Examines the beneficial, harmful, and always complicated implications of social media use across micro- and macro- levels of analyses. We focus on how these systems enhance and impede individual and socio-political self-expression, especially for those from marginalized populations (e.g racial/ethnic/religious minorities, immigrants, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, etc.). The class focuses on three primary topics: new media and social movements; new media and health; and new media and identity. Students gain both a theoretical and an applied understanding of how social media shape life in the 21st century.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNot open to freshmen
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeQuality of her slides are bad so to get the most info you should go to lecture (not mandatory). Readings can get dense especially if you're behind on them. Tests are MCQ but the final is cumulative, lecture heavy but do the readings. Content is overall interesting but the way it is taught is not. Choose topics that interest you for the papers!!
The exams aren't too bad if you make sure to go to lectures and basically memorize everything she tells you to memorize off the study guide. However, lecture did feel pretty lengthy and I personally found her to get a bit sassy with students when she was having a bad day. The class wasn't bad but she definitely wasn't the most intriguing.
professor gonzales is really nice and funny, but her classes are very paper and test heavy! be prepared to write and do a lot of readings. however, her tests are pretty straightforward (just really long). i honestly like her and would take a course with her again!
While Gonzales is sweet, her lecturers drag on and are a real snoozer. The slides are very vague and you basically have to write down everything she says which can be difficult as she goes on tangents. Tests aren't terrible, but the essays are challenging. Definitely try to avoid.
Probably my least favorite professor I've ever had. Her lectures are uninteresting, and her exams and papers are overly complicated. It's clear that she is only here for research and doesn't put as much effort into actually helping students learn. Save yourself the absolute headache that is this professor and take something else.
One of the least engaging professors I've had at UCSB. Her lectures are hard to pay attention to because they are flat-out uninspiring and boring. She essentially just talks at the class for 75 minutes. Her class is not structured well at all. She seems like a nice person but not a good professor.