With one exception, noted below, the following comments are from anonymous course evaluations or unsolicited thank-you notes.
"It is always good to see the passion in the thoughtful conversations he provokes. We often have different hypothetical situations we discuss in class, and he is always very interested in our thoughts [on] those. I used to feel inferior in this class, due to my lack of knowledge surrounding history, but TDO makes me feel like I actually do have a voice (whether I know what I'm talking about or not). I've learned to try to be confident in this class, even when I am not."
-Midterm Respondent 3, Ends and Means, Spring 2022
"[He] is very knowledgeable not only on the...course materials but on any example/case study that students bring up during class discussions. He shows a strong passion for the subject and does a good job at highlighting the intricacies of the content. His class structure, with an emphasis on participation and group work make it so students feel like their opinions/thoughts are valued and useful for the class."
-Midterm Respondent 11, International Law and the Laws of Nations, Spring 2022
"[His] interest is half the reason I find myself interested in these unique perspectives. I love the way the course is run with a unique question-and-answer student discussion approach. I think it's really helpful and Professor Donahue is always supportive."
-Midterm Respondent 10, The Earth: EPE from an Oceanic Point of View, Fall 2021
"...he inspires my thinking when I provide ideas by bouncing off of them with his own feedback and posing my perspectives to the class to see their points of views. Therefore, I do feel important, and am more inclined to participate effectively."
-Midterm Respondent 12, The Earth: EPE from an Oceanic Point of View, Fall 2021
"These [political and legal job] experiences would not have been possible without your mentorship and teachings all these years, and I am so incredibly grateful for your help in achieving what I have achieved, and so much more!"
-2020-21 Senior Thesis Advisee, October 2021
"Your feedback throughout the semester, the structure you provided to guide me along the writing process, and even the courses I’ve taken with you previously have all helped me figure out what I’m truly passionate about and what I want to do with that passion. I’m not sure I would have majored in Political Science had I not first taken your Earth: Ethics, Politics, and Economics course my sophomore year. It was only midway through that class that I figured out political science was something I could actually tackle. I have truly enjoyed writing my thesis, despite the chaos of this past year and a half, and you played no small role in making the process enjoyable."
-2020-21 Senior Thesis Advisee, June 2021
"Professor Donahue shows great enthusiasm for my work and my contributions., however surprising that might be to me. I think Professor Donahue also makes me feel that his ideas on concepts are on an equal plane to my own ideas, despite our varying knowledge on the subjects. If I were an instructor, I'd aim to replicate the professor's enthusiasm, energy, and approach to student work."
-Midterm Respondent 4, Intro to Political Theory, Spring 2021
"...amazing instructor, 10/10, 5 stars, would recommend. He always encourages everyone to speak and if you do not want to or cant he allows you to type in the chat or message privately, he just wants to hear your view on the topic. If I was the instructor I would never have thought of this class style but it it is very interactive and takes into account everyones ideas."
-Midterm Respondent 16, Intro to Political Theory, Spring 2021
"I wanted to thank you for all the ways in which you have supported and encouraged me throughout my time at Haverford. It is incredible to think that I was in your class as a first year- and now I have graduated!! I cannot even begin to express how much I have appreciated your guidance throughout this academic journey, nor can I state how grateful I am that you nominated me for Mellon and supported me in that process for two years in a row. You were the first person to ever make me consider going into academia, and I genuinely do not know what my life would have looked like without your advice. Thank you for taking time outside of your day to talk with me, and for making me realize that I do have a place in academia!"
-Mellon Mays advisee, June 2019
"He gives the best and most helpful feedback in argumentation that I have received in Haverford."
--Midterm Respondent 11, Comparative & Transnational Studies, Spring 2018
"[Have I found useful our discussion of the key doctrines and concepts of political ideologies?] YES so much so. It has helped me understand both historical context as well as contemporary events. [As for the professor,] He even met outside of office hours to help me. I love coming to this class because of his enthusiasm."
--Midterm Respondent 15, Intro to Pol Theory, Spring 2018
"[The most useful skill I've been honing is d]efinitely learning to push back and make arguments. So many classes just want you to repeat what the professor said or summarize the readings...so I love that we directly engage w/ the argument through this class. I've also become more comfortable talking in class."
--Midterm Respondent 13, Intro to Pol Theory, Spring 2018
"I have used [the skills and concepts we've been working on] all the time already. I find it really helpful when teaching people in the Writing Center/classes in general. I sometimes even make other students do this same activity of main questions, main concepts, etc."
--Midterm Respondent 4, What We Owe to Groups, Fall 2017
"[One of the most useful skills I've honed so far is how] to deconstruct lofty theories in a way that makes them easier to understand...I think our practices in finding metaphors/analogies [underlying all] theories will be extremely useful going forward."
--Midterm Respondent 11, Development & Human Rights, Fall 2017
"[Did I find useful our discussion of the elements of theories, and how to learn and master theories?] Yes!! It has helped me immensely in my other classes."
--Respondent 13, Globalization, Spring 2017
"[The skills I am learning in this course are] helping me now when I write my thesis! I'm filtering a lot and leaving out bullshit while focusing on logic...I appreciate everything about TJD and am loving this course! Thank you!"
--Midterm Respondent 7, Globalization, Spring 2017
"Prof. Donahue's feedback was concise, but very helpful (and encouraging). He is very enthusiastic about the content & is able to bring dense theoretical concepts to everyday news. He made himself accessible whenever any student needed & was understanding of individual situations."
--Respondent 8, International Law, Fall 2016
"[T]he instructor's feedback is on point, & honestly it is probably the best, in-depth feedback I've ever gotten from a professor."
--Respondent 5, Development and Human Rights, Fall 2016
"These skills [I am learning in this course] are making me a better researcher and question-asker -- useful in everything....Theor[ies are] something I struggle with. However, you are doing a great job at making [them] understandable."
--Midterm Respondent 3, International Law, Fall 2016
"The instructor presents the material in such a way that the students feel engaged, interacted with, & thoroughly present. In addition, [he] has been open to discussion both in and out of the classroom."
--Midterm Respondent 5, Human Rights & Development, Fall 2016
"Enthusiasm, dedication, and an open-mind are clearly evident in our class. I think the instructor does a good job at helping us answer our own question...He also has an openness that invites differing opinions and welcomes these with constructive feedback."
--Midterm Respondent 2, Human Rights & Development, Fall 2016
"[He] makes it fun and interesting but also challenging. He gives great and useful feedback and is very approachable and accessible..."
--Midterm Respondent 4, Human Rights & Development, Fall 2015
"I love this course...[The instructor's] feedback on [my paper] proposal was very helpful and very motivating."
--Midterm Respondent 6, Injustices: Human & Animal, Fall 2015
"I really enjoy this class and I feel excited to write every one of my response papers. This is definitely my favorite class this semester."
--Midterm Respondent 11, Injustices: Human & Animal, Fall 2015
"This course has been the single most illuminating course I've taken on issues I, & I think most ppl w/ an interest in politics, care deeply about. The readings are superb & the course material as a whole covers a wide range of topics. There's something here for everybody."
--Midterm Respondent 8, Ends and Means, Spring 2015
"[T]his course has taught me so much about logic and how to formulate a sound argument. In fact this is my first course in general in which I feel I've improved my "argument-forming" skill. I am also improving my critical reading skills with the reading + response paper."
--Midterm Respondent 5, Majorities & Minority Rights, Spring 2015
"This course is helping me tremendously with my argumentative skills and reasoning skills...they have improved tremendously since taking this course...the response papers help me interpret theses, form an opinion, and then argue for my opinion...The professor does a great job of engaging the class and making sure that the discussion is interesting."
--Midterm Respondent 11, Ends and Means, Spring 2015
"[This course] has helped me tremendously [at identifying] the thesis and argument [in any piece of discourse, and] understand theories[; it has also helped] me create my own opinions & my own [reasoned] views...The material would engage anyone...Course work & assignments are very manageable & professor is always available to talk if you have questions."
--Midterm Respondent 5, Ends and Means, Spring 2015
"One of my favorite classes. Covers many powerful writings and hones in precisely on important and relevant arguments. Every class period contained enlightening discussions. I entered the course with a handful of core beliefs about capitalism that I had already reflected on deeply. The course challenged many of them, resulting in me changing some of them. In my estimation, that is the mark of an excellent course...Professor Donahue has a deep understanding of both the intended meanings and relevant extrapolations of the texts we read. This permits well-rounded and stimulating discussions from a variety of vantage points. He is a master at identifying arguments and analyzing them. Hence, I always looked forward to receiving his remarks on my papers. He is patient and charitable when fielding student remarks and inquiries. I especially appreciated his willingness to stay after class and expand on class discussions. His love for teaching and knowledge is infectious. I would be thrilled to take more classes with him."
--Respondent 13, Debates over Capitalism, Spring 2014
"An absolutely outstanding course. One of these rare courses in which you feel much smarter after taking it. Fascinating readings ! What a fantastic teacher...it was delightful for us to come attend [this course] each week. Fascinating readings have been chosen on a very broad set of topics related to Capitalism. We learned so much. One of his most enjoyable teaching strengths is his ability to let students form their own opinions without interfering within the thought process. Prof Donahue is overall an extremely gifted teacher, with an impressive knowledge. Being able to attend such a class is the reason we came to Yale. So sad these courses are so rare !"
--Respondent 9, Debates over Capitalism, Spring 2014
"Fantastic course for anyone interested in economics, government, or even morality (or the intersection of any of the above-listed areas). Professor Donahue is a great guy and class time flies by. Easily the best seminar that I've taken at Yale. It's not too much work, and no busy work at all. In other words, there are no assignments that you feel like you're not learning anything from."
--Respondent 12, Debates over Capitalism, Spring 2014
"Thanks so much, Prof Donahue, for a thought-provoking semester. I came into this course thinking I knew something about capitalism and realized I knew nothing at all - and I mean this in the best of ways. For the lack of a better analogy, just as Descartes sought to break down all forms of philosophy by first doubting everything, then forming a foundation to prove its existence, your course helped break down any incorrect notions or assumptions I had about capitalism and socialism and other economic systems and, little by little through every class, built up a stronger foundation of understanding of capitalism."
--V.W., Debates over Capitalism, Spring 2014
"Thanks again for an engaging, challenging, and thoughtful course. It resulted in much introspection and caused me to reconsider some of my views that are pretty central in my 'web of beliefs' (in some cases I have strengthened them, in others I have reluctantly replaced them--they die hard!)."
--C. McG., Debates over Capitalism, Spring 2014
"Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your class this summer. I learned a lot about how to analyze theories and form my own arguments with the response papers. The lectures were very interesting and I hope I can take at least another one of your classes."
--C. C., Environmental Ethics, Summer 2013
"I sent my [final paper for Environmental Ethics] to my friend and her dad works for the newspaper out there and they're publishing it!! Thank you for inspiring me to write it."
--B. B., Environmental Ethics, Summer 2013
"The class was a treat. Professor Donahue achieved an ideal balance of lecturing and student discussion. The class's intimate size allowed for students to speak for long periods of time and engage in debates with one another without disrupting the flow of the class and the larger overview of the material."
--Respondent 2, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2013
"Wonderful professor! Always made lecture very interesting. Provided very thorough comments on reading responses and paper drafts. Very helpful during office hours. Was supportive of my opinions in class and encouraged me to share my thoughts."
--Respondent 1, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2013
"I've had a fantastic time learning from you this semester. Whether you're explaining concepts 'from the bottom-up' in class, clarifying readings at your office hours, or offering general academic advice, you have helped me to have both a successful and a fun school year...I've had a lot of fun during our class discussions, and I wouldn't have felt as confident responding to [another student's objections to my position] if not for all the practice I'd had exchanging ideas with my classmates throughout this semester. I'm sad that the year has to draw to a close so soon."
--R. O., Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2013
"[Would I recommend this course to a friend?] Certainly! I've developed my skills of critical analysis, and I find myself considering the moral implications of my actions much more often. The course is a fun and enriching way to spend a couple of hours each week."
--Midterm Evaluation 1, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2013
"I took Classics of Ethics, Politics and Economics from Professor Donahue and later had him as a reader for my Senior Essay. The former course covered the classics of political philosophy as well as the normative foundations of neoclassical economics, in particular Pareto optimality and the first theorem of welfare economics. It is rare that a professor takes such pains to present philosophy and economic theory with clarity and precision. Through Professor Donahue's comments on weekly response papers and in response to essay drafts, I learned how to locate the premises of an argument and decide on a line of attack (or support) for that argument. Professor Donahue was excellent at pressing students in class to hone points we made about the reading and raising objections that challenged our instincts. It was his course, more than any, that helped me to think critically about the foundations of our economic system and showed me how our views of politics and economics deeply depend on our values. Working with Professor Donahue sharpened my intellectual instincts and helped to shape my worldview."
--Z. G., Senior thesis advisee, Spring 2013, and Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2011
[NB: This non-anonymous evaluation was solicited by me. All the others are either anonymous course evaluations or unsolicited thank-you notes]
"I learned a lot during your office hours, where you patiently scrutinized my ideas, and showed me the missing steps in my arguments. You really forced me to think critically and form the strongest argument that I can, and although it was not an easy process for me, I found it very rewarding."
--S. I. D., Collective Choice & Political Morality, Fall 2012
"This seminar is not for the faint-hearted. It attacks the questions that are at the heart of both economics and political science, and that have been debated for centuries...But if you find these topics exciting and you're ready to take on the challenge, the satisfaction you'll get from thinking about the fundamentals of political organization of a society will worth all the hardships. Also, you'll really hone your critical analysis and reasoning skills if you put the necessary efforts into writing your papers."
--S. I. D., Collective Choice & Political Morality, Fall 2012
"Thank you for an enlightening semester!...I've never done a Political Science seminar, let alone one on such purely theoretical and ethical concepts, so initially I felt nervous that I would not understand the material. However, you explained the readings slowly and clearly. The constant conversations you encouraged let me learn from my classmates as well."
--R. O., Collective Choice & Political Morality, Fall 2012
"[P]rofessor, thank you so much...for a fantastic course. You made it a pleasure to learn, and I'm really proud of the skills you have given me."
--A. B., Environmental Ethics, Summer 2012
"In this course I was expected to think in a very deep way. I found that to be challenging, yet deeply satisfying. In my [other] university, I've only had one or two readings in three years of education in which the teacher attempted to get a deep analysis out of me. Discussing the analysis and having the teacher question the heart of a student's argument was something that I had never experienced and it was probably one of the best things I got from class. I really felt that my argument was being taken seriously and that I had to argue in favor of it. I felt like I had to "step up my game"... It may be worth mentioning that I enjoyed it on a personal level. I was in med school...for a year and a half. The education in med school is extremely rigid and sometimes I felt I had shackles. For example, just suggesting that a doctor could behave differently because of economic incentives could get me a lot of angry faces, and maybe even grades deducted...So for me, in a personal level, being able to "question everything" was something I missed a lot in formal education. Being an econ major changed this somewhat, but the odd feeling was still there I guess...Thanks a lot for the class, I enjoyed looking at arguments with a magnifying glass. It really was a unique experience for me in a number of ways, and it was something my education lacked."
--C. R., Environmental Ethics, Summer 2012
"I wanted to take this chance to thank you for a wonderful semester...This was the first time in my Yale career that I felt free to bring my own premises and arguments to the classroom. This paper was a great experience, and I truly believe it has made me a more confident student and individual."
--R. Z., Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2012
"Professor Dohanhue is amazing. Leads conversation really well--you'll always be challenged and never think anything you say is stupid. Very friendly and approachable, and definitely a modern thinker on the subjects."
--Response 6, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2012
"The course is great, the readings are amazing and all come together in the end in a way that make them make a lot sense. The fact that the readings are not too long is amazing, and although the reading responses can be a pain they give room to engage really closely with arguments and wrestle with them, which is great."
--Response 1, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2011
"Amazing class. You really get to understand different "systems," or frameworks for the evaluation and explanation of morality, states and economic evaluation. Very rewarding. The readings are basically 50 pages a week on average so unlike in other classes you end up actually doing the reading!"
--Response 2, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2011
"EP&E 220 is a great course. It gives students a good understanding of social choice theory and forces students to rigorously challenge their views on the merits of democracy."
--Response 3, Collective Choice & Political Morality, Fall 2010
"Professor Donahue is an excellent professor. He is always eager to help students after class or in office hours. He is very clear about the assignments that he assigns and gives very helpful advice on papers. Professor Donahue has a remarkable ability to distinguish between very similar but not identical concepts, and he trains his students to do the same. This allows his students to assess others’ ideas and construct their own ideas with an especially forceful rigor. I think this ability comes from Professor Donahue’s utilization of the tools—not just the subject matter--from each of the disciplines that comprise Ethics, Politics, and Economics. To take a theory proposed by a political scientist, to create a model for that theory based on models that economists have created, and to evaluate the implications of that model by using argumentative moves that ethicists employ allows one to analyze ideas in greater depth than one could if one did not utilize all of those tools. I will now be able to apply the rigorous thinking methods that Professor Donahue has taught me to many other subjects."
--Response 3, Collective Choice & Political Morality, Fall 2010
"I would recommend this class. The material was very interesting - you basically get to learn about all the problems that surround voting, from the most mechanical issues such as when different methods of voting would yield the same result to more philosophical issues such as what exactly the outcome of voting means and whether society must follow it. You are required to write 8 reading responses during the semester - they definitely require some time because they must consist in strong philosophical arguments, but they were very interesting to write. Professor Donahue is very knowledgeable about the texts and he shares with the class interesting takes on the readings. He will definitely sharpen your critical thinking skills."
--Response 5, Collective Choice & Political Morality, Fall 2010
"The reading list was superb. Reading responses encouraged students to do the readings and actually understand them, which created good class discussions. The final paper was fun to write and was the perfect culmination to a semester of reading thinkers in Ethics, Politics&Economics as we got to write a little treatise on a topic of our choice."
--Response 4, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2009
"I thought he was an excellent instructor. He clearly had an exceptional understanding of all of the material, and he always prepared helpful outlines and diagrams each week. Paper comments were always very constructive and he was very accommodating w/ office hours and whatnot. He was a very insightful discussion leader; though at the beginning of the class I felt like the discussion was too heavily centered on just reading the text and not on critiquing the ideas (part of this is the nature of a "Classics" course though I guess), this got a lot better as the semester went on. Overall he did a great job and I feel very fortunate to have had him as an instructor."
--Response 5, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2009
"Professor Donahue is a great instructor. You'll learn a lot, and his analytic rigor will certainly rub off on you by the end of the term. Must-take for EP&E majors but for those not in EP&E, a great intermediate level course in philosophy and economic theory."
--Response 2, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2009
"I would strongly recommend Classics of EP&E with Professor Donahue to any student interested in getting a deep exposure to the greatest thinkers in Ethics, Politics and Economics. The syllabi for the Classics of EP&E sections differ from professor to professor. Professor Donahue prepared a great reading list for the course that included Mill, Kant, Aristotle, Rousseau, Hobbes, Locke, Marx and Hegel. I enjoyed doing the readings for class every week. Be aware though that you have to submit 350-word reading responses for almost all class sessions, and that these could take some time. However, doing the reading was both fun and necessary for good class discussion. In class, Professor Donahue helped us flesh out the argument of all thinkers so that we could later evaluate their premises and conclusions. This was a great way of getting a good understanding of what each thinker said. Professor Donahue is a good section leader who cares a lot about his students. He always encourages everyone to visit him during office hours and he is willing to discuss anything (related or unrelated to the class) with you. Professor Donahue was perfect to teach this course: he knew every single author and their arguments extremely well. This was probably my best class this semester."
--Response 3, Classics of Ethics, Politics & Economics, Spring 2009