I prayed to get struck by 50 bikes omw to his class.

The amount of reading assigned is comparable to what you'd normally see across multiple classes in an entire year. Most POLS majors I've talked to intentionally avoid this professor, and now I understand why, but with UCSB's limited course options some of us end up stuck. If you care about your GPA or your sanity, take literally anyone else.

As of writing this I am looking at 724 pages of readings for the 2nd half of the quarter. The final is cumulative. I have 100 on the midterm but that's not stopping me from failing lol About half (17… ish readings) are “recommended”, but our TA told us that these r NOT recommended but necessary for a good grade on the exam. This is inhumane

Very hard professor, but he is my favorite at UCSB. I generally learned so much from him and this class, but this class is incredibly hard. I would expect around 8 hours of reading per week, and you literally need to study every single thing he's ever said in his lecture and every author and its content for the midterm and final.

for the love of god do not get behind on your readings. they are the key to being able to follow the extremely fast paced and packed lectures, and you will need them in order to complete the exams. clearly intelligent and amazing teacher, but you need to be on top of it!!

Strathman is a great teacher with great lectures. The midterm/final is primarily based on the lectures but needs reading references. While there is a lot of readings, you can just get a general summary and a connection to a key concept. The paper topics offered are very vague but allow a lot of freedom in choosing your topic. YOU NEED THE LECTURES

Easily one of the best professors I've had at UCSB, if not the best. His lectures are engaging and his material is genuinely interesting. These criticisms of him seem misplaced, likely coming from these soft students who expect an A+ just for showing up. Grow up. Put in the effort and you'll do well - not rocket science.

I love love LOVE Prof Strathman. He is honestly is one of the best professors. He is super engaging + definitely loves what he teaches (you will too)! I would recommend him 11/10 times + I cannot wait to take another course with him. I def recommend always going to lectures, he gives great insights for the strategy briefs.

Worst professor I've experienced at UCSB and the only bad grade I've received. His 60 slide lectures lack significant detail, often using a single word for an obscure event, a good prof will create 20 detailed slides. All exams are handwritten blue book. The worst part is he genuinely seems like he wants students to fail. Did not earn my respect.

Prof. Strathman was the highlight of my UCSB PoliSci career. He's not the easiest professor, but he is a fantastic teacher. I've taken a number of his classes and would recommend anyone taking PoliSci who is looking to learn the subject to take Prof. Strathman for their IR focus. It won't be an easy road, but the lessons taught will stay with you.

tbh I wish he had more things within the class to be graded on cause I got messed up by the 2 exams... TBF I didn't do any of the readings lol (I learned my lesson) and thought I could get away with my skim and organize method. but also didn't really try. his lectures are good tho. the tests are pretty hard lots of connecting and things and whatnot

Beware of the wrath of Strath before taking this class. Professor Stratham excels at delivering engaging and informative lectures, providing a wealth of knowledge in. However, be prepared for strict grading, extensive reading, and a fast-paced course covering numerous concepts. It's a challenging but rewarding class that demands a lot from you.

Although his lecture style is engaging, I found that his material lacked nuance. For example, he taught the idea of "American Exceptionalism" (that the US has always fought for fair power balancing internationally), with no mention of settler colonial history. Political science needs more perspectives "from below", which he did not present.

Strathman is my favorite pols professor I've had so far. You need to go to class to take notes because he wants you to regurgitate what he says, which isn't really on the slides. Definitely split the readings with a friend. I'm in another class with him now and it's 100% possible to get an A if you put a ton of time and effort in.

I love Brent Strathman. His class was so hard but it was hard for good reason. All of his readings and assignments have meaning. He is an amazing lecturer and is extremely engaging. His tests are hard but if you do the readings you'll be okay. As long as you do all the readings in this class you'll get at least a B. Take a class with Strathman!!!!

Great lecturer! He is very fast-paced and does assign a lot of reading but if you put effort you'll be fine.

Professor Strathman is FANTASTIC! His lectures are super engaging and you'll leave his class having learned a lot. BUT, make sure you're ready to put in some effort, show up to class, and do the readings to get a good grade.

Strathman offers dynamic lectures that make it easy to pay attention. Yes, it is a difficult, intense class. If you do all the readings and take good lecture notes, you will be fine. Grading is tough, but he is very clear on what he wants from his students.

I took 121,126, and 127 last year and got a B+, A-, and A. You gotta go to most lectures if u want to do well. They are fast paced and interesting. He assigns a lot of readings, but read the conclusion and pay attention in section. I never read an entire reading and survived just fine. Memorize the main points of each author for in person exams.

Probably the hardest class I have ever taken at UCSB, but I'm glad I took it. The class/professor were super fascinating. You will 100% become an expert in foreign policy after this class. Honestly, if you're up for the challenge, take your time on the readings, attend lecture and office hours, I don't see how you could get less than a B overall.

Challenging, but memorable. If you decide to put in the work and memorize the concepts and authors from the readings, your grade will reflect that. He's got loads of charisma and his lectures are awesome, but fast-paced. Also definitely hit TA and prof. office hours for essay tips, it will help a lot.

EXTREMELY unrealistic grading expectations. For exams, rather than test on core concepts, hyper focuses on the most minuscule details briefly mentioned in class, either terms or exact quotes, and asks that you cite sources practically verbatim in in-person written exams. Average grades on exams are failing. Setting students up for failure!!!

Very funny guy, good lecturer but get ready to read, he is also a tough grader but his class was so interesting. If you want an easy A don't take the class. Overall I think he was a good teacher, good sense of humor and willing to help but doesn't really reply to emails.

Strathman isn’t as bad as everyone says. I took 126 in person and got an A- without drowning in work. As long as you get the main point from each reading you’re good. You have to do three strategy briefs which are short but challenging. No midterm, take home final (but it was two ten page essays) but straight forward prompts.