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.

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!

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.

Extremely liberal, but extremely fair. Loves it when students discuss the material with him in class. He assigns a ton of reading. you need to keep up with the reading to do well on his midterm and final. I would take another of his classes and I have little to no interest in ethnic history.

****kard's lectures and TAs are great. The workload is excessive. ****kard should keep in mind that it's not a 12 unit class. You can get away with sparknote-ing the books assigned, but read the main texts. Go to lecture!

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Very interesting class, and Spickard is one of the best professors on campus. He is extremely helpful and the exams are extremely fair. There is a lot of reading but if you are at all interested in the subject I would highly recommend the class

Tests are just what you expect, so there's plenty to write about. Complaint though is that I didn't feel like I learned much and he is too leftwing. Basically the point of the class is that the White man committed genocide (when taking the US) and only White people are Americans. Easy to get a B in this class.

Probably my best teacher in four years as a UCSB History major. Outstanding lectures. A lot of reading is required for the class; however, Professor Spickard is VERY easy to talk to, and was exceptionally helpful with my proseminar research project. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.