Get the textbook! It's expensive and the readings are long, but it will 100% help you out. Lectures are based off the text, but it's honestly a very interesting book. I learned so much and wished I could take the class for a longer amount of time/take a second course like it. The tests are detailed, but as long as you study you'll do great.

Fridlund is a funny professor but if you take this class make sure you're ready to put in the work. The class is very content heavy with dense slides and multiple textbook readings. I didn't end up using the textbook halfway through the class but I think it would definitely help. Attendance isn't mandatory but I think going helps tremendously.

Teaching style and course content are both so entertaining that even with optional attendance, most of the class showed up throughout the quarter. Don't let anyone tell you the class is unfair or too hard. Yes, the A isn't automatic, but he tells you EXACTLY what you need to do to succeed. Plus, he curves the tests and final grade.

Professor Fidlund's psych 183 class was one of my favorites at my time here. His lectures are very engaging and interesting to where you don't want to miss a class. Grades are determined by a midterm and final, but if you read the textbook and attend class you should be able to receive a good grade in the class.

A great professor and lecturer, making it easy enough to understand so many concepts in a short amount of time. You only have a midterm and final, no extra assignments or quizzes. But you have to go to lecture and do the readings since the tests can be heavy. If you're up for that, I can't recommend him enough. Easily one of my favorite classes.

One of the best professors I have ever had here at UCSB, his class had everyone hooked, and the attendance was always high. He talks about his experiences as a therapist and he is very passionate about what he teaches. highly recommend him, his exams are heavy because they have a lot of information but read, go to class, and study the lectures!