Frank Lovett

Unhelpful grading schemes

12/7/2025

Felt like Plato listening to Socrates. Whenever I have a question about politics, I consistently ask myself "what would Lovett say about this." Hard to get above an A- but always left his lectures feeling inspired and wanting to learn more. Definitely one of the top 3 professors if not #1 at WashU.

8/31/2024

Very lecture heavy but his lectures are great

5/14/2024

These reviews do not really capture my experience in his class. Honestly, I have never been more frustrated with any professor. Generally unhelpful when explaining literally anything. If you do not already have extensive knowledge of the topics, DO NOT take his classes.

4/16/2023

If you are unfamiliar with philosophy, you probably will not learn much from this class. Generally unhelpful with feedback but will grade harshly.

3/20/2023

Theories of social justice was a fascinating class. There is a lot of reading, but if you like pol. theory they are all interesting, just takes a while to get through. Lovett is a fantastic lecturer and explains all of the ideas in an approachable manner. Rarely left a lecture with a question. Knows his material well and engages questions well.

11/16/2021

Social Justice is a great class for polisci majors. I thought the material was very interesting, but it's a large-ish lecture so there is limited opportunity for discussion/participation. You don't need to buy the books or do any reading if you go to class every day!! Take his Global Justice seminar if you prefer discussion. Moderately hard grader.

4/15/2018

Lovett is a nice guy and clearly very knowledgeable, but he drones on for the entire class period day after day with no semblance of participation whatsoever, usually continuing on past when class is over without noticing. He relays what's in the reading to the letter and repeats himself endlessly. One of the most boring classes i've ever taken.

3/23/2016

Great professor. Brilliant, engaging, challenging. You get into some pretty hefty political philosophy and he makes it, if not easy, at least navigable. Has high expectations and won't give a good grade unless you've earned it.

10/25/2015

Theories of Justice: a really interesting course and I learned a lot. Lovett is a great instructor and very clear in explaining difficult concepts. Exams are straight forward and easy, term paper requires work.

4/24/2013

Interesting lecturer with extensive knowledge and preparation. Difficult to get to meet with outside of class, doesnt seem to like meeting with students much. Tough and sometimes unclear grader.

1/10/2012

Lovett is BRILLIANT. Amazing just to sit in a class and listen to him for three hours a week. The class (Early Political Thought) wasn't particularly hard gradewise, but I'm sure if you do the reading (unfortunately I didn't) you'll get a lot more out of it.

3/14/2011

I felt that he really cared about helping his students improve. He had fairly high expectations for a class full of freshmen, but he was very available to help students improve their papers and graded on improvement. I feel that I got a lot out of his class.

1/8/2008