<p>Should incoming freshmen take this course? How difficult is it? Thanks.</p>
<p>If there were spots available, freshmen should take it if they're considering a Public Policy major. The spots that seem to be open on ACES are already claimed. 55 filled up even before half of the now sophomore class got a chance to register. I didn't get in, but luckily they're letting those of us who were on the waitlist skip to 114. The PPS department recommends taking 55 in your first 3 semesters because it's a prerequisite for the other core pps classes.</p>
<p>One thing that I have heard from others is that if you're interested in public policy as a major, that you should sit in on one of the higher level classes. 55 tends to be boring, and if you have an idea of what other pps courses you'll be able to take, you will be able to make it through 55 and still want to have PPS as a major. Check out their website pubpol.duke.edu, and you can get some more information on the major.</p>
<p>I really only recommend the course if you know you want to be a public policy major. If you are just testing out PPS, I'd recommend a non-core class. I took it first semester of my freshman year, and, with the new major requirements, am very glad that I did. It will set you well on your way to complete your major and lays out some basic theories pretty decently. Basically, you will do fine taking it as a freshman if you want to be a PPS major....and since it's a pre-req for all other core courses, it's good to get it out of the way.</p>