Love her, she's super passionate about her topic and dorkily funny as well. She really engages her class and her students aren't afraid to speak up. She makes issues about democracy very interesting to someone who normally isn't. No textbook but her class does require a fair amount of reading (two books and various articles).

This teach is amazing! I honestly missed about 6-7 classes and still got an A in the class. The test were not hard at all. Just download the powerpoints at least a few days before the test and you'll be fine. A few readings assigned each week but you go over them in class so unless you want to answer her questions you don't have to read them.

If you're a student looking for a serious theory course, don't take 312P. At least in my class, she allowed pretty shallow and sad discussions to take place. Usually Stauffer wouldn't facilitate the discussion so much as she allowed discussions to *interrupt* her lectures. There are a lot of great profs. here at UT so won't take her again

I have never been more engaged during a core class. She lectures on Tocqueville (straying from usual Gov courses) and has such a warm, dorky personality. Her midterm (2 short essays, 1 long) were intense, but fair. Asks questions straight from material that was thoroughly covered in lecture. Never boring. Enjoys class participation. LOVED it.

Professor Stauffer is great! I don't really like government, but she managed to make it interesting enough that I enjoy coming to class. She manages to get students involved in her lectures, but sometimes allows the distractions to go on for too long. This is an ALL ESSAY class, so if you don't write well, don't take it. If you do, I recommend!

This class was really difficult but very rewarding! The material was very interesting and applicable to modern day politics, even though it is mainly about Alexis de Tocqueville's analysis of American democracy. It is difficult to get an A , but you will learn a lot! So if you're looking for a brainless GOV312L, don't take this class.

Very intellectual and invested in Tocqueville. Interesting class although some lectures were boring. She assigns readings every class and expounds on them during lecture. Pop quizzes are extremely easy. Go to class EVERY time, she takes random attendance. There are 2 days for the midterm (fairly easy) an optional paper to lessen the final weight.

Dana is a great professor, but you shouldn't take this 312L if you want an easy class. I loved the material and was super invested in the class and I wound up with a B. You definitely need to read the books to pass (which isn't that hard because it's interesting). She's always willing to help, so don't hesitate to ask in class or office hours!

Dr. Stauffer is fantastic. She's very articulate, and her lectures are very well organized. The course is very reading intensive, so make sure to do the reading. It's not a ton of reading, but she goes into a lot of detail on it. If you do the reading then the pop quizzes will be easy. Tests are hard to makes As on. Go to office hours.

Easiest gov class I've ever taken, the readings and quizzes are straightforward. The tests are more difficult - essays - but manageable if you read/pay attention/think critically about how everything relates. Attendance is taken periodically and I spent most classes online shopping, passed with flying colors.

I loved Stauffer. If you want an easy 312, there's probably a better option, but I felt like I actually got something out of this class. Maybe not the best class for a super busy semester, because it requires a lot of focus and the exams are not graded easily. But if you have the attention to give to this class, then it is really fulfilling.

Stauffer is amazing-old school, no powerpoints, just lively discussion. Sit at the front so she knows you and participate. Does popcorn attendance or pop quiz everyday so being absent is risky, 3 absences given. Some text chosen is dry, ALL were interesting and relevant. Class was amazing, two tests, no final, one small easy group project, 1 paper

Stauffer is super sweet and really cares about gov and her students. she assigns readings after every lecture and pop quizzes on readings are 4 questions long with 1 bonus question typically. 1 midterm which is 2 parts, all writing. The final exam is also all writing and a quote id. participate in class bc shell add 1 pt to ur final grade if u do!

Stauffer was awesome! She was really passionate and knowledgeable about the subject of the class. I would definitely recommend her for GOV312L. Got an A-, but I blame the TA's for that.

Her lectures were interesting most of the time, but the essay tests were difficult to gauge. I liked the topics; I felt very enlightened after the class. There were a lot of pop quizzes, but they were easy if you did the readings. I always read right before class, and I usually did well on the quizzes.

Dana Stauffer is one of the greatest professors I've had at UT. I took her Women in the History of Political Thought class & enjoyed it so much I also took Morality & Politics with her. Her lectures are interesting & entertaining. She really cares about her students and encourages participation. Her classes are not easy but they are rewarding.

Professor Stauffer assigns interesting course material and has an great understanding of what she teaches. There is reading for every class and it can sometimes be lengthy. I usually just read the summaries for each reading before class and was fine for the pop quizzes but that screwed me over for the midterm.

Great professor, with engaging lectures and lots of fun class discussions/debates. A fair amount of reading involved, all very interesting, although about half of it overlapped with the reading in my other/previous CTI courses (given that they cover many of the same philosophers). Difficult written tests. Definitely would recommend.

There's a lot of readings to do in this class but if you show up every day and take notes, the midterm and final will not be too difficult. Overall is a fairly easy grader when it comes to the essays and there is an optional paper that you can write for extra credit

I took her GOV312 class. Her lectures are very interactive and allows for students to present new ideas or easily ask questions. If she rejects what you say, it is likely because you missed the point of the discussion. She is invested in the success of her students and you will learn a lot in her class.

Super sweet and interesting lectures. If you go to class you will be fine, the reading usually arent too long but if you dont have time to read the actual thing sparknotes will get you through it just fine.

It sucks that the two tests make up 90% of your grade (if you don't opt for the single essay that brings the tests to 50% and the essay to 40%) but Prof. Stauffer is amazing and really knows her stuff. You just have to go to class and take notes. Memorize the notes and regurgitate the stuff on the test and you will be fine.

There's a ton of reading for this class, but if you don't have the chance to fully read something, her lecture summarizes it well. She may assign a lot of papers, but the grading really depends on who your TA is. Dr. Stauffer is a great lecturer and if you enjoy classical philosophy, you'll do fine in the Challenge of the Greeks.

Professor Stauffer's 312 class on Tocqueville is one of the most interesting courses I have ever taken in my four years at UT. It is NOT easy. There is a lot of reading. But this class will completely change your views on politics & the structure of American society itself. I think every American should take a class like this one. An A is possible!

This class is very interesting and changes the way you think. It is a LOT of reading, but if you are ok with that then the class is great. The grading criteria and feedback for exams isn't always super clear, but as long as you can answer her questions then you will be fine. If you like government, politics, I would definitely recommend this class

Stauffer is so smart. She knows and cares about what she teaches. Her Tocqueville 312L class was one of the hardest classes I took this semester. How harshly the tests are graded is up to the TA's, and they graded pretty hard this semester.(IMO). Don't think this class is easy- it isnt. But it is well worth it. I learned so much.

Prof Stauffer gives lively lectures that are always super engaging and interesting. The readings are sometimes really long and redundant so it can be hard to keep up, but it's necessary as she gives pop quizzes on the reading. The TAs were tough graders and not always specific on what you missed. Definitely not an easy class, but still great!

Professor Stauffer is a very intelligent woman who gives well-structured and entertaining lectures. Her class is difficult and extremely test-heavy. The final was 40% of the grade. However, don't let this scare you away from her! I learned so much in this class and would highly recommend it.

Her lectures are SO interesting. Sit up front, speak up in class, and make sure she knows your name bc she gives an extra point at the end to students who participated a lot! I made an 88 on every exam, but I ended up with an A- bc she rounds up by half points-I had an 89.56. Read so you'll ace the quizzes & get the bonus points. PAY ATTENTION!

I thought Professor Stauffer's course was really interesting, and it definitely provided me with a new perspective on government. For the most part I didn't find the exams to be very hard but I was never offered specific feedback for essays either. The course definitely requires a lot of reading and analysis on the reading though.

Dr. Stauffer is very knowledgable about what she teaches and knows how to make an engaging course. She also relies heavily on student participation to encourage discussion which I really liked. The papers aren't too bad as long as you pay attention in class.

Loved this class. Super interesting content but a TON of reading. PDFs of the readings can be found online really easily. Grade is based off of three essays, but the TAs are good graders and give awesome feedback. You can tell Stauffer enjoys what she teaches and she's really good at clarifying points and helping you see the nuances in the readings

Professor Stauffer has been amazing. Her lectures are super interesting, and she takes students' ideas and opinions on readings with respect and interest. The TAs were also great and mostly determine your grade, but they were also amazing.

There are only three essays in this class, and you have to do them well. If you are unused to writing argumentative essays by referencing texts, get good at it. The weeks vary by level of reading. Sometimes it is three pages, sometimes it's a full 60-page play. She gives outstanding lectures and some great insight. Had an excellent TA.

It was an interesting class, but you'll be reading really long and weirdly worded plays a lot. You have 3 essays that are essentially worth your entire grade, so you have to work to do them good if you want a good grade. The discussions are engaging and helpful to comprehend the material, and the TAs are really good as well.

This has been my favorite course at UT, and that is largely due to how amazing Professor Stauffer was. I really, truly enjoyed this class and all of the texts that we read. She wants to see her students succeed and is willing to engage with them about all perspectives on these difficult issues that we discuss. I would recommend this class to all!

She's an amazing and engaging professor. Grade is dependent on two essays and a final exam that is essay-based. I found these very difficult to write as you really have to understand the material you are reading in order to support your argument. She doesn't allow technology but allows a few students to publish typed notes. ATTEND DISCUSSIONS!!!!!!

I loved this professor, but your grade is more reliant on the TA. Genuinely participate in the discussion and do the readings; it'll show in your essay grades.

Dr. Stauffer is an amazing professor. She clearly really cares about the subject material, which is really refreshing. Grade is based on two mid-semester essays and an in-person final essay, all graded by TA. Discussions are great... TA asks questions to prompt discussion. Stauffer explains any confusing parts in the reading... overall awesome!

This class isn't too difficult, but you will read a lot of classic and sometimes dense texts. My advice is to read along with SparkNotes so you can make sure you understand. The 3 tests are in class essay exams, but they weren't graded too harshly.

Unlike some UGS classes this is not a free 100. The grade is 25% based on participation and attendance (so don't skip), and the rest is essays graded by the TAs. My best advice is don't get behind on the reading, sit near the front, and get Grammarly. Do that and you'll enjoy a great class taught by a professor who really cares about your learning.

Professor Stauffer is an amazing lecturer, but this is definitely not an easy signature course. If you're not a part of Jefferson Scholars or not super interested in Greek philosophy, choose a different class. The majority of your grade is based on two toughly graded essays and a short-answer final.

Loved her class but your grade is VERY dependent on your TA. Grades are really about your essay writing skillnot contentand your TA will grade your essays harshly. With that being said, the TA's and Prof Stauffer give a ton of help outside of class (go to her office hours, she's a sweet person who is passionate about the subject she teaches).

Dr. Stauffer is great at lecturing. She is nice and cares about what she teaches. That being said, the class is based on only 2 essays and an essay final that she doesn't grade. The TA you have changes your grade as they grade differently. They were nice though. Unless you reallllyy like greek myth and history, do not take this.

Dr. Stauffer was a good professor. The lectures were interesting. She encouraged participation and was thoughtful. She had a no-technology policy that she didn't really enforce and an assigned seating policy.

Graded on 3 papers, attendance, and participation (responding to 4 discussion posts). I thought the content was boring because it's centered around Alexis de Tocqueville's view of American government. Stauffer is a solid lecturer and nice, I just found the content boring. You don't need to read just skim to find quotes and pay attention in class.

Overall a good teacher, heavily encourages participation in class. The content is interesting too. The only issue I had with this class was the few things that the course was graded on (like three essays). The essays should not be difficult if you follow the prompts step by step exactly how they're asked.

I've taken Professor Stauffer twice and she's great! She lectures the whole class but it isn't boring and she is always willing to answer any questions/clarify anything. I'm not even a huge fan of the classics (like socrates, plato, etc) but she actually makes the readings interesting. Also, her TA (Emily) is super cool and understanding.

Stauffer is super knowledgeable about all things philosophy, but if you aren't interested in it do not take her class. She's anti-technology so all notes and one exam are handwritten and nothing is recorded. Very particular grading, but not impossible to do well. Show up to class and take notes, do the readings and you should be fine.

Dr. Stauffer's UGS303 class was pretty easy but if you don't have much interest in philosophy, you will be a little bored. The only major assignments were essays but if you talk to the TA's about it, you will most likely get good a good grade. You will need to buy a few books but if you find pdf's you're good. Make sure to have an actual notebook.

The UGS 303 course mainly depends on evaluations that occur outside of the lecture, such as the essays and discussion section participation. Make sure you pay attention in lecture, but don't feel the need to write down everything being said because there are notes online.

I honestly loved this class the lectures were actually interesting and went over the assigned chapters. My TA Beckett was absolutely amazing and his discussion sessions were amazing. You are graded on 3 essays and attendance and participation are graded by the TAs. I genuinely enjoyed the material given and the lessons I learned from it.

Prof Stauffer was interesting and friendly, and I didn't find her class that difficult. Your grade depends on just a couple essays that a TA looks over. Lectures can seem long-winded/boring if you aren't genuinely interested in the subject matter, but this was a good class overall.

UGS class involved a lot of reading. The majority of your grade comes from a series of 3 essays based on the assigned books. Classes were essentially the professor giving their view and interpretation on the readings while opening up discussion to the rest of the class where the discussion sessions were all student conversation.

great lecturer and values student engagement. She's very sweet and approachable. assigned readings every class and the essays are graded pretty harshly. Personally wasn't super interested in Greek philosophy but definitely learned a lot. If you are looking for an easy UGS, this is not it.

Prof Stauffer was a great lecturer and knowledgeable about the subject, but TAs graded very harshly on essays. Everyone was unhappy with their grades. I don't recommend for a UGS, although I did find the class was manageable without doing any of the readings later on. If you're part of JSP, don't be like me and know you can take a different UGS.

SO MUCH READING. GET SO READY TO READ!! it's somewhat interesting reading about greek philosophy and fables but beware there are onnly THREE ESSAYS and thats ur entire grade besides participation. i did love my discussion and the TAs were awesome

Only two essays, but are graded harshly. Final exam is closed book but is graded easier, which usually helps your grade. Don't lose attendance/participation points and an A is attainable

Dr. Stauffer is a great lecturer, and makes sure you know everything you need to know for the tests. She's a reasonable grader too, despite what others might say. It is quite a lot of reading, but not unreasonably or exorbitantly so.

all the bad reviews are usually about her old TA, but the actual professor is pretty cool. she's really lenient and sweet, she asks questions and people usually just start talking. a lot of reading but she asks for scribes if you want a free participation point without needing to talk

Dr. Stauffer was an amazing professor. I enjoyed her lecture style and looked forward to the discussions we would have during class. You do have to do a lot of reading, but it is definitely doable. The major assignments are 3 in class writings, but don't let that freak you out, it's not bad at all.

Good lecturer, grading is all done by TAs but it was not too hard. Very dependent on your papers and the final. You can get by if you just skim the readings because it's choice-based, but they're very interesting primary texts so I recommend reading anyway. She said "what the skibidi" in class and it was really funny.

Lectures are analyses of the readings. No devices, paper notes only! Lots of readings & few graded assignments, midterms & papers are important. Graded mostly by TAs, go to TA office hours if you want a good grade! Small out of class group assignments (I actually enjoyed these). You will be very familiar with Edu. of Cyrus by the end of the course.

Professor Stauffer was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed her lectures. I do somewhat regret taking this UGS because all substantive assignments were graded by TAs (up to you to take that gamble). The grade was largely based on writing assignments, but there wasn't any emphasis placed on writing expectations in class or in discussion.

Stauffer is a very passionate lecturer. Classes consist of her reviewing content for readings with a chance for students to add on and ask questions. Assigned hw readings are not too long, but consistent. There are a few assignments, all of which are short to long form writing. She makes the assignments but TAs have full authority over grading.

She is very into student contribution during discussions to raise diverse perspectives, but often runs behind schedule. The TA's do all the grading on their terms, though. She doesn't use enough technology to her advantage. She gives plenty of extra credit.

She is very caring and passionate. The nature of her class can be difficult as there are not a lot of assignments and the class is heavily reading-based. People who do not show up to class will be lost.