graded by few things
Caring
5.0
2.0
PS0835
Grade: A
Apr 22, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Lotz's Honors Hamilton was a great course; it was primarily composed of discussions about the political history, performative, and musical aspects of the show "Hamilton." He fostered engaging conversations and was very supportive with our final creative project (our only graded assignment the whole semester). Encouraging and lively professor!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Caring
5.0
2.0
PS0835
Grade: Not sure yet
May 4, 2021
Would take again

I've taken two of Andrew's brilliant courses, and I cannot speak more highly of him. Even if you aren't a PS or History major, he is SO engaging and exudes passion of the subject that is contagious - you'll find yourself eagerly and willingly taking part and seriously growing as a student and general human in the world. Honestly my favorite prof.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
PS1691
Grade: A
May 6, 2021
Would take again

This is the second class I've taken with Dr. Lotz, and it has cemented him as one of my favorite lecturers in the Political Science department. Beware of the rigorous content analysis assignment which the course culminates in, but don't be afraid to ask Andrew for guidance. He's as kind, understanding, and reasonable as any professor at Pitt.

Respected
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
PS1614
Grade: A+
Mar 13, 2022
Would take again

The people are right. Caring, knowledgeable, interesting... if you like political theory, you'll like Dr. Lotz. Readings are long and dense (such is the nature of the subject) but lectures help a lot. Follow the rubrics on essays, ask for help, participate in class, you'll be good!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
5.0
4.0
PS0600
Grade: A-
Mar 23, 2022
Would take again

Professor Lotz is hands down the BEST professor at Pitt. Everyone, no matter what their major, should 100% take him at least once. He is a kind professor who cares about his students. His classes are challenging but genuinely interesting. You will leave this course feeling like you truly expanded your knowledge. Highly recommend to everyone.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Respected
5.0
3.0
PS1691
Grade: A
May 4, 2022
Would take again

If you have the option to take any class with Dr. Lotz, do it. He is just the best; he is so knowledgeable and kind, makes content super engaging, creates such a warm class environment, and really makes you think. Can't recommend him enough.

5.0
2.0
PS1691
Grade: A
May 5, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is amazing!! He gives clear feedback on papers, but many times the information you receive during class ensures your success in writing assignments. He gives incredibly engaging lectures and encourages participation in class. Also generally a very kind person.

Participation matters
Hilarious
Respected
5.0
3.0
PS1602
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2022
Would take again

Andrew is the best professor I have had at Pitt. He genuinely cares about the subject matter and makes every student feel like their opinion/voice matters. As long as you completed the short readings, the class was easy to participate in and the assignments were fun and not too lengthy. We wrote about 4 papers that averaged about 2 pages.

Participation matters
Gives good feedback
Caring
5.0
3.0
PS1691
Grade: A
Apr 5, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is one of my favorite professors I've ever head and easily the best in the Political Science department. His lectures are fascinating-- they actually made me want to pay attention instead of sitting and playing 2048 for 75 minutes. I was nervous for this class because he made it sound scary, but it's been SO fantastic and very doable!! :)

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
PS0600
Grade: B
Aug 15, 2024
Would take again

Lotz was an incredible guy, really opened my mind up to all things philosophy and I only took this as a gen ed. Since I was taking this in the summer, it was extremely accelerated and difficult trying to keep up with the assigned reading, but his lectures absolutely made up for it. One of the first times I actually looked forward to going to class.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
So many papers
5.0
1.0
0600
Grade: F
Dec 14, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is an incredible professor who shows unmatched passion for his job and always brings energy to lecture, even for an entry level course like this. As someone who is not a polysci major, he made me care about the lectures. Truly an inspirational guy.

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Caring
5.0
3.0
POLTHEORY
Dec 16, 2024
Would take again

Prof Lotz is one of the kindest professors here at Pitt, and his class really expanded my knowledge to the real world. The readings are very philosophical so they can be confusing but overall he explains things easily. It's 6 readings and you only have to write for 3 of them but I would do them all for the highest to be graded! Take him!!!

Gives good feedback
Caring
Accessible outside class
3.0
4.0
PS0600
Grade: A
Dec 23, 2024

Andrew is super nice and a good professor but this was a HORRIBLE gen ed. It's really hard to understand the readings and there were 6 books to read throughout the sem. If you're not a poli sci major I do not recommend taking the course. Andrew is super dedicated to his students and cares a lot about you but too hard to take for a gen ed.

Tough grader
So many papers
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
PS0600
Grade: A
Dec 25, 2024
Would take again

Andrew was wonderful! Most of the grade is based on participation, a final, and the three best papers submitted, but we read many books and have plenty of opportunities to rewrite essays for better grades. Andrew's classes were fascinating and incredibly insightful. Do recommend!

Get ready to read
Inspirational
So many papers
4.0
2.0
PS0600
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2025
Would take again

Great lecturer who can explain complicated topics well. Nice person who seems to care a lot for his students. Recitation attendance is required, and the final grade is based on 3 short essays, a few simple content quizzes, and a final exam (which he made into a take-home exam for the semester instead). Lots of reading (6 books).

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Respected
5.0
2.0
PS0600
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2025
Would take again

I loved having Andrew for class! Even as someone who isn't interested in political theory, he kept me engaged and made passing this class easier. There are a lot of readings, and the class is paper heavy, but they are graded more than fairly and feedback was given. If you read the books, or at least understand what they are about, you will do fine.

Gives good feedback
So many papers
Caring
5.0
4.0
PS0600
Grade: A
Apr 2, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is really, really wonderful both as a human being and a professor. I personally thought his lectures were dumbed down a bit, but it was an intro class and I've heard he provides more nuance in upper-level classes. I hope I have the pleasure of taking class with him again. It's very rare for me to like a professor as much as I like him.

Amazing lectures
Respected
5.0
3.0
PS1662
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Lotz is a great professor and an even better human being. The class was genuinely interesting, engaging with a wide variety of political theory and sci-fi. He truly values education and making students comfortable, asking for opinions and ways he can restructure assignments to better suit their needs. Take a Lotz class, you won't regret it.

Get ready to read
Caring
5.0
4.0
PS1691
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2025
Would take again

Such a sweet guy who cares a lot about his students and the subject he teaches. Class was so engaging, lots of reading and a few papers which were definitely manageable. Always looked forward to in-class discussions and hearing everyone's perspectives

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

68%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 38 grades
Most common grades:
A (26)
A- (5)
Not sure yet (4)
Grade Distribution
A(30)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(1)A-/B+(6)
Based on 42 reported grades
A: 26
A-: 5
Not sure yet: 4
A+: 4
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