POLI1021 · Political Science
Morrissey College of Arts & Sciences
This introductory course in political theory will be devoted to exploring what may well be the highest political theme: the requirements of great political rule. What must we do in order to govern well? Even more important, what must we know? With these and related questions in mind, you will be asked to read, reflect on, and write carefully about a handful of foundational texts that all deal, in very different ways, with the question of the requirements of great political leadership.
Course experience
Averages use the original five-point historical evaluation scale.
Organization
4.5 / 5
How well the course was organized
Challenge
4.6 / 5
How intellectually challenging students found it
Attendance
4.5 / 5
How necessary attendance was
Assignments
4.3 / 5
How helpful assignments were
Weekly effort
~4.5
hours per week
Estimated from the original workload response buckets. Individual sections may differ.
Instructor options
Ratings below reflect the evaluations connected to this course.
Student perspective
Anonymous comments from BC students past and present are shown as submitted and may reflect different course formats.
Dec 4, 2025 · Historical comment
Absolute banger of a prof. Every single book is dissected in detail, but he explains it in a language we all can understand. Reading can be a bit tough - but it is VERY worth it. If you have the chance, take this class, it will expand your knowledge on politics A LOT. my GOAT.
Nov 18, 2025 · Historical comment
this my goat right here
Nov 18, 2025 · Historical comment
professor is very funny and if you skim the readings before lecture you'll be fine because he goes over it. that being said there are weekly quizzes in discussion section based on the most irrelevant random details that have nothing to do with reading comprehension.
Oct 24, 2025 · Historical comment
One of the best teachers I've ever had at Boston College. His lectures are a bit fast paced, but they go over the readings in so much depth. I actually understand Machiavelli now. Definitely recommend.
Across time
Available section-level results across semesters.
Fall 2024
9 sectionsFall 2023
9 sectionsFall 2022
7 sectionsFall 2021
13 sectionsFall 2020
1 section