Mark Williams

This course was challenging and some of the material felt a little irrelevant and outdated. Some of readings were very repetitive and didn't need to be completed to understand the lectures. The lectures were basically recaps of the readings, very little new material. It was pretty unclear on what we were being graded on besides the three major paper assignments, meaning that each of these assignments mattered a lot.

This course was challenging and some of the material felt a little irrelevant and outdated. Some of readings were very repetitive and didn't need to be completed to understand the lectures. The lectures were basically recaps of the readings, very little new material. It was pretty unclear on what we were being graded on besides the t …Read more

Great Power Relations is one of, if not my absolute favourite class I have taken here. Professor Williams is extremely knowledgeable on the topics and keeps lectures informative, but still digestible and interesting. There are a number of shorter (<1000-word) papers throughout the semester, and one large (13-15 page) final research project for the class. Prof. Williams is a tough grader, but gives good feedback and helps students better their writing. This is a must-take for any student interested in international relations. Outside the classroom, Prof. Williams was responsive to emails and concerns and was happy to chat with us about our views, IR in general, and contemporary politics. He modified classes throughout the semester to remain up-to-date with geopolitical developments. Great class, great instructor.

Great Power Relations is one of, if not my absolute favourite class I have taken here. Professor Williams is extremely knowledgeable on the topics and keeps lectures informative, but still digestible and interesting. There are a number of shorter (<1000-word) papers throughout the semester, and one large (13-15 page) final research p …Read more

The class was quite interesting and taught me much about the trade and history of drug trafficking. Professor Williams is really enthusiastic about what he teaches, however, he is not accommodating at all and this made the class environment feel hostile at times. The readings can begin to get really repetitive after week 7. For the book we read, the author came to class and that was probably one of the best parts of the semester. It’s a CW so there were a total of 5 paper (one of which was ungraded). Aside from that there is also discussion questions for the readings that everyone needed to submit based on the day they choose. Overall the class is interesting and enjoyable if you are comfortable speaking in class. If speaking is not your thing—don’t take the course. He expects a lot but the same things are repeated each time and it frustrates him how we don’t have the same opinions as him.

The class was quite interesting and taught me much about the trade and history of drug trafficking. Professor Williams is really enthusiastic about what he teaches, however, he is not accommodating at all and this made the class environment feel hostile at times. The readings can begin to get really repetitive after week 7. For the b …Read more