Good lecturer, didn't really have to read all the plays, but there are two papers so at least buy two of the books! The tests are fair: if you attended lecture/read enough, they're an easy A as it's mostly plot summaries or character identity questions or quote IDs of passages discussed in class.

Good lectures, honestly didn't read the actual plays but felt prepared for the two exams which are mostly plot summary and quote analysis. Two essays that you have to develop yourself, but TA's are willing to help. Kearney was passionate and made lectures fun and engaging. Easy weekly GS questions regarding the plays. Fun and easy GE!

Good lectures, I didn't care much for Shakespeare, still glad I took the course for the major. Kearney's passionate about the subject, proficiently uses memes, provides slides on GS (still go to your lectures, some slides won't make sense!). Actually do the reading for better lecture experience. 3 papers, weekly GS responses, 2 EASY MC tests. Do it

Professor Kearney is one of the most personable professors I have had at UCSB, and he managed to make a normally boring subject very engaging. His lectures arent mandatory but I went anyways because he was so funny and provided incredible insights. As a STEM major, classes like this help keep me sane. Definitely recommend if youre down to read.

One of my favorite courses by far. The reason why lectures are important is because he mentions historical context surrounding the plays that is included in the tests. You cannot get away with simply Sparknoting everything. Very passionate, dedicated, and genuinely loves talking to his students. Be alert and opinionated, and you'll be fine.

Prof Kearney really knows & LOVES Shakespeare. There is quite a bit of reading in this class (obviously) but he summarizes the plot & themes well in class. Tests were totally fair, but the two "close-reading" essays were graded kind of harshly. Lecture wasn't necessary but it helped. Multiple opportunities for extra credit.

Took this class P/Np for writing credit. I honestly hated the subject, but Kearney was very enthusiastic and it was inspiring. It made me wish I enjoyed Shakespeare more, because if you do , this class is a must take. I never showed up to lecture and didn't read and got a B-, if you're interested in shakespeare, take this class you won't regret it

Great professor, "eh" class. Only take it if you LOVE shakespeare because that's the type of people in this class. Kearney is super well-spoken and enthusiastic about shakespeare, which is cool if you're into it and annoying if you're not. Class wasn't too difficult but I hate the subject so I struggled more than I should have.

Really great class if you like shakespeare. He translates a lot of passages in class during lecture as well as providing historical context so you understand why the characters are doing or saying what they are doing or saying. Section was practically useless because his lectures were so helpful.

I had Jim for the ENGL 15 and the honors seminar. Hands down favorite professor I have had at college so far. He reads with enthusiasm and teaches with ease. I would recommend this course to anyone, he's an inspirational guy and I hope to take another class with him. Also low key in love with him now because he's so damn charismatic. 1010.

Class is great if you like Shakespeare, sucks if you don't. Don't have to read book if you read sparknotes, i suggest reading the translation to actual english. Almost all the quotes he quizzes you off come from the table-of-contents on his slides, so make flash cards of those.

Nice and funny professor. Pay attention to his lectures. Exams are straightforward. I only read the summaries of the plays. No section for this class. Watch the movies. 2 essays. Not difficult. Easy GE.

Really good professor... lectures are interesting. Keep up with readings and pay attention to the lectures and the exams and papers should be easy!

Kearney is an amazing professor! There are a lot of small assignments, but they are not hard. His lectures are very helpful and interesting. You can tell how much he loves teacing Shakespeare. One of my favorite professors.

Kearney is so awesome. There was a lot of what could be called "busy work," but it wasn't bad. Read the texts! He is super insightful, and if you come to class having read the material, you'll appreciate what he has to say so much more. It will also help you on the tests, because he does make a lot of questions based on context, etc. 10/10

Shakespeare doesn't particularly interest me but Kearney is a good professor regardless. You NEED to read the books and pay attention in lecture since they encompass the exams. Papers are no problem if you just put some thought into them. Recommend this class but PAY ATTENTION IN LECTURE. Pulled off a B with mild effort.

Approachable, helpful, very sweet and informative. A fun class, especially if you love Shakespeare. Excellent choice of works to be covered, offered fresh insight into each. Highly recommended.

Professor Kearney is a genius. His lectures are thorough and engaging; he makes Shakespeare much more interesting. The tests are really easy, and if you work hard on your paper, it's not hard to get a good grade on it. Pay attention to his slides, especially the quotes, because those are the bases of his tests. HIGHLY RECOMMEND

He is brilliant. He comes to every lecture with a clear thesis and outline for his argument. Easy to follow, interesting to learn from, and super nice guy. I took him again because he is just so good! Grading is fair & easy to get an A if you do the reading and pay attention. Went from hating Shakespeare to loving it.Can't wait to take him again!

he is an amazing professor- really well organised and structured lectures and picks interesting texts which he makes very clear. really nice guy!

Prof Kearney is a really good prof. Took this class as a GE and it turned out to be not terrible and pretty easy. Most of that was due to good, fun, interesting teaching.

Before taking this class I though I would hate it and that it would be boring and hard. It turned out to be my favorite class that I have taken at UCSB! Prof Kearney is very knowledgable and engaging. If you study over the class notes and do the readings, the tests are a cinch! I got 95% on midterm and final with minimal studying. Great lecturer

Kearney speaks very poetically and gives students a rich understanding of the material. I adored this class and ADORED him. He's a sweet man and makes the tests very fair. During lecture he integrates quotations from the readings, analysis of his own, and clips from the film versions of the books you read. Awesome professor, awesome class.

easy and straightforward class,nice teacher.