Craig Albert

I have mixed feelings about Craig. On the positive, he is engaging and facilitates discussion/arguments in a way few professors do. You truly feel in his class you can say and argue anything you want on any issue from any perspective, which is wonderful. The problems come with his teaching style. He gives the distinct impression he's only reading some kind of wikipedia summary of the various IR theories. He prides himself on dressing in suits for class, yet they are comically oversized, to the point of hilarity; he dresses more like a clown than a professional. He will make extremely immature jokes in order to win the favor of the class. He will frequently talk about himself rather than the subject matter. His insecurities are simply so obvious it can disrupt the teaching environment and make you question his knowledge. He is a fair grader and if you do the work and participate, you will do well. I cannot recommend nor dismiss Craig. I would say take it if only for the interesting experience.

Craig is an interesting character. He likes to talk about himself often rather than focusing on the lectures, but that was the only down fall I could find in taking his class. For those who criticize Craig, you were probably just offended by something he said, or by the fact that many of his students relate to him in a way you would not understand. That’s just who Craig is, he is controversial and states that in the beginning of his classes. There is a work load expected and if you actually take the time to do the reading on your own and question it, then you gain useful knowledge. Craig questions the students more than force feed them facts, but you learn because he forces you to find the truth for yourself. Don’t get me wrong I am not part of the “Craig cult” but I also respect him for how he has positively changed my life.

Craig is not just a professor; he is a teacher in the true meaning of the term. He has taught me not just political science and philosophy, but inspired a search for Truth using reason and logic, which I now understand I had never really applied before. If you feel that you’re not lazy, but that you’re in college to really learn something, Craig is the man for you. Whether you want to understand political science or philosophy, or you want to find guidance and inspiration in your pursuit of Truth, any class of Craig’s is WELL worth your time. In all honesty, Craig has done so much for me as someone who guides and inspires me to hone whatever potential I have that I don’t think there is anything I can ever say or do to properly express my gratitude. Comparing who (more properly what) I was to who I am now, I can humbly admit that I have come a very long way towards living a better life, and I thank Craig for inspiring me to question and challenge myself. A lot of people who don’t like Craig will write this evaluation off immediately, but I guarantee you that if you take his class(es) seriously, you will find that what he can teach you if you’re only willing to learn will be worth more than the entire rest of your education, and that is no exaggeration. If you’ve ever read a book by a professor, or watched one interviewed on the History channel, etc, and wondered what it would be like to have someone that brilliant as your professor… Well, not only will Craig teach you everything you need to know, but he will gladly sacrifice his personal time to teach or help you with whatever it is you need, so long as you’re sincere. If you’ll be a real student, he’ll be a real teacher; something very hard to come by in this day and age.

Craig has a love for teaching that I haven't seen reflected in any of the other professors at uconn. There are kids who have taken 4,5 probably even 6 of his classes. There is a reason why. He makes you want to learn. He makes you want to strive for an A. Even if you get a B, you know it will be the hardest grade you worked for throughout your college career. Not only that but you will retain the knowledge far after the class is over. UConn will be sorry to see Craig leave.