ADPO 3001 Populism and the Rise of Anti-Democracy

This course explores the emergence of Populist political movements around the globe and the increased challenge to democracy more generally. While the late 20th century was characterized by the triumph of democracy over alternative forms of government, democracy is facing both new and old challenges around the world. The course investigates the nature of these challenges, what are they, who leads them, and most critically why are they emerging now?

Course overview

Department
Advancing Studies
School
ADV
Credits
4
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Periodically

Course evaluations

Response-weighted averages from Boston College’s official course evaluations (Avalanche/Blue).

Course rating
4.55 / 5 · Excellent
21 responses
Instructor rating
4.81 / 5 · Excellent
21 responses
Terms evaluated
3
Most recent: Fall 2025

Scales: overall ratings run from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent); agreement questions from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree); weekly effort from 1 (up to 1 hour) to 5 (10 or more hours).

Evaluations by term and instructor
TermInstructorCourse overallInstructor overallWell organizedClear learning objectivesIntellectually challengingHelpful assignmentsApplicable beyond courseAttendance necessaryWeekly effortResponses
Fall 2025John Fitzgibbon4.55.04.94.94.34.84.85.0—9 of 13
Fall 2023John Fitzgibbon—————————7 of 15
Fall 2021John Fitzgibbon4.84.84.64.84.85.05.05.04–6 hrs/week5 of 12

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-10-09. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • John Fitzgibbon
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025, Fall 2023, Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.81/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · John Fitzgibbon · Limited seats become available on 8/26 at 9 AM;On-line Asynchronous · Offered