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This class is for independent thinkers. There isn't class participation because it's a LECTURE. The reading isn't very heavy because it's mostly excerpts from the books. Also, most things you read are important and should be read anyway. She really knows what she's talking about.

Good prof, attractive older woman.

I really liked this class. I took it my first semester of my freshman year and it was a very easy A and the readings were interesting. My GSI wasn't great, but I never missed a lecture and I enjoyed doing the work. No one liked the prof but I think she was good.

Overall I thought she was pretty smart and if you actually went to lecture and had the maturity to stay awake for an hour you will find her very helpfull

I had Professor Saxonhouse a few years ago. Grow up, you ninnies. You're at a research university with 40k+ students. If you want to be entertained, watch TV. If you want to have coffee with your faculty, go to a liberal arts college in the woods. Plug in to her expertise and show an interest or sit back and enjoy the big school experience.

Arlene gets a bad rap for being boring, but I found her delightful. If you listen close enough you will begin to catch onto her wit and humor. The GSIs graded kind of hard, especially Pat.

Her lectures were fine, and engaging as long as you had done the readings and weren't messing around on facebook. The problem for me was that the exams were hard--not that they were nitpicky--but that they gave vague quotes that were supposed to make you flow forth a very specific diatribe about a concept, problem is, the quotes didn't show that.

Saxonhouse knows her****. She's been the department head, is helpful during office hours, and is a fair grader. The pop quizzes were rough, but if you do the reading on time you're fine. I didn't do the reading on time, so I wrote an extra paper and I was STILL fine. She doesn't suffer fools, but she's truly interested in philo lit and good at it.

She knows what she's talking about and it's often a pity that there isn't more time to discuss each reading. Her lectures call for thought; they go into far more depth than simply recounting the readings. The class could be either inspirational or excruciating - it will be what you make of it. Refreshing.

People who dislike Prof. Saxonhouse or think she's a bad prof most likely just didn't understand the material. She teaches extremely difficult material, and she teaches it well. Don't take her class if you aren't interested in putting some effort into the class.

Overall I enjoyed the class b/c I had a great GSI. It was hard to stay awake in lecture even though the points she brings up are intriguing. Her voice lacks dynamic and makes the listener sleepy. Lecture is important you attend, even if you do not complete all the reading :( you can get the basic gist of what she wishes u to identify on the test

She is amazingly intelligent and is a fantastic lecturer. Her read on the material is very specific however so make sure you go to lecture and listen, not just read the material yourself. It is also very important to make sure to have the right edition of the book assigned, she relies heavily on the footnotes.

She is a wonderful professor and a very intelligent woman. I found that in lecture I wanted to type almost every word out of her mouth, she is so knowledgeable.

The material is really hard, mostly classical philosophy. But she's always willing to help during office hours. But the material is really dense, don't take this class unless you have an interest in Plato, Aristotle etc.

She expects a lot and part of that expectation is coming to class to learn the material. You either love her or you hate her. She's extremely willing to help outside of class and seems to genuinely want students to succeed. She also really cares about what she teaches.

Well the exams are hard, you absolutely must come to class (no lecture notes here) and doing the reading certainly helps. That all being said Prof. knows her stuff and if you have an interest in this material take the class. If you're looking for a blow off, this ain't it.

You NEED to come to class or else you will not do well. Form Study Groups with other students which is what we did. as long as you catch her EVERY word in lecture then you'll be fine. And she's willing to help you outside of class. its hard stuff but if you know it you'll do well.

This class is one of the best PS classes I've taken at U of M. It's not easy by any means, but Arlene is a great professor who really wants you to understand the information. The reading is not 100% necessary and sometimes it's a bit lengthy, but she goes over everything in lecture. If you study everything she says in lecture you will do well.

Go to lecture. Keep good, DETAILED notes. If you miss a class, get good notes from a friend. Read. Ask a lot of questions, and visit her in office hours (ask the right questions and she'll basically tell you what she's going to stress for the exams). Like others said, it's not a blow-off class, but almost a guaranteed A if you do the work.

The whole class was, understandably, based off reading the Federalist Papers, but we also read it in class together, which cut into time for discussing and analyzing the text. It also prevented us from being able to go over everything we read. Essay grading is a bit subjective, but she's willing to help if you go to office hours

The class involves a lot of reading and 3 essays, but that was it. Attendance is mandatory, and you must participate and pay attention constantly in class. Arlene really knows the subject well; however, at times she can be a little picky. This was a class where I worked hard (but not too hard), enjoyed it, and learned a lot, definitely recommend.

This class is for grownups. No give aways, it pushes you to learn. 4 hours reading a week and can't miss class. Do yourself a favor- sit in the front, she speaks softly. That said, it was the most rewarding class I've ever taken. Material is brilliant, lectures were full of thoughtful analysis. Included some time for class discussion, questions.

This class was a delight. The material is incredibly interesting on its own but professor Saxonhouse successfully transcended the readings by linking them all together in a way that made perfect sense. Her lectures were as helpful as it can get. If you show up regularly and do the readings to a certain extent then this class is an easy A.

Reading is crucial. Specific references to the text will improve your exam scores. Take this course only if you are interested in the history of political thought and are willing to do a large amount of reading.

Though the readings are long, she goes into them in great detail. As long as you take good notes and make sure to reassert the points she has made in class you will get a good grade. Participation is encouraged, but not mandatory. Came into the class with little knowledge of ancient theory, would only suggest interested in ancient thought though.

Saxonhouse is a kind and knowledgeable professor, very helpful during office hours. If you are interested in ancient thought, this is a great class for you. Exams are long and related to readings. Readings are heavy. You have to take good notes during class. Would recommend taking a class with her

Ignore the bad ratings about her. She is a great professor, and if you are interested in Ancient Political Thought, I'd highly recommend her class. She provides a good survey of classical political thought and does a good job at relaying thematic development through the semester.

Professor Saxonhouse is finest professors that I've had the privilege of learning under. If you're interested in political theory and you attend the University of Michigan, you would be doing yourself a disservice not to take her class. She's erudite and witty; she also puts together a diverse reading list for the course. Attend class and read!

Professor Saxonhouse is great. She is understanding and supportive of all students Her courses are not easy, but if you put in the effort, then you will get the grade you truly want. Regardless of which course, make sure that you attend lecture. She makes everything crystal clear and straightforward. Students who don't do well likely skip lecture.