This class is actually very interesting. 2 ways to success in this class: 1) go to the lectures, follow the professor, write down as many notes as you can during classes and talk to your TA. 2) do the readings, search papers and people's discussion about these readings online and generalize your own understanding of the texts. I did both during the last quarter as I'm really really interested in the topic of this class and would say reading the texts required by the class was a joy for me, but if you want to save time and still do well in this class just do the first one. The readings contain a lot of different topics, and it will be hard for you to decide which one you should pay most attention on or to be sure whether you make the right interpretation, but the questions of quizzes and finals were all discussed by the professor in lectures. The professor is actually very caring and it's a pleasure to have discussions of texts with her after lectures, and my TA Steve is absolutely inspiring. Don't hesitate to talk to them if you need any help!
Oh and a tip for international students: if you find reading the english version of the readings too intimidating, all these readings are very classical and famous ones so it wouldn't be hard to find a translation of the work in your first language. That helps you to understand the texts a lot.

Pop-Up Quizzes are 50% (6 total, you can drop 1) and they happen DURING lecture
Final is 40%
Discussion is 10%

Overall the class is fine, attend lecture, talk to your TA! They're the ones grading all your work.

This is a GE which you can get an A but you have to try. The class is honestly easy but you have to go to lecture. Sissa is hard to understand because she has a thick accent but I learned to understand her accent as the year went on. Just try to write down everything you hear for 75 mins and you will do well in this class. I know that seems hard and pointless but thats the best way to do it. Also you dont have to read the material like I only sparknoted everything and as long as you have the jist of what each book is about and then you listen to Sissa's opinions on them youll do well in this class. 6 quizzes are random but usually on a Wednesday (second day of week) and start week 2 so be prepared. Quizzes are worth 50% of grade and she drops one which is really helpful in case you forget to shmoop one. Then the final is 40% of the grade but its basically 4 quizzes at once so by now you should know what it takes to do well on them. Overall not the easiest GE ive taken here but I still managed an A-

Before taking this class, I looked at the reviews and obviously all of them say the class is hard. She was the only one teaching ps10 so i had to take it. Anyways, I don't regret it. A lot of EFFORT is needed if you want an A in the class. I thought I was going to end up with a B but I didn't. The structure of the grading really helps keep you on top of readings, but it is really the lectures that you have to be listening to. Mostly everything that she asks about in the quizzes comes straight from the lectures and what she goes over. The quizzes do get slightly more difficulty as the course progresses which is expected. I recorded the lectures (i know its not allowed but you gotta do what you gotta do) and this was by far the most helpful. I would listen to them at the end of the week to keep up and really understand the main points of the readings. Also, I would recommend writing up a brief summary of the historical context, main points of readings, and political relevance before quizzes to solidify all that you understand. There are 6 quizzes but the lowest one is dropped. Definitely recommend since you will grow more as the quarter goes on. Good luck!!

Do not be unmotivated by any bad reviews.... I once looked here on Bruinwalk before taking the class and was surprised of what I actually experienced. Professor Sissa is an amazing professor who ACTUALLY CARES about the success of her students and the student-teacher relationship. She is passionate about the content and if you are WILLING TO PUT SAME EFFPRT IN, an A is achievable!! My TA was great and went the extra mile to help us understand the content talked about in class, so definitely GO TO SECTIONS, as they are mandatory and will only help you! In regards to grades, 50% of your grade are the weekly pop quizzes... 6(10% each) where your lowest score is dropped! I averaged 8.5-9/10 on my quizzes and ended up with a final grade of A. This may seem intimidating, but it is very manageable as Professor Sissa intensively goes over the readings in class and basically anything she says or repeats will most likely show up on quiz! Quizzes are open written response and Final exam is structured as Quote-Analysis style. Would 1000% take this class again. Probably one of the most eye-opening, interesting classes here at UCLA!

Great professor with really engaging lectures. The readings will be long, but they are necessary to succeed in the class. TA's are extremely helpful for the class. I'd highly recommend.

this woman is absolutely insane and impossible to listen to. from someone that has learned this shit a million times in school already, i really didn't pay attention. just go to class so you don't miss a pop quiz. the tests are very easy so long as you know basic information. there is honestly nothing you need to know that you can't get off sparknotes. she's definitely not ideal because she's so boring and her lectures are impossible to follow so it makes the class seem harder than it is but just remember the tests are easy and the class is actually fine

Professor Sissa occasionally gives engaging lectures but they can some times be boring too. I enjoyed the class for the most part because I was really intrigued by the content. I understood everything she explained and could easily connect all the concepts and political theories which is why I did well.
I highly encourage going to office hours. This is where you can clarify most of your doubts. I found these very helpful because asking questions in a big lecture hall can be intimidating.
If you take this class, do NOT miss any lectures because everything Sissa says is so important. There are pop quizzes based on lectures and readings and if you paid attention in class, you'll do well on them. Plus, the readings are super dense and the lectures basically break it down for you. But like I said, some lectures can be really fun and interesting while others can be boring.
The tests were not that hard, as long as you take good notes and understand what Sissa is saying (go to office hours if you don't understand!!!). The readings are super long and kinda boring. I did not do any of the readings but I took really good notes and understood everything. I don't necessarily recommend that method because it doesn't work for everyone.
Overall, I enjoyed the class and I will definitely take more political theory courses but maybe not with Sissa.

For anyone desiring to take this class with Prof. Sissa, one thing should be made clear: If you are looking for an easy GE in which you only need to put minimal effort, this is not the class for you.

However, if you are serious about learning about political theory, Prof. Sissa provides a thoughtful, engaging, and fascinating course.

Her lectures are very engaging and the information is very interesting. She is very responsive to questions in lecture, and makes it a point to ensure complete clarity. If you attend lecture and take good notes, you will have more than enough to succeed.

It should also be noted that doing the readings and going to lecture is CRUCIAL. If you do not read, then the midterm and final will be EXTREMELY difficult for you. That being said, although the readings are pretty long, they are very interesting. Going to lecture is also very important as there are pop quizzes (which are relatively simple if you have paid attention in class) that constitute a substantial portion of your final grade. Not only that, it is very easy to get lost in the material if you miss class as many ideas are built upon each other.

The big assessments (midterm and final) are challenging, but they are fair. If she says that some material might be on the exam, TAKE HER WORD FOR IT. But, if you make it an effort to study the works and insights discussed in lecture, and actively think on the topics analytically, you will do fine.

Finally, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OFFICE HOURS. She definitely has some great insights onto the material (especially in regards to comparing thinkers) that will help you understand better. She is great with answering student's questions, and she truly values student learning.

Overall, the class is challenging, but very rewarding, and you will learn a lot!

She is a roundabout, disorganized lecturer, and the syllabus and class as a whole are both very disorganized as well. I would not recommend taking this class with Professor Sissa. She may be very intelligent, but the combination of her accent with her lack of teaching ability makes for a very unpleasant experience. You will drown in reading and memorization for absolutely for no reason since all of the exams are in-class. Don't take this class with her. It can be very easy with a different professor.