I took POLS12 last year and it was tough! For a lower division prerequisite course, this class was unnecessarily difficult. Lots of reading from two required textbooks (about 1-2 long, multi-sectional chapters) for each class. Lectures are good but he only pulls from the readings for tests which are extremely nit-picky and specific. Wouldn't retake

Two midterms, a final, and quizzes. There are tons of readings to keep up with. The exams are crazy difficult but he curves.

Its one of the hardest classes ive had at ucsb, but I learned a lot and he's a good teacher. very hard class though, tests are really hard, ive managed to get As on them by putting in hours into the textbook and making insane notes for the tests (ahead of time keeping up with readings). might be in some bureaucratic lawyer cult but overall cool.

Took this for a pre-req for

His tests are needlessly difficult, but even with a C average on the tests, I still managed to get an A- because of writing assignments and participation. He's got a bit of an ego and will ridicule students for expressing different opinions from his, but if you have a well formed factual argument, he will show more respect. Cares about his students

avoid if you are not a polisi major!!! I took this class 3 quarters ago and still get upset thinking about how difficult it was. His directions are unclear. His lectures do not make sense and I got little to no feedback when I would ask. When I did get feedback it was 1-2 WORDS per essay. I had no idea what I was even learning.