I would not recommend this class. Lectures were not well structured and Prof. Gonzales would ask students to explain concepts rather than lecturing herself. Exams were challenging (D+ average) and she discouraged students from coming to her for suggestions or advice on assignments. Any feedback she gave on the final essay was generic and unhelpful.

Of all of the classes I've had at UCSB this was one of the most boring and least engaging. The lectures feel uninspired, and Professor Gonzales is not the best lecturer in general. The tests and assignments often feel more like busy work than tools to learn. Overall I feel that while she is a nice enough person she is not a great professor.

First time having her and she isn't as bad as these reviews make her out to be. Definitely attend lecture because stuff on slides alone isn't enough, she adds great detail to them. There's a paper draft, final draft, one 5pt assignment, and a mc midterm and cumulative final that make up your grade. Try to keep up w readings otherwise they pile up.

Prof Gonzales is GREAT, she is so caring and passionate about what she teaches. She gives late extensions on the papers, doesn't track attendance, doesn't force participation, sends out all lecture materials, is easy to talk to and reach, and is just such a sweet person. There really isn't anything else you would want in a teacher!

Professor Gonzales was pretty intense. She had high expectations of us and taught in a somewhat passive-aggressive way. Her lectures were good and clear, but I felt intimidated by her and the TAs and the research project was daunting. Had to put in a lot of work for this class to get the grade I wanted.

People who do not do well in this class refuse to read the textbook and complain the professor was bad. She was not, she was very nice during office hours and seemed to really care about her students. I didn't attend lectures a lot, but when I was there people seemed to refuse to engage, but she tried to persuade them to.