jamie is actually a history professor in disguise! lots of facts to learn about canadian history rather than current politics but he's the cutest man and super intelligent.

Well he doesn't really do much teaching, seeing as the first 2.5 hours are group presentations each week. When he does lecture, it's well put together, and I would probably have nice clear notes if he was testing us - but seeing as he's not, most of us just try to stay awake.

at first i thought he'd be a real bill gates type, but he had a surprising sense of humour

Lawson was great. His thorough discussion of the topics covered leaves few questions to be asked. His unique sense of humour related to the topic will grow on you. His lectures were a pleasure to be in and the copious amounts of notes to be taken will assure your awakedness. Contemporary issues are covered in class as well.

Although his class lectures are boring as ever, he is a fair prof when it comes to grading. He is really passionate about the "history" aspect of the course, so make sure to pay attention to the nitty gritty to do well. Overall, recommended if you're interested, just don't expect to get an A in the course, as his tests are really tricky.

SO BORING. My god, staying awake in this mans classes was a challenge, and the discussion groups could not have been more lame. But if you're good at dates and history, take his classes. There are no surpirses on the exams, and it's an easy enough class. He's very open to discussing your mark and altering it if you have a decent argument as to why.

His classes are really dry at times, but then again not everyone can make learning interesting. Lawson is a good teacher, not passionate really like matt james but he states the facts clearly as they are and is totally unbiased. The good thing about him is that he'll crack a joke once in a while that'll wake you up. Really a good guy.

Dr. Lawson spends a great deal of time on the history aspect of the Canadian Government and it can be quite dry at times, esp. with alot of overhead notes, but overall, it's an interesting course. (NOTE: Tutorial are pretty much a waste of time.. other than for attendance marks of course)

Very clear in his lectures and he provides you with a great set of notes. He really knows his stuff and brings in interesting guest lecturers. Extremely helpful in his office hours!

Taught very well and cracked some great nerd jokes but wasnt the quickest on getting marks back. Take his courses if you like history if you dont avoid him like the plague.

Ever seen Ferris Buehler's day off with Ben Stein as the instructor? Lawson sounds exactly like him. Great instructor, although the course title should be changed to Canadian History. Very detailed notes, helpful outside of class, and great professor in general. Buehler?.....Buehler?...... If you don't get it, watch the movie. ;)

Okay, yeah at first he is boring but if you really listen to what he's saying, you realize how sarcastic and funny he can actually be. Most of the class was asleep but I mostly enjoyed his lectures. but yeah, he speaks really...really..really..slowly..tests right from his notes.

Some people didn't like this class, but Dr. Lawson made Canadian politics and history as interesting as they get at first-year level. If you listen, you'll hear him made the most hilarious polisci-nerd jokes. Very clear and organized, and really an overall nice guy!

Jamie has a wealth of knowledge in Canadian Politics & I think he made it as interesting as a dry topic which covers both politics & history could possibly be. The course isn't to demanding consisting of 2 minor papers/mid-term/final/tutorials. I think Jamie can at times appear cocky which is a reflective of the kind of person I assume him to be.

His tutoring swift, his lectures sure to induce drowsiness in those not interested in Political Science; Lawson is everything one could ask for in a professor. He is somewhat of a stickler for grammar. Although, he is no Lynn Trusse. Understanding style, overall concepts, combined with some "nitty gritty" details, is his fortay.

"hold on to your flag and run daymn it its the only way to have independence from the u.s." <-- this amazing quote by dr. lawson explains exactly why you should not take this course with hero statements like this .. go burns go..

Enjoyed him as much as you can for a dry course.

Turns really boring classes into bearable ones

This class is a history class, but there is just enough politics to make the fact I am doing 101 and 102 at the same time horrible - 102 is very, very boring, and quite the sleeper. Some of his material is okay, but it is slowly presented, and he puts a lot of emphasis on little details (mentioned once-Centaur. On midterm - Centaur.) Not good class

As lecturer he'll crack nerdy poli sci jokes and interesting anecdotes, but he does have tendency to bore the class by going on and on about little things. There is a strong focus on history so be ready. My lab was enjoyable and the TA encouraged great discussion. As for marking, he IS fair and leaves many notes on your papers to explain your mark.

Not a bad prof, but tends to use language and give explanations that are way over people's heads. Kind of nerdy, but passionate about what he teaches. His PowerPoint's a real help for note taking. Midterm is harder than the final. I recommend you develop your own topic for the essay, his suggestions aren't very interesting.

Lawson is probably the nicest Prof in the university. Beautifully nerdy, extremely intelligent, and super kind. The course was really interesting, but it has a HUGE history aspect... brace yourself. It's pretty all over the place, but very worthwhile. Don't expect great organization, and READ!!! ALL the material!!! Otherwise you're hooped.

Dr. Lawson is extremely nice and helpful. He is clear and extremely knowledgeable. I have a writing problem, but he helped me to improve my writing. He is kind and his exams are challenging. Since He knows a lot, I highly recommend his classes. DR. LAWSON IS AWESOME

Professor Lawson is a great prof. One of the best at UVic. Study his readings and you will ace his exams. Approachable, knowledgeble, and overall a very interesting lecturer. Fair marker if you do your work and read course material. Highly recommend taking a class with him!

Huge course load and tough class! The material was somewhat stale, but Dr. Lawson does his best to keep you entertained. He is extremely helpful outside of class and very understanding if you experience sickness/illness during the term. I highly recommend him! He is a likable guy that only wishes the best for his students! Do the readings weekly!

It was awesome to take a class in which Lawson was able to come into his own, although Intro Marxism had to be something of a survey class in order to deal with a broad tradition. Lawson is a good prof, a fair marker and a really nice guy too. I would definitely recommend his class. Took CAN POLI ECON too expecting to be bored but really enjoyed it

Excellent Prof, lectures were intresting and was very funny. Definitely knows his stuff! Would reccomend others to visit his office hours.

Jamie Lawson is one of the best prof at UVIC. I wish we could meet early in the second or third year of poli sci, but unfortunately this is my last term at uvic. Lawson covers a lot of history and cares very much about the details. After one or two assignments, you will realize how much you learnt from him. i wanna take grad courses with him

One of the best professors I have ever had in the entire period of my academic education. He has passion and not only motivates students to learn, he also teaches them how to learn, and doing so in a manner that is meaningful, relevant, and memorable. Professor Lawson is a caring teacher and devotes time, often invisible, to every student.

He's one of the best profs in UVIC.

I did enjoy Dr. Lawson's classes and found him knowledgeable about the subject. Also quirky but in a good way I sense he really cares about the students. I didn't do too well on the midterm, but it wasn't heavily weighted so its ok (no final, no textbookl!).I feel like I came out of this class knowing A LOT more about environmental politics yay

After three years at UVic, he is the best professor I've had. The classes were great. He showed that he cared for the students. Went out of his way to help students who need it. Not the easiest marker and it does take a while to get them back but he gives very good notes when he returns them. I would recommend him to any student.

Dr. Lawson is a fantastic prof and criminally underrated on this website. He was the only prof in the Poli Sci department that made me fall in love with politics this year. His grading is tough but absolutely fair, and his comments provide you with exactly what you need to improve on the next assignment.

This is the best class I've ever taken, best prof too. I had never taken any Poli Sci courses before, and was in my second year, but I found the material super engaging and escaped with a 76. Highly recommend.

He may ramble during lectures, however he is fair for marking and very approachable to speak with at any time. He is helpful and kind. Sometimes you may think "what the heck is going on in this class?" 2 months in, but somehow you seem to learn a lot. He is a good prof, yet I am sure he is not for everybody.

Although the topic could be considered quite dry, Dr. Lawson kept it interesting. He adds in humour to some of the topics which makes it engaging. He is a very approachable professor and gives really good feedback. I have enjoyed his class and he made Canadian Politics interesting.

His lectures are boring, but he is the nicest professor ever. I wish Id taken more classes with him. I highly recommend going to his office hours. If you didnt understand something something in class, hell explain it very well. I had trouble with a paper and he helped a lot. Have a question with your mark and hell talk to you about it.

Probably one of the most difficult graders I have had. But very fair. He would return your work and you would be given clear feedback. I think I was also the only one who laughed at his jokes. Needless to say, this prof is amazing, and I really enjoyed his classes. Tough grader, but made you better for it.

I can explain the reviews better for you guys. For 201 Lawson is hard because he makes sure you have a basic level of understanding going forward. But his upper levels are great. People don't want to have to work for marks but in poli sci you have to expect that if you don't show up and don't do the readings of course you will find it hard.

Yes, Lawson expects people to do the readings but if you go to lectures, do the readings and ask questions during office hours, if needed you'll be fine. This is the case with all classes. A lot of 2nd years found him hard, I suppose compared to college, but this is pretty standard for a major requirements thats teaches all government functions.

I always learn a lot from his classes (I've taken 201, 366, 357, and 458 with him) and he definitely assigns the most interesting readings out of any other professors I've had at UVic. Be prepared to read A LOT, definitely don't expect an A+, but take his class if you actually want to learn something.

It is hard to contain my effusive praise for Lawson. Phenomenal lecturer (if you're keen), excellent course material and readings, infinite bonus readings, and they possess a deep abyss of knowledge about the subject. What a shame I took this course at the end of my degree and not beginning. Exceptionally receptive. Best prof politics on campus. :)

Good knowledgeable professor, very friendly. Takes a long time to return papers and tests. Despite this he is very friendly and you will learn a lot. Focus on readings (try to do at least one from every week) and go to class and you will be fine.