Here you can find a list of the courses I have taught as both an instructor of record and a teaching assistant, as well as anonymous feedback from students.
As an instructor of record at the University of Virginia:
- Building a Just World: Global Justice, Migration, Climate Change, summer 2025 and 2026.
As a teaching assistant at the University of Virginia
- Modern Political Theory, Fall 2023, Spring 2025, 2026.
- Introduction to Political Theory, Fall 2024, 2025.
- Contemporary Political Thought, Spring 2024.
As a teaching assistant at the Catholic University of Chile
- Introduction to Political Theory, Fall 2018, 2019, 2020, Spring 2018, 2019, 2021.
- Currents of Contemporary Political Thought, Spring 2019.
- Democratic Theory, Fall 2019.
- Introduction to International Relations, Fall 2020, Spring 2020.
Students’ Anonymous Feedback:
In anonymous feedback, students have emphasized that I foster an environment in which they feel comfortable sharing their views and opinions, while at the same time I ask them to reflect on why they hold such views. Below are some selected testimonials from students:
PLPT 3500: Building a Just World, Summer 2026:
I’m so incredibly grateful that Diego chose to offer PLPT 3500: Building a Just World this summer! Entering with little–to–no experience in political philosophy and, more broadly, UVA humanities, Diego offered a range of fascinating topics (I particularly liked ideal theory on distributive justice) and organized lectures that focused class content. The small–group environment and open–ended discussion also helped me feel comfortable and productive in Gibson Hall. I’m a rising first–year, so I don’t have much of a barometer for UVA classes, but I thoroughly enjoyed PLPT 3500 and will likely take a similar class in the future.
Given the class touched in a variety of controversial issues, the class always had a balanced and objective tone that was due to the instructor’s leadership.
He was able to have us think in different ways and perspective while discussing with students and how others might think while still emphasizing it was a safe space.
Diego always seriously entertained everyone’s comments, no matter how tangential, controversial, or incorrect… Furthermore, he accommodated a peanut and tree nut allergy when he cooked for the class.
PLPT 3500: Building a Just World, Summer 2025:
It was truly a great summer session course. This course has overall taught me to use critical thinking skills when forming an argument. I would advise students to take this course with Professor Diego Tapia–Riquelme because he is very dedicated to helping his students understand the material in his lectures. He wants all his students to succeed and will provide many opportunities to meet with him to ask questions or
receive feedback.
When discussing theorists and their works, there was lots of room for disagreement and pushback. This was one of the main ways we were expected to engage, meaning that different perspectives were not just allowed, but expected.
PLPT 1010: Introduction to Political Theory, Fall 2025:
Diego challenged us to defend our beliefs, even encouraging us to disagree with him sometimes. This made me a better arguer and analyzer, and I really appreciated how open he was to various perspectives and ideas.
Diego Tapia-Riquelme 