the class is only based on 2 papers that are 50% each which is good because the class is low effort, the lectures you should go to because you can pretty much get all of the info you need for the papers from there, but you need to make sure you incorporate the readings he doesn't talk about as well. the lectures are super organized and even though theyre boringt hey're easy to follow and listen to. they're graded kinda harshly as well but still, good class, low effort

Professor Treisman's class is full of interesting material and is super organized, but it is structured in a way that most of the material you learn in lecture is irrelevant to the exams. He does not post his slides or record his lectures, so it is very important to attend lecture. There are two take home exams which are about 6 pages in length and each worth 50%. The grading is relatively strict, in my opinion, since as a straight A student, this class gave me my first B+. The class will make you a better analyst and writer, but don't expect it to come easily.

Like everyone mentioned the material is not boring except the majority of his lectures are not relevant to the take home mid term and final. I took ps 169 roots of democracy. The class is easy and it is manageable but your grade is based on the TA entirely. I personally had a bad TA and as a result I had a difficult time writing the mid term and the final. Overall its an easy A- or B+ but if you want that A be prepared to go above and beyond what is expected of you which isn't much. Fun material but if I had to choose I would have avoided this class.

I took Treisman for PS169: The Roots of Democracy. I thought I would end up dreading the class based on the seemingly boring nature of the material, but I ended up really enjoying it. Treisman's lectures are clear, simple, and to the point. He uses very accessible language, which I like. He never rushes through lecture and is always willing to answer students' questions. He also ends class early most of the time.

The midterm and final exams are six-page take home essays. There are two prompt options for each. It's pretty straightforward, but the TAs can be hard graders.

Overall, I definitely recommend taking Treisman!