Loved this upper division class. Really got to help me with my own identity. Really showed his passion to teach and his love for his students. 100% recommend to anyone looking for a good professor.

Paul Spickard is by far the best professor I have had at UCSB. Shows the real side of history (which is why some people do not like him) but is all backed up with facts. Left lecture every time enriched with new information that I never knew I would need. Definitely a tough class but you will fall in love with it and won't mind doing it at all! :)

The worst professor I have ever had at UCSB. Taught his opinions as fact and frequently rambled on and on. His lectures were incredibly disorganized and lots of stuff on the final and midterm were pieces of material that we did not even go over in class. First UCSB class that I ever fell asleep in. Avoid Professor Spickard at all costs.

So, this is tough. I absolutely loved this class. I loved my TA. I'm very much and introvert, not performance oriented. I put my whole heart and soul into this class because I truly wanted to grow as a person. It was painful and hard and a little grueling, but I was still graded harshly. I'd take it again, but keep in mind it's emotionally hard.

If you are not at all interested in the subject, I do not recommend this professor. The class is weirdly structured and the amount of reading/ preparation for the final is ridiculous

Please don't take this class. Whenever I went to lecture I left thinking it was a waste of time. I would consider this class one of the bigger mistakes I made this year. No technology policy and if Spickard sees it he will humiliate you in front of the class. His lectures are disorganized and there is so much reading its not possible to do it all

I was looking forward to 2C because I like modern history but maybe Spickard is just not the professor for me. Lectures and sections can be very dry. No technology in lecture or section, not even to take notes or he'll take it and embarrass you in front of the 500 students in the lecture hall. There is a considerable amount of reading as well.

This class was refreshing. I didn't take many notes in this class. Mainly just show up to lecture and listen to an extremely different perspective on history. One long paper that can basically be about anything so it isn't hard and an easy midterm and final. Spickard will definitely keep you entertained.

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.

Kip is awesome. Anyone and everyone from any major should take at least one class with him. His classes have changed my life immensely.

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.

Great professor, but impossibly hard grader. Very inspirational, but Kip is pretty full of himself and is not easily impressed.

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.

Kip was amazing. I loved his class-lectures, AND sections (probably because my TA was absolutely amazing). Despite lecture being 2 hours long, they flew by super fast and I was always looking forward to going to class. You will definitely need to jump out of your comfort zone for the projects but it's worth it! AN AMAZING CLASS. LOVED ITTTT!!!

Kips classes are meant to be challenging...Do NOT take his class if you just want an easy class. That is not the purpose or goal of his courses. If you want to learn about yourself, and learn your own limits - take this class. Kip has given me confidence and shown me that my story counts. I'd say that's a pretty rad teacher...

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.

Kip grades based on how hard you try. Those who whine about subjectivity usually did not try hard enough and are bitter about it. He is unafraid to admit his own insecurities everyday, which is why he is so good at helping his students find their own source of confidence and inspiration. You'll leave this class richer in all ways!

Kip's teaching style either works great or is just not right for you; it's up to you to decide. More importantly, it's up to you to push your own boundaries and expectations. Those who complain usually fail to put in enough effort to step out of their comfort zones and explore new aspects of themselves. This class will change your life. Take it.

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.

His grading is subjective and not totally based on any one factor. If you are cute and female you will do better than most. His insecurity with his self-identity is evident in the type of art he creates. Fulbeck will use his grading scale subjectively and without and integrity. I graduated all honors and artist of the year, no thanks to kip!

THE BEST teacher for creative studies. He is loud, creative, clear, intelligent, and I would honestly go to the lecture when I wasnt enrolled in the class. MUST TAKE HIS CLASS IF YOU CAN!