If you are accepted into this class, absolutely take it! This semester is consisted of class once a week for 2.5 hours, and those lessons typically consisted of a guest speaker or multiple who are all incredibly interesting! Sometimes we strayed from that and just had group discussion for the whole class period, or we would have a mini-assignment and present on that topic---but more often than not when that would happen we would be able to leave before class time was over.

Onto the internship, you're required a minimum of 4 hours a week, but it's HIGHLY recommended that you get more than that for an excellent grade. There are a couple different departments you can work in, such as programs, of the Crystal Ball, etc. Also, depending on your department, you may need to complete your hours in person at the Center for Politics, which is about a 5 minute walk from the Gold Line North Grounds bus stop.

The "final assignment" is a 10 page paper (double-spaced) on problems with democracy, and then assessing solutions. Overall, if you can get in to this class, take it! You will not regret it! Interns at the Center also get access to all the amazing events they put on, such as the Nancy Pelosi event this semester (plus dinner beforehand!), Ambassadors, etc.

Anyone who has taken a class with Ken Stroupe knows he is amazing; that goes without saying. However, the internship at the Center for Politics was highly underwhelming. It obviously depends on what your internship is; some students had a lot of work, I had maybe 15 minutes a week, and so I did not find it to be an engaging experience. However, the course itself is extremely easy. Class meets once a week at the Center for Politics, and while there are assigned readings, class discussion is never about the readings. We had many fascinating guest speakers, and discussion was occasionally interesting, but it was nothing special. If you can get into the class, take it, but it's by no means a life-changing experience. #tCFS24

Awesome opportunity to be a part of the Center for Politics! The main part of the class is your intern hours-- I had to do 4 per week but it sometimes changes from semester to semester. There are weekly readings but we never once talked about them. Not sure what in-person is like but online classes were either a general group discussion about politics, a moderated discussion/q&a with a guest, or Mr. Sabato just sort of showing up and answering questions. Didn't really walk away with any new knowledge about politics, but it's a pretty cool thing to say you did. Grading is pretty generous, just make sure you do all of your hours and get a good review from whoever you work with.
#tCFspring2021

Truly an amazing class. Enrollment comes with an internship at the UVA Center for Politics. You can either be assigned to a ton of work or basically no work at all interning. Class however is fantastic. It meets for 2 1/2 hours at the Center for Politics near Darden. Discussion is lively and Professor Sabato's knowledge on American Political history will blow your mind. If you love politics I highly recommend this class!

If you can get into this class take it. It is basically an internship with the University of Virginia's Center for Politics. The class is taught by Professor Stroupe and Sabato. If you are not interested in american politics you will not enjoy this class.

This was one of my favorite politics classes at UVA. It is co-curricular with an internship at the Center for Politics (only 4 hours per week) which is easy and offers so many amazing opportunities for political events on grounds. Stroupe is very intelligent and the class has great discussions and there is minimal work required. If you get in, you should absolutely take the class. Only three papers, one final exam (written at home), small participation grade.

If you can manage to get in to this class then YOU MUST TAKE IT! Professor Stroupe is incredibly nice and an easy grader. Sabato will become you grandpa away from home as he comes in and teaches a large portion of the time and gives you random life advice and candy. You get invited to Center for Politics events and make amazing connections. This is by far the best course I have taken at UVA and the most helpful for a politics major/ someone who wants to go into the field of politics!

Great class, but the grade can be somewhat subjective as the 'internship' you do can be very intensive or very much an absolute joke. Either way, you learn a lot about the electoral process. Stroupe is very well-informed, but isn't the kindest with students so don't get on his bad side. Not a tough grader, but I managed to get a progressively worse grade on each paper.

Fantastic class. Absolutely try to get in. You have to work for a few hours a week as an intern at the Center for Politics, which is a great experience and line on your resume. The class has a fair amount of reading, and is mostly discussion based. There are three short (3-5 page) essays due, as well. I loved the class and Professor Stroupe is an extremely knowledgeable professor who is always happy to help! Professor Sabato will come in and teach when he is available, which is fun as well. You also get invites to all of the Center for Politics events, which is an awesome perk.