I took POL SCI 119 Special Studies in Political Theory: Confucian Political Theory in China and Japan with Professor Branstetter Fall 2017.
The material in the course was hard to grasp but Professor Branstetter successfully taught the material the best it could have ever been taught. It revolves around the comparison of schools of thought which is hard to learn in ten weeks. The quizzes forced us to read the material and if it were hard, he would mention there was a quiz beforehand along with hints on the quiz. I believe this class makes you think on the spot for quizzes and the tests because it makes you apply the knowledge rather than just retain it. Taking the next class with Professor Branstetter in Winter because the lectures were just that good! He also provides his ppt lectures and lecture outline notes on CCLE so you don't really have to type notes in class, just listen!

I took M115C with John and he is so awesome! He does require mini essays and does pop quizzes but he tries to give you warning and it wasn't bad at all! He is young and energetic and wants to see you succeed! Just go to class and participate, which is easy because he welcomes all answers and gives lots of time for discussion. For me the class was stress free and the mini essays for me were just making a quick thesis relevant to some reading we discussed and kind of rambled for a bit until I fulfilled the word requirement and supported my thesis. I got 95% or higher on all of them and an A+ in the class. John is a great guy and if you're interested in Confucius theory he is an expert! I took his citizenship class and loved it.

Professor Branstetter is one of the best professors I have ever had. I am so lucky I got to take this course in the summer because of the intimate setting. You can tell he is truly passionate about his work. I know that someday he is going to be a great lecturer. The class is very interesting and he makes theory fun while engaging in conversation with the class. You can succeed in this class as long as you go to lectures. Literally, everything he lectures about is on the tests. If you get the chance to take him, I highly recommend that you do!