<p>Quick question: I don't have a solid grasp (yet!) on the fundamentals of american government, nothing that an intro. govt class couldn't fix. yet, i find myself fascinated with the field of policy analysis and want to take PAM 2300 next fall. Can I do that without any u.s. government 101 base? Would it be a waste of my time?</p>
<p>On the other hand, I hear Lowi is a God in his field and that I should take GOVT 1111 with him instead. i wouldnt do both classes in one semester because it'd be a little too much of the same for me. Thoughts or comments on either of the two classes?</p>
<p>it’s A LOT of work but a great class. however, if you are not a PAM major I would advise against taking it b/c the class will consume your life. </p>
<p>papers: there is a 5-7 page paper due before fall break that is difficult to complete b/c the prof is extremely particular about the way it’s presented and researched. it requires weeks of research and planning. seriously. </p>
<p>after fall break there is a group paper that is 25+ pages. this is insane and requires 10x as much work as the first paper. it’s due before the 2nd prelim (final). </p>
<p>MANDATORY discussion and mandatory lecture attendance. you have hmwk and reading in the discussion groups that you pretty much have to do b/c the TA will ask you about it. in addition, there is a lot of supplemental reading for the course each week. and you need to know the reading for the exams. </p>
<p>the exams: pretty straightforward but the prof covers an insane amount of material and you have to know everything on the sides to get an A. each lecture slide is about 40-50 slides. </p>
<p>that being said, the class is really interesting. it is not an intro to govt course. you don’t learn about the 3 branches, election processes, political platforms, etc. it is assumed that you know a bit about this in but if you don’t you’ll be okay. </p>
<p>so if you are looking for a government class: take government not pam. but, pam2300 is a great class and it’s not difficult if you put in the effort. it is just really time consuming. if you have other classes that you need to take that will also be time sucks, then i would advise pam2300.</p>