Within the first few days of lecture it becomes obvious that he is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the subject. His classes are a little hard, but not ridiculous if you attend lecture, do the readings, and go to office hours. He is funny and has plenty of stories to make the class interesting. Overall, a pretty good professor.

I took two of Flanagin’s classes (116 & 118). I agree with comments about his classes being challenging, his expertise, and the way he engages students. He’s actually inspiring…really. What I don’t get is the comments about him being intimidating/condescending. He was always very respectful, kind, and went out of his way to help students.

Psychologically, there's something going on with this guy. He can come across as interested in your education and personable, but I get the strong sense this is a facade. He can be unbelievably condescending, to the point of being a defense mechanism. If you must take his course, don't threaten his world. A friend did, and got a glimpse beneath.

Awesome, fun, passionate teacher. He is super smart and great at explaining unfamiliar concepts in lecture. Lecture and readings are necessary to pass tests!!! Keeps things relatable and contemporary. Great teacher :)

I studied pretty hard for his class yet I did poorly on both his midterm and final - I ended up with a C in the class. It really doesn't make sense to me and I'm bummed because I enjoyed Flanigan's class. He's a great teacher who makes class worth going to, but I don't know what happened with his tests. Guess I didn't study hard enough as I thought

Very fun professor who has lots of stories - you learn very interesting stuff in this class and he's got jokes, too. However, take him seriously when he says his tests are "challenging, but fair." Study diligently and don't take the readings as a joke - he asks a number of questions from them. Overall really cool guy who makes you enjoy his class.

Flanagin knows what's up! Knowledgeable, experienced, articulate, he's a great professor. Only potential problem is he is soft spoken. Stay present in lecture, listen to his "story" of the day. Awesome class that covers a lot about the internet and it's communicative capabilities. Take it and enjoy it!

LOVE Professor Flanagin. The class is extremely interesting. Every lecture you learn something new and intriguing. The reading is a bit dense. Overall it is amazing class and every Comm major should take it!

Difficult class, but worth the work. He's a great prof -- knowledgeable, funny, interesting. Taught me a new way to see the Internet and the world. His last lecture is unlike anything I've every had in a class before -- amazing and inspiring. Even if you're not in the class, you should experience it (though you won't fully understand it).

This class is fairly easy. If you are good at memorization, this class will be a breeze. Just know everything, and know the basic arguments of every reading. He is very sweet, even though a little awkward. 50% midterm, 50% final. Just learn everything!

Professor Flanagin is one of the most interesting and knowledgeable professors I have had at UCSB. The material is genuinely interesting and he has an interesting take on some controversial topics, peer-to-peer file sharing. There is a lot of reading, but it's interesting as well. I love this class and leave every lecture excited about something.

Extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic, makes lectures interesting. Took during summer- 3 week intense course, grade is made up of 50% mid-term & 50% final. Tests are not easy, but that is because they are multiple choice that actually make you think! Much better than essay questions. Keep up with and do all reading, you are tested on everything!

Not an easy class. Taking this class in 3 wks summer was so intensive.The final exam is very difficult.

Just finished Comm 116 & 118 back to back in Summer session "D" 3 week classes. It's a great way to do it, but you must attend every class, take great extensive notes, study in groups, volunteer, and by all means do the reading before the class day. All the people here spouting arrogance about the professor is off sides. He is a foremost expert

Take the 3-week class! Its not easy, but its soooo interesting. Tests are hard but fair. It's a challenge but its worth it to sit there for 3 hours and actually be entertained.

Such a smart professor. Best class I've had at UCSB. A LOT of notes and tests are really hard, but his classes are so interesting. Take him before you graduate. Do all the reading and go to class...it's worth it.

Exams are pretty challenging and rigorous and lectures are extremely detailed and contain tons of info, so its important to study consistently and prepare for the tests. Interesting class and prof is personable in class, but has is intimidating to talk to. His classes are definitely a lot of work and not for slackers.

Flanagin ROCKS! Great lectures...funny, entertaining, interesting, relevant. Knows his stuff, works you hard, but worth it. Recommend highly, but slackers beware!

Lectures tended to be very interesting. your grade is a midterm and final, so if you're looking for grade boosters try lieberman or potter for busywork. A.F.'s tests were hard--you have to read to get an A. i crammed for the midterm the night before (reading and all), and got an A-. studied 2 weeks beforehand for the final, and got a C. gLuck!

lectures are straightforward, well-organized. do the readings, go to class and you will do well.

great class, great prof, very knowledgeable, EXTREMELY nice and helpful - these other whiners are slackers; go to class, do the work, learn something

He is awful. I enjoyed his class at first, I thought he was just very confident until I tried talking to him. He made me feel like an idiot for even daring to ask him a question. He was extremely rude and condescending. Don't take him unless you have to.

honestly one of the best professors i've had. as long as you're willing to come to class regularly, tests are quite easy. no homework besides readings, which usually aren't even tested. very engaging lecturer and curves the class quite generously. slides not posted though, so it's tough to miss class.

I don't get all the whiners on here. If the scores on tests were poor -- which was rarely the case -- he curves (big time) in our favor to make the grades better. I learned more in this class than all my other Comm classes put together. Funny guy, great lectures, explains things really well. Very helpful if you just approach him and ask.