Peter Richardson is a Political Science professor at Northeastern University rated 3.2/5 by 23 students, with 3.5/5 difficulty and 60.0% who would take them again (TRACE + RateMyProfessors + Reddit, updated July 2026).
Peter Richardson professor reviews and ratings: 3.2/5 from 23 student reviews at Northeastern (60.0% would take again). TRACE + RateMyProfessor + Reddit.
Uses and insane grading metric. "Your score is 5.9291 out of 6.25, I neither round up or round down my scores" Three to four page instructions for a single essay. He knows what he wants and heavily penalizes you if you do not follow every last detail to a "T". Worst class I've taken, ever, and I have two degrees.SIA6040 2024-12-13 20:11:23 +0000 UTC
I took a class with professor Richardson while on active duty in the military. I had received good grades on everything up to the final week when I was told last minute that I had to leave on a deployment where I would not have internet or the capacity to complete the final essay. My extension request was denied because he was going on vacation.GST6320 2024-01-10 18:49:55 +0000 UTC
My only criticism of Mr. Richardson is his timeliness with grading. He gives excellent feedback and is very supportive of his class; however, it just took ages to get the information back. For example, I did not receive my mid term grades back until 2 weeks before the course ended. Aside from the feedback he was excellent in all other forms!SIA6000 2022-08-02 19:14:30 +0000 UTC
If you are truly looking for an education rather than an easy pass, I would recommend Dr. Richardson. I was intimidated reading through these posts and have bailed on many of his classes because 1) I'm incredibly anxious when it comes to tough graders 2) I barely have time for all the reading. However,It's very manageable and he's very supportive!GST6310 2018-12-08 09:39:41 +0000 UTC
Tough class because you cant skip on any of the assignments or you wont catch up and will fail. lots of reading, weekly discussions, 3 papers. Reads your stuff carefully and gives feedback. Follow instructions precisely.GST6920 2017-04-16 13:39:15 +0000 UTC
Just follow his rules and you are good to the end. Often, communicate with him in case of hardship or not following the course, he's good at feedbacks and will direct you to what he is looking for. Citation is very vital in his class, keep an eye open, great Prof. class of Spring 2014.6320 2014-12-24 14:03:40 +0000 UTC
Great instructor - if u can follow his rules. Pretty care about citations and that kind of format rules (which is actually good bcz it's kinda important when u get into any of the graduate school). The discussions in the class is interesting, especially the global affair all around the world. Try to find ur own view but not just following the text.GBST1011 2013-01-07 22:15:10 +0000 UTC
Class quality equivalent to that of a 9th grader's. In fact, I recall my 9th grade history class being easier. If you want to waste what, $3000?, you can take this for an easy A, I guess.POL155 2008-08-11 20:21:39 +0000 UTC
Good teacher, smart guy. It's probably a better class if you love the subject though.POLU150 2007-12-07 18:28:35 +0000 UTC
I don't even know if this is a word but this is the most boringneststtsesss class I have ever had. If you can avoid taking it don't, or try and take it with someone who is way more interesting, and can attract you to the dry material. Some stuff is interesting, really damn confusing until after midterms or unless you are a poly sci major I guess.POLU115 2007-11-27 20:55:25 +0000 UTC
Expect to read 150-200 pages per week and write nonsensical essays that don't feel like they have any relation to the course material. You also won't get a single lecture from Richardson as he solely relies on YouTube videos and readings to teach for him. Doesn't teach himself and really is just there to grade. Insanely strict with grading. Avoid!SIA6040 2023-10-25 16:13:24 +0000 UTC
Hands down one of the best professors I have ever had. Took a course with him during grad school - extremely challenging, but I can honestly say he made me a better writer and helped me improve as a student. Cares very much about his students, gives great feedback. Truly a phenomenal instructor.GST6320 2019-07-08 15:54:31 +0000 UTC
agree with person who called him hotheaded- he definitely thinks he's the funniest, coolest person around and doesnt like it when ppl question him. really into memorizing facts/direct quotes from the book and not actual learning/critical thinking. class was super easy though.POL155 2008-05-10 12:50:52 +0000 UTC
THIS GUY IS A YOUNG HOTHEADED PROFESSOR WHO WANTS EVERYTHING HIS WAY. He is inconsiderate of others, and teaches the class as if it we were working on our PhD (because he is working on his PhD). Tries to be comical but jokes are horrible. Looked for reasons to take pts off exam. Terrible grader, terrible teacher, stay away!POLU150 2007-08-28 16:35:59 +0000 UTC
Hands down one of the BEST professors at NEU. Like others have stated, his courses are VERY tough, but they help you develop your writing capabilities. Dr. R will help you offline and is a very respectful professor. Take his classes!SIA6040 2022-01-31 19:33:17 +0000 UTC
Peter Richardson has an average rating of 3.2/5 from 23 student reviews. 60.0% of students said they would take them again.
Peter Richardson's classes have a difficulty rating of 3.5/5 based on student reviews.
Data updated July 2026.