Benjamin B. Smith

From Gatorpedia

Ben Smith is an Assistant Professor in CLAS's Political Science Department. Dr. Smith earned his PhD. in political science at the University of Washington. He currently teaches courses in Comparative Politics and Southeastern Asian Political Systems. As a researcher, Dr. Smith is focused, in his own words, "on states and communal conflict, on the politics of corruption and economic growth, and on the comparative analysis of authoritarian regimes. His first book Hard Times In the Lands of Plenty was published by Cornell University Press. It describes and analyzes oil politics in Iran and Indonesia.

[edit] Tips for Dr. Smith's Class

Comparative Politics CPO 2001 In Fall '07, Dr. Smith's class had a required 100+ worth of reading every week from a course pack of two binders full of articles on various subjects. While 100+ doesn't seem like too much, the reading is very analytical and detailed, little of which is covered in the exams. Dr. Smith's exams in Fall '07 were multiple choice format with an average of 30 questions for two mid-terms and a final. It is very easy to slip into a 'C' in his class, while an 'A' or 'B' is entirely possible, but only with hard work and diligent reading. The exams require you to compare the different theories and works of the various political scientists from the course pack, as well as his own tidbits. The margin of error on the exams is very small, so studying is an absolute must. First-year students are encouraged to take this class only with careful consideration, as it can weigh your GPA down early and make you doubt your choice of major if you were considering political science.

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