His deep dive lectures really tried to emulate a discussion format, but it made them a bit difficult to watch. His quizzes were honestly not that difficult. The people complaining about the specificity of the tests are focused on their grade rather than the content of the class. I really enjoyed his class, it was really thought provoking.
This class really isn't as difficult online as some people are claiming. As a third-year, this was probably one of the easiest GE's I've taken. The quizzes aren't that specific; if you take good notes you should do fine. Also, people complain about the "no-curve", but most students in this class are getting A's. It's an objectively easy class.
English 23 online is a fair class with a lot of easy work. The professor's voice makes lectures incredibly difficult to sit through, but the work isn't difficult. It only takes a couple hours of effort per week. Grading is fair. Don't take this class if you don't care about the subject matter.
Unfortunately I took this course online but nonetheless Professor Hiltner was a great professor and I 100% recommend. Like every other class you still put in a good amount of work, but it is definitely worth it. That being said, this is one of my favorite courses I have taken at UCSB, it truly changes your perspective about the climate crisis.
Tbh, Ken is a pretty good professor especially given the online situation. Yes, the quizzes are oddly specific and difficult and there is a lot of material to cover but this was a good class. The films and readings were always relevant and offered different perspectives. Would definitely recommend it if you're interested and ready to work!
This class takes a good amount of time but it's totally worth it if you're interested in the subject. I didn't mind the time commitment too much because I actually enjoyed the material. If you put in the work, the quizzes and midterm/final are easy.
While this class had a slightly heavy workload, the material is truly interesting and you can tell Ken cares about the climate crisis and educating people on it. The weekly quizzes can be challenging because they are quite specific and have a strict time limit, but it was extremely manageable and control F is your friend.
I don't usually feel inclined to rate a professor, but taking this class just made me feel so strongly. As an online class this is not an easy A/ GE. Definitely pass If that was what drew you to this course. Quizzes are very specific, trivia type questions. Tarnishes the message of saving Earth. I leave every week of class frustrated and burnt out.
Horrible teacher... Cares more about his status than actually teaching us valuable info. Literally all he taught were just specific facts which although are important, arent good at improving retention rates, especially when all his tests are formatted the same unfair way. Dude needs to get rid of tests & switch to a different format already...
Dont know where all these good reviews are coming from... Dude literally had specific questions such as, Whos the 3rd person mentioned in a film? on every single weekly quiz which makes up 50% of the grade... Also screwed everyone over by not curving his insanely specific questions on weekly quizzes/midterm/final even though he said he would...
I believe everyone should be taking a course like this one. Ken is probably one of my favorite professors so far and his class is definitely the best class I've ever taken. I have changed my lifestyle for the better thanks to him. I 100% recommend taking this class. Readings and lectures are a bit heavy but you can definitely get an A or a B.
Ken is a great guy and has the highest quality lectures Ive seen at UCSB. This class is not an easy A, at least not remotely. This class requires a lot more time than a regular GE and quizzes are 10 minutes for 10 questions, sometimes having unrelated content. That being said, the beneficial information in this class far outweighs the grade.
I don't know why so many people rate him good. I doubt he rates himself because he cares about ratemyprofessor a lot. I and my all friends agree that this class is one of the worst GE classes. You will waste over 68 hours a week to get A. Don't take his class.
Waste of time
If you're interested in the climate crisis and want to know how to take action, take this class. It's a decent amount of work 1-2 short lectures, 2 long ones, a film, a reading and quiz each week. The quizzes can be specific take good notes. HIGHLY RECOMMEND, but only if you truly care about the subject it's a lot of work but very inspiring.
This class is easy if you do the work. There are about 3 hours of lectures a week, a movie, a reading (usually a chapter of a book or an article), a 10 question quiz, and 2 comments each week. It takes a decent amount of time but it is all interesting and stuff I care about knowing. Ken is so passionate which makes this course better
Professor Hiltner cares about his class more than any other professor I have encountered during my time at UCSB. He made an entire website and YouTube account just dedicated to climate change. It is evident that he really feels passionate about everything he teaches, which makes it better to learn. A lot of work but worth it!
I really enjoy it. Although it's reading and lecture heavy it doesn't feel like it. All of the readings and lectures have been very informational and interesting. You could honestly do all of the work in one day if you have the time. As for the people complain about the quizzes I don't think they're hard just take notes as you watch the lectures.
I have been enjoying this course a lot and I would recommend it to anyone! If you are passionate about the Climate crisis or just interested in learning more, the way the course is taught will appeal to you. I struggled with the first two quizzes, but after changing my method of interacting with the course materials, the quizzes have become easier.
He is a wonderful professor. Very passionate! People seemed to complain that it was a lot of work, which it was but thats college for you. I think people were being babies. It is a great class and it doesn't seem like a lot of work if you enjoy the material. Wonderful course, I would take it again.
I highly recommend this course. Although I am only half way through this class, Kens lectures and assignments are interesting, engaging, and fun. It is obvious that Ken is passionate about the climate crisis and I am so grateful that he takes the time to personally read the comments we write. He only ever tests us on material he teaches.
I agree with "Quizzes are unnecessarily difficult as it focuses more on memorizing irrelevant data rather than topics that are important". It is almost impossible to remember the irrelevant detailed info from a long boring lecture and tons of weekly reading. This class force you to waste time.
Ken is the man! He is a passionate teacher, has an impressive amount of scarfs, and just seems like the kind of guy you want to drink a beer with. Do yourself a favor and take one of his classes.
The Climate Crisis 101 is an interesting and enjoyable class! The information needs to be heard by everyone!! The class is graded on weekly tests and midterm/final which are easy to do well on if you actually watch the lectures and do the reading, duh. Due to the online format, I recommend taking detailed notes and you will be fine.