Does not care about students. Is homophobic

Solid lecturer and made the material interesting to a STEM major. Definitely attend lectures, since he bases the paper+exams heavily around lecture material **that I couldn't reliably find online**. Readings can be long but just get the general ideas of them and you'll be fine. TA's grade most of work, but he'll curve if they grade differently

I think that this has been the most interesting GE I've taken so far. I don't disagree that Ware is disorganized and goes off on tangents, but they're always correlated with class and help contextualize the information we are learning. He is evidently passionate about his work and his teaching. But, the readings can be crazy long, so be prepared.

He is opinionated but the course is very unique and interesting information to learn- a midterm and final, one paper, no hw- worth it in my opinion

More of an idealogue than a teacher. Overly obsessed with identity politics, antizionism, etc. So many other great professors on campus, skip this one.

One of those classes you only hear about in a GOP tirade about the capture of universities by identity politics. In a history class intended to teach students about African history Professor Ware spent the majority of the class making no small point that white people are racist. I'm not sure what students are meant to take from this class.

Just way too bad. Not a fan.

Work for your grade, but not too bad. A little disorganized, but replies to emails for sure. Awesome lectures, loved hearing him speak. Truly inspirational.

Weird Professor. Unclear lectures, useless stuy guides and tests that were very specific for lectures being so vague. TA's also seemed confused. Lots of quizzes and sections were painful. Attendance mandatory. Prof never wore a mask then canceled class 4 times bc he got Covid. (this was Spring 22) Seems like a fine guy, but not a good teacher.

I took his class in spring 2022.He refused to give accommodations to a deaf student for three weeks. He refused to offer an online option when there was an uprise of covid in his class specifically.While he knows what he talks about, he is the most unorganized professor ever.Refuses to give notes if you miss a class. whole class failed midterm.

Took this class as a major class and wouldn't take another class with Ware again. When the reviews say he is disorganized, they are so right. He posted nothing online, so if you miss ur class, ur very behind. Very inaccessible, especially with covid. A good lecturer and knows his stuff, but n a good professor.

Very respected academic who shows compassion for the suffering of the people he talks about. Inspiring man who is passionate and connected to his work. I don't think he prepared us very well for tests or did he really give very good readings.

TBH I didn't like his lectures as he would often go on off-topic tangents and didn't use powerpoints. He's also very disorganized with sending class material. But his tests are really easy and he seems like a genuine guy.

Wares history of Africa was the only GE I ever took that was actually interesting. Other peoples comments about him being disorganised might be true - but the class was pretty easy so honesty is wasnt much of an issue. I enjoyed the class and interesting content so much I decided to come back and rate him a year later, after graduating.

Prof. Ware is unorganized, political, unorganized, verbose, and unorganized. He's also arguably the best professor I've ever had. His grading is fair, his knowledge is impressive, and his lectures are *astounding*. Tips: 1. Pay attention to the syllabus grade weight, it's deceptive 2. Learn the historical facts & concepts, they're 80% of the tests

Hands down the worst professor ever. Beyond unorganized. Input wrong grades. Never posted his email & didn't respond to the one on UCSB's website. Had an extension to submit grades & missed the deadline. Has no respect for students time & I had to wait for over an hour for office hours. His class is boring, poorly done, & you have to buy HIS books.

A visiting student from another schools approached him after lecture to say it was the best they had ever heard and unlike anything their school had. He presents interesting material with the goal of showing false bias that American society has about African history. Homework is reading/vid so you can just focus on understanding.

He's a hilarious and outspoken professor. He knows his stuff, "lecture" was mostly the students getting in groups and teaching the class about the readings. The discussions we had was great and he brings up thought-provoking questions. Overall he is a really chill teacher and if you do most of the readings and write a good paper you'll pass.

Dr. Spickard is a great guy. He really knows the stuff he teaches and genuinely cares about his students, in class and out of class. He is outspoken and has strong opinions but is constantly making jokes and creating a positive class environment. Great guy, great professor, would totally recommend.

Took his freshman seminar "what white people need to know" purely because I needed the credit to be full time. Spickard is an incredible man, completely passionate about the subject, as well as caring about all his students. He was the professor I turned to during the IV tragedy, and I cannot thank him enough for his help. Much love for you prof!

take his class. most valuable classes in the school.

Prof Spickard is one of, if not the best, prof i've had at ucsb. You do have to do all the readings for this class and in depth, but he is such a caring guy. I've had my own personal experiences where he's reached out to make sure i'm okay and other classmates have experienced this. he does say some questionable things, but he loves to teach

Prof Spickard is one ofc

Best instructor I've ever had. He's extremely intelligent, provokes curiosity, and relates to his audience. He wants everyone to take something away from the class, and not just memorize random facts. There is a lot of reading, but they're mostly novels of really good books. UCSB is lucky to have him. He's a true scholar and Spicktacular educator.