In this course, we take the well-worn phrase “knowledge is power” and flip it on its head in order to study the ways in which ignorance -- especially in its culturally induced and socially constructed form -- has been harnessed as a political instrument to consolidate power and promote special interests. Ignorance here is much more than the absence of knowledge, or its mere opposite. Rather, our focus is on the ways in which the deliberate production and preservation of ignorance by domestic and/or foreign agents has increasingly become a constitutive feature of the policy making process in democratic and non-democratic societies alike.
1 - 4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeLecture
Lectures were very bland but had a lot of information packed in them. She made the final take home and said it was possible to complete in 3 hours--writing 1250 words for one big essay and then 1200 for 3 small essays is not it.
Freeman is a nice lady. Attendance was not mandatory. Because of this, most people didn't show up to lecture. Her lectures were very dry and weren't engaging. She told the TA to grade harshly on the final due to lack of attendance when it wasn't even required. TA Sterling was a chill guy but a very harsh grader. Review the syllabus frequently.
Im not gonna lie this is one of the worst professors, I've ever come across throughout my time in UCSB, and Ive seen some pretty bad ones. (e.g. Nall, Moosebreiger, and Felicity Stone-Richards. Don't take this class, and also don't take any class with Laffy Taffy.
Second time taking her. She knows what she's talking about and has a clear rubric. Makes it easy to get an A.Section is a big chunk of your grade, and 5 commentaries that are graded for completion help balance out your grade against the paper and midterm/final...I don't understand why the ratings are so low! She always comes to class with a smile
Professor Freeman has very disorganized lectures, and we were oftentimes behind in content by several days. She seems like a lovely woman but I could not get with her teaching style. Also puts zero effort into pronouncing ethnic names. You could honestly pass the class just by reading the textbook -- which you have to pay for.
I am shocked at the bad reviews for Prof Freeman - her class was by far easier than other poly sci courses and was packed with relevant information. 10+ readings a week but you do not need to do them. Take home midterm/final was essay format with 2-4 days to complete. She's nice but lectures are copied Wikipedia and grading criteria super unclear.