Loved this upper division class. Really got to help me with my own identity. Really showed his passion to teach and his love for his students. 100% recommend to anyone looking for a good professor.

Paul Spickard is by far the best professor I have had at UCSB. Shows the real side of history (which is why some people do not like him) but is all backed up with facts. Left lecture every time enriched with new information that I never knew I would need. Definitely a tough class but you will fall in love with it and won't mind doing it at all! :)

The worst professor I have ever had at UCSB. Taught his opinions as fact and frequently rambled on and on. His lectures were incredibly disorganized and lots of stuff on the final and midterm were pieces of material that we did not even go over in class. First UCSB class that I ever fell asleep in. Avoid Professor Spickard at all costs.

If you are not at all interested in the subject, I do not recommend this professor. The class is weirdly structured and the amount of reading/ preparation for the final is ridiculous

Please don't take this class. Whenever I went to lecture I left thinking it was a waste of time. I would consider this class one of the bigger mistakes I made this year. No technology policy and if Spickard sees it he will humiliate you in front of the class. His lectures are disorganized and there is so much reading its not possible to do it all

I was looking forward to 2C because I like modern history but maybe Spickard is just not the professor for me. Lectures and sections can be very dry. No technology in lecture or section, not even to take notes or he'll take it and embarrass you in front of the 500 students in the lecture hall. There is a considerable amount of reading as well.

This class was refreshing. I didn't take many notes in this class. Mainly just show up to lecture and listen to an extremely different perspective on history. One long paper that can basically be about anything so it isn't hard and an easy midterm and final. Spickard will definitely keep you entertained.

He is inspirational and opinionated which some may like, but his lecture style is a mess. There is no structure to it. Lots of reading and 6-8 pg essay. Midterm and final are IDs and essay based off readings and lectures. If you work hard you'll get a good grade, but definitely not an easy GE. Wouldn't recommend unless you absolutely need to take.

He teaches his own view of history rather than what is in the books. He even teaches a few things that specifically contradict what was taught in 2B. He's entertaining, but he's pretty opinionated and will teach his opinions as fact. Sometimes, lectures never even make it to the actual subject matter of the class. Lectures are worthless.

My favorite professor at UCSB. Such a phenomenal human who gives insight on so many different topics in order to see things from a different perspectives. Lots of books, but be sure to have a good idea about the books stressed in class. Definitely need to do extra work to earn an A, but it's a straight forward class. Would recommend to everyone.

The reading is extensive especially during the Summer. I wouldn't recommend this class for anyone who is afraid of other people's views. The best part of the class is being able to choose your own topic for the term paper. Spickard keeps everyone entertained, or at least disgusted from pictures of slavery/genocide/etc.

don't like his lecture style

One of the most naturally intelligent professors at UCSB. Teaches a narrow yet gratifying overview of world history, while incorporating life lessons in reading, writing, and speech. Spickard was passionate and left an impression every lecture. Bravo sir, bravo.

Honestly, this class will change your life if you let it. Spickard is trying to teach you about perspective and perception and flips your world. You get as much as you put into this class. He makes lecture worth it. He talks about broad ideas in lecture and the the readings makes his presentations more concise.

Spickard is an amazing teacher. You may choose to not do the reading and come out okay but it enhances the overall impact of the course material 10 fold (aka: do it!!). Spickard shakes your foundations in a good way and makes you imagine the historical perspective through factuality while proving that one's subjectivity provides one's humanity.

Jason Linn was an awesome TA, the best I have ever had at UCSB. I hardly ever read but his sections were helpful. Lectures were a waste of time, I never went. Got a B+. Spickard is a smart interesting guy but it really depends on your TA

I absolutely loved his class. He's a fantastically engrossing man with very interesting things to say. Lectures dont exactly sum up everything in the class (he believes thats what reading is for) but they do offer loads of insight as to what needs to be known for tests. Overall I loved his class, read, & got an A. His TA Ryan Abrecht was great too.

Check it out. This class is nuts... seriously it changed my whole perspective on****. Spickard says you HAVE to read. I didn't read one book the entire class. Just showed up to section and lecture sometimes. I got a B+ so all I'm saying is that there is hope!

Was a good class. Going to lecture is utterly worthless and your entire grade is basically how easy/difficult your TA is. The Midterm and final are pretty straightforward, read the textbook and you won't get less than a B in the class. As for the essay it's all based on your TA.

Lectures are entertaining but completely worthless. Basically you need to do an insane amount of reading outside of class and pray you have a good TA. Another professor that does no work and collects a nice paycheck at the end of the day.

Thank god he is not one of those dreadful powerpoint multiple choice professors. He is full of personality - hilarious and bold in his statements. He's warm & cares deeply about his students. He allows students to create their own essay topics (something you care about) and isn't a tighta** about dates &stupid details. Understand, not memorize.

His lectures were extremely entertaining. The readings are more important test wise, but the lectures, ID wise are and even if they weren't useful, his lectures aren't worth missing!

Spickard is interesting as a person, with pretty intense opinions, but he is terrible as a teacher A) Lectures arent helpful at all especially when it comes to the broad essay questions for the tests- he doesnt write anything down nor does he give any guides to the tests B) worksheets & busywork insult your intelligence

If you take his class, just read the 6-7 books he assigned you. You will regret going to lecture every time. Because he has no written notes, or study guides for tests. Only talks craps in class.