[POLS W3961] International Politics Seminar: National Security Policy

Despite my comments regarding the heavy workload this class was the most interesting I have taken in the Political Science department. I found the topic of national security to be extremely captivating and actually eye-opening to some extent. Professor Betts is truly a scholar on this topic and many of the selected readings really helped gain a good understanding of the weekly topics from several perspectives. The grading is certainly fair, though be prepared to be interrogated before each class on some minor and major points made by the authors.

Great class, if you don't mind getting your ass kicked on a weekly basis. Betts assigned an incredible amount of reading, and every one was expected to know every bit of it inside and out (oral quizzes at the beggining of each class). I learned more in this class than in all my other poli sci classes combined. Class discussions were good, because every one was always prepared; hard to b.s. because Betts would grill you until you broke. Most members of the class were horribly afraid of him during the first few weeks, but agreed at the end that he was a really nice guy. Made it clear that there are no easy answers in national security policy. So I now believe that the world political system is this scary, irrational entity which no one can really control, but I'm all the better for it.

Waltz is as brilliant as they come. He is the centerpiece of the Political Science dept. You will get more out of his class than you could possibly imagine. He is very approachable and actually enjoys meeting with students. Believe it or not, but he has children -- unlike most profs at Columbia -- so he is more understanding than most other profs. His lectures are upbeat and enjoyable. He can be tough grading wise, but the extra work is well worth it. You will know your shit after this class. Whether you take Waltz's class in National Security Policy or in a different subject, it will be well worth it.