You have to be willing to put in the work for his classes but if you do the class is very rewarding. Prof. Saccarelli is very helpful.

He's a good professor. He challenges the students and expects a lot but you can get a good grade if you're willing to work. Unfortunately the class material is pretty boring, so the class lags.

None really

Class is not for slackers. Very helpful if you show an effort. And who doesn't love an Italian accent?

Professor is Awesome. Conservatives beware, he is a very progressive, leftist professor. Class sometimes lags but the content stimulates the mind and helps you think outside of the box. Overall, a great class.

You cannot learn Socrates, Thucydides, Plato and Aristotle without reading a lot and doing a lot of work on the authors. Tough class but you learn stuff you should learn in college. Good prof, rewards smart comments, destroys stupid comments

This guy is awesome. Don't listen to all that "boring/hard" stuff below. you're a poli sci major in college...so you'll have to read and write a to pass this course. Go to class, read, and take notes...and you'll pass the class. the papers are challenging but if you prepar and go to class, you should be able to do prety well. great class!!

I took both classes at the same time and recieved Bs in both. They are not easy classes, they were verying boring to attend, but he makes you go! There only papers, and reading notes due every day in 301. But he is very willing to help, he let me turn in the final paper a week later into the break for full credit. Also he is nicer to women.

I had pol sc 406, you have to read a lot like 5 books, exams not that hard but the essay is, he is not an easy grader when it comes to the essay. He is very funny but the class is boring the material can be very interesting do go to class he takes attendance.

He's sort of a crazy, mad-scientist type. Great italian accent (haha). Not an easy class, but a good class. He is soooo funny. I reccomend this class.

i usually don't read...but books are GREAT! One was actually banned in the US for many years. Great class...challenges your intellect. Somewhat intimidating but very helpful and intelligent. A must take!!

OUTSTANDING!!! Brilliant and funny. Love this teacher. It is NOT boring. He brings a different perspecitve because he is Italian than the everyday American outlook. Exceptional knowledge of his subject. I was impressed every single day. I learned so much. Love him.

don't let this guy fool you. despite the bravado and intellect, he'll sacrifice his place in history for his curriculum vitae. he's an armchair marxist and therefore easily replaceable.

This guy is a really good teacher. Definitely not a walk in the park but if you ask him for help he will definitely give it to you. He really appreciates an intelligent argument even if he doesn't agree with you. If you want to learn something you should take this class, if you are trying to slide through this expensive education then don't.

He'll tell you right off that he is a communist, but he doesn't press any political ideology. Liberals and Conservatives alike are welcom. He wants students to think for themselves. He's not monotone. He's a great lecturer, and he highly encourages students to share their views and ask questions. I recommend him.

It's a difficult class, the reading is pretty heavy...BUT he is extremely helpful. You can't leave your reading/papers/notes last minute because you will cry/not sleep/cry some more. Good class.

Intellectually rewarding class. He is an outstanding lecturer & encourages class involvement. If you have weak writing skills, as most college students do, do not take this class. He has a genuine enthusiasm for the subject, which makes the class more interesting. I recommend this class for serious students only.

he is amazing. this class is reading intensive but he tries his best to make it interesting. i loved this class. just make sure you go and take lots of notes.

Class is based on the texts so there's heavy reading, but its worth it. He has real passion and understanding that makes the class both challenging and rewarding. Not for the weak minded. Extremely helpful with a unique sense of humor. 2 papers, near daily reading notes. One of the best profs @ state, much more than an armchair marxist. hot accent.

He's such a good professor. If you have any questions about anything he'll help you out as much as possible.

great class, but really hard grader. need to write essays with a high standard for this teacher. great topics, saw hobbes and machiaveli, very motivating class but hard! hard grader!

Great class! Pretty intense reading load, lots of ground covered, plus notes due nearly every time... you've got to want to be there! But he's so sharp, and so hot w/ a great accent so it's a pleasure...

hard, do not take class, ignore everything that this website is saying, will ruin your semester, ask anybody at school. Do not take, do not take, do not take

Saccarelli is an awesome professor-the best i've had! he's so passionate about the subject that you have to be interested.lecture notes are v.important so you have to attend & you have to read the books!there's a lot of info but the tests aren't hard & he's very helpuful- holds study sessions before every final.definitely take the class. LOVE HIM!

I would say that Saccarelliâ??s class was probably the most demanding during my entire time as an undergrad at SDSU, but I found both him and the class to be an enriching experience, particularly in regard to the historical information learned. You probably will not enjoy this class if you are a Republican, conservative, or believe in economic effi

He's my fave teacher at state. I wish he was teaching more than just 301a this semester bc i already took it. You learn so much from his classes. They are hard because you have daily reading then you will probably (but he's not always done this) have a little summary paper to write as hw each day. Very interactive/informative.

one of the most rewarding classes I have taken at state. ATTEND EVERY CLASS. take good notes. go to study group. was half point away from A. so best advice: do worse at beginning of semester and then get A or B on final and he will help you get better grade.

Simply the best class and best teacher ever. Rather than learn what historical figures wrote you learn who they were, what they thought and felt, and the political implications of their world view. How anyone could PROPERLY analyze their philosophical or political views without this comprehensive background information is beyond me. ENLIGHTENING

Sacarelli is GREAT! I've taken three of his classes now, and all of them have been amazing! They are definitely hard, but if you go to class, do the reading, and take good notes you'll be fine. He's really helpful, and spends as much time as necessary going over something. If you're into having a teacher that lets you think, take him

Saccarelli, by far the best most professor at STATE. Challenging, makes you really work for your grade. Lots of reading but interesting and enlightening! plus hes a total hottie! :)

Absolutely the BEST professor at SDSU and this was the best class I've ever taken. I've taken three of his classs and he's genius. You'll learn so much and it's all good stuff. His Marxism class is invaluable. It should be taught both semesters. Everything valuable I know about political science is because of Saccarelli :) LOVE HIM!!!!

the challenge is definitely worth the rewards

This class was hard but worth it. Most of the grade is two papers based soley on the readings which can seem daunting, but is not difficult if you pay attention is class at all. I plan on taking more classes with him.

Awesome teacher, you will gain a ton of knowledge. Keep up with the readings before coming to class and he will help with the rest via discussion. You will have weekly notes on the reading to turn in and 2 large papers, a little tough but he's a clear teacher so you can do well.

Professor Saccarelli is fantastic, and easy to approach. Regarding the class, attendance is mandatory, and you have to read every week. You also comprise a weekly one page single spaced summary on the material with your commentary at the end. Beyond that, there are two lengthy essays based directly off the readings. This class is worth your time.

I get the feeling he is a much better teacher in a smaller setting. I was a little disturbed when he would go off on students for whispering/chatting especially when his TAs carried on full conversations the entire time he lectured (but perhaps he didn't hear them? it was very distracting). I never spoke to the professor but he seems nice otherwise

This class was demanding and took a lot of time but it was very interesting. People who are complaining probably didn't put enough effort into it and received a lower grade. The professor is very helpful and knows how to make the lecture interesting. Learned a lot from this class and Professor Saccarelli is one of the best professor i have had.

Saccarelli is an AWESOME professor. He knows his stuff and if you have the slightest bit of interest in what's going on around you in the world, you'll love this class. It's hard work but so rewarding and Saccarelli will help you if you go to his office hours any time. Take this class, you won't regret it!

Saccarelli is one of my favorite professors at State. He is extremely engaging and constantly challenging the normal ways of thinking regarding the subject matter. The difficulty of the class is worth the knowledge gained.

Saccarelli is very smart and passionate, and teaches through open discussion with students rather than standard lectures. The grade is composed of class attendance; short summaries of very dense and difficult readings he assigns weekly; a six-page midterm paper and an eight-page final paper. His class was very difficult yet usually interesting.

Great teacher and lecturer. I've taken his upper and lower level classes. They're are tough but worth it.

Professor Saccarelli is a fine educator. The topic itself is very hard and "boring". But his passion for it makes it intresting and he's there to help you along the way. He looks a bit intimidating, but if you go ask for help he will give excellent aid. His class consists of reading notes (collected randomly ) and one six and one eight pg paper.

He has a keen mind and is incredibly invested in his students. You need to work hard but you wont be bored in class. Oh, and the fact that hes a bit of eye candy makes getting up for class a little easier.

He is amazing, slightly intimidating but once you talk to him he is extremely nice and helpful. He actually seems to care about his students! Like the other reviews say, you will have to work for it but as long as you do the readings and go to class you'll be fine.

Seriously an amazing teacher and a great guy. At the end of the day, he is super down to earth and in touch with reality, and really cares about not only your success as a student but really just hopes to open up your mind and way of thinking. Super duper recommend him seriously your college life and life in general will be immensely benefited.

Professor Saccarelli is one of the best professors Ive had at SDSU. If you are interested in Plato/Aristotle/greek philosophy/politics, take this course. The class is compromised of reading at least 4 books (not every single chapter), reading note assignments, and 2 essays (6-pg, 8-pg). Highly recommend!

prof Saccarelli is great, however he doesn't really lecture us, but rather his class is like a grad seminar, where every student gives his view on what they read, and then the prof comments. NOT AN EASY GRADER. Also, he interprets many of the books with a Marxist perspective; class struggle etc. not a bad choice for theory class.

Yes yes hes a great lecturer, v funny, actually cares about your intellectual development etc. also oddly charming. BUT. Theres a lot of reading, and I actually mean a lot, not like other classes where you can skim, but like actual line-by-line reading. If youre not used to rigor and having to write well, you might die. All his classes are this^

Best teacher ever... great sense of humor, listens to and fully discusses students opinions with the class, interesting lectures, very honest, very helpful during office hours, obviously cares about his students wellbeing, values his students time, knows his stuff and cares about what he teaches. All around great guy doing great things.

Saccarelli was fun but he assigns lots of reading and homework. Do not take this class if you are going to be in another class that requires lots of reading and writing. I made that mistake and regretted it. Otherwise the class is interesting and Saccarelli loves to see your pets on zoom. He's a good professor.

Whole semester was reading 4 books. Weekly 1 page papers (graded for completion not content), and two essays. Classes basically was just discussing our weekly readings. He has a great sense of humor and is pretty forgiving to his students. I would take him if you need a requirement filled and he is one of the classes you can take.

Honestly one of the best professors at state. The readings are so intense but he makes sense of them and if he notices that you are really trying hard you will do well. You have to be ready to be involved in the class but he is so amazing.

Demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of politics and history. Phenomenal lectures, he is insightful and nuanced in his analysis. You will be screwed if you dont read and annotate the material as it can be dense (but really interesting). You will write weekly. If you dont care about politics and just want a chill/easy class this is not it.

Attendance isn't mandatory but he gives so much valuable information during lecture that if you don't attend, you're basically digging your own hole. He's funny and very knowledgeable. He's easy going too. Just be prepared because there is a reading and writing assignment every week after the 2nd week.

Prof Saccarelli was one of my favorite profs I've had. He's passionate and very knowledgeable about the texts we had to read for class. Kept it super interesting. Weekly papers with multiple prompts to choose from, two major essays with the first one being pretty standard and the second more artistic/creative. 100% will take his classes again.

A lot of reading but if you are interested in the subject it will not be too bad. Grade consists of weekly one-page papers, attendance, and a three part final paper. Time consuming but not horrible.

Probably the best professor I've had so far. Super knowledgable, down to earth guy. Lectures are more like class discussions, but he offers super insightful ideas. 4 books and seriously, you need to read them if you want to pass. 2 essays on the books. Take advantage of the extra credit opportunity.

Dr. Sacarrelli is one of those professors from tv. like if The Dude from the Big Lebowski was a Socialist. Hes very honest about his beliefs but he wont hold it against you if you think differently. You need to read & read well because his classes are centered around critically thinking about the assignments. Hes super cool but he will push you

Great teacher who explains dull and boring western political books in a way that helps make everything so clear. weekly paper due on readings and sometimes its a lot to read. you HAVE to do the readings and go to class. class is mandatory and its very helpful. you wont succeed without going. weekly papers and two big papers one 6 pages on 8.

I would totally recommend this class. The professor made 16th-17th century texts interesting and understandable. Go to class and take good notes and you'll do fine. Class is graded by nine weekly 1 pg. papers (and you can miss one w/ no penalty), attendance/participation, and two essays (the first is 6 pgs. and the second is 8 pgs.).

The class/readings/papers/he seem intimidating, but he makes the readings make sense by the end of each class. I was scared of this class at first, but it actually has become one of my favorite classes at SDSU.

There are 8 weekly one-page single-space essays but you can miss 3. Once you get past the first book the rest should be pretty easy. No quizzes but he does also assign a 6 and 8-page essay, go to his office hours for help. Had an amazing time in this class, he does his best to help everyone out with the essays and would take it again.

Prof Saccarelli took boring/confusing western political thought & made it understandable/less intimidating. It is a lecture heavy class, but he is quite a character & very interesting to listen to. Class is all about attendance + participation. 2 essays (6 & 8 pages)& weekly one page summaries of text. Get ready to read & listen. Definitely enjoyed

He is a good teacher overall but I found it difficult to pay attention to his lectures and he goes off on tangents all the time. It does not help that the course material is extremely boring. However, he is pretty funny and is accessible outside of class.

Professor Sacarelli is great. He is passionate, and cares about the students. This class has a weekly 2 page paper, and two larger essays, and that is really it, but he does ask that you have a solid conceptual understanding of the political ideologies of the subject to pass those. I'm looking forward to trying to take another class with him.

Dr Saccarelli (PhD) evaluates success through understanding of the material. Despite his keen intellect, he maintains a colloquial nature which appeals well to students. He is a wonderful professor who cares about his students and values the learning experience over the technicalities of the grading process. Makes learning less terrible, no doubt.

He radicalized me 10/10.

Extremely knowledgeable about assigned readings, great for anyone interested in POL S. He appreciates class participation. Eleven weekly one-page reflections on the week's reading, you only need 8 for full credit—one essay midterm (go to office hours he will help you immensely). One written blue book final on topics discussed in class.

The reading we did consisted of 4 books; we read the entirety of most of them, but sometimes we skip around. The readings can be very dense and hard to understand the meaning he wants you to take from them, so I would recommend going to class. Overall enjoyed this class.

Saccarelli is a knowledgeable professor, but do not expect typical lectures. The class involves extensive reading and discussion, emphasizing your own interpretations of the texts. While some may find him cynical, he genuinely wants you to challenge your views. Speak up, or you'll be stuck in awkward silence while he leads most of the discussion.