4.0

Christopher Anderson

Political Science - Wilfrid Laurier University - Waterloo

4.0
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
78%
Would Retake
87
Reviews
4.0
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
3.9
Clarity

78%

Would Retake

87

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

42

4

27

3

5

2

10

1

3

What Students Say

I advise you to avoid this prof, and ignore his good reviews

PO263 - 2.0 rating

i dont even know what to write except avoid this dude, HARDEST marker ever

PO263 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 32 grades
Most common grades:
B+ (13)
A- (9)
A (5)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(1)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(22)
Based on 37 reported grades
B+: 13
A-: 9
A: 5
Not sure yet: 2
Common Tags
Tough grader (12)
Gives good feedback (11)
Get ready to read (10)
Caring (9)
Participation matters (8)
Respected (7)
Test heavy (4)
So many papers (4)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.09 avg change
Jul
Dec
Jan
Apr
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

POL101

5.0

(1)

POLI110

5.0

(1)

POL110

5.0

(1)

PO1

5.0

(1)

AA

5.0

(1)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PO347

4.5

POL101

4.0

PO310

4.0

IP300

4.0

PO101

3.3

Reviews (87)
2.0
3.0
PO110
Nov 7, 2006

nice guy but horrible prof! i love politics but hate his class!

4.0
2.0
PO110
Nov 24, 2006

He's funny and smart. Talks to fast, but he knows he's stuff and the mid-term and assignments are easy.

1.0
4.0
PO110
Nov 30, 2006

hate the class and him!! soo boring and dry...tries too hard to be funny....does not motivate the class at all....half of the class never shows up...he makes me loathe politics!!

1.0
3.0
PO110
Dec 15, 2006

As a political science major, I deeply enjoy politics. However, Anderson does a good job in making me want to drop out of my program. He is dry, boring, and uses the wrong vocabulary. For instance his constant use of the word anarchy as a reference to chaos is completely uncalled for and very unprofessionnal coming from a Political Science Prof.

2.0
4.0
PO264
Mar 7, 2007

Honestly, Canadian politics is actually really interesting - just not the way CGA teaches it (i.e. page after page of polling data, and stupid, paraphrase-this-useless-Senate-report-style assignments). He's obsessed with mundane trivia, and is the most boring lecturer I've ever had (3rd year). Do not take classes with this man. Ever.

5.0
1.0
PO264
Mar 18, 2007

He was a great prof. Interesting and very easy. I think everyone who has taked PO110 can agree that the people before me rated him bad because that is simply a bad course. I had him for PO264 and would forsure take his class again.

2.0
2.0
PO110
Mar 30, 2007

Really dry

5.0
4.0
POL101
Jun 11, 2007

He keeps you working, which is why some people don't like his style. Lectures have good flow and overall 101 is well put together given its a kind of survey course. looking forward to taking 264!

4.0
3.0
PO110
Dec 11, 2007

honestly a good guy, but the monotone voice and the lame jokes completly lost it for me. I thought politics was interesting until now. if u do go bring a laptop.

5.0
4.0
PO110
May 2, 2008

The best prof I have had thus far! Passionate about his work, extremely helpful, related all his material back to the real world and extremely clear when he spoke! He is your definition of a great prof! Highly recommended!

3.0
4.0
PO110
Jul 12, 2008

gret guy really interesting but bori ng class

5.0
3.0
POLI110
Aug 10, 2008

I thought that this course was one of my favourite in first year! The lecture style was clear and engaging.

5.0
2.0
PO110
Oct 17, 2008

I LOVE Anderson. Political science isn't the most thrilling thing at times, but he is such a nice and helpful guy!

5.0
4.0
PO101
Dec 16, 2008

I loved him, he's hot. And a pretty good prof too.

4.0
4.0
PO110
Jan 30, 2009

I enjoy his personality - he makes political science slightly more interesting. The lectures compliment the coursepack he uses - so it is important you open it from time to time. The assignments were kind of difficult. He was helpful though and updated WebCT often. He reminded me of Stephen Colbert - minus the Republican facade. Enjoy his class.

4.0
3.0
PO110
Mar 3, 2009

DR.Anderson is very knowlegable in his field and is able to pass this knowledge on to his students.

4.0
4.0
PO310
Jun 15, 2009

The work is a little tedious at times but overall CGA is an interesting and helpful prof, despite loads of comments he's definitely a fair marker

4.0
3.0
PO110
Dec 22, 2009

professor Anderson, i thought was a good prof. although sometimes his lectures were a little boring, hes very fair with the final as long as you go to class your fine.

4.0
3.0
PO110
Mar 18, 2010

An alright teacher compared to some I have suffered through.

5.0
3.0
POL110
Apr 12, 2010

I love this prof he is really smart and really helpful he loves to teach and it shows in his lectures and how engaging they are

5.0
1.0
PO264
Apr 14, 2010

I admit the lectures tend to drag on a bit but he's knowledgable and easy to talk to after classes.

5.0
4.0
PO264
Jun 26, 2010

Longwinded, but I have respect for CGA. He has to deal with fairly dry material and tries to integrate real-time media into his lectures. I would appreciate more condensed (i.e. less time spent on general information) and quicker lectures; it would add to the quality of the course. Get to know this him b/c he will help you if you really need it

4.0
3.0
PO110
Jul 20, 2010

Pretty cool dude despite being boring as a mafcka. Helpful and fair too. All good

4.0
3.0
PO110
Jul 24, 2010

A very decent prof. There was a ton of information to go over and he did a fabulous job of keeping it engaging.

4.0
2.0
PO110
Dec 30, 2010

Great Prof! He is actually really nice and tries to relate to his students. Fairly easy material to understand.

5.0
3.0
PO1
Feb 8, 2011

Wonderful teacher! Great use of vocabulary, and just a really nice guy. Easy to talk to after class, and best of all very humorous.

5.0
2.0
PO111
Mar 29, 2011

CGA is such a great professor! He's very helpful and overall makes class more fun to attend.

5.0
2.0
AA
Apr 6, 2011

Loved Anderson, excellent prof!

5.0
2.0
PO111
Apr 15, 2011

Had CGA for po110/111. Great prof, loved his teaching style and he's very helpful. Can't wait to take more of his classes!

5.0
5.0
PO110
Jul 16, 2011

Had him for both 110 & 111. pluses: tries to keep lectures interesting & is very helpful. minuses: rambles a lot and is a harder marker. also writes killer exams but if you attend every class (yes there are pop quiz assignments!) and know your stuff you will get a decent-ish mark.

4.0
2.0
PO110
Jul 19, 2011

I had CGA for both 110/111 he's a really nice and approachable prof who care about his students. He does tend to ramble on but always tries to keep things interesting. I would definitely take another one of his classes.

4.0
3.0
PO111
Dec 26, 2011

Dr. Anderson was a pleasure to have and is truly a fantastic prof. His knowledge of the political world is remarkable and his comfortable, easy-going personality makes it easier to approach him for questions relating to the course and any other undergraduate related question. I highly recommend him, his classes are sometimes lenthy but worth while

5.0
2.0
PO110
Jan 6, 2012

Great Professor!!!

5.0
3.0
POA
Nov 21, 2012

Love this man, super interesting to listen to and makes a boring topic fun. Love the class.

5.0
3.0
POA
Nov 29, 2012

Great professor. Tries to make things interesting. Gives great explanations, and will really try to help you if you go see him. Focuses on teaching first and foremost. As long as you do your work, you'll be fine with him -- go see him if you think you were jipped in the grades dept. and he'll explain it all; and maybe even raise you up!

4.0
2.0
PO110
Dec 3, 2012

I had CGA in first year for both 110/111. Greatest prof ever. Very clear in his lectures and he genuinely cares about his students. I am in my 4th year now and if I found out he taught any seminars, I would definitely take them. Awesome man!

5.0
1.0
PO110
Dec 27, 2013

Interesting professor. Very energetic, he walks around a lot and maintains class focus. Sometimes he gets excited and talks really fast. An overall positive experience taking his course.

5.0
2.0
PO263
Jun 14, 2013

Amazing prof! So funny and very into his work. Will always make extra time to help a student. If you don't understand something please talk to him. He will help you. Talks too fast most of them time, but you get used to it. Marks fairly but does not give away grades. Most assignments are essays or short answer. Doesn't do multiple choice.

5.0
2.0
PO110
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Feb 27, 2014

Makes politics interesting and fun! He is a really funny guy with a passion for his subject. Very approachable about any questions or concerns you may have about the course or any of your papers. Any class you have with him would be worth going to!

5.0
3.0
PO210
Grade: B+
Mar 30, 2014

He loves his job and makes learning politics extremely easy. He's also incredibly approachable and understanding! Fantastic professor.

2.0
3.0
PO110
Apr 13, 2014

Good prof, really animated and likes to make (funny) terrible jokes. Talks extremely fast and it's easy to get lost. I took 111 and liked the material much better. The textbook for the course is dry as hell (like overcooked turkey). He's a good guy and helpful but you cant do much with the material. Had to write 4 papers and only 2 were graded.

4.0
4.0
PO110
Jul 22, 2014

Really wants to help you out and he makes the subject matter as interesting as possible. Unfortunately that's not very interesting. Tutorials were the only interesting part but had to write 4 essays with only 2 graded

5.0
1.0
PO110
Grade: B+
Aug 30, 2014

Fun and easy going prof. He's very clear about expectations / assignments, and is really into what he is teaching. Sometimes when you talk to him personally he can get a little confusing, but I liked his class and would want him again.

5.0
2.0
PO110
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
Sep 9, 2014

Professor Anderson is the best prof you will receive in pol sci! He gives you all the necessary tools to succeed and is so passionate about his job. If you ever need academic advising or have questions, go to him and he will be very helpful. He actually cares about his students and I love that. I can't wait to have him in upper year courses.

1.0
4.0
PO101
Jan 15, 2015

Scribbles on the board, can't understand anything he says. Does not even teach politics.

5.0
2.0
PO101
Grade: B-
Apr 21, 2015

He was the best prof I've had so far! Is willing to help you if you're struggling in the class, and even when I didn't get enough time to finish my exam he assured me he would mark with sympathy. You don't need to read the textbook all that much, lecture material is DEFINITELY important so go to class or you'll be lost. Overall amazing prof!

3.0
4.0
PO101
Grade: B+
May 5, 2015

He's a really good prof, if you put in the required effort the course will be a breeze.

5.0
2.0
PO433
May 21, 2015

Excellent professor, academic, and person to seek guidance from.

4.0
2.0
PO101
Grade: A-
Jun 22, 2015

Dr. Anderson was nice enough, but can be a distracting lecturer. I would not recommend taking a 3 hr lecture of his, as it can get boring, and feel long. He is extremely helpful and fun to talk to when you go into his office hours, and his tutorial topics are interesting. The content is pretty dry, which affected the lectures.

4.0
3.0
PO110
Grade: A-
Jun 27, 2015

He is a really great guy and truly cares about his students. I just could not follow along with his lectures but that is mainly because he spoke a little fast and some of the material just wasn't very interesting for myself. Nonetheless an all around great professor who is very sincere!

5.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: A-
Nov 30, 2016
Would take again

Great communicator, fun to come to class!

Respected
SO MANY PAPERS
Caring
5.0
4.0
IP300
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2016
Would take again

Anderson is an awesome prof who really cares about his students. I had an awesome time being apart of his IP300: Integrated Seminar in International Policy at the Balsillie School. It was a lot of work, but Anderson's direction made it worthwhile.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2017
Would take again

Favourite prof this past semester. Very caring and understanding.

BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
SO MANY PAPERS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: A-
Jun 15, 2017
Would take again

Dr Anderson is an amazing professor, I loved being in his classes, while they are slightly difficult in terms of papers, he gives really nice feedback that will help you to get a better mark on the next papers that you will write

Gives good feedback
Respected
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
PO263
Oct 25, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Anderson is by far my favorite prof. he cares about his students & will engage in discussions with the class and reach out to other profs on his student's behalf. He wants you to be successful and is always there to help. He won't give u marks for free you work and earn your marks, but he does everything he can to set his students up for success

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
3.0
PO263
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Anderson is a fantastic prof. He talks really fast, but he keeps the material interesting and engages with the class. He definitely understands the struggles of a university student far better than most profs. An extremely sympathetic guy, he is always willing to help you outside of class, and he's willing to make accommodations.

Gives good feedback
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
4.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Dec 22, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Anderson is a great professor. He really engages the class and cares about his students. That being said you do need to put in a decent amount of effort or you wont do well. The only readings you do are for papers but they were dry. Nothing is particularly easy but it is definitely worth it and I would highly recommend his class.

Respected
Amazing lectures
Caring
3.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Jan 2, 2019
Would take again

Professor Anderson was a super nice person and very approachable outside the classroom for extra help. If you read the textbook and go to class, you should be fine. Although, there are lots of readings for the essays which are really boring and confusing. Also, he does not explain any of them and marks them pretty tough.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
4.0
PO263
Grade: A+
Jan 4, 2019
Would take again

We had to write four papers but they're not very long so it was not a very big deal. He is a tough marker but if you know the material you can get decent marks without an insane amount of effort. His lectures however are a bit hard to follow because he talks so fast.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
SO MANY PAPERS
5.0
4.0
PO347
Apr 27, 2019
Would take again

A great professor and very helpful too. He is a tough marker, but if you go to his office hours and clarify your questions and put in effort, youll be fine. Makes courses also very interesting with his sense of humour and passion.

Participation matters
Caring
Tough grader
4.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: A-
Sep 14, 2020
Would take again

Interesting content, taught in a super clear and concise way and would cover any questions students had in class. Super accessible and approachable outside of class if you needed help, and had a clear grading criteria.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
PO263
Nov 18, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Anderson is a great prof. He is very accessible and answers questions very clearly. When he assigns papers he gives very clear instructions, so if you follow the instructions you will do well. He is very interactive during his lectures and makes his lectures interesting. Would recommend taking his class. Just get ready to read a lot.

Respected
Get ready to read
Caring
5.0
3.0
PO263
Dec 19, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Anderson was by far one of the best profs I had this semester. He is very easily accessible and responds to his emails very quick. If you ever need help he is always ready to help and his lectures were very interactive.

5.0
5.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Dec 22, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Anderson was probably one of the hardest markers I have ever had. I did relatively well in class, though; I just had to work twice as hard. Dr. Anderson cares for each of his students and ultimately strives to create and assess work with students in mind.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Feb 26, 2021
Would take again

I had Anderson in my first semester of WLU and he was amazing in helping students transition into Uni lifestyle. His lectures were mandatory but he was very helpful in providing help and assistance if you didnt understand. He tried to incorporate group discussions during class to help deepen our knowledge and also tried to keep it fun!

Gives good feedback
Respected
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
PO263
May 7, 2021
Would take again

Solid prof

Gives good feedback
Respected
Get ready to read
4.0
4.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Nov 17, 2021
Would take again

Overall, Anderson's pretty cool. His lectures are informative but not too boring. You do have to write three kinda heavy papers, and one of them isn't even graded. If you don't hand in the one that isn't graded you do lose marks, and it's super unmotivating to write. Gives great feedback though, cool guy.

Gives good feedback
So many papers
Tough grader
3.0
5.0
PO347
Mar 31, 2022

Dr. Anderson is a really nice guy, however, his marking is quite tough. His instructions for assignments were often confusing and his feedback was too. He offers a redistribution of participation grades to your papers, however, it may be best that you opt to include participation grades. Lectures were engaging but they aren't enough to do well.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Group projects
2.0
5.0
PO101
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 20, 2022

Why did I even take this class. You study, you get a C. You spend weeks on a long paper, get a C. You feel super confident going into a test, you get a C. Have Covid and can't attend the tutorial? 5% of your mark is gone! Just don't take the class.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
5.0
4.0
PO101
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Anderson is very knowledgable and passionate about what he teaches and is very energetic making lectures enjoyable. He is not a particularly easy marker, but is still entirely reasonable. Highly recommend PO101 with this professor.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
PO101
Grade: A-
Dec 10, 2022
Would take again

solid prof. He does talk really fast and too much to the point where you don't know whats important, but he's really engaging in lectures. We had 2 papers, a midterm, and exam. the midterm was easy as he tells you exactly whats on it. hard marker tho and attendance is mandatory as he does in class exercises which are worth 10% of your final grade.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
2.0
3.0
PO101
Grade: B+
Dec 11, 2022

I found his lectures so boring and not engaging at all. His slides and presentations are disorganized, the only reason why I went to lectures was for attendance marks. I will say he did give the exams questions prior to but I feel like I learned nothing, but text book has good content but it online version is terrible.

Tough grader
2.0
2.0
PO263
Grade: C-
Dec 20, 2022

No matter how much work you do, it is nearly impossible to do good in his class. He's super nice during lectures but oh my god I have never had a harder marker in my life. You could spend hours and hours on a paper and just get a 55 with confusing feedback. I advise you to avoid this prof, and ignore his good reviews. I am doing you a favour, trust

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
2.0
4.0
PO263
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 20, 2022

i dont even know what to write except avoid this dude, HARDEST marker ever. if u want a good grade you will not get it in his classes, whether thats po101 or po263.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
5.0
1.0
PO263
Grade: C+
Dec 21, 2022
Would take again

Great professor!!! So helpful in office hours.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Group projects
5.0
2.0
PO101
Grade: A-
Jun 22, 2023
Would take again

As long as you do your work on time, you will be fine. I barely went to lectures and did really well. PARTICIPATE IN TUTORIALS! Thats the secret to succeeding! Also, do not be scared if at first the ta's give you poor marks, they go easier on you later on in the course as long as you follow their feedback.

Participation matters
Inspirational
Caring
2.0
4.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Oct 24, 2023

Please ignore good reviews, trust I am doing you a favour. You can tell he is a really nice guy but not a good prof. Makes you write 3 pretty heavy papers and does not even grade one of them but if you don't hand it in you lose marks on your graded paper. Not clear, slides are so not helpful and his class was a snooze fest.

Tough grader
So many papers
4.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Dec 19, 2023
Would take again

Course seems difficult at the beginning but as you ease into it Dr Anderson makes it an enjoyable and very beneficial course. he gives great feedback and engages with his students very well. dont get frustrated at the beginning of the course, Dr Anderson gives many opportunities to do better.

Participation matters
Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
5.0
4.0
PO263
Grade: A
Jan 25, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Anderson is a very respectful professor and has engaging lectures. Show up and read the textbook as much as possible .

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
PO263
Jul 8, 2024
Would take again

PO 263 was the best class I have ever taken and Dr Anderson Is the main reason behind that. His classes were always extremely interesting and enjoyable.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2024
Would take again

tries to find marks for you where he can

Participation matters
Caring
2.0
4.0
PO263
Grade: A-
Dec 14, 2024

Dr. Anderson is a nice guy however his wording does not make any sense and you have to teach yourself all of the concepts.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
4.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Jan 6, 2025
Would take again

Super nice guy. The course is exam heavy but he will try to find marks wherever he can. Don't buy the textbook, it's useless

Participation matters
Gives good feedback
5.0
2.0
PO110
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2025
Would take again

Christophe Anderson is an angel sent from heaven. He truly cares about his students and wants us to succeed. He is a tougher marker than other professors, but he will definitely teach you skills to succeed in this course and in future courses you will take. I wish poli sci department would have him back as the main advisor, he knew what he was doin

3.0
2.0
PO263
Grade: C+
Apr 15, 2025

This class is very much exam-based. like. exams every other week. He's a great guy, I just personally found his lectures very hard to follow along with. The way he presented content was difficult to understand and you end up having to teach yourself a lot of material. He is always wiling to help though, and is very kind to his students.

Tough grader
Gives good feedback
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: B+
Nov 26, 2025
Would take again

Great professor. However, his passion for the subject might be a little TOO much. It is sometimes hard to decide to take notes on, as the slides are quite hard to follow. Thankfully Dr. Anderson posts a "test prep" online before exams. If you went to lecture and read the textbook, these posts will save you. DONT SKIP CLASS, PLEASE!

Participation matters
Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
PO263
Grade: A-
Dec 4, 2025
Would take again

A prof who really cares about his students, and if you put in the effort, you will do well in his classes.

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 32 grades
Most common grades:
B+ (13)
A- (9)
A (5)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(1)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(22)
Based on 37 reported grades
B+: 13
A-: 9
A: 5
Not sure yet: 2
Common Tags
Tough grader (12)
Gives good feedback (11)
Get ready to read (10)
Caring (9)
Participation matters (8)
Respected (7)
Test heavy (4)
So many papers (4)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.09 avg change
Jul
Dec
Jan
Apr
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

POL101

5.0

(1)

POLI110

5.0

(1)

POL110

5.0

(1)

PO1

5.0

(1)

AA

5.0

(1)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PO347

4.5

POL101

4.0

PO310

4.0

IP300

4.0

PO101

3.3

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