Ira Katznelson

Professor Katznelson was the most brilliant professor I had at Columbia, as well as being a true inspiration. And TCAP was my favorite class (I’m not surprised to read this is true for other people too). There were many things I loved about the course. One was how far reaching it is. While the class centers on the New Deal, its title is fitting because it captures themes at the heart of American Politics throughout the twentieth century (and really, central to all periods) such as voting and elections, racial inequality, and separation of powers. The course also provides an examination of totalitarian regimes in Italy, Germany and the Soviet Union. Because of the ambitious nature of the course, any student is certain to find something they are interested in. I used the term paper as a springboard for my thesis. Professor Katznelson incorporates readings and lectures from all of the main subfields in political science: American, political theory, international relations, and comparative politics—not to mention history. This is perhaps the only class where I did every reading, not because I felt compelled to, but because I genuinely enjoyed the readings and found the material absorbing. What was wonderful and unique is the particular way in which the lectures always enhanced and complemented the readings, but never simply repeated them—they always added something new and compell…

I learned a lot about governmental fragmentation and polarizations influence on policy making. It was an interesting course and had a lot to offer students focused on American government, social issues, and policy-making.

This was by far the best class I have taken at Columbia. Professor Katznelson is one of the best lecturers at this university. Only Katznelson and Foner have been able to capture my attention for the full 85 minutes in a lecture class. He knows the material better than any other scholar. He is an expert in Southern Congressional studies during the 20th century and so his passion comes out during that section of the course. Nonetheless, from the first to the last lecture, he not only discussed interesting material (fear as a motive for political action, how the South controlled Congress, constitutional exceptionalism in times of total war) but also posed thought provoking questions or "puzzles" as he called them. He's also incredibly helpful in office hours and is a HUGE Knicks fan and fun to talk to during basketball season. This was one of the few classes I enjoyed writing a paper for. He gives you complete autonomy into choosing your topic; as long as it is relevant to the course material, you're good. I ended up figuring out the topic for my thesis through this paper. Like any other class, it isn't hard to get an A if you do all of the reading, go to lecture, speak up in section, and write a good paper. I'd advise any potential students to meet with their TAs about the paper. Mine was basically written in a 30 minute conversation with my TA. As for the exams, they were tric…

I learned, in knowledge, vast aspects about the development and continuation of institutions in American politics; what they mean, how they operate, and how they interact with their members, staff, and the populace.

Just updating for a more recent review, took Fall 2006. Course focuses on New Deal period and "crisis of Liberalism." Katznelson emphasizes how Liberalism was able to evolve to confront challenges of 20th century. Course is very interesting, and with reading and 60% attendance quite easy. Highly recommended.

This course was my first opportunity to delve into the issues and debates concerning American Politics. In terms of knowledge, our class discussions touched on topics such as the roles of institutions in American Politics (Congress, the Presidency, the Courts), political ideology, and the rise of partisanship and its effect on governance in America. In terms of skills, I was exposed to a deeper level of critical thinking and reflection on political texts.

Don't be fooled by the title. This class is not a survey course, but rather an intensive look at the politics of the New Deal. Not that that's a bad thing; the class is an in-depth study of the biggest turning point in modern American politics, as well as a great send-up of old school liberalism. Katznelson is a class act, a warm and outgoing teacher as well as one of the leading scholars in the field. He's an outstanding lecturer too, which is a good thing considering how dry and abstract much of the material is. Definitely worth taking for anyone interested in American Politics or just liberalism in general

It is a very heavy workload - students are expected to read a lot and take notes. If you have other courses that equally need your attention it might be difficult to keep up and do well. Overall, it is a cool course and does offer really interesting perspectives. I learned a lot of new things and loved the challenge of it. Also, if you are afraid of public speaking I would not recommend this course. The professors are very supportive, but you will be put on the spot at times.

Class participation, one research paper, one midterm, and one final exam. If you do the readings, review them and the main themes from class, you will do fine on the exams. The same is true for the paper as long as you plan ahead (it helps to request feedback from Professor Katznelson and/or your TA). The workload is entirely doable and he is an extremely fair grader. In other words, if you put in real effort, you will be rewarded.

Indispensable for students of American politics; but will not be super enjoyable otherwise