Xiaobo Lu

Took this class thinking it would be a cool alternative to the Comparative requirement for Political Science - was sorely mistaken. Class was extremely disorganized and the intensity of each assignment ranged intensely. Prof. Lu changed the grading metrics (what would give you an A, A-, B+) AFTER the final, meaning that you had no way of understanding how your grade would be calculated. Grading is generally extremely arbitrary, avoid if you can. No consideration for the students and a pretty abrasive guy. Ended up with a fine grade, just don't agree with the policies of this class.

If you are expecting a perfectly organized and predictable lecture on corruption theory, do not take this class. However, if you enjoy open discussion on current events and divergent thinking on politics, TAKE THIS CLASS! Some people might not like his impromptu presentation but I would say it actually help to stimulate critical thinking. Professor Lu often connects abstract theories with specific practices in daily life, which, in my opinion, is one of the best methods to learn political science. Meanwhile, Professor Lu is always eager to help. He welcomes all kinds of questions including inquiries on the assignment, lecture or career in general. He is also willing to discuss your research paper with you extensively before the deadline. As for getting an A, I feel like choosing the right topic for your research paper is extremely crucial. Professor Lu will urge everyone to present her proposal a month before the ddl. If Professor Lu does not challenge your topic much, that probably means you are on the right track.

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.

It is a graduate course so it is quite hefty on reading, all of which you need to read to maximize the value you get out of this course, so I would make sure you have space in your schedule for that before taking this course, especially since some of the readings are quite long and use dense, complex language. 1 Columbia University: Arts & Sciences Fall 2023 Course: POLSGR8471_001_2023_3-CHINESEPOLITECON-COMPPERSP : POLSGR8471_001_2023_3 - CHINESE POLIT ECON-COMP PERSP Instructor: Xiaobo Lu

- two papers (assignment was to write them based off chatgpt-written papers), midterm, final, final project, not a single reading relevant to the exams

Prof. Lu knows corruption extremely well -- but only corruption in China. He plays favorites with Chinese students almost as if to exemplify the very concepts of amoral familialism and guanxi he discusses in class. I have taken two classes with Prof. Lu and I have never gotten a terrible grade from him, but his grading is so arbitrary that he bumps grades and lowers them after individual complaints from students. Do not take a class with him if you expect him to read your papers and give you a grade you deserve. He does not care about the work of his students. His expectations are unfathomable and changeable. If you can settle for an A- or B+ and would like to get one just by playing nice with the professor, and don't mind not learning anything in your class, take this course. If you'd enjoy a challenging class, and a professor who can improve your knowledge of a field, and give you a grade that matches your hard work, then do not take this class.

Fall 2011 Political Science G8471 This Professor does not care about his students and almost all his classes were filled with Chinese students who wanted to get an east ride. And to their surprises, he seldom gave out A-range grade as he perceived papers of publishable quality in major journals can only get A- in his course. And his seminars were disorganized, randomly touching upon topics that came across his head. What a waste of two hours when students had to do presentations one by one. Don't take this class unless you want to get a B, most and very likely.

I really liked the class and the professor. Lu is famous in the corruption field and he gives an awesome overview of corruption and how it affects politics, economy and business relations. The class is power point heavy, but if you manage to type fast enough and get down everything from the screen (do that, cause he does not post his lectures on CourseWorks) you will do well on the midterm. The readings were great and informative, but there was still a heavy load of theoretical work, which was not particularly thrilling. There is no final, but you have to write a 15-20 page term paper. Lu is extremely helpful with the paper and you can pick any topic you want as long as he approves it. Overall, interesting, informative and cool class.