A wide-ranging survey of social science research on large research universities and the undergraduate experience. Topics: origins of the modern US research university, standardized testing and college admissions, the sociology of undergraduate life including "party culture," the economics of educational effectiveness, and campus civil rights and identity politics.
1
UnitsPass no pass
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeInter collegiate athletes only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeI 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
Good readings and good lectures. The class is really more of an interactive seminar. The policy memo project is good training for future jobs in politics and policy.
Two midterms, a final, and quizzes. There are tons of readings to keep up with. The exams are crazy difficult but he curves.
Nall is a tough professor but he is ultimately fair. The class projects are a great introduction to doing original original research.
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