4.5

Daniel O'Neill

Political Science - University of Florida

4.5
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
87%
Would Retake
96
Reviews
4.5
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
4.5
Helpful
4.5
Clarity

87%

Would Retake

96

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

66

4

23

3

5

2

1

1

1

What Students Say

Loves his topic and students

POT2002 - 5.0 rating

Probably one of the best profs at UF

POT2002 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

29%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 37 grades
Most common grades:
A- (12)
A (12)
A+ (6)
Grade Distribution
A(18)B(2)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(17)
Based on 40 reported grades
A-: 12
A: 12
A+: 6
B+: 5
Common Tags
Get ready to read (23)
Lecture heavy (15)
Graded by few things (13)
Hilarious (10)
Amazing lectures (8)
Amazing lectures (5)
Tough grader (5)
Respected (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.31 avg change
Jan
Jan
Dec
Nov
Dec
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

POT3302

5.0

(4)

GREATPOLTHIN

5.0

(1)

POLTHEORY

5.0

(1)

POT3001

5.0

(4)

POT3001AND4053

5.0

(1)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

POLTHRY

4.0

POLTHEO

4.0

GREATPOLTHINK

3.8

POT2001

3.7

POT3302

3.3

Reviews (96)
5.0
3.0
POT3302
Apr 6, 2004

Good class, he doesn't lecture, it's just discussion. I really enjoyed it, he's very funny!

5.0
2.0
POT3302
Jul 28, 2004

Really awesome teacher. Very nice and easy to talk to outside of class. ALL discussion based so difficult if you aren't outspoken or do not like having to talk during class. Grade based papers you write.

5.0
3.0
GREATPOLTHINK
Dec 20, 2004

O'Neill is not easy, but his course is tremendously rewarding. I have learned so much this semester! He is very enthusiastic with the material, which makes you want to come to class and learn. Excellent professor!

5.0
4.0
POT3302
Mar 15, 2005

I would def recommend him. A tougher grader than I'd like but you learn so much it's worth it.

5.0
3.0
GREATPOLTHINK
Apr 4, 2005

Scintillating professor but the essays are kind of hard. Worth taking if you're interested in the subject matter.

5.0
3.0
GREATPOLTHIN
Apr 7, 2005

Great professor! The subject material and the subsequent essays are challenging, but class and lecture are very much enjoyable. I highly, highly recommend.

2.0
5.0
GREATPOLTHINK
Jul 11, 2005

Frankly I didn't enjoy the class...his expectations for essays are unclear...he has an obvious disdain for ideas that are not his own...or not previously approved by him during the discussions where his sycophantic students take time to praise him for his genius...I've never been so put off by a professor's ego

5.0
4.0
GREATPOLTHINK
Sep 2, 2005

Best prof, ever.

5.0
3.0
POLTHEORY
Grade: B-
Sep 4, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
POT3001
Feb 21, 2006

he's awesome. he makes you want to come to class. in lecture he covers and explains the material very well while keeping you interested. he is extremely funny and animated. i would definitely reccommend this class, even though it is an intro class you have to be ready to work!

5.0
3.0
POT3001
Apr 10, 2006

this guy is freaking awesome. he's incredibly wise and really funny. an amazing professor. the essays are difficult, but just keep up with the reading and ask your ta's questions.

5.0
3.0
POT3001
Apr 19, 2006

go to class (you cant skip this one!), write down EVERYTHING he says (page numbers specifically) and you won't have to read the books, tough grading (just write everything you have on essays and tests) but funny and entertaining! really likeable. would take another class with him.

5.0
2.0
POT3001AND4053
May 8, 2006

GREAT PROFESSOR!!! Best i have had so far. He is extremely insightful, you can go to office hours whenever you wnat and he'll stay there til whenever to help you. He has somewhat high standards but if you just re-write your notes you'll get an A. It's theory so just go to class everyday, write down pg. numbers, and try to read to books. LOVE HIM!!!

5.0
3.0
POT3001
Oct 5, 2006

Dan is by far the best professor I've had at UF. He is extremely knowledgeable, funny, and interested in what you have to say. GET TO KNOW HIM. I also found the readings extremely versatile so it encompasses differing views. Great class. I learned a lot and am a better student after taking his class. But make sure you read and take notes!

4.0
5.0
POT2002
Mar 7, 2007

He is very knowledgeable however very hard and teaches his Intro classes at a much higher level. His lectures can sometimes be very boring... you MUST do his assigned reading, do not blow it off!

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Mar 29, 2007

If you're not in love with this guy by the second week of class, you might want to check your pulse.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Apr 6, 2007

amazing! take this class!

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Apr 21, 2007

HIS CLASS IS AMAZING, take it! lectures were a complete and total joy, he makes arduous political theory texts really come to life. I LOVE DAN O'NEIL!

5.0
3.0
POT2002
May 14, 2007

There are those really rare, great professors who have the charisma and personality to teach, in addition to being articulate and knowing their subject area to a fault. O'Neill is one of these professors. He's pretty much my hero.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
May 14, 2007

This man was amazing. He is able to engage you in learning. The TAs he chooses want to help you learn and are always there to guide you. I suggest going to class, listening, writing down pages numbers and talking to O'Neill and your TA. Plus, he's freaking hysterical!!!

4.0
4.0
POT2002
Jul 12, 2007

this guy is amazing. as an incoming freshmen, i feel uber fortunate to have this guy so soon! i definitely thought UF kept their good teachers under lock and key, but definitely not o'neill. this guy does not hold back and that's what political theory is about. and get ready to read!

5.0
4.0
POT2002
Aug 11, 2007

Professor O'Neill is incredible. I just completed summer b as a freshman and I could not have asked for a better classroom experience. O'Neill is engaging, witty, and extremely well informed of the material he teaches. Lots of reading, takes notes in class everyday, go to his office hours if he assigns a paper, and you should be alright.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Aug 23, 2007

A great professor. The class isn't easy, but it's not hard. You just have to be there every day, read the material, and listen to him. He'll tell you exactly what you need to do for papers and tests. He's hilarious and really knows how to keep you interested. Only negative is that his writing is terrible and drawings often don't make sense.

5.0
4.0
POT2001
Aug 23, 2007

Energetic, helpful, really encourages participation.

5.0
4.0
POT2002
Sep 5, 2007

Professor O'Neill is a great teacher. He brings the subject material to life with his energy for the subject and his occasional jokes. He does assign alot of reading, but he makes sure that by the end of the course you know everything you need to know. Great Professor, great course, I highly recommend it!

3.0
4.0
POLTHRY
Jan 15, 2008

Hated the class. Opinion of him is slightly better. Seems better if you don't cross him. Make your life easier and just agree, at least until grades come out.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Feb 29, 2008

Great class! O'Neill is a really good professor and knows how to communicate the material in an interesting and unbiased way. One of my favorite courses at UF. A lot of reading though.

4.0
2.0
POT2002
Apr 14, 2008

His lectures were very informative and even if you miss a day of reading, or dont understand what you read, his lectures clear everything up. His ability to make the concepts relatable is amazing and very helpful. To any poli sci undergrad, take this class!

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Apr 27, 2008

Professor O'Neill was the most animated professor I have had at UF. His enthusiasm is contagious; people listened intently to his lectures early in the morning. Two essays were required (graded by TAs). The rest of the grade was determined by a mid-term, a final, and section participation. If you have the opportunity to take this class, do it!

4.0
3.0
POT2002
Apr 27, 2008

I liked him alot. if you come to class, you can write the papers and the tests without worry. He explains everything you need to know.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
May 13, 2008

make sure you take real good notes. he knows his material

4.0
2.0
POT2002
Jun 11, 2008

I have had 2 classes with O'Neill. He is exciting and really into what he's teaching. He doesn't seem to have much of an ego that some profs has. POT2002 was easy, his other class wasn't. If he grades the papers personally, it is a lot tougher and the reading is more "mandatory". He has common sense and doesn't take himself too seriously. Nice guy.

5.0
4.0
POT4053
Dec 12, 2008

O'Neill was one of the best poli sci professors I've had. His lectures break down complex material into understandable theories. Extremely helpful in office hours. Was willing to just sit there and talk out the material. Overall, if you write well and go to class you should get an A. Two papers and a final. Great guy!

5.0
4.0
POT2002
Dec 13, 2008

Best professor ever. I changed my major to political science because he was so interesting and fun to learn from. Hilarious. Hopped up on diet coke. He follows his outlines precisely- TAKE NOTES. Such a nice guy, too. I cannot WAIT to take more of his classes.

5.0
3.0
POT4053
Jan 6, 2009

O'Neill is by far the most engaging and helpful professor I've had at UF. Though the reading might not always be simple, after going to class you WILL understand the material. He makes political theory incredibly interesting to learn, and applies the things he teaches to practical examples in government and society. He has a great sense of humor!

5.0
2.0
POS4931
Apr 22, 2009

Dr. O'Neill is brilliant. He engages the class and brings dusty old texts to life. History of American Political Thought was really interesting.

5.0
3.0
POS4931
May 4, 2009

Hist. of Am Pol Thought. Awesome class taught by an interesting professor. You must read the text to understand and get involved in discussions. Don't be afraid to speak what you think and give your point of view even if its different. He likes to question and pick on your mind to make you think. Overall great professor and class. Highly recommend.

5.0
3.0
POT4053
Jan 8, 2010

Great professor. Engages the class and makes the material interesting.

5.0
2.0
POT2002
Feb 27, 2010

This class is pretty straightforward. Professor O'Neill tells you what he expects of you from the beginning. Some of the material is difficult nut he is very engaging and explains theories in detail. He gives you the midterm/ final topics a week before. His lectures are always interesting and exciting.

4.0
3.0
POT2002
Apr 19, 2010

O'Neill is very enthusiastic about this subject and it comes across in his lectures. His jumping around keeps you awake. He cites the texts in lecture and those quotes are very helpful when it comes to writing the essays. Gives you paper topics beforehand

5.0
2.0
POT2002
Apr 26, 2010

he loves his subject which is quite obvious in lecture. make sure you read the assigned readings before class or it won't make sense. the texts he reads in class are very helpful when writing the papers. he also gives you the midterm and final questions before so you know what to study. doesn't try and trick you. overall great professor :)

5.0
3.0
POT4053
May 14, 2010

Simply put, O'Neill is the best prof I've had at uf. Compared to other theory classes, O Neill lectures more often than he starts a discussion. However, if you read the books and actually listen to his lectures (which supplement the readings as much as they explain them) you can learn more in this class nearly any other class in the department.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Jun 9, 2010

Professor O'Neill is the best professor I have ever had in college. Turns a somewhat boring subject into an exciting one. Looked forward to going to his class every day, and learned a lot. Do the readings and go to section if not the lectures. HIGHLY recommended.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Jun 24, 2010

He's hilarious

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Jan 10, 2011

O'Neill is the BEST poli sci prof that I've had at UF. It's a fast paced class, and if you don't like writing you'll hate the course. However, it is extremely interesting and O'Neill is engaging and downright hilarious.

5.0
4.0
POT2002
Apr 12, 2011

I have abosolutely no interest in Political Theory but he managed to make this tedious and boring topic somewhat interesting. I definitely learned a lot from this class and even though I still don't thoroughly enjoy it, like he obviously does, I'm glad I took it. I recommend taking this class if you're looking for something out of your comfort zone

5.0
4.0
POLTHEO
Apr 13, 2011

Dan O'Neill. I love Dan! You can't get any better than Dan! I'm about to finish my PhD and in all my years in school I have never looked forward to, enjoyed, or learned from a class the way I did in Dan's. Without a doubt, Dan's the best.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Jun 15, 2011

DAN THE MAN. God I loved this professor. He literally made me obsessed with Political Theory. He's an intelligent man. TAKE HIM.

4.0
5.0
POT2002
Aug 13, 2011

This class is very difficult and boring despite his attempt to make it interesting. The reading is extremely boring but must be done in order to succeed in the class. My major problem with the class is that it is all subjective grading by a TA who does not take the time to actually read the essays thoroughly.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Jan 15, 2013

Dan O'Nel is the best lecturer I've ever had. He is clear and concise, and helps you to understand the works of some very tough authors. If you have any interest in politics or philosophy, I highly recommend this class for you.

5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
Jun 30, 2014

Phenomenal teacher. Energetic, enthused, and all around best professor I have ever had. Hilarious. Loves his topic and students. I imagine the history of grass growth would be fascinating under his tutelage. Take at least one class by him before you graduate.

4.0
3.0
HUM2305
Aug 3, 2014

Usually very clear. Needs to use a mic though. Interesting material for the most part but way too many reading and BS assignments. Be consistent with doing work and reading and you should be fine.

5.0
1.0
HUM2305
Grade: A
Aug 24, 2014

Although the material is all over the place and for the philosophically minded, O'Neill has a subtle sense of humor that makes lecture more enjoyable. Take good notes and READ, quiz questions are more or less directly from material and their lectures.

4.0
2.0
HUM2305
Grade: A+
Jun 25, 2015

O' Neill is by far the EASIEST Good Life professor. He told us what to focus on for the midterm and final exam (definitely made studying A LOT easier). For the final I only had to memorize 30 terms, while students in the other Good Life classes had to memorize 100+. Don't read the texts. He covers them in lecture! I got an A with no effort.

4.0
2.0
IUF1000
Grade: A-
Nov 12, 2015

Super interesting to listen to, he keeps things fun and upbeat. I would definitely take another class with him.

5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Apr 15, 2016

Professor O'Neil is clearly passionate about what he teaches and wants his students to get enjoyment out of the class. You'll leave his class wishing he was your cool uncle.

5.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2016

Dr. O'Neill is one of the best, if not THE best professor I have ever had. He cares so deeply about Political Theory, and he lectures in such a manner that is reflective of his love for the subject. I left this class with a massive knowledge base--and I absolutely loved every second of this class. Get ready to read, but it is so worth it.

5.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Apr 3, 2017
Would take again

He's incredibly passionate about Political Science. He really makes you feel good about asking questions. If you prove that you read by asking specific questions, he'll openly admire you in class. He's deep, philosophical, quirky, funny, and really personable.

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
POT2002
Apr 3, 2017
Would take again

Prof. O'Neill is awesome. He's very passionate about political theory and makes his lectures informative and fun. A lot of reading, so make this class a priority. You won't be handed an A in this class if you don't do anything, but he's very helpful if you approach him and show him you're putting in the work. Probably one of the best profs at UF.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
4.0
POT3302
Apr 14, 2017
Would take again

Professor O'Neill is one of those admirable professors that actually loves what he does. He gets super into his lectures and is out of this world knowledgable on the topic. His 8-10 paged papers are very reasonable to complete but he's not a super easy grader. If you read all the texts & keep up in the class, you're sure to get a solid grade on it.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Hilarious
1.0
1.0
POT2002
Grade: A+
Feb 13, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Loves to hear his own voice. Bring earbuds and read on your own.

SO MANY PAPERS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 4, 2019
Would take again

Enthusiastic, knowledgeable and funny, Professor O'Neill is a great guy and lecturer. There is a lot of reading to do (6 books) but his lectures help you understand it so much better. Love that he doesn't use Canvas. Papers are just you and the book, no outside resources, so do read. He gives you the midterm q's to plan ahead. Learned a lot.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 13, 2019
Would take again

Prof O'Neill is a decent guy who really enjoys this class. The papers can be challenging and its hard to have a guaranteed A but if you work for it, it is certainly doable (everything is graded by your TA and not prof O'Neill). The subject matter is not interesting to me and he shames democrats in class often, but it's a tolerable course.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
POT2001
Grade: B+
Dec 20, 2019
Would take again

Professor O'Neill's class is challenging and your grade will heavily depend on the TA you are assigned. My advice: begin your outline/papers early (you receive the paper topics in advance), visit your TA's office hours often, pre-write your exam essays EARLY (ques. also given in advance), and I suggest creating a study group to survive together.

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: B
Jan 5, 2020
Would take again

He is an excellent lecturer who has a true passion for political theory. However, the TA's are key. Make sure you're on a good track with them and begin your papers and outlines early so they can check over them during office hours. I got a C on my first paper but once I went to office hours I got my grade down to a B because they helped me a ton.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
3.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2020
Would take again

POT2002 was a really hard class for me - lots of reading and writing papers that were graded very harshly considering this is an introductory class. O'Neill makes learning about political theory interesting, but this class definitely requires a lot of concentration and studying outside of class.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
POT2002
Dec 1, 2020
Would take again

ONeil is a great lecturer! I took this class online and still loved it

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
So many papers
4.0
4.0
POT2002
Dec 4, 2020
Would take again

Professor O'Neill is a great lecturer and makes understanding and breaking down the readings super manageable. The TA's in the class are honestly what your grade comes down to though. I think Murad and Glen are the most reasonable graders from what I've heard.

Get ready to read
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
Jan 10, 2021
Would take again

O'Neill is great when it comes to lectures and explaining difficult concepts/ideas. The class in general is difficult, and you will need to work very hard if you want to maintain a good grade. Papers are long (5-7 pages) and include complicated subjects while also representing 75% of the grade. If you don't feel comfortable writing, don't take it.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
POT2002
Jan 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Took this class Fall 20 & it was extensive. Theres a total of 15* weekly assignments and 3 total papers. Youre going to cover A LOT of Thinkers. Your success is dependent on your TA. Honestly, I stopped attending lecture, read & went to discussion section alone and still came out with an -A. Take this class if you enjoy reading and philosophy.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Apr 5, 2021
Would take again

Professor O'Neill is a real gem at UF. He makes learning old ideologies and theory fun. Yes, the readings are a lot, and you'll be lost if you're behind, but the lectures are entertaining and O'Neill is so knowledgeable. Note: if you think he is (insert ideology) you are wrong. It's his job to embody the ideologies and theory.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
Apr 11, 2021
Would take again

Dr. O'Neill has very good lectures. Make sure to go to your TA's office hours to review the outline of your papers. They will be instrumental to your success in the class. The readings are very extensive, but I was able to use Sparknotes for most of them, and still got an A-.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
May 17, 2021
Would take again

Overall Prof O'Neill was a great lecturer and made the readings easier to understand. But if you want to do well, make sure you meet with your TA to make sure you know what they are looking for when it comes to papers.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
So many papers
5.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
Dec 3, 2021
Would take again

A great professor. You never know what his personal beliefs are and he does a great job explaining the material when it gets hard. POT2002 is 100% essay based and the discussion sections are very helpful if you get a good TA. I recommend Walker if he is available

4.0
3.0
POT2002
Dec 7, 2021
Would take again

Loved O'Neill's lectures he did a pretty good job at explaining things. His act where you don't know what political opinion he is is also pretty entertaining as well.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
POT2001
Grade: A-
Dec 17, 2021
Would take again

Political theory isn't a very easy concept to understand (for me, at least), but Professor O'Neill helped break down each philosopher and author for the class to understand. Very passionate about content. Four papers determine your entire grade, all graded by the TA. I adored my TA (Ms. Noa Gani), so the class was a lot more enjoyable for me.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: B+
Jan 2, 2022
Wouldn't take again

O'Neill is an excellent lecturer. He makes boring material palatable. However the TAs grade harshly with no rubric and unclear feedback. I liked the professor a lot, but I did not enjoy the material. I wouldn't take this class unless you are sure this topic is something you're interested in. Theres too much reading to dislike the content.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
Jan 5, 2022
Would take again

A really good lecturer, easy to follow bullet points. The TAs rly make or break your grade, and they definitely don't hand out As that often. There were only 4 papers that made up the grade; the syllabus says attendance, participation and etc. count but I doubt it since my TA didn't rly ask for those. My TA was Noa; she was super chill, good vibes.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: B+
Apr 6, 2022
Would take again

Professor O'Neil was great. Very engaging in lectures and super knowledgeable. Grade is based in a few papers that are graded tough but overall a great class.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: B+
Apr 27, 2022
Would take again

4 essays make up your entire grade, so if you don't like writing, I would not recommend. I didn't like the material but Prof O'Neill makes it interesting to learn about. The lack of a rubric makes it a little difficult to gauge what the TAs are looking for sometimes. Take notes during lectures because it makes the papers easier to write.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 15, 2022
Would take again

Prof is funny, and manages to make confusing political philosophy clear and interesting. Grade does depend on the TA and they all look for different things - plus some are tough graders. They are (or at least mine, Stolz) very willing to help however. The class isn't easy and the readings are long but it is doable with the right work ethic.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: B+
Dec 1, 2022

Prof. O'Neill makes the lectures very interesting, however books are needed, there is a lot of reading/research, and 4 papers are the only assignments. Your grade is really just based on the TA, but mine was an easy grader and just made attendance mandatory. Take this class if you are actually interested in the topic.

3.0
4.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2022

Interesting lectures by prof made boring material interesting, but entire grade rides on the TA. Mine was incredibly unclear during discussion, gave vague feedback, wasn't helpful when asked questions to improve, and was a really harsh grader (barely gave out As, RIP to you if Wallie is ever a TA again), but others had fair TAs and did well.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Dec 15, 2022
Would take again

Dr. O'Neill was a gold tier prof. He took complicated material and made it easy and fun. The papers were easy as long as you went to lectures and read. He also remained neutral the whole time, which is so hard but he handled it perfectly. My TA Tim was great and was a big help. I'll be taking POT4053 with O'Neill next semester, super excited!

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A+
Dec 20, 2022
Would take again

O'Neill was great at breaking down the important concepts and even gave us page #s for textual evidence to write the papers. He's charismatic during lectures and gives you exactly what you need to know--enough so that I didn't do any readings. Grade is heavily based on TA. Paper questions are clear and concise. Take good notes and you'll be fine!

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Dec 29, 2022
Would take again

Amazing lecturer, engaging and funny. Doesn't waste your time. Presents content in an unbiased and knowledgeable (yet approachable) manner. Lecture notes are stellar at guiding you through long, often dense readings, but he doesn't post them online. 4 papers, 5-7 pages, a week to write them, all graded by TAs. Get Timmy Stolz if you can.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
Dec 30, 2022
Would take again

Your TA will make or break this class (avoid Wallie). Only graded by a few papers and two in-class tests, but all tests are essays, and you can bring a page of notes. Very lecture-heavy. No required attendance, but his lectures give you all the information. Don't bother reading, you can rely on his slides. Really interesting and engaging lectures.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: A+
Jan 11, 2023
Would take again

Daniel does a great job at making the political theorists studied interesting and engaging. What TA you get does make or break your grade, as they are the ones that actually grade the papers worth almost your entire grade. I had Timothy Stoltz who was hilarious but a bit strict on grading unless you visit him for office hours.

Hilarious
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A+
Jan 22, 2024
Would take again

Essay driven and your grade is pretty dependent on your TA. I had Timothy and he was the GOAT. O'Neill is poli sci royalty and it definitely shows in his entertaining lectures.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
POT4053
Grade: A-
Dec 18, 2024
Would take again

You can tell the professor enjoys the subject, and not only engages with the material very well, but also with the students. His lectures were very engaging, and he explained the material very well, if you have the option to take his class, please do! You won't regret it.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A-
Nov 13, 2025
Would take again

very passionate about political theory and overall engaging lectures. most of your grade consists of 3 written exams throughout the semester and depending on your TA they can be graded quite harshly.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Dec 4, 2025
Would take again

Dr. O'Neill is an amazing lecturer and I highly recommend you take him for an intro level class. His lectures are extremely engaging and although attendance is not mandatory, I recommend going. I don't think its necessary to purchase the textbook to succeed as his lectures pretty much cover all the material you need to know for his exams.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Respected
5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A+
Dec 4, 2025
Would take again

He is so smart and loves what he teaches. As long as you attend class, take notes, and study, you'll do well in the class. Three written exams, super straight-forward and easy to ace. Timmy Stolz is the best TA and is always willing to help answer any questions.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2025
Would take again

Amazing professor! The readings can get dense and lengthy, but he has very engaging lectures that give you all the material needed for the exams. Everything is graded by TAs, but mine (Bilsbrough) was approachable and did not grade harshly as long as it was clear you knew the material. I learned a lot from this class, I highly recommend taking it!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2025
Would take again

Prof O'neill is such an amazing professor. He clearly loves and understands the topics presented which makes the lectures super engaging. Grades are weekly discussion attendance, 3 exams, and weekly paragraph reading responses. I highly recommend Billsborough as a TA!

4.0
2.0
POT2002
Grade: A
Jan 1, 2026
Would take again

Professor O'Neill was an extremely animated and passionate professor who I highly recommend any Poli Sci freshman take Political Theory with. My TA was really informative (although very political) and grading is fair. Sometimes he can go on tangents which are ultimately more confusing than helpful but he was easy to talk to during office hours.

Hilarious
Respected
Accessible outside class
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

29%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 37 grades
Most common grades:
A- (12)
A (12)
A+ (6)
Grade Distribution
A(18)B(2)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(17)
Based on 40 reported grades
A-: 12
A: 12
A+: 6
B+: 5
Common Tags
Get ready to read (23)
Lecture heavy (15)
Graded by few things (13)
Hilarious (10)
Amazing lectures (8)
Amazing lectures (5)
Tough grader (5)
Respected (3)
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Ratings by Course

POT3302

5.0

(4)

GREATPOLTHIN

5.0

(1)

POLTHEORY

5.0

(1)

POT3001

5.0

(4)

POT3001AND4053

5.0

(1)
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Difficulty by Course

POLTHRY

4.0

POLTHEO

4.0

GREATPOLTHINK

3.8

POT2001

3.7

POT3302

3.3

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