Norris is great! His humor is dry but i found it entertaining. The only time he calls people out is when youre doing something stupid like sleeping in the front row. Frequent quizes (so go to lecture!!) but as long as you do the readings youre fine. wasnt terribly interested in the subject but norris made it interesting!
This class was really hard! Not only do you have to do a lot of readings, but you have to understand dense political theory that may be somewhat over the average undergrads head. It's really helpful to get to know your TA! Sometimes there are quizzes in class, not worth anything, but just checking attendance, so I would go as much as you can. Typic
His lectures can be at times, interesting, but usually they are monotonous. There are weekly pop quizzes. Oh, and he is really rude in person. Both my friend and I had a bad experience with him during his office hours. He actually YELLED at my friend for not knocking. Oh, and he humiliates people, reading some papers aloud in class.
To make it short, we had an essay due the other day, the second after we get to class and he talks about turning them in to our T.A's I quote him "Get out a peace of paper, Quiz Time! Oh I bet you all hate me, you knew it was coming, I love my job". What jerk gives a pop quiz the day an essay is due and our minds are fried. This prick of course.
This class is terribly and painfully boring. Professor Norris seems to feel he is God's gift to the world and much smarter than any of the students. He requested the first papers to be emailed to him, then proceeded to print one out and rip it to shreds. There was no constructive criticism. He likes to hear himself talk. AVOID this class!
Perhaps the most rewarding class I have taken at UCSB. Explains the concepts and theories perfectly. Go to every lecture and take close notes and you'll be good for the papers and final, just skim the readings before class to be ready for the quizzes. I learned more from Norris than almost every other professor I've had combined. Norris rules!
He's a good professor and I learned a lot, but it was a lot of work. Reading is critical for the class so keep up on it! He'll suprise you with quizes on the reading every three classes or so. Also, go into the TA when writing the paper because they can really help you. Take really good notes in class and do not be afraid to ask questions. Good luc
He is very enthusiastic about political philosophy... however it is very hard to understand. There are 7 books that are required to read. 3 Essays (3, 5 & 7 pages). No midterm. Quizes throughout the quarter in lecture worth 15% of your grade. Very time consuming and a lot of work. If you take it Thomas Hughes is the BEST TA!
