Post Communist Area Studies

How do I reach Professor Farkas?
Professors schedule "office hours." This means that these are the most convenient times for you to visit with them. However, if these times are not workable, you can discuss things by phone or e-mail. The numbers and addresses are on your syllabus and are listed on the political science department website.

How large are his DePaul classes?
While class sizes vary and are a bit unpredictable, generally classes are between 20-25 students. 100-level classes tend to be larger. 200s and 300s are the smallest, often with 15 or 18 students. However, any student wishing to get more individualized attention can achieve this by taking the initiative and using "office hours."

What if I miss class?
Missing class is always a bad idea. Professors each have their own way of handling this. Professor Farkas is not interested in hearing why you missed. He will assume that as an adult you have made something else a priority. Whatever the reason for the absence, it is impossible to reconstruct the material from the class. Get a peer's notes and ask about any particular bit of information that is unclear from those. Understand that you will not be able to fill in all that you have missed.

What if I want to study something not on the syllabus (i.e. covered by a class)?
Courses are organized necessarily with the focus on that material which is most crucial to a general understanding of the subject. Students are encouraged to communicate the special interests that they have. Professor Farkas will suggest materials that can help probe those subjects. If you have extra time to invest, it may be possible to plan an "independent study" for credit on the subject of your interest.

How can I maximize my success in class?
There are no "rules" but there are some subjective guidelines. Sit near the front of the class. Attend diligently. Participate. Take the time to visit during office hours. Read the assignments before they are the subject of lectures or the basis for discussions. Generally, demonstrate your interest!

What should I call my university teachers?
This is a matter of varied opinion. Some professors will suggest you deal with them very informally. However, the safe approach is to refer to your teacher as "Professor _____." There are four ranks in university teaching: instructor, assistant professor, associate professor and professor. These do not have great meaning at DePaul from a student perspective. However, since the highest rank is professor, you honor and respect your teacher by using the "professor" label. Virtually, all of your teachers at DePaul have their Ph.D.s so technically they are "doctors." Professor Farkas's view of this label is that it does not identify what we do.

What's an "incomplete?"
If a student has missed or failed to submit a requirement of the course, he or she may be assigned an "incomplete" grade at the end of the term. However, this is only done if the student has requested it by communicating directly with the professor before the end of the term. If an "IN" is assigned, the student has until the end of the next academic term to submit that work. If this does not happen, the "IN" changes automatically to an "F."

How do I know when a professor is offering a course or will be away for a term?
The tentative schedule of faculty assignments is produced every year in February or March for the following year. These schedules are not binding but tend to be quite accurate. If a student wants to plan effectively for the coming terms, the department secretary and student assistants have copies of this schedule. Faculty also have copies. These are unofficial but helpful guides for a conscientious student to use in planning.

What is plagiarism?
This is a very serious violation of the academic integrity policy of any university. It is simply dishonest and a crime in the framework of a university. You are not allowed to borrow ideas or words from another person or source without acknowledging that source. The penalties are severe and will stay with you through your university experience. Any professor will be happy to clarify anything that is unclear about this policy. Consult them -- a word to the wise...professors have a sophisticated computer based system for tracking cases of plagiarism involving the internet. As Chairman of the University Judicial Board, Professor Farkas takes these matters very seriously.

What are the requirements for a political science major?
Political science is divided into areas. The key indicator is the middle digit in the course number. Majors are required to take one course from all but one of these categories and augment that with a number of 300-level classes. Political Science 200 and 390 are also required. See the college bulletin for specifics. Any professor in the department can also answer your questions.  A useful single-sheet advising form can be picked up at the P. Sc. department desk. It will have all current details.

How do I apply for study abroad?
Political Science faculty enthusiastically encourage you to participate in study abroad. Most faculty have experience in this program. The Study Abroad office is on the 5th floor of SAC and students are advised to plan well in advance. You will find that modifications to your requirements are possible if you participate. Professor Farkas can background you on options in Central and East Europe as well as Semester-at-Sea. Please give this option full consideration and take a moment to talk with him about it.

Am I bothering a professor if I go to his/her office? Do I need an appointment?
You are encouraged to use the opportunity to talk with your professors. Political Science professors will consistently be eager to see and talk with you. Appointments are possible but Professor Farkas will be happy to meet you whenever he is in the office.

Do I have to type or print all written assignments?
Technically no, but you should be aware that if a handwritten assignment is difficult to read, it will likely affect the professor's ability to find the ideas in your work. And that will affect your grade. Whatever form you do use should be clear, readable and grammatically correct.

Do "papers" need citations, footnotes or a bibliography?
Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the simple answer is yes. Professor Farkas does not require a specific form be used. Any consistent style is acceptable.

Will spelling or poor grammar count in my grade on a paper?
Always! While English professors have special responsibility for working with you on these things, political science expects and rewards those efforts that are carefully crafted in proper English and with spelling carefully checked.

What does a "department chairperson" do?
The faculty of the political science department elect a chairperson generally for a three year term. That person is the manager of the department in an administrative sense. Such a person continues to function as a professor and is the "next step" after discussing any issue or problem with an individual faculty member. Chairpersons are very busy souls and should be approached only if you feel that you have not gotten the sort of attention you deserve from a faculty or staff member.

What is the best way to get a letter of recommendation?
First, professors find it difficult to write letters for students that they know only through one classroom experience. While it is possible, it means that the letter will be quite limited in what can be said confidently about the student. For this reason, we can write the strongest letters for those students that we meet and deal with in multiple classes and outside the classroom. Knowing more about your goals, motivation, limitations are basis for a much stronger letter.

In any event, be sure to provide enough lead time to get the letter to its destination by the deadline. Carefully and neatly fill in all appropriate spaces on the form (if there is one). Provide your professor with a resume or at least a basic list of facts about your academic and other experiences. I find it very easy to write about students that I know from study abroad because it gives me insight into who they are as much or more than in a typical classroom setting. Communication is key. You should think carefully about which professors you approach for letters.