Good intro level course, grade heavily dependent on TA, readings generally optional if you have a good understanding of the content.

Weekly lectures and discussion periods based on political theorists and their work(s) (Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Wollstonecraft, Marx, DuBois)

Great professor that breaks down the difficult content during his lectures. His lectures include page numbers for the works we are covering. This was very useful when it came time to cite textual evidence when writing our papers.

O'Neill's explanations of the complicated/antiquated texts were so helpful that oftentimes I did not do the readings. If you find yourself taking extensive (1300+ words) notes every lecture, I wouldn't bother stressing about the readings. Go to your TA's office hours, ask questions on the theories, and take them your essay outlines. Ask for feedback on your essays, go to class, and record his lectures for yourself to fill in any gaps in your notes.

It's a good class, but get ready to read! It is very reading intensive, but the content (while old) is very interesting. The professor is really good at being non-partisan, and he has a great sense of humor.

Political ideologies from across the ideological spectrum (conservatism, communism, feminism, etc)

The professor has a great sense of humor and brings a great energy to the lectures. He is great at connecting the material to the real world. However, he is a bit of a stickler when it comes to grading and deadlines.

Take notes seriously, don't wait until the last minute to do the essays, and don't hesitate to ask your TA for help!

A decent bit of reading for a 2000 level course, but it’s all great stuff. You’ll be more politically literate after the class and really understand what different ideologies are all about. Essays are easy to write.