Practicing attorney who uses practical and interesting examples from his legal experience to demonstrate points. Tests are all short answer/essay format and are based purely off of lecture. He does take attendance. A very highly recommended professor.

One of the best professors I've had! He is the paradigm of an old school teacher who expects you to put effort into the course and is there to teach you how. His lectures keep one's attention because they not only move at a steady, coherent pace, but include both material from the book and interwoven interesting bits. Fantastic!

Great professor! I had some trouble with the tests, but he really knows his stuff. If you want a decent grade attend the lectures because he covers quite a bit. Easy to listen to, but sometimes confusing. Overall though he was a fantastic political science professor. Highly recommend if you want to learn the material well.

Best professor I've had. If you want to pass, he will work with you. Very passionate about his work, easy to understand. His midterms and finals can be a bit overwhelming (3 essays for each) but if you pay attention in class you will have plenty to work with. EASILY my favorite professor at UNM so far.

I've had Prof. Kierst for three classes now. This man intensely loves the Constitution and I bet you might too after one of his 300 level classes. He is a great lecturer, but his tests can seem a little overwhelming at times. Don't you worry though, Prof. Kierst is always more than happy to help. He is da cheese yo.

Though out the semester he was funny and interesting and I liked him a lot... But just wait until the final when he hits you with a fifteen page essay that you have one week to write during finals week.

Great professor. Really interesting for students interested in law, legal theory, or the US Constitution. I took all three of his Constitutional Law classes, two B+'s and one A-. If you put in the work and talk to him about the assignments, come to class, you will do well.

Great lecuturer! Really interesting, made me want to come to class despite not taking attendence! I REALLY love pols because of Kierst

The man knows his stuff and presents it very well. He covers a lot of material. His test are not easy, but they are straight forward. I've taken 3 of his classes. If you really want to learn take Kierst. If you just need the credit, take someone else.

No Tests, Show up to class and listen. However, if you are not a writer, BEWARE! 4 papers, 6 pages each, final, 14 pages. Requires a lot of reading as well. (Gotta find those quotes for the papers) But if you can write, take the class. You learn alot.

He is without a doubt one of the most valuable professors at UNM. Yes. He has high expectations. Yes. He assigns a lot of reading. WELCOME TO COLLEGE. And don't be ridiculous of course he allows study groups. He doesn't allow CHEATING. If you will work hard he will help you in any way he can and you will leave with an EDUCATION. Kind of the point.

Even though this class is strictly lecture-and-notes style, Kierst has a captivating voice and the way he lectures definitely keeps you interested.

Invaluable teacher. It is a lot of work (comparatively), but its pertinent, and useful. He's a great lecturer, intelligent, and always always helps if you ask. If you're looking for easy credits don't take it, but if you're looking to actually learn something from the Modern College Machine (spits out students by the thousands) than take it!!!! :)

Wow, what a great teacher! Right now I have an A in that class, but only because I work hard and really think about what he assigns. He is the best teacher ever at UNM. If you are willing to work and think, you can get an A. If you are someone who just wants a super easy Credit, he is not the teacher. I love this class, it really challenges me.

very intelligent teacher. hard material to comprehend but if you study hard you'll be able to pass his tests which are tough as well.

You should talk to him during his office hours. He's very interesting and knows political science! There are short papers, and 3 main tests. Test questions come directly from lecture.

Kierst is the best professor I have ever had! If you are willing to go to class, do the readings, take good notes, work independently, and put real thought into your work take the class. He is not an easy teacher whatsoever, but you will definitely take a ton of knowledge away from his class.

Definitely my favorite professor so far at UNM, his lectures are always interesting, and he can even be funny sometimes. The class isn't easy by most standards (30 pages of essays at least), but if you keep up with all the reading and can write reasonably well you should make out with a good grade.

A Kierst class should be mandatory for all UNM students. He is amazing!!

Kierst is good, damn good. You have to show up, do the reading, take great notes, and work hard to understand very complex material. If you can do those things, you will benefit immensely from any one of his classes. Do yourself a favor and take a class with Kierst. Be prepared to do your best and you probably will.

Kierst is without a doubt one of the best instructors at UNM. He knows the law well, and stresses that we learn how to know it and apply it. Be advised that his courses are a lot of work. Generally, taking good notes helps. Consider taking his class in conjunction with easier classes for balance.

I've been graduated for 4.5 years now and Peter Kierst is the only professors name I recall. I will always remember him. Classes are hard. If the topic isn't interesting to you, don't bother. It will be overload for you. I got A's in all three of the classes I had with him; the Powers, Rights, and Liberties classes. It took a lot of reading, a lot

His class is good-- hard, but if you are willing to read all the cases and keep up, then it's not that bad. Extensive writing-- no 100 percents, either!

I took his Constitution and Democratic Theory class. He is a great lecturer and very funny most of the time. I do warn you that he expects a lot! The reading blew my other courses out of the water and I am a Senior History major. The 14 page paper during finals week was a jerk move and it kind of ruined things for me. Good luck! Don't fall behind!

Prof.Kierst is one of the best teachers I've had at UNM. I've had him for 2 classes and I plan on taking more. If you're willing to put in the work, you will get a lot out of any class you take with him. I wish more teachers were like Kierst!

Kierst is an excellent and knowledgeable professor. He make really good points and does a swell job of keeping the lectures unbiased. Pretty much the best professor in UNM.

Professor Kierst is fantastic. The class material is difficult and the tests are demanding. Prepare to do a lot of reading and even more writing. It's worth it.

I took ConLaw 317 as a freshman. I miraculously passed with an A-. That being said, his class was the most amazing polical science class I have ever taken! He is a whip both in intellect and humor! His essays had me nearly crying in a fetal position,but it was amazing and I felt so fulfilled with my work. i am taking another class his fall with him

Peter is an excellent professor, he really got me interested in constitutional law and I am now considering a career in it.

Let's be honest, if you're thinking about taking a class with Kierst- stop, and just register. Prof Kierst is easily one of the most knowledgeable professors I know, and his lectures are entertaining as well as instructive. He's an awesome guy- always willing to help and he'll help you pull up your grade. A LOT OF WORK!! but definitely worth it.

I took all of his CONLAW classes and learned more than I thought I could! He is hard but helpful and really cares how you do in his class. I would def. take him again. Don't take him if you don't like to write long papers. One of my all time favorite profs.

Professor Kierst is great. Not easy, but thorough and engaging.

Very good professor and funny as well. I highly recommend taking his class

Kierst has a gift for teaching. His lectures are interesting to listen to and they are very clear. His papers are long but really not that difficult. Prepare an outline with identifying an issue and supporting cases. Avoid being late and silence your cell phone in class. Also, stay engaged in his class -- ask questions and make comments.

I already had a passion for Poli Sci, but Kierst took it to a new level. His lectures are great. Don't use your phone, fall asleep, or show up late, or he'll get furious. No book at the 110 level, and class isn't necessarily mandatory, but you honestly don't want to miss a class because he goes through material quickly. Great guy!

I took Constitutional Law: Liberties with Professor Kierst and it was an absolutely wonderful experience. He is incredibly knowledgeable very concise in his discussions. He definitely made this subject very interesting! I recommend his class to anyone and everyone! There is a lot of Supreme Court cases to read, but it is well worth it.

Kierst is the best profesor I have ever had. He makes the topic interesting while challenging you to really think about the case presented. He challenges his students to think critically but his lectures are clear and if your pay attention you will do fine. Great profesor and funny too.

Very good professor, it's a lot of writing but you learn a lot.

Thanks to his background is theater, Kierst is one of the most dynamic lecturers I've ever taken. Yeah he'll assign you a 12 page paper to do in a week, but two or three of those are the only assignments you'll have and his grades are very fair. He'll give you readings, but they aren't entirely mandatory. I want to grow up to be this man.

Professor Kierst's classes are difficult, but extremely worthwhile. He is very approachable, willing to work with his students to ensure they are successful in class, and actually answers emails! Be prepared to take notes since the essays are mostly based on the in-class lectures. The grades are based on essays and participation.

Professor Kierst's class isn't easy, but is completely worth it. He is so knowledgeable and passionate about constitutional law, and it shows in his lectures, making them very entertaining and insightful. Papers are your whole grade, and there's only a few so don't mess them up!

I really enjoyed this class! Mostly because it's not only lecture but every Friday there is group discussion that helps A LOT. Plus if you visit his office hours he's way awesome.

Professor Kierst is by far one of the best professors that I have had at UNM and his 110 class made me switch my major to Poli Sci. His class isn't easy, but he's always willing to help and his lectures are really entertaining. Attendance is really helpful, participation points can make all the difference here for sure. Overall, a great professor

One of the best professors I have ever had. The papers are tough but he is willing to help you on it. He makes the class fun and makes sure everyone has a good understanding of the material.

Kierst's lectures are fascinating and lively, which makes the class easy to attend. There are three required papers. They are time-consuming and require close reading and understanding of the text that is dense. He is strict with the use of cell phones in class and about being late to class. These things can get you thrown out of class.

The only homework is writing a one page paper every week on current events in a foreign country. the tests are all multiple choice, attendance isn't mandatory but you won't do as well on the tests if you miss class a lot. He's a fun professor, his lectures are usually pretty funny and he explains things well. very easy to do well if you go to class

Peter is an engaging lecturer. The weekly portfolio assignments (2 pages long) can get to be annoying, but i learned a lot in writing them. The final paper is a bit too broad in scope, imo. Tests are annoying because there's usually more than one right answer to each Q. Your job is to find the "most right" answer. Even so, Kierst is a great prof.

The positives: He's clear in his lectures. Passionate. Gives helpful real world examples. Engaging. The negatives: He's overly strict, will yell at your for yawning. Sometimes he puts up the lecture slides up for students to study, sometimes not. I don't even think he knows the answer to his test questions. His poli opinions surface in lecture.

Kierst is the best professor I've had in my undergraduate career. He is passionate and his lectures and class discussions are engaging. Three long, intensive papers that require a lot of thought, but if you draw from the cases and take good notes you'll do fine, and you learn so much it's worth it. All political science majors should take Kierst.

Peter Kierst is a great professor! He really cares about teaching and his lectures are so amazing. I really enjoyed the class. You have to do a 1-page article response every week, but they honestly weren't that hard. The Bad? His tests are very hard. They are pretty unclear so even if you study you might not do too great. If you ditch you wont pass

Professor Kierst is a wonderful teacher and is very knowledgeable about Constitutional law. Often at times he may get looped off on how to apply the constitution. However, the class is well taught and very informative. I would recommend him if you are an aspiring attorney.

Kierst is an extraordinary professor, and his class was an absolute privilege. 317 is challenging, but its utility in wholly improving one's broader critical thinking and writing skills is unparalleled. Kierst inspires incredible intellectual enrichment and fulfillment, and his lectures are phenomenal; he wants you to succeed. HIGHLY recommend :')

"The Constitution and How It Got That Way" should be a prerequisite to voting, taken by every citizen. But, be prepared to write for Peter Kierst's class! Great professor and great course, but he and it will challenge you to both think and write. Only problem was trying to stretch what could be answered in two short paragraphs into three pages.

Professor Kierst is an amazing instructor! If you are looking to go to Law School or majoring in Poly Sci, you must take his classes! The only part I dislike is the amount of writing you have to do. However, the knowledge gained during the writing is worth it!

Super funny without trying too hard. Interesting lectures and I actually felt like I learned. Weekly article reviews due but honestly were pretty easy. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY !!

Peter was my favorite professor I've taken. His lectures are super interesting and he himself is a stand-up guy. His tests are a little tricky though, since he words things in a very specific way and you will not do well at all if you miss class since it's solely lecture based. I missed 0 classes all semester and still ended up with a B.

Dr. Kierst has a great lecturing style using analogies to explain concepts in politics. The class is not very hard. The tests are pretty simple and the only thing that could tank your grade is not showing up to the lectures so you do poorly on the tests or not doing the weekly portfolio assignments and not showing up to the discussion section.

Peter is so great and so funny! His lectures are very engaging and easy to follow. He explains things really well. You will have a discussion class assigned along with this class and that will help SO MUCH with understanding the concepts more (it's basically like an assigned study group). This is the best structured class i've ever taken

Kierst is one of the best professors at UNM, doesn't take any BS & is hard on people who don't care but he is really an amazing lecturer. He will work to make sure you understand the cases & the law. Not easy, you will write papers but he is willing to help. Really knowledgeable about politics and law. If you are a Poli Sci student TAKE HIM!!

Kierst is one of the most knowledgable professors at UNM, and is incredibly effective at delivering his point. He is simply the best constitutional law professor an undergraduate could hope for. That said, he is highly demanding and expects his students to challenge themselves. I have done more work for his classes than ever before. I recommend.

Peter's class was an absolute pleasure to take. His lectures are detailed & engaging, and never feel tired, stale, or unnecessary. I wish it were possible for literally everyone who votes to take this class. Yes, his papers can seem difficult, but all he wants is for students to be able to connect ideas together and understand their significance.

The course material is dense. However, Professor Kierst is very knowledgeable and thorough which brings the material to life. Indeed, there are many expectations that come with taking his courses--specifically reading, analyzing, and critical thinking. Highly recommend if you are a prospective law candidate.

Professor Kierst is a brilliant professor and lecturer. His class was very challenging but rewarding and has built a solid legal foundation. Class is mandatory and he is old fashioned in the way he runs class, no technology, but his lecturing made up for it. Grade is based on attendance and 3-4 papers.

I learned a lot from Professor Kierst in Law and the Political Community. Dispelled some myths from misinformation and added accurate data for studies.

Make sure to read! He is great with helping students when needed, but you need to put the effort in. Favorite professor Ive ever had!

Amazing lecturer. Participation grade by attendance, but you'll want to go anyway. 3 essays (1 is optional to replace lowest grade) + 1 final essay (can't drop). These are very long. They are based off assigned readings and in-class lectures. He grades them very tough, but he looks for specific things. Fulfill them, and you'll get a good grade.

He teaches law classes and is a retired lawyer of 30 yrs. DON'T BE ON YOUR PHONE, and ask good questions, and you'll be fine. He's extremely energetic and very well spoken. His lectures are entertaining and thorough.

Professor Kierst is by far my favorite professor that Ive had at unm. His class is difficult, but Ive learned so much. He clearly takes the extra step to remain neutral in political discussions and offers all points of view, something that is rare in a university setting. He is very intelligent and his course has a lot to offer.

Peter is a great instructor. However, be prepared to write at least 3 papers, ranging from 5-10 pages each. He is also a tough grader and will make you work for your grade. This isnt an easy A type of class.

Peter Kierst is the best professor in the political science department. His class consists of only three essays and participation. You have to read a lot of cases and the papers are very dense, but I have learned so much. It's an amazing class with an amazing professor.

Professor Kierst is the best professor I have ever had. His lectures are funny and informative and I feel myself getting smarter while listening to him. You need to read the cases for in class discussion and papers. The papers are hard but he is willing to help. Recommend for anyone and everyone.

Kierst has to be one of the best professors I have ever had. His classes are not easy, so don't expect smooth sailing. But if you work hard, you talk to him he is flexible for issues you're having. His lectures are filled with whit beyond, and are more fun than any other class. If your interested in law school, this is a good gauge for you!

If you hate Kierst's classes you probably just aren't used to his teaching style or it doesn't work with you. I found his lectures amazing; I've never learned more in ANY OTHER CLASS in my ENTIRE LIFE. You won't enjoy his class if you're not very interested in the topics- obviously. It's not easy, but the work is worth actually learning something.

Great lectures, even if done over Zoom. He makes you work for the grade but it's worth it and you'll learn a lot if you just pay attention, read 3 cases a week, and take good notes.

This is the third course I have taken with Professor Kierst. He is amazing and a great professor. The class structure is similar to his others, even with COVID. He put a lot of effort into this semester and the class was easy if you tried. The papers are very difficult, but if you pay attention, the class is easy.

This Professor is easily one of the best professors I had at UNM. He is a lawyer so hes sort of strict on grading but if you pay attention and take notes during his lecture youll be fine. Ive taken multiple classes with him and really respect him. Very knowledgeable and helpful! No homework only quizzes and a paper, easy to do if you take notes.

I graduated a few years ago with a degree in poli sci. To this day he is the most memorable and best prof I ever had. He grades hard. The papers are intense but if you are interested in law he is the guy to take. I become a high school gov teacher partly from how much I enjoyed his classes.

He has such a rigorous curriculum, but he is a really funny/nice professor. He has been known to have the same kind of lecture style / course load as most law school professors.

He was amazing. I'm so glad I took his class. I am disappointed I wasn't able to get an A, but my course load was heavy and he demands a lot. Lectures were heavy and homework was tough but I've never had a more passionate, respected, interesting, or engaging professor. 100% recommend.