POLS UN3902

Under Professor Lonergan's tutelage, I learned and improved a wide range of functional, analytical, and research skills. Conducting independent research with her, as a graduating senior of Political Science, was the PERFECT opportunity to consolidate, refine, and correct my research methodologies. Her tutelage and instruction was of the highest caliber, and reflects very well on the Political Science Department as a whole.

This course significantly deepened my understanding of rigorous academic research methodologies, critical analysis, and thoughtful academic writing. I acquired substantial knowledge about human rights issues, particularly through extensive exploration of international policies, systemic structures, and intersectional feminist theories. I enhanced my ability to engage critically with complex texts, synthesize diverse perspectives, and articulate nuanced arguments clearly and persuasively. My analytical and reasoning skills improved greatly through regular feedback and in-depth discussions with Professor Nathan.

Thanks to my experience in my internship and the follow up by Professor O'Halloran, I managed to mix the theory and practice in this independent study. Therefore I was able to understand the food waste policy background.

I was taking the Politics of Modern China, which I greatly enjoyed. Professor Lu has deep personal and professional knowledge vis a vis Chinese politics, and he brings that, along with great enthusiasm to class. In few cases have I enjoyed a professor more.

I highly recommend this course, if taken with Professor Lonergan—she's simply the best, and great to work with. Personally, it was the best possible thing to do in my last semester—it was a chance to review seminal readings of International Relations, review and improve my research methodology, and enhance my analytical skills.

I highly recommend this course, particularly for students deeply interested in independent research, international human rights, or preparing for advanced graduate- level studies. The personalized approach and Professor Nathan’s expert mentorship make it invaluable for honing research skills and critical thinking. Professor Nathan is truly a sea of knowledge from which we can never learn enough. His guidance and support were continuous and unwavering—I have never experienced such warmth, encouragement, and genuine care even from my own family. He is like a tree that never stops giving, and I feel incredibly lucky and honored to have learned from such a great mind. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Spring 2025 Course: POLSUN3902_002_2025_1-INDEPENDENTRESEARCHII : POLSUN3902_002_2025_1 - INDEPENDENT RESEARCH II Instructor: Andrew Nathan