Trager is one of the most intelligent professors I have come across in my time here at UCLA. While I did not take his PS courses that are more "traditional" for your typical PS major, he has superior command over mathematical application and formal analysis of political science. Taking 204 with him has made me reconsider a PhD program (instead of law school) due to his teaching.

I have a lot of friends who heavily criticized his PS 20 and PS 129 courses. I assure you, if you have a genuine interest in learning the material he presents, you can take away a lot from his class. When I was in his class he always made time for questions outside of class and was always very enthusiastic in discussing course material with me.

I strongly recommend taking a class with him if you get the opportunity.