Focuses on the ways in which people?s social environments influence their behavior over the early decades of life. Focuses on the social psychology of exploration, play, creativity and self-actualization ? showing how certain social environments help or hinder our abilities to reach our fullest level of human development.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeLecture
Not an easy GE. Graded on 2 midterms and a final. Tests are all short answer, based on his very disorganized lectures and an outdated textbook that has little to do with the lecture material. His grading scale only allows 30% of students to get full credit on each question.
The first day of class, I thought this was going to a be a super light course. It turns out that it is likely the hardest GE that I've taken at UCSB. Your grade is entirely dependent on the tests, and don't count on the tests being easy. If you want a class to just cruise by with, do not take this class.
Worst professor paired with the worst class I've taken at UCSB. Lecture is so scatterbrained, expressed on the whiteboard by his chicken scratch scribbles that are literally unreadable. Outdated material, outdated classroom culture, outdated professor. Do yourself a gigantic favor and avoid both Baldwins
John's teaching is experienced but disorganized, with lectures hard to follow due to rambling, stock photo slides, and illegible notes. Grading relies solely on two tests (25% each) and a final, emphasizing rote memorization over comprehension. Interesting material, but overall hard to stay engaged with due to the way the class is taught.
One of my favorite courses I've taken in the Sociology department so far. Very interesting lecture material and engaging reading content as well. Graded based on three big exams throughout the quarter, but Professor Baldwin is clear about what to know for the exams and provides study guides as well. Highly recommend this course.
Professor Baldwin is enthusiastic, but his lectures were kind of chaotic and dated. Some of his commentaries additionally felt odd. There was no homework outside of reading, but your grade relies on three midterms and a final. Fortunately, they all seemed to be graded lightly. It wasn't the worst class that I've taken but I wouldn't do it again.