Fridlund's class was by far my favorite class I've taken here at UCSB! He is very clear and descriptive about his subject so the material wasn't super difficult to comprehend if you're new to this subject (like me). The only reason I got the grade I got was because I didn't study as much as I should have so that was my fault. Overall, he's great!
I see a lot of reviews talking about how tricky he is, and he's really not. Super straightforward questions. He's lecture heavy, so if you don't go to class or be really good friends with someone that does, you won't do well. I paid attention most of the time, skimmed the book, and memorized the fair game sheet. Easy 96%
Very funny and engaging during lecture! I did not do any of the reading and just attended lecture and pulled a C+ while also barely studying for tests. If you put the effort into it you should be able to pull a good grade.
Hardest class ever. Difficult and confusing tests - it's like he purposely sets you up to fail. Condescending during office hours too. You follow and do the study guide? Not helpful - You'll do average at best in the class. Expensive book by the way and MAKES you get the current and school edition.
He is charming, funny, but the test is very tricky. I though I did fairly well, but in truth, I got a pretty low grade.
GREAT PROFESSOR, I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!!!!!!! I would definitely recommend this class, I never experienced a single boring moment. Fridlund is very passionate and makes the lectures fun. You can tell he genuinely cares about his students. Although a little tough, amazing class overall
You really do have to study for this class. Make sure to study the fair game sheet for the midterm and final. Overall, this was one of the best classes I've taken so far at UCSB.
My friends and I absolutely loved Fridlund. He was always interesting with his lectures, and it wasn't too hard to stay awake even though it was an hour and fifteen minutes long. However, his lectures are more like long stories rather than things pertaining to the tests. You HAVE to read the book - lecture isn't really that helpful.
I loved this class! He is my favorite professor at UCSB, but this is not an easy class. I studied very hard for the midterm but got a C- on it, I then studied like crazy for final and got an A. Go to lecture, he explains everything so well and gives very useful and memorable examples. Don't just memorize defs, his tests are more on application.
Didn't go to more than 3 or 4 class which I now regret only because he's interesting and funny. Also I missed a few sections, didn't read the book, and starting studying the weekend before the midterm and final. MAKE FLASHCARDS for everything on the fair game sheets even though he tells you not to. Get a previous year's test. HE REPEATS QUESTIONS!
His lectures are never boring. However,both the midterm and final have many tricky questions. Also, Go to lecture. Many questions are derived from his lecture, NOT THE PDT! If you read and memorize thoroughly from the readings, and go to the lecture and pay attention, you might have a great chance to have a B at least.
I loved his lectures and they were the best I've had so far. However, this class is not a show-and-pass class, unless you have photograhic memory. The midterm and final add up to 92% of your grade, and the other 8% are section quizzes, which is mandatory to attend. If you have the time for a more demanding GE class, I recommend it.
Fall quarter 2015. I took AP psych in HS (textbook and mindtap never used because of prior knowledge). Lectures are kinda fast and Fridlund tries to make the topics interesting (his dad jokes). Your grade is dependent on quizzes, midterm, and final. It might be difficult if it's your first psych class ever so be ready. Class average was a C
Fridlund is super knowledgeable and an amazing lecturer. The course material is tough and you need to keep up with reading and do the fair game sheets if you want to pass. Recommend going to all lectures, taking notes, and doing ALL of the reading. ALL.
Dont take psych 1 your first quarter at SB. Being honest right now youll probably get a C, or a B/B+ if you get lucky. Dont get me wrong its an amazing class and incredible teacher but its not worth the GPA kill so soon. Your grade is basically only 2 tests about conceptual material (book and lectures) and that is it. Just wait or something..
Fridlund is a very funny professor, passionate about psychology but gets too off topic. There is only a final, midterm, and four 5 point quizzes to make up your grade. Midterm was extremely difficult, final was easier. Do not take this class as a freshman during your first quarter!
Great class and great professor. Make sure you attend every lecture and READ READ READ. Make good use of your fair-game sheet (fill it in as you do readings and attend class) as it literally tells you everything you need to know for the test. Make sure you do well on the section quizzes. As long as you keep up with the work you'll do fine!
HARDEST MIDTERM, EASY FINAL! TRY TO PASS THOSE SECTION QUIZZES BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR GRADE!
I took PSY 1 Spring 2014, so this is a little late. Fridlund is an interesting professor; you either love him or hate him. He's been teaching Psych 1 for a while and knows how to keep the audience engaged with the lecture. The midterm and final were fairly straightforward. Good "Intro to College" GE.
Fridlund's really into what he's teaching and you can tell he has fun doing it. Cool guy overall, very kind and friendly, but he's also "tough love" in the way you really have to pull your weight to try to get a decent grade in the class. Would highly recommend him and his class if you're interested in getting your feet wet in psychology.
He gives you the materials you need to study. To pass, and probably do well, READ the book assignments, go to LECTURE, study what is on the FAIR GAME SHEET, and you will do fine.
Fridlund is the type of guy that you want to have a beer with. His lectures may be funny, but it's obvious he knows what he talking about. Has the tendency to go off on tangents that are at times only vaguely related to course material. Midterm is tough; lots of bio/neuroscience. Final is a piece of cake. Study the fair game sheet for exams.
Fridlund is an excellent lecturer. I looked forward to lectures because they were full of jokes and stories which related to what we're learning. The class was very, very hard though. I went to every lecture and did every reading but still didn't recognize many of terms on the midterm/ final. The class was disorganized but entertaining.
Go to lecture and you'll get at least a B. Plus his lectures are super interesting. Only thing is, don't waste your time on Mindtap.