3.0

Fernando Nunez-Mietz

Political Science - McGill University

3.0
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
48%
Would Retake
233
Reviews
3.0
Quality
3.9
Difficulty
2.9
Helpful
3.0
Clarity

48%

Would Retake

233

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

31

4

68

3

49

2

40

1

45

What Students Say

Avoid this class like the plague

POLI244 - 1.0 rating

you're on a bus and its on fire and youre heading straight for a lava pit

POLI244 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

53%

Textbook Required

3%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 123 grades
Most common grades:
A (39)
A- (23)
Not sure yet (23)
Grade Distribution
A(39)B(30)C(7)D(1)F(2)A-/B+(44)
Based on 151 reported grades
A: 39
A-: 23
Not sure yet: 23
B+: 21
Common Tags
Get ready to read (132)
Tough grader (52)
Skip class? You won't pass. (35)
Lecture heavy (27)
Graded by few things (26)
Test heavy (25)
Tough Grader (16)
Clear grading criteria (14)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.83 avg change
Feb
Apr
May
Jun
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

POLI575

5.0

(1)

POLI244359

5.0

(1)

POLI355444

5.0

(1)

POLI244355444

5.0

(1)

POLI444

4.5

(4)
+5 more courses
Difficulty by Course

POLI446

5.0

POLI575

4.0

POLI355

4.0

POLI355444

4.0

POLI244355444

4.0

Reviews (233)
2.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Nov 14, 2013

the teacher is too theoretical and inexperienced.

3.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
Nov 14, 2013

This class is way too hard for an introduction and for a First year class. We can choose whatever subject we want for the essays but it is tricky, and you have barely no help and the grades are often really low.

3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 27, 2013

Very easy on the eyes! The class is quite difficult, and he isn't very good at clarifying. My specific TA was not very helpful, as well the TA's mark extremely specifically!

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Dec 3, 2013

Good lecturer ! However, don't expect to understand something without doing the readings, they are really important

3.0
3.0
POLI244
Dec 12, 2013

This class requires some work but it's definitely not as hard as some are making it out to be. The readings were very manageable and helped in understanding the material.

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Dec 12, 2013

Cool guy, very relaxed. Knows what he's doing, very organized for a newbie prof. His lecture style's annoying and he's a tough marker, but he made the class pretty enjoyable. The most important thing is he was able to engage with all his hundreds of students and make you feel included (only the best profs can do this).

4.0
2.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2013

This class is really not as hard as people make it seem. JUST DO THE READINGS, he just discusses them in lectures. Those who didn't do well didn't incorporate the readings into their essays or chose a difficult/irrelevant topic.

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 14, 2013

Great teacher. He interacts with the class and explains very clearly (and he's funny). It's not an easy class though (but you can still get A, at least to the papers) Quite a lot of readings.

5.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Dec 24, 2013

Great prof and course ! He has a way of explaning the material in a very very clear manner, repeats all the important informations. POLI 244 requires quite some work to get along, the readings can be confusing some time but again, by attending the lectures, everything becomes clear ! Very interesting class that perfectly introduces IR

3.0
4.0
POLI244
Jan 9, 2014

Overall pretty decent prof for a newbie, however some of the concepts he explained were extremely confusing and he didn't go thoroughly into them. Make sure you bring a laptop to this lecture, you won't be able to keep up with a notepad and paper he talks really fast

5.0
3.0
POLI244
Jan 15, 2014

Amazing professor. Very clear. He really knows what he is talking about. You need to go to class AND do the readings though, because the lecture is not all about the readings.

3.0
2.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Apr 11, 2014

Intelligent guy, but sub par prof. Nunez-Mietz lacks clarity in the classroom and in his expectations for assignments. Furthermore, he is condescending and unhelpful when it comes to feedback. It's a shame POLI 244 is taught by him because the course content and material are so interesting. Would definitely recommend the class, but not the prof...

4.0
2.0
POLI359
Apr 25, 2014

Good class, quizzes that you can easily score 85+ on, fair midterm and final, no real surprises if you go to class (mandatory) and do the quizzes thoroughly. Interesting material but this is more of a Law class than a PoliSci one, be prepared to prepare cases arduously (he called on people randomly to check if they knew the case). Recommended!

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Jun 2, 2014

Great class, though the concepts may be difficult to understand if you do not do the readings. Conferences are very helpful and challenging. The professor is clear in his lectures though the grading is quite strinngent.

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Oct 15, 2014

Very interesting class. The prof is very clear and is able to simplify very complex concepts. there are a lot of reading to do though but if you do most of them and attend the lecture you should be fine.

2.0
4.0
244
Oct 30, 2014

Class material could be interesting but sadly it often is badly explained. Regular and hard quizzes.. No explanation of the relevance of some material: 5 conferences of game theory?!

1.0
5.0
POLI244
Nov 6, 2014

Endless readings, tough quizzes, lectures are not always clear and sometimes very confusing

2.0
1.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 11, 2014

Boring teacher, amazingly simplistic lectures, tons of extensive and complicated readings. A 500 pages textbook to read plus many online readings. 10 online quizzes to complete during the semester, a real pain. Don't take this class unless you absolutely have to.

4.0
3.0
POLI244
Nov 29, 2014

"Nando" is one of the best lecturers I've had. I honestly have no idea of what my final grade will be, but that doesn't change the fact that his lectures were awesome, if you're into International Relations. Yes, you will have to read A LOT though (minimum 100 pages per week), get ready!

3.0
5.0
POLI244
Dec 8, 2014

The class teaches you much more than other classes, is ludicrously difficult. Grading criteria is loose and difficult to understand for essays, leaving you with marks taken off for little to no reason. Quizzes are nigh impossible even if quoting the book. Definitely wouldn't take this a second time, the grade deflation is obvious and disappointing.

3.0
3.0
POLI244
Dec 10, 2014

Pretty tough class. Lots of theories you have to understand. The textbook is extremely useful. 80+ on quizzes if you do most quizzes. Gotta admit, though, his english can be a bit better. Oh and not to mention he is so aesthetically pleasing!!! TA named Trevor was amazing. I had a bone almost every time I saw Nando or Trevor lol

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 11, 2014

Very challenging class but great professor. Many many readings and quizzes but if you're into it you can get a great mark. The prof is clear and really into his stuff. He's organized and if you read the material before m, his lectures are very helpful.

4.0
3.0
244
Dec 27, 2014

classic poli sci lecturer. Lots of readings, weekly online quizzes.

3.0
4.0
POLI244
Jan 3, 2015

Class was the hardest and most stressful i've ever haddone. Quizzes were hard and took forever and there were more readings for this class than for my other 4 put together. But its very informative and you learn a lot, his lectures are good and he is good at explaining the theories.

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 7, 2015

Weekly quizzes are challenging but it is possible to do well if you use the readings and are prepared to spend a solid 3+ hours on each quiz. Final was fair, but extensive. Loads of reading to do (no one actually keeps up), but as long as you attend lectures you'll be alright. Also, he's a really funny prof with a great accent. So that's a plus.

4.0
4.0
244
Jan 15, 2015

Nando is an amazingly well-spoken and clear poli sci professor, showing an intense passion as well as insight of the field. While the topics covered are indeed at times challenging, the course is everything one can hope to find in terms of an introduction to IR. Would definitely recommend. Quizzes are phenomenal practice for the examinations.

5.0
3.0
POLI244
Jan 16, 2015

Fantastic professor. His lectures are extremely organized and clear, making some potentially difficult topics quite easy to understand. Read and you'll do great. Quizzes are tricky, but doable. Extremely funny and makes lectures inclusive and fun! Great help at office hours. Also, doesn't hurt that he's good-looking and has an amazing accent!

5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 16, 2015

Very good professor, passionate and experienced. Hot too.

5.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Feb 22, 2015

Poli 244 is a hard class, especially with all the readings. Prof 'nando however is funny and a very good lecturer. He is clear and does enjoy putting in a joke or two from time to time discretely. You'll definitely learn or consolidate what you already knew about the int'l system.

3.0
2.0
POLI244
Mar 19, 2015

What's nice about Fernando is that he's clear about what he wants. No surprises on exams so easy A. Pretty average as far as lecturing goes, didn't find the classes particularly useful if I did the reading before. Too many quizzes though which isn't really the most optimal form of evaluation for political science.

5.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Apr 7, 2015

Nunez is a fair prof. Lots of readings, and most of the class is game theory- it can get pretty repetitive. Weekly online quizzes (open book).No midterm. Theres a research paper that asks you to use the theories presented in class (realism, neoliberalism, constructivism), but its marked really easy. Final is super straightforward as well.

3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
May 1, 2015

interesting course. quizzes are a hassle but make sure to check quizlet because some of them are posted online with the answers... wish i would have known that before. fair course with fair grading. would take again. lectures are recorded so no need to go.

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Aug 3, 2015

Professor Nunez-Mietz knew his material and the lectures were a great introduction to political science and international relations. The lectures were well-organized but his voice did occasionally start to grow dull. LOTS of reading in this course and at-home quizzes every week on the reading. Good professor, but kind of intimidating.

5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Aug 12, 2015

He's great

1.0
3.0
POLI244
Nov 2, 2016
Wouldn't take again

don't take! The class average is a 54 at the moment.

3.0
5.0
POLI244
Nov 2, 2016
Wouldn't take again

For a 200 level poli course, this class has way too much work. He is giving out 3 written assignments to do within one month (all due within the same month) and his midterm was insane. His lectures are mandatory to attend as he doesn't record them.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Nov 3, 2016
Wouldn't take again

If you're a first year, then please please KEEP AWAAYYY!!! from this course!! Not difficult, it's deadly!

TEST HEAVY
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Nov 3, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Fernando refuses to admit when he is in the wrong. Our class average for our first exam was 54 - letting us drop it was fair - though the test would have been easy to cheat on and and was badly designed. His lectures are repetitive and there are way too many readings for a first year course. He makes some funny jokes, and the simulation is awesome

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Nov 4, 2016
Would take again

In defense of 'nando after the midterm that everyone is v upset by: This is not an easy class but it is in no way as hard as people are making it out to be. If he has one flaw it's that he can be condescending/stubborn when replying to criticism. Other than that he has a p cool sense of humor (and accent) and makes things interesting to learn.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
GROUP PROJECTS
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Nov 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Course material was really interesting BUT there were separate readings for the class and conference, and all the readings for class were like 50 pages each. I was thankful whenever I got a 40 page reading. Simulation could have been cool but it was a lot of extra effort. It's basically 3 classes in one.

Get ready to read
GROUP PROJECTS
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Nov 18, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Nando is not as bad as some say. The quizzes are tough, but if you study it's alright. He explains things well with good examples. However, the simulation "game" was deeply flawed and unfairly damaged grades. Also, readings were way too long and there were too many papers to write. (One was 4000 words-in a 200 level course!)

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Nov 21, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Fernando Nunez is a Professor who shows little or no regard for the success of his students given the structure of his course's evaluations such as online quizzes written in class and a sever simulation game which is done through e-mails and much like the quizzes, has a high rate of failures and a grading criterion that has little thought in it.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
GROUP PROJECTS
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Nov 23, 2016
Wouldn't take again

The professor may be a good professor in terms of lecturing, but the way his class is constructed led to many a failing student. He is intimidating to talk to and seems to be uninterested in the success of his students. You really, REALLY have to study to do well on quizzes and if you've never written a college paper, don't take this course!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Nov 23, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Seriously, don't take ANY of his courses. I can't stress this enough. Unfair grading criteria, tricky quizes, survival-of-the-fittest-like group work that will DRAIN so much time from your other courses. Please please please listen to the reviews, it's not worth it. I wish someone would have told me :(

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

The simulation game takes a large percentage of the overall grade. Since this is a zero-sum game with designated themes and rules, your grade solely depends on other students. No matter how hard you have tried to succeed, other students can bring your grade down to the lowest point at any time. Avoid this class at all costs!!!!!!!!!

Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Nov 29, 2016
Would take again

Ok, here's the deal: This is a very interesting class, but the prof does give a LOT of work. If you want to take this class, here are some things to keep in mind: JOIN A RELIABLE READING-SHARING GROUP, study for quizzes really well, start the final paper at least a week before it's due. If you do these things, it's very bearable, you will enjoy it.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Nov 30, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Nunez is a decent lecturer but that was completely overshadowed by the unfair grading and the logistical nightmare of the quizzes. First quiz average was a 55% and 80% of the people in my simulation failed before he curved it. I've always done well with POLI classes before (I'm in 3rd year) but this was by far the most unfair class I've ever taken

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
3.0
POLI244
Dec 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This was by far one of the worst courses I have taken at McGill. Prof. Nunez's lectures are terribly confusing and he is simply reading from a text. The quiz midterm and final are filled with useless random question that are barely related to political science. Expect at least 100 pages of reading per week. Readings are bland and boring.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 5, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Worst class I've taken so far at McGill. Lectures confusing but often boring, and if in need of help condescending and not very approachable. Blamed the 55% average of the midterm on people not studying because they assumed they could cheat. Get ready to read 50 pages per lecture. And the simulation game is the group project of your nightmares!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
GROUP PROJECTS
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 7, 2016
Would take again

Here's the deal: The content itself was very interesting and pertinent. The assignments are ok but the quizzes quite difficult. However, it is VERY feasible to have a good grade! Granted there are TONS of readings but many are interesting and quite frankly I didn't do them all and passed very well. The bad comments are WAY over-exagerated.

Get ready to read
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 8, 2016
Would take again

I got 48% on the first quiz. He allowed everyone the option to drop the quiz. After that I got 80% on the final and i only studied the night before. YouTube explains all his concepts very well. Readings aren't really needed but helpful. His quizzes are very practical. You don't need to memorize, you need to understand. Know Game Theory well.

Get ready to read
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Made me switch majors. Treated our first year class like a grad class. I worked harder than I've ever worked before and barely passed.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 8, 2016
Would take again

The comments here are seriously exaggerated and misleading. It's true his lectures aren't very interesting, but there are far worse lecturers at McGill. There's a lot of reading, but the content is interesting. The grading is fair so far, especially compared to history/philosophy classes. If you can't survive Nunez, you won't survive poli sci.

Get ready to read
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2016
Would take again

I've never had a more informative lecturer, I got 94% on my essay, 88% on quiz 1, and 80% on quiz 2 JUST BY TAKING NOTES IN LECTURES AND NOT STUDYING THE TEXTBOOKS. The simulation game's grading is badly done, however. Regardless, the comments here ARE ridiculous, this is my third year at McGill and it is one of the easiest courses to get an A in.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: C-
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Run, run

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

The content itself was incredibly interesting but the way in which the class was structured and organized was definitely unfair. Fernando is by no means a terrible prof but having an average of 140pgs of reading per week and both papers plus our final due within the last 3 weeks of class was ridiculous. This was definitely not an intro class...

Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 9, 2016
Would take again

Disclaimer: 3rd yr science Intimidating, but good lecturer and really knows his stuff. Challenging but fascinating course. I thought the quizzes + evaluations were fair (w/ exception of simulation), tho the quiz avgs were astonishingly low. If you're very interested in IR and can handle a dense course - highly recommended. If U0 - use caution.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Very good lecturer. About 200 pages of reading a week, 8 week simulation that is not reflective of your effort worth 15% of grade, 3 written assignments (one paper, one reflection on simulation, one take home paper), 2 quizzes that are basically a midterm and final which are quite difficult. Really interesting course but insane workload.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Dec 10, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I don't think his lectures were interesting, and I am not a huge fan of him or the assignments. But I don't think he was the *worst* prof ever. The class was very difficult, and a ton of assignments were due at the same time frame. The simulation was awful. If you work hard, go to class, and do the readings, you will turn out ok. If not? Good luck.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Utterly terrible professor, who in their right mind would conduct a zero-sum simulation game in a class of 500+ people? Not to mention his condescending responses to simple questions. I would highly recommend avoiding this course at all costs.

Get ready to read
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
5.0
POLI244
Dec 17, 2016
Would take again

Avoid this course if you can. Nunez is not a bad professor but the way he structured the course is questionable at best. the simulation was atrocious and his quizes were poorly constructed.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Hilarious
2.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Dec 18, 2016
Wouldn't take again

All the assignments came at the end of the semester either right after each other or at the same time which was ridiculous.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Dec 18, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Ok so while I do think some comments are extremely exaggerated, his assignments were longer, and quite frankly graded more strictly than 300 levels. His style of teaching and his format of testing was unclear and not helpful really to anyone. And there's a simulation where the harder you work, the worse of a grade you get so... avoid if possible

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
3.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Dec 26, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Class was tough but fair. Quite a lot of heavy reading, but that's what you should be expecting from a Poli Sci class. Professor might not be the best, but his grading schemes were pretty good - except for the zero-sum simulation game, which would have been a better experience if the rules were adjusted to benefit all parties.

Get ready to read
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Dec 27, 2016
Would take again

Interesting prof who is clear and not boring. He speaks kinda slowly but there is a lot of information so it's ok. There is quite a bit of readings but you don't have to do them to have a good grade, just read intro+conclusions of his readings and you'll be fine. I Would say he is an easy grader for the papers but tricky questions on the quizzes

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Dec 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

The class had so much potential and it fell short. The simulation game was necessarily complicated and did not work. The assignments were awkwardly distributed throughout the semesters (i.e. Quiz worth 25% to be taken on the same day as Take Home worth 25% is due). The grading criteria was unclear for the essay and assignment.

1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 7, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Fernando turned the lights down in the lecture hall and almost put everybody to sleep with his lectures. He assigned so much reading that you didn't know where to start. The simulation game worth 1/5 of your mark was completely unrelated to your effort or skill. It's still possible to do well but overall bad experience.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Jan 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This class was the worse of my life. The way the teacher gave the lecture was so not interesting, he was reading his notes all along. I got really bad grades even though I worked hard. Don't take that class. Thats the best I can tell you

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 16, 2017
Would take again

There was a HUGE fuss in regards to POLI 244, and I feel like it is important to clear things up. The course itself (content) is a good intro to basic political sciences and international relations. The prof is a good lecturer (whitty) AND was very accessible after class and by email. Only problem was how close all papers were to each other.

Gives good feedback
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Caring
5.0
4.0
POLI575
Grade: A
Jan 23, 2017
Would take again

Fair grader and always there to clarify whatever it is you don't understand. This seminar is hard, that's not even a question but it is mainly due to the amount of readings that you have to do if you want to pass the course. He is an expert in international law and the only in the political science department that specializes on the topic. A gem!

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
POLI244359
Grade: A-
Apr 5, 2017
Would take again

BEST prof I've had at McGill. Had him for 244+359 (intl. law). He is an absolute expert in IR/ Intl. law. Lectures are amazing, I learned A TON--interesting and engaging. Expectations are very clear, grading is fair. Take his classes seriously and you can get an A. People complaining likely are lazy/skipped class. Highly recommend to anyone, 10/10.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Jun 5, 2017
Would take again

I personally found the class POLI244 insightful and I actually enjoyed the simulation because you get to apply the material you read about. He is a fairly good lecturer and his slides are good. However, it is a very demanding class in terms of reading, papers and intellectual material. Challenging for a 1st poli-sci class but i still recommend it!

Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
5.0
2.0
POLI244
Oct 5, 2017
Would take again

UPDATE on 244: I took POLI 244 in his first year giving it, thought it was an easy A. Apparently he thought last year that doing a simulation was a good idea - he realized it was not, and has decided to switch back to a regular format, so he does care about students... I've taken 3 classes with Nando, none of which I regret. He's a brilliant prof.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Nov 2, 2017
Would take again

Had Nando the year he did the simulation for the group projectcaused a lot of complaints, and the project definitely wasn't the best way to judge someone for 20% of their mark. Otherwise content was interesting and covered clearly in lecture. Quizzes hard bc out of such little marks. Not horrible, but lots of reading. Concepts can be found online.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Nov 6, 2017
Would take again

Good prof overall. Solid outfits. Great Banter.

Tough Grader
Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 4, 2017
Would take again

Fernando is fine, he has good lectures but they are all out of the readings. Halfway through the semester I stopped doing my readings and going to lecture, and it is not difficult. Online quizzes are easy (most of the answers are on quizlet, easy to find in the texts), midterm was fine and group project was good. I have an A right now.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
GROUP PROJECTS
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 11, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Disproportional amount of readings.

Get ready to read
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Dec 21, 2017
Would take again

An excellent knowledgeable lecturer, speaks clearly and at a good pace, uses a lot of examples for concepts so they are clear, it feels like you're really learning things. He dropped the simulation game everyone was complaining about. This course is hard and has a lot of content but I thought is was great

Get ready to read
GROUP PROJECTS
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 2, 2018
Would take again

sooo many readings it's killer and the class is pretty content heavy, however, Fernando is a great prof and if you're interested in the subject and work hard you'll do fine. The group project is no longer the simulation but a group paper/presentation.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
GROUP PROJECTS
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2018
Would take again

POLI 244 with Fernando was a GREAT class - one of my favorites of the semester! Almost all of the material is interesting (though there's a lot of it) & the 5 quizzes were easy, especially if you worked on them with others. The final was extremely tough, but Fernando is also extremely reasonable with the grades if you approach him about it.

Get ready to read
Tests are tough
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Jan 11, 2018
Would take again

Gave really great lectures despite having an audience of over 400 people!! Would definitely take this class again because of him and because it's one of the more challenging poli 200-level courses. Favourite part was his occasional references to his own meme material

5.0
2.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Feb 5, 2018
Would take again

Poli 244 - aka Nando extravaganza - will be important for other IR classes. Coupled with the fact that he is 5ft of pure intellect... I would strongly suggest you take his class. Though get ready to read. A lot.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Mar 24, 2018
Would take again

This class was an interesting one but I felt that sometimes the prof was lackluster. The reading get very very heavy, sometimes upward of 200 pages a week, which is not what the syllabus says, so be prepared for that. I like the way the grades are spread out though, makes good grades much more achievable.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Apr 10, 2018
Would take again

Professor Nunez is incredibly passionate about issues in international relations and while 244 is an introductory class, it's fair to say that he engages in real issues. The first month of the class can be confusing and abstract while working through theories but it is well worth it by the end of the semester. Solid foundation for future IR courses

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
May 7, 2018
Would take again

Prof Nunez is extremely intelligent and passionate. 244 is the toughest intro course for POLI majors however. Upwards of 125-150 pages of reading a week. Tough conceptual paradigms for first half of the course, but Nunez does a great job tying everything together. Online open book quizzes help out the grade a lot. The final was very hard

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jun 10, 2018
Would take again

Nando's good. SO MUCH READING tho, don't forget to take notes. Recs: Split up the readings between 3 ppl and share notes. Gives easy open book quizzes, do these yourself then go over IN A GROUP, making sure to double check answers with the readings. Quizzes are on readings while midterm and final are on lectures. Participate in conferences!

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
5.0
POLI244
Oct 25, 2018
Wouldn't take again

prof is great dude. quizzes and readings? you're on a bus and its on fire and youre heading straight for a lava pit. good luck.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 5, 2018
Would take again

Most interesting class I've ever taken! Even though you'll definitely have to work for it, it is worth it. Fernando seems really passionate by his topic and is a great lecturer. However, get ready to go to class (the slides are pretty light compared to the lectures). There are also a lot of readings to do but they are always interesting.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 6, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Avoid this class like the plague. If you have to take an intro IR class for a poli sci major or minor, take 243 with Brawley. Brawley actually gives you the basis for an IR degree, Nuñez just wants to make an intro class as hard as possible to dissuade poli sci hopefuls as McGill has so many. Really awful class that is way harder than it needs tobe

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Dec 6, 2018
Would take again

Nunez is one of the smartest professors at Mcgill. He teaches a hard course and is very helpful to his students. We have a bunch of quizzes i rly advise u to get a study group because the quizzes are pretty much impossible on your own. Research paper is so hard but if u work hard on it you can do it. and final exam is very challenging.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Class is interesting, but very reading heavy as well the research paper will pretty much be the death of you. I attended every lecture, which was so unnecessary for the final. The final is very difficult and requires you to really know your stuff.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 9, 2019
Would take again

First of all, go to class. Lectures are super dense but Nunez really knows what he's talking about - just prepare to take a lot of notes. Paper was hard but if you put the effort in you can get an A. Getting a study group for the quizes is also key. Exam was really hard and covers a lot of material, but its not unreasonable.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2019
Would take again

-Make sure to do your readings, especially from the textbook before the lectures otherwise you will be lost as it is a lot of material covered in a short amount of time. -If you are interested in international relations I would 100% recommend. I learned so much and really loved the class! - Do the quizes in groups! -Start your essay early!

Tough Grader
Respected
Get ready to read
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Jan 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

A highly intelligent teacher who is an expert. Do the work and don't slack off. Make sure you do well on the quizzes (80%+) and participate in conferences, it will come in handy. Essay his hard but if you space it out over a few days you'll do well. The exam is rather difficult, study CLASS NOTES the most. Go to every class, don't skip.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 29, 2019
Would take again

Fernando is a great teacher. It's easy to say attentive in his lectures, and his quizzes are a great way to consolidate your knowledge from the class. Make sure you do all your readings though, there are a lot of them. There's a lot of work to do but the subject itself isn't that complicated, so if you work hard you can get a good grade.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
2.0
3.0
POLI244
Feb 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I didnt enjoy the class at all... The lectures were boring and dreary even if the teacher tried his best. The assignements were not well organized and illogical.

Get ready to read
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Mar 13, 2019
Would take again

Not going to lie, this class was really hard. But Fernando made it worth it! His lectures are engaging and occasionally pretty funny. I think that the course was made a bit easier when I took it, so it's not as bad as all the comments left here. You def have to be serious about working, but it's not impossible to get an A.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
POLI444
Mar 26, 2019
Would take again

An excellent professor. Highly responsive to e-mails. Class was international human rights. the grading materials needs to be re-designed. There are two data collection reports that are labour-intensive and not intellectually stimulating. Each class features presentations by students but i wish the prof presented the cases; he is much clearer.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
POLI355
Mar 26, 2019
Would take again

Some may find his lecturing style dry, but he is SO INFORMATIVE. Learned a ton. The class is perfectly designed, a nice variety of assignments to boost your grade. Tends to go over time a bit, but an extremely attentive professor. Obvious he enjoys teaching as a profession. Excellent class, explains things clearly. One of my favourites!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Mar 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Honestly horrible, assigns way to many readings which makes it very overhwhliming, most reading Ive ever had at MCGILLL!!!!! Has a strange and unessary obsession with game theory. Talks way to quickly in lectures and just reads out his notes.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Apr 11, 2019
Would take again

I do not understand why so many people criticize him. He is the best prof I got at McGill. He is an amazing lecturer and has very interesting material to present. He clearly knows what he is talking about. During office hours he is really dedicated and makes sure you understand everything and he shows a lot of kindness. Would definitely recommend

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
POLI355444
Apr 14, 2019
Would take again

The best professor I had at McGill and POLI355/444 are the best classes in the department. He assigns so many readings, his lectures are dense, his assignments are labour intensive and his finals are demanding. His classes are no means easy, but incredibly intellectually stimulating. Learned so much and loved the topics. A gem of a legal scholar.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
POLI244355444
May 2, 2019
Would take again

Great professor. May be difficult for first years, but prepares you for other political science courses. Many readings, assignments, and cumulative finals, but very stimulating. He answers questions and e-mails, do the work and you get the grade.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
3.0
4.0
POLI444
Grade: A-
May 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This class has way too many assignments and the expectations are far too high (recommend at least 1-2 courses in quantitative analysis). Lecture slides are useless so you have to go to class. Very reading heavy at the beginning and the end of the semester. He's very condescending to students (he is very smart and knowledgeable on the field though).

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Group projects
5.0
3.0
POLI355
Grade: A
Jul 24, 2019
Would take again

Hands down one of the most incredible professors at McGill. Was unimpressed after POLI244, found him rather robotic. But, after giving him another shot in a smaller, more advanced class setting in 355, I must say he is genuinely a great professor. Coherent, consistent, straight to the point, engaging, and above all, gets you thinking on your feet.

Respected
Inspirational
Clear grading criteria
3.0
5.0
POLI244
Oct 17, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Loved the content of the class but the lectures were a little meh. Way to much focus on game theory. The discussion boards were interesting but the class is very reading heavy. Make sure you don't take other heavy classes along with this one cause you'll really have to prioritise this.

Get ready to read
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Oct 22, 2020
Would take again

His lectures are very interesting. Very good at explaining concepts!!! He's so nice and caring. I'm taking this course online rn, but you can tell he is very approachable!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Caring
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Oct 28, 2020
Would take again

Ok. Here's the thing, yes this class has a lot of readings, yes it's quite a bit of work. But the concepts are super interesting and applicable to so many other classes I am taking, He explains concepts well, and if you do the readings before hand everything is easy to understand. Gives lots of time on tests all the material is covered in the notes

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Oct 29, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Probably one of the worse courses I have ever taken. The density of lectures was intolerable and always went way over time. Let's not forget the impossible workload, the tons of discussion posts, and quizzes, not to mention the 6 hour-long midterm were just heartless. Sorry for the first years who had to take this in their first semester ever.

1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: C
Dec 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Surprises you with with stuff on course. Hard subject, he is purposefully tough.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Dec 12, 2020
Would take again

Compared to the other reviews I saw of Prof. Nunez, I actually really loved this class. I learned a great deal and didn't suffer too bad. I stopped doing the readings after the first month as I found them non-essential. His lectures served as enough material to study for the quizzes and the midterm.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Tough grader
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2020
Would take again

I love this prof! He is very nice and interesting!

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The actual content of the course was interesting. That said, there were tests every week that took around 3 hours to do, and only worth 3%. The reading he makes you do are almost unbearable, and so are his lectures. I did all the work required for this course but still struggled at the final. He often asks questions outside of course material.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 16, 2020
Would take again

Fernando is passionate and incredibly knowledgeable in the field of International Relations. He presents the material clearly and explains the concepts in depth. His lectures are detailed enough that you are not required to spend hours reading the textbook. Clear grading overall. A few negatives: very content heavy, strenuous weekly quizzes.

Lots of homework
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 20, 2020
Would take again

Lots of reading, intense lecture notes are necessary to do well on any assignment

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
2.0
POLI244
Jan 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Monotonous way of teaching the material. Almost fell asleep during each lecture, not engaging.

1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: F
Jan 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This prof will give you a long sitting and make interesting material boring. First experience as remote teaching excessive workload for a 200 lvl class and far too high expectations. 6 hours midterm and final for which you get no preparation and no correction rubric, but you somehow have to respond exactly as expected. Fail the finalF course.

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Jan 5, 2021
Would take again

Professor Nunez gave fascinating lectures - even if they were somewhat long - and I really learned a lot. He what he is talking about, he's brilliant in his area. The class is difficult not because of the material itself, but by its quantity; you always have to be up to date with your work because you will be tested on everything. Takes work.

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Jan 7, 2021
Would take again

I thought he was a great professor. Yes, there was a lot of homework and reading and you should definitely be aware of that. However, I thought the content of POLI244 was super interesting and I was looking towards going to class. His lectures are very clear but listen in 1.5x.

Respected
Lots of homework
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Jan 9, 2021
Would take again

Genuinely interesting content, and his lectures are great (but monotonous, so watch at 2x). Format of participation marks (online discussions) helped me as an intl student. Insane amount of readings, but lectures were more helpful anyway.

Lecture heavy
Respected
Lots of homework
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Jan 12, 2021
Would take again

His class was a lot of work online. It seriously took me about 3 hours to do each one of his lectures. I think the only reason why i survived is that i was really interested in the course material and i think that he teaches very well by making sure that we understand the content. I only read the textbook, no other readings and got myself an A-

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 12, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I felt as though I was wading through thick tar doing this course. Weekly tests, readings and an obscene number of lectures just bogged down any enjoyment I found in the subject matter. He clearly knows his stuff, and maybe my experience is down to online learning, but just about everything was painful about the course.

Skip class? You won't pass.
So many papers
5.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 13, 2021
Would take again

The best professor I took at Mcgill. He surely knows his stuff and goes in detail about everything. I am taking a 400-level class with him this semester, and cannot stop to be amazed by his lectures.

4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 14, 2021
Would take again

While Nunez had a fairly monotone voice he was very knowledgeable regarding the course material and taught the theories clearly and concisely. There is a lot of reading but it is manageable. The midterm and final were not exceptionally hard and it is possible to get an A if you do all the readings. There were also discussions which were very easy.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 19, 2021
Would take again

I don't get why there's so much hate towards Fernando. He demands a lot of readings but you can just scroll through the textbook looking for the main concepts and you'll be fine. The syllabus was respected during the course and the professor seemed to care about our learning (He even did a special lecture about a concept the class had not grasped).

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This class was interesting in terms of the material and the readings weren't terrible at the end of the day. There's a weird emphasis on Game Theory in this class though. It was organised really well so I'll give that to this course. The discussion boards were cute (easy grade) exams were fairly, only the weekly quizzes were a bit challenging

Clear grading criteria
Get ready to read
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Apr 15, 2021
Would take again

The lectures are truly great, and this guy is the reason I know anything about IR theory. He gets a lot of undue hate because the material he teaches is just fundamentally hard. However, if you are not going to do well if you can't do a LOT of reading and show up to every class, do not take him. I did so and managed to get an A, but it was hard.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
POLI355
Grade: B
May 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

While hes a knowledgeable and helpful prof, he has done a horrible job of pivoting his course material to teach online. Dont take if course material is delivered virtually.

Respected
Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
POLI444
Grade: A
May 20, 2021
Would take again

Great professor, it's a pleasure listening to him teach human rights. He is passionate and very knowledgeable about the field, and if you are passionate about human rights too this class will be a breeze. Doing the readings doesn't hurt, but taking thorough lecture notes will probably be enough (at least for online).

Inspirational
Group projects
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
POLI444
Grade: A-
Jun 28, 2021
Would take again

This class was amazing and one of the best I have taken so far. He knows his material and explains it really well. There is a lot of reading, but it is very similar to the lectures (at least online). Huge 6000 word paper that you have to pass and a final, but both very doable by paying attention. Would definetely recommend.

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
1.0
3.0
POLI244
Oct 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Fernando fails to care about his students' academic success. A midterm was put out, but no study guides were provided. Furthermore, the timer for the quiz is set for 50 minutes, but allows us 2 hours to do the quiz. This caused for a lot of confusion among students. Set the timer for 2 hours and give your students a fair chance, Fernando.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Oct 21, 2021
Would take again

Fernando is a great professor (though he talks too slowly, watch lectures at 2x). If you keep up with the readings the pace of the class is fine but the assessments are difficult. The midterm was very harsh as you couldn't return to questions and were penalized for wrong answers in multi-select questions (that 2nd part wasn't communicated!).

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Oct 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

At first, I imagined Prof N-M to be a person of great compromise, as the material of his class is taught online. But he is not, and he has proven to hold an unshakeable disregard for his students, teaching a "200-level" course as a 400-level. That he continues to teach at McGill, despite the complaints filed through the AUS against him, baffles me.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Nov 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Avoid this prof at all costs. exams are graded in a way that yields a lower average (right-minus-wrong system) and they are not curved. tons of reading per week, most of which are vague and unhelpful. requires tons of work for below average scores.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Nov 25, 2021
Would take again

He is an amazing lecturer, makes the content of the course accessible and engaging. Even though the amount of readings seems overwhelming, they are really clear and helpful. Having a good grade is definitely possible if you do the readings and follow the lectures.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Caring
3.0
5.0
POLI244
Dec 1, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This class nearly cost me my mental health. The prof was fine, but the course layout was brutal and my TA was awful as well. Such a nightmare

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 1, 2021
Wouldn't take again

literally im begging you dont take this class its so awful and terribly literally makes me feel sick and ill like so bad and so hard for no reason

2.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

As an introduction to international relations, this course is taught difficulty. The professor chooses to make the notions more complex than they truly are. Overall, the grading is not fair as your grade is based on the midterm and final, so if you fail once, you're done. If I pass this class it's a miracle.

1.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Prof Nunez probably has great intentions but his teaching style makes everything 10x more complicated than it is. His exams (online) are ruthless, questions were confusing & unnecessarily complex. He recorded lectures & posted them so there was no space for questions during class. I do recommend this class but DO NOT take it with Nunez.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Poli 244 had everyone struggling. There are a lot of readings ALOT like 7 readings in the week before our final. The readings are very heavy, boring, and intellectually challenging, and he emphasizes their importance in tests, although you can definitely make it by only with the readings. Tests are very hard and he grades harshly without warning

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The lectures themselves are confusing; it's just words but no sentences. The reading is very long and time-consuming, especially for conferences. The material is interesting once you teach it to yourself or from youtube vids :)

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

the course itself is very interesting, however the prof has an unnecessarily harsh grading criteria and an excessive amount of reading that isnt really necessary to read. the conferences were fun, the content itself was very interesting, i just wouldnt take a class with nunez again.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2021
Would take again

The course was really interesting and the professor's lectures are clear. However, the grading method was harsh and you need to work for this course to pass it. Not an easy A. The readings are unuseful don't waste your time doing them except for the conferences. The TAs were amazing and very accessible if you ever need something.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 11, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Horrible instructor. McGill ruins their reputation by employing such a horrible teacher. Never take Fernando.

4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 13, 2021
Would take again

Professor Nunez has done a great job in adjusting to critics from past years in order to make online POLI 244 easier on us. This is not an easy class because the material itself is fundamentally complex. But as long as you try your best to understand the lectures (the readings are mostly here to consolidate lecture material), you should be fine.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
3.0
5.0
POLI244
Dec 22, 2021
Would take again

Everyone complained about this class but I didn't find it too bad. It was very organized and the lectures connected to all the readings. There are a lot of readings every week, but you can get by just skimming them and getting the main ideas. The TAs were very kind and the conferences helped to further my understanding.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Dec 29, 2021
Would take again

This class is by no means an easy A, but you can do well if you put in the time. I found the material to be very interesting, which is why I was willing to put in the effort. Fernando's lectures were great -- he definitely knows what he's talking about. It also helped to have an amazing TA. Readings were not really necessary, skim them.

Participation matters
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
2.0
3.0
POLI244
Dec 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

glad i passed this course but by god it made me want to die :)

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: C
Dec 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Actually the worst professor I've ever had. Wasn't available for feedback at all. A remarkably tough grader given that we only had two graded things the entire semester, a midterm and a final. I would absolutely not recommend taking any of his classes.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Jan 3, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Nando gave me mixed feelings about this class. Some lectures were amazing, but some were disorganized and confusing. Midterm was nasty and the grading was so tough. Thought the final had gone well but the grading was once again super tough. TAs gradings vary a lot. Definitely not a good experience

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Jan 4, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Lectures themselves were clear and interesting, but overall the class sucked. Only 2 important grades- a midterm and a final, and both were unexpectedly brutal. There is a lot of reading that is really unnecessary (just skim). Lectures were prerecorded and there was never a live class, so talking to the prof is a hassle. Avoid if possible

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Jan 5, 2022
Wouldn't take again

This class took me on an emotional rollercoaster... literally. I do not recommend POLI-244 to anyone, especially if you are a first year student, it will scare you away from Polisci forever. I honestly think the content of the course was super interesting, it is just the prof and the grading system that sucked. You will DROWN in readings.

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 5, 2022
Would take again

The course material and conferences are very interesting. The grading is a bit harsh and you will need to work well. Readings are only assigned for your personal understanding and you will not be tested on them, I stopped doing them after the midterm and I had no problem. Classes are prerecorded but TA's and the prof are accessible for questions.

3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2022
Would take again

took his class Fall2021, lectures pre-recorded available online and conference in person. Yes, you need to put in the hours to follow the lectures, and yes there is a lot of required readings, but tbh you can get away wo reading them pretty easily as long as you understand and follow the lectures. It was not that bad AT ALL, I liked it.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2022
Would take again

Prof was fine, though some important concepts could have been taught clearer/more in-depth. Lots of readings, which were helpful, though not really necessary. Graded only on two assessments, and as this was my first POLI class, I did not know what to expect from them and little to no clarification was offered. Ok class, but requires work.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2022
Would take again

Nunez covers topics very well. Most of the Nunez distaste I have found is that POLI 244 is not an easy class.

1.0
4.0
POLI244
Jan 6, 2022
Wouldn't take again

My first experience in a polisci class and it could not have gone worse! His lectures were interesting he knows what he is talking about however all you're graded on is a midterm and a final (class average was barely a pass). Intentionally grades harder than necessary using a purely evil system, felt buried in readings + exams take you by suprise!!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: C+
Jan 10, 2022
Wouldn't take again

I had no choice but to take this class on my first year. This is clearly not the best teacher someone can have from my point of view. Lots of readings, participation in conferences matter, and the final was clearly made to make people fail. However, the TA were super nice! But he should clearly communicate more with the students. Good luck!

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Jan 18, 2022
Would take again

Amazing lecturer and concepts are quite easy to follow along. But the mid term and exam were quite difficult as he puts a lot of concepts that weren't discussed much in lectures. He also uses the trickiest examples on the exams.

Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: D
Jan 27, 2022
Wouldn't take again

poli 244 sucked. lecture were posted late, you were graded solely on midterm, participation and the final so if you messed up one exam, you were done. nunez also didn't respond to emails or seem to care if his students succeeded or not. if you have the choice, do 243 instead.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
POLI244
Jan 29, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Nando is a mixed bag: on the one hand, he's a good lecturer, on the other hand, you're really marked on two things: the midterm, and the final. The final curve was extremely generous, though, probably because half the class would've failed otherwise. If you're a great test taker, you'll do well, but if you're not, Nando is probably one to avoid.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Feb 1, 2022
Wouldn't take again

The content was interesting but he explained things in a way that made them so much more complicated than they actually were. over the semester we only had a midterm and a final exam, which were literally designed for us to fail. If your'e a poli sci major and u need an intro course in IR, take poli 243 !!!!! way too hard for a 200 level class.

4.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Mar 1, 2022
Would take again

I did bad on the midterm (60s), but honestly thought the final was fair. It was hard, but if you really spent time to study and understand all the concepts in class (there are a LOT of them), then it all made sense. Anyhow, the content is REALLY interesting if ur into foreign policy/IR, and looking back, I'm glad I took the class.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Mar 28, 2022
Would take again

He is a bit harsh in his grading and not really present but he makes the material extremely clear. He’s very organized, smart and inspirational.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
May 19, 2022
Would take again

His lectures are super interesting. Some people don't like him cause the classes aren't an easy A I guess, but personally I thought his teaching is pretty straightforward. Just do the work and you'll get the grade. He's also really kind in his office hours, especially if you're struggling or if the material is intimidating.

Amazing lectures
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: C+
Sep 12, 2022

Prof Nunez was a great lecturer. Found the concepts really interesting to follow along with but the exam and mid term were tough. He put some really niche questions that were only mentioned briefly throughout the semester. Also the readings were unnecessary for the most part (except the conference readings). Too hard for a 200 level course.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Oct 26, 2022

Professor Nunez simply does not care about his students. His lectures are poor and he just overcomplicates things in an effort to make himself sound smart. He put the midterm the day after thanksgiving meaning thanksgiving was spent studying instead of seeing family. He also forces you to pay for expensive quiz services or else you lose marks.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
2.0
2.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Nov 2, 2022

For some reason, this class's reputation is that it's difficult. It's not, just boring. Prof. Nunez basically just reads off his slides and the content is so basic that you hardly need his explanations. Like others said, there's no point in doing the readings except for the conferences, since they don't come up on the exams and are needlessly long.

5.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Nov 21, 2022
Would take again

I do not understand why everyone hates on Nunez, he is so knowledgeable which makes his lectures interesting. Yeah, he uses slides but so does literally every other prof except maybe Lander. The TAs are great and Nunez cares about the content. Def my favorite class

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Dec 2, 2022
Would take again

This certainly seems like a difficult 200 class, due to a lot of information thrown in lectures. However, once you read well the assigned readings and take notes, this class actually becomes pretty manageable. The teacher may seem strict, but I see him as a fair grader as long as you fully understand his key points and concepts.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Dec 15, 2022

this prof does not respond to emails. the class is not that challenging but i would not suggest taking it as a first year. you definitely need prior political science knowledge to keep up

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Dec 15, 2022

This class is not worth the stress. In my opinion the material was interesting but it would have been more effective to grade students with frequent quizzes or at least spread the grading around more rather than dumping a massive final and mid term. Especially for a course that is supposed to be challenging

Tough grader
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 4, 2023

The first part of the semester is hell but it gets better. It wasn't at all what I was waiting for (game theory was awful and is a huge part) so I wouldn't take it again.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: C+
Jan 15, 2023

I took this class as an elective my first semester of university and it was the worst decision I could have made. The final exam was extremely difficult, and the class average was around 55%. I do not recommend taking this class if you don't have to.

Tough grader
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Jan 19, 2023

His lectures were interesting and well-structured, but my goodness there was a lot of reading. The final was really hard and there was a ton of material that we had to memorize, but he curved it very generously. Not a bad professor at all but not the greatest either. I still don't understand game theory by the way.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Feb 15, 2023

this class is not that hard. it was an easy A in my opinion. just understand game theory and go to every lecture/read the textbook. He gives a free 20% away from quizzes that are guaranteed 100s. and 15% is from conferences....

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
4.0
2.0
POLI244
Grade: A
May 11, 2023
Would take again

This class was literally so easy. He gives away 20% of the grade with unlimited try online quizzes and conferences are fun and worth 15%. There is a lot to study for the final, but if you do it relatively well it is way easier than writing an essay.

4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
May 26, 2023
Would take again

I enjoyed his class but the final was kinda hard and there is A LOT of readings. The quizzes during do help you get a pretty ok grade.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 5, 2023

Everyone told me not to take this class but I as a stupid freshman thought I would be fine. Boy, was I wrong! You might have the best study techniques in the world. (I studied for a week straight before the mi-term, like 10 hour days). This DOES NOT matter. The exams are not set up for you to succeed. Also extremely content heavy.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 23, 2023
Would take again

He's great at explaining and simplifying concepts, the lectures are super helpful and he's funny. However, this is a super heavy reading class (like around 80 pages / week). But if you do both the readings and attend the lectures, you should be fine.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
4.0
5.0
POLI244
Dec 14, 2023
Would take again

lectures were clear and super organised, but a lot of readings and very harsh grader

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Dec 14, 2023
Would take again

Very interesting, structured, good and helpful lectures, but a lot of material to learn and to remember because the course goes very deep into details (also maybe too theoretical). The midterm is a take home (somewhat easy), but the final is 50% of your final grade, so start your studying early.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 16, 2023

The midterms easy (like online and only 15 multiple choice questions) and the confrences arent that but the final is awful and worth 50% of your grade

3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2023

Went into the final thinking it was going to be very hard, and honestly if you study and memorize ALL the material given on the exam study sheet you really should do fine. Everyone needs to obtain atleast a 35% on the final to pass the course, so I recommend that you priortize POLI 244 above other classes if it conflicts with exams.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 4, 2024
Would take again

Lectures were super interesting, the prof is a great lecturer. However, there is A LOT of content to learn in this class. It is possible to do well in the class, but it is certainly not an easy A. I personally found the midterm to be quite difficult, but the final was fair: there was nothing unexpected on the exam, and no trick questions.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Jan 4, 2024

I took POLI 244 thinking it would be a breezy light intro class. I was wrong. The final is designed for you to fail. My TA literally told me that the average is 50-60% and they curve it to help students. Parts of the final made NO sense to me. No content we studied was even useful. His lectures were also unbearably boring, didn't go.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Jan 5, 2024

I took 244 because I thought that I would be bad at 243. Turns out that I wasn't right. Everyone warned me not to take him. turns out they were right! He lectures in an organised manner, but he does not actually test you on what he teaches you, for the midterm was only multi-select questions where there are no clear right answers. RUN!!!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Inspirational
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 5, 2024

I took POLI 244 because I was very interested in the content and overlooked the warnings regarding the professor and the difficulty. The lectures were very interesting; however, the evaluations were very unfair and not reflective of the course content. And for the final exam, everyone knew how hard it would be but didn't know how to prepare.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
4.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2024
Would take again

Took this in my first semester at McGill...was very difficult and had an insane amount of reading. A very good lecturer, but the final is super hard. While there are a lot of readings, if you only do the ones from the textbook and for conferences you should be fine

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
244
Grade: B
Jan 8, 2024

His lectures are exhausting and his tests are ridiculous.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
4.0
1.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 9, 2024
Would take again

He is a decent lecturer and the material wasn't very complicated. Apart from the readings for the conferences and from the textbook (to a lesser extent), doing all the readings he assigns is unnecessary. Lectures are recorded and you can easily get 100% on the homework he gives (without doing the readings) so this course isn't very time consuming

3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 15, 2024

The course was interesting, but the prof isn't the most passionate, and dynamic. Attending the lectures was necessary to support the slides, but everything is recorded, so no need to come to class in person. Easy to get a good grade on the first 50% thanks to the online quizzes, the conferences, and the midterm (online). Final exam is tough.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Feb 28, 2024
Would take again

Lectures were dry / hard to follow, and the textbook / conferences had nothing to do with the exams. You can get a good grade simply all due to the TAs, specifically one of them whose review summed up the whole semester in 3 hours. Key concepts and game theory are explained weakly in class but if re-read the slides you'd be able to grasp them.

4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Mar 14, 2024
Would take again

reading heavy, but the textbook simplifies a lot. lectures can feel long but interesting if you like IR! midterm is take-home, final is not that hard if you put in the work and study using the list he gave

Tough grader
Get ready to read
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Mar 25, 2024
Would take again

I expected this class to be much harder than it was. Overall, I found it quite mediocre if you put in the work. In my opinion, nothing was super hard other than the final, which is hard, but not anything crazy if you put in the time to study. For the final, I studied about 3 hours a day for a week straight and got a 77 on it. Good class.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI446
May 2, 2024

Evil. We had two 10 question (multiple choice) midterms and openly admitted after the fact that the second one was too hard (didnt curve). Final was 50% of the grade and was only 20 MC/ fill in the blank questions. He gives no guidance as to what will be on the exams so you have no idea what to study. Rude and inconsiderate in emails. DO NOT TAKE.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Sep 30, 2024
Would take again

The prof's lectures can feel dry, but the content is interesting if you're into IR. While the readings are heavy, focusing on the textbook and conference materials should be enough to do well. Definitely use unstuck ai and past exams to prep for the challenging final.

4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Oct 21, 2024
Would take again

I was really scared about the final for this class but it wasn't THAT bad. However, don't expect to get a good grade in this class if you don't study hard. Professor Nunez-Mietz had a lecture style that was kind of hard to follow, but overall gives you all the material you need to succeed in the course.

Tough grader
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Dec 11, 2024

Engaging content is a good way to approach IP, but the reading is hefty, and the lectures can be challenging to follow. Game theory and the bargaining model of war are poorly explained, but the different theories are extensively discussed. I wouldn't retake it, which is a shame as there aren't a lot of other IR classes.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2024

Very difficult, lectures are boring, tests were needlessly complicated, powerpoints were useless, would not take again

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Dec 16, 2024

The content was explained too shallowly, yet we were expected to have a deep understanding. The TA was great, so conferences were helpful. Quizzes were tough, and the final was worth 55%. No midterm, which was a plus. Overall, it didn't feel like an intro course due to its difficulty.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Dec 20, 2024

His lectures were super interesting and he explained complicated things clearly, but this class was way too hard for an intro course. bro is obsessed with game theory and bargaining. The quizzes were kinda annoying because they were mcq. final worth 55% too. I do not reccomend, I truly believe Nunez is evil 😭

Amazing lectures
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Jan 5, 2025
Would take again

TAKE 244 don't let the reviews scare you🙏 Grade depends on 4 MCQ/take home quizzes and a free-response final, all of which are very difficult, but you can definitely succeed if you take engaging notes and do *every* reading. I was super interested in the material so I enjoyed studying and did well, but you'll struggle if you aren't interested.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2025
Would take again

Nice course. Final was fair and only asked questions on topics covered during the lectures. Open-note quizzes were pretty easy. Professor Nunez is a very thorough lecturer and makes complicated topics feel simple. Would take again

1.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2025

Super theoric, and readings (long) were not integrated to lectures. Teacher gave too much his PERSONAL opinions (on leftists, Palestine, gender...). He even put Trump on every single slide of his pxp the day after elections. I didn't learned much.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: C+
Jan 7, 2025

you could probably succeed in this class if you stayed on top of it, unfortunately i did not... my advice is to not take this if its your first semester at uni, it could be overwhelming. the prof felt distanced from us as students and lectures were not engaging at all. go to all the conferences, talk to your TA and DO YOUR READINGS PROPERLY!!!

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: F
Jan 7, 2025

don't. take. avoid at all costs. worst prof i've had so far. can't teach first year classes and content was wayyyyyy too unnecessarily challenging for a first year class. if you don't understand game theory be prepared to fail the final like me😍

3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 7, 2025
Would take again

The final is tough, but everything else is essentially free points. Take the quizzes seriously and with other people (you have the same questions) -- they can seriously boost your grade. Do the readings and don't give your TA a reason to take off conference participation points. Study like hell for the final and you'll be just fine.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Jan 7, 2025

I like international relations but lectures were so hard to pay attention to because it's so theory-based. I didn't think I would pass bc the quizzes are rlly difficult imo but I studied for a week for the final and got a 67. Go to conferences and try to participate to get ur grade up. go to lectures and try to do lectures. hated this class tho

Tough grader
Get ready to read
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Jan 8, 2025

__________

Tough grader
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 8, 2025
Would take again

Do quizzes with friends (and AI), participate in conferences, do the readings!! The final is hard and long, very opinion based, and need to know so much theory. Lectures are interesting but he speaks so fast so need to type at the speed of lightening. Make sure you study throughout the semester! Lectures are recorded.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2025
Would take again

I generally enjoyed this class. To succeed, focus on the conference readings, class slides, in class notes, and game theory to study - the class readings are long and repetitive. Nunez himself is smart and funny and gives examples to apply the material although he sometimes rambles about unimportant concepts.

2.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jan 10, 2025

Such a tough grader. Final was hell. I hope that you get a TA to grade your final bc if the prof does you'll probs fail

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Jan 11, 2025

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY. lectures are incoherent and hard to follow and the prof provides absolutely zero help or useful materials to study for the final worth 55%! this class will suck the joy out of your life especially if you take it in your first semester of uni 😝

Tough grader
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Jan 14, 2025
Would take again

An A in poli244 is 100% possible. Just understand game theory and have a concrete knowledge of the world (i.e. read the news)

Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Jan 25, 2025

He is a tough grader, lectures are fine if not a bit boring but don't often connect with the readings. The quizzes were super specific and there were a lot of readings. Final was also graded harshly and was completely different from the quizzes (kinds of questions and what you had to know).

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A
Feb 11, 2025
Would take again

There were a lot of readings, although that is to be expected out of an Intro to International Relations course. The final exam is worth 55% and is difficult but manageable if you study enough. He's available outside of class and is understanding. However, his lectures are very boring.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 12, 2025
Would take again

A good teacher who explains well, however the quizzes are quite difficult. The final one was of a decent difficulty.

1.0
5.0
POLI244
Apr 22, 2025

He did not explain things clearly, and his explanations often made things harder to understand, the final was horrible, the game theory question was despicable and the last 4 essay questions were the same thing repeated the only thing that saved my grade were the online quizzes make sure you get a good study group to take them with (and ChatGPT)

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B
Apr 25, 2025

A professor who is deeply engrossed in his research and not much else. He made a poor attempt at explaining basic game theory concepts in a coherent manner, his quizzes were purposefully illogical (his words) so as to trip up anyone cheating with AI and the final was terribly long. Don't let this dissuade you from other poli courses, it gets better

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
May 14, 2025
Would take again

Lectures were straightforward and easy. If u take decent notes, it isn't too difficult to get 80%+ on quizzes. While there's a lot of reading, u can definitely only do those for conferences. Final is slightly harder than the rest, (focus on game theory and last few lectures) and u get penalized for not giving the exact arguments. A- is doable tho

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Jun 2, 2025

Strange guy. Huge disconnect between things learnt in lectures and things on final exams. All studying requires memorisations of readings.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Jun 2, 2025

Heavy focus on game theory during quizzes and the final exam. Lectures were often hard to follow, but there was much emphasis on the readings (which weren't light either!). Overall, not a class to take twice, but definitely interesting topics and a good introduction to International Politics.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Jun 6, 2025

Not a great way to start your McGill career. While the content is very interesting and the course serves as a strong introduction to IR and game theory, the professor is not it. Fernando gives outdated readings and spews his own rhetoric into lectures!

Get ready to read
2.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B+
Nov 10, 2025
Would take again

Overall super interesting lecture, but he can be a very tough grader and sometimes his lectures are pretty hard to follow. Insane amount of readings.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
4.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 11, 2025
Would take again

You really have to love the material to love this course, readings for conferences are always fascinating!!!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 6, 2025

Lectures are super disorganised and all over the place, complex material is glossed over, makes quizzes "nonsensical" on purpose to "fool AI", which just means phrasing the questions in a really confusing way. definitely would not take this course again, wish I could go back and warn my past self, so take this as your sign.

Get ready to read
2.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Incomplete
Dec 8, 2025

It's doable, and the content is interesting. However, the assignments are difficult and the lecturers are boring, repetitive, and unclear. He is not at all engaging

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: A-
Dec 8, 2025
Would take again

Fernando is an amazing prof. He is engaging at lectures and it's obvious that he knows his stuff. If you have questions either him or the TA's are more than happy to help!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2025

I think I would've been more attentive in his lectures if they didn't end at 6:30pm. Fernando knows his stuff, but fails to make it engaging. Conferences are super helpful for understanding the material, and the group projects and quizzes are helpful as well. It's a hard class, but manageable if you put the work in.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
POLI244
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2025

4 quizzes (5% each), 2 assignments (10% each), conference participation (10%), and a final (50%), in which at least 35% is required to pass. Lectures are important to understand the class, and a lot of readings. Pick a good TA because they make all the difference (Dan Jacinto is apparently very good) and the final is very conceptual/long questions.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
POLI355
Grade: A-
Dec 21, 2025
Would take again

he's very knowledgeable and his lectures are really clear. compared to 244, he's much better in higher-level courses.the quizzes and exams were easy but the final did focus on very specific things. he was a bit harsh for participation grades but overall an amazing course with interesting material!!! couldn't recommend more

Participation matters
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
POLI244
Grade: B-
Dec 27, 2025

I really hated this class, the prof was inconsiderate and didn't seem to care about his students. There were so many readings and the lectures were so boring. If you can take 244 with any other profs, that's what i would do.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

53%

Textbook Required

3%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 123 grades
Most common grades:
A (39)
A- (23)
Not sure yet (23)
Grade Distribution
A(39)B(30)C(7)D(1)F(2)A-/B+(44)
Based on 151 reported grades
A: 39
A-: 23
Not sure yet: 23
B+: 21
Common Tags
Get ready to read (132)
Tough grader (52)
Skip class? You won't pass. (35)
Lecture heavy (27)
Graded by few things (26)
Test heavy (25)
Tough Grader (16)
Clear grading criteria (14)
Rating Trend

Declining

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Ratings by Course

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5.0

(1)

POLI244359

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(1)

POLI444

4.5

(4)
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Difficulty by Course

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5.0

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4.0

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4.0

POLI355444

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4.0

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