Lot of reading and memorization. You have to be there every day or else you won't understand anything . Lectures are all just pictures . Professor has high standards, tests are extremely tough as well as the grading . Acts contemptuous . do not recommend taking this class
I took two of Prof. Wittman's classes last quarter and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. The classes are no walk in a park, haha, but they are far from impossible. He is an engaging and interesting prof. although the lectures can become dense and daunting. Definitely take his courses if you are at all interested in architecture.
Fast lecturer, hard to keep up with topics. He jumps around from one idea to another making it confusing to follow. He acts snobbish to students . tests are harshly graded . Would not take this class again for credits . Avoid at all costs
He is a good guy. But an impossible professor. His tests are so difficult. I did all the readings, and payed attention in every class. Still got a D. The questions on the test make little sense. You'll be doing a lot of comparing of two buildings. You have to come up with things on your own, chances are you will be sorely wrong. I would avoid.
personally condescending towards students. unclear, very high expectations. harsh grading. do not take this class if you need credits!
asking for a lot for a class that doesn't cover GE's. perhaps because of Harvard background, hard grader for essays and material is very dense
Most interesting class I have taken at UCSB. He speaks very well, is very knowledgeable, and provides a good course curriculum. He has a website where he posts all the readings and additional material but he still makes you go to class and sign an attendance sheet. Even so, 1010 would recommend.
DO not take him if you are just taking art for a GE. He takes it way too seriously. Lectures and sections are mandatory. He does have homework. And tests don't actually test if you understand the concepts, but instead if you memorized obscure architects names and dates. Overall, a horrible class for anyone who isn't an art history major.
Wittman is awesome. His lectures are like listening to someone tell a story so the material is actually presented in an interesting and memorable way. He is really passionate about the subject matter and knows the topics really well. I would really like to take another course with him.
Great professor. He knows his stuff, and you can tell that he is passionate. There is no homework, and the tests are all memorization. If you are remotely interested in buildings/architecture at all, I recommend taking this class.
He is AWESOME. A great, very intelligent, clear lecturer, and funny. If you go to class, and pay attention (I didn't even take notes), you will pass. He provides every lecture (with pictures and text) online, and the readings are free PDFs! This is a great class, and he makes it interesting and challenging, but very easy to pass.
Professor Wittman is HANDS DOWN one of the top lecturers at UCSB (or anywhere). He takes clarity to a new level; so thorough and so in depth but easy to stay with it if you pay attention. He provides all the readings for free. The course content (french public sphere/architecture) was fascinating. I HIGHLY recommend taking a course with him
Great lecturer. Very intelligent and knowledgable about subject matter. Presented the material in a clear, organized, and interesting way. Attendance during lecture was mandatory. Exams (midterm and final) were straightforward, and essay questions were given out before the day of the exam. Slide IDs were on both exams.
Great lecturer, used lots of awesome visual aids. Exams directly correlated to lectures. Readings were supplementary to lectures. Attendance required. One of my favorite profs here. Do recommend!
Good at lectures keeps it interesting but tests are not reasonable. Expects students to write 5 essays and 10 identifications in one hr and 15 min. Gets someone to grade tests, which leads to you get things wrong on tests that should be acceptable.
Definitely one of the best lecturers I've had, and he makes class interesting and fun. I wasn't into in history of architecture before this class, but he got me really interested in the subject.
The best lecturer I've ever had. He's articulate, knowledgeble, good with the powerpoint, and appropriately humorous. He puts the whole lecture on the website, slides and notes. You can get away without doing the reading, if that's your thing. Plus, like everyone says, he's easy on the eyes...it's a little distracting.
Dr. Wittman is a wonderful lecturer,one of the bests I have ever had.Very smart(Yale and Columbia graduate), knowledgeable(especially for French architecture), passionate and clear.He makes great connections between concepts and the subjects.However, very snobby(ivy league ****iness) and unapproachable. He is also very stylish and HOT, very hot. :(
He is a fantastic professor, my favorite teacher in the department. If you are an Art History major, he is a must. If you aren't find a reason to take one of his classes. He puts all the lectures online so studying for the mid/final is easy. Plus he is gorgeous!
118: He definately made this class much more interesting than any other professor could, he jokes around a bit and is pretty laid back If you go to all the classes you don't really have to do the reading and he posts almost all the info from class on the course website (like literally his entire lecture). Tests a little unclear, but not too crazy.
hands down the best art history professor at ucsb. take him! seriously he's helpful and makes the material far more interesting than it would be normally.
This was the best class I have taken at UCSB. The professor has immense knowledge about everything, and managed to make French architecture interesting. Take any class he teaches if you have the chance
Best professor I have had.It is obvious he loves what he teaches, and he loves answering questions.He is very approachable and is willing to help his students out with assignments and due dates.Easy final,short paper.He is totally adorable, nice to look at, which is definitely a plus.Take his classes because he really makes the subjects enjoyable.
Really nice guy....Yes like the previous comment..you definitely need to study and memorize everything he asks you to.