How do scholars rank the Presidents of the United States—and why do their rankings differ? This engaging course explores the most recent surveys by leading institutions, including the C-SPAN Presidential Historians Survey (2021), the Siena College Research Institute Survey (2022), and the American Political Science Association Survey (2024). Each ranking uses different criteria and categories to evaluate presidential performance, from leadership and integrity to foreign policy and economic management. We’ll dive into the data, explore how and why rankings shift over time, and discuss surprising changes in the reputations of America’s 45 Presidents—from George Washington to Joe Biden—as judged by historians, journalists, and political scientists. Join us for a lively and thought-provoking look at the evolving legacy of the American presidency.

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.