The class' aim, Diaz says, "is to give students the tools to effectively analyze the evolution of the modern presidency and the constraints and resources influencing the president's ability to provide leadership in the American political system."

To this end, the American Presidency's syllabus features weekly reading assignments in five different books and a course supplement.

The heavy reading didn't seem to pose a problem for last year's class,

(It received just a 1.9 workload rating in the CUE guide.)

Speaking of the Q Guide, the 152 undergraduates enrolled in the class last year rated Porter's teaching a 4.9 out of 5 and gave the course a 4.6. Students who have taken the class say they enjoy Porter's anecdotes, which, as he said in lecture Tuesday, "always" tie back to the lecture at hand.

Diaz says the course is designed to foster a "general understanding of the complexity of the office and how the president deals with the institutions in the American political system, as well as the media and the people."

All this is wrapped up in an essay, a section participation grade, a mid-term and a final exam.