Examines how psychology, storytelling, theme development, and strategy shape jury decision-making in real trials. Students explore the roles of trial consultants, judges, attorneys, and experts. The course shows how credibility, bias, emotion, and narrative influence verdicts across personal injury, criminal law, corporate defense, family law, and medical malpractice litigation. Taught by one of the most respected trial consultants in the field, it uses real cases and experiential exercises revealing how themes are developed, stories built, witnesses prepped, juries selected, and cases researched, tested, and won. With guest attorneys each week, this is a can’t-miss course for anyone considering law school or litigation.
2
UnitsPass no pass
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNot open to freshmen
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeVery easy class. Show up occasionally and you can ace the tests -- nothing on there you didn't know or couldn't figure out before you took the class. Can't believe I paid for this.
Easiest class ever. She giggles a lot. It's like a group therapy session, not a class. She seems caring but really it's all about her; she's very fond of herself. I didn't learn a thing and the content was nonexistent. Not a thing on the tests you couldn't guess with a tiny bit of logic. Waste of time but easy A.
Tammy is the best professor! Family comm is the best class I've taken at UCSB. Her tests are tricky so you have to study. Going to office hours does wonders for your grade. She is super accessible and kind!
Graded by two papers, midterm, and final exam. Exams were definitely tricky, so study up and ask questions. Definitely attend lecture, as slides alone aren't enough to be prepared for the exams. She's super caring, kind, and accessible. Grading criteria is clear for papers, and asking the TA for help is a good way to be prepared.
Dr. Afifi is great! She cares a lot about her students. We had a midterm and a final (non cumulative) and two essays.
She really cares about her students, papers and tests questions are fair, she makes her lectures easy to follow