Explores cultural explanations of international relations with a particularfocus on how pop culture contributes to the outbreak of violence. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of how culture and politics interacts, and apply these ideas to current politics.

Prerequisites: Upper-division, full POLS major standing.

4

Units

Optional

Grading

1, 2, 3

Passtime

Upper division only

Level Limit

Letters and science

College
These majors only pols
Brent Strathman
3.3
93 reviews
PHELP2516
F
12:00 PM - 13:50 PM
54 / 60

Spring 2024 . Strathman B A
NH 1105
T R
12:30 PM - 13:45 PM
POL S 106CR Strathman B A Spring 2024 Total: 61
See All
93
3.3
POLS121 . 27 Days Ago

Good prof, but his lectures are way too theoretical and “academia” focused. Wish there was more real world application and discussion of current events. Cares too much about memorizing names of academia researchers. Ton of reading and most of it isn't well written or engaging, coming from a guy who loves IR. TAs were terrible this quarter.

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
POLS121 . 28 Days Ago

Wow. get ready to read, get ready to memorize every reading for the final. No study guides/reviews are given, simply memorization. He is a great guy and everyone seems to like him, I just tend to not love his grading and teaching style. Having a good TA will help you a lot. Ahh lots of work but rewarding for sure.

1 helpful 0 unhelpful
127 . 2 Months Ago

Worst professor I've experienced at UCSB and the only bad grade I've received. His 60 slide lectures lack significant detail, often using a single word for an obscure event, a good prof will create 20 detailed slides. All exams are handwritten blue book. The worst part is he genuinely seems like he wants students to fail. Did not earn my respect.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
POLS121 . 7 Months Ago

Strathman's penchant for condescension and rote memorization ruined what would've been a fascinating class. In office hours, said my criticism of the idea that colonized people 'benefitted' from colonization was bc my race was colonized and I "probably have a lot of friends in soc".His class teaches us to memorize his views, not think for ourselves

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PS127 . 9 Months Ago

Prof. Strathman was the highlight of my UCSB PoliSci career. He's not the easiest professor, but he is a fantastic teacher. I've taken a number of his classes and would recommend anyone taking PoliSci who is looking to learn the subject to take Prof. Strathman for their IR focus. It won't be an easy road, but the lessons taught will stay with you.

0 helpful 0 unhelpful
PS121126127 . 10 Months Ago

I have taken 4 classes with Dr. Strathman. His classes don't offer much room for error due to their balance. Exams are graded on knowledge of minute details taken from any reading or section of the notes. In order to do well on a final you must bring in every reading applicable, and the omission of one results in a poor grade. Take at your own risk

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See all 93 reviews
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