This class is entirely based on a midterm and final, with both tests broken into two parts: an in-class section with short answer questions and a take-home essay. The short answer questions are terms that are discussed in lecture/readings and I believe we had to choose 6 of 9 to define in about 5 sentences each. The take-home essay was a 5-7 page paper that we had 5 days to complete and was definitely the more challenging aspect of the exam. The prompts were fairly vague and we were encouraged to find outside sources to support our thesis in addition to course readings. Professor Segura's lectures were so clear and easy to understand though and he was definitely an approachable and engaging professor. I got a bit behind on readings in the second half of the quarter and hadn't done many of the ones related to material on the final, but Professor Segura's lectures covered the content so well I didn't have any difficulties (though I would still definitely recommend doing the readings). His lectures were also recorded, so missing class due to illness doesn't screw you for the whole quarter. His slides are also great, he outlines all the key points and posts them before lecture so you don't have to type furiously while he talks. The readings could get to be a lot at times and some of them were definitely pretty dense and boring but he really does cover all the major points for exams, so if you get stuck you aren't screwed.

Take this class!!! Professor Segura is an incredible lecturer and this class is such a great opportunity to learn from the dean of the Public Affairs department. The lectures were always engaging and interesting and assignments were relevant and thought-provoking. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in politics or history!

Truly felt like I learned a lot about democracy, voting patterns, and such throughout this course. I took APGov and other elections/history related classes in the past yet this class examined the former in ways I did not learn before. Towards the beginning, the class was a little reading-heavy and lectures were a little confusing but I think it cleared up during the end. We didn't have a discussion section but Professor Segura is genuinely passionate about his work and knows his stuff! I would recommend however grading was 50% for each midterm and final and grading was kinda iffy for our class sometimes but I defintiely overall enjoyed the course.

I adored this Professor and this class. I was pretty hesitant about adding Public Affairs as a double major, but after taking this class I decided I absolutely wanted to pursue a field in it. One of the best classes I have ever taken at UCLA by far. His lectures are extremely engaging, he's funny, and you always walk out of class feeling as if you've learned something that matters. His grading scale was 33% participation, 33% midterm, and 33% final, but I think he has since changed it to 50% midterm and 50% final. The midterm and final are relatively straight forward, one part in person and one part a take home essay (so if you do poorly on the in person it isn't the end of the world). I had an 89.9 and he rounded me up to an A-. This class is super doable as long as you do the readings for section and show up to lecture. I would have probable received a solid A had I not been heinously sick during the midterm. Overall, I would recommend this class to anyone looking to pursue Public Affairs or needing an extra GE!!!

I loved this class. Segura is such an interesting lecturer. Would recommend!!