One of the best professors at UCSB. Very demanding and expects a lot from students, but if you are taking a class to learn, then his are the best. Perhaps the most intelligent professor I've ever had.

This class was really hard! Not only do you have to do a lot of readings, but you have to understand dense political theory that may be somewhat over the average undergrads head. It's really helpful to get to know your TA! Sometimes there are quizzes in class, not worth anything, but just checking attendance, so I would go as much as you can. Typic

This class is terribly and painfully boring. Professor Norris seems to feel he is God's gift to the world and much smarter than any of the students. He requested the first papers to be emailed to him, then proceeded to print one out and rip it to shreds. There was no constructive criticism. He likes to hear himself talk. AVOID this class!

Perhaps the most rewarding class I have taken at UCSB. Explains the concepts and theories perfectly. Go to every lecture and take close notes and you'll be good for the papers and final, just skim the readings before class to be ready for the quizzes. I learned more from Norris than almost every other professor I've had combined. Norris rules!

He's a good professor and I learned a lot, but it was a lot of work. Reading is critical for the class so keep up on it! He'll suprise you with quizes on the reading every three classes or so. Also, go into the TA when writing the paper because they can really help you. Take really good notes in class and do not be afraid to ask questions. Good luc

He is very enthusiastic about political philosophy... however it is very hard to understand. There are 7 books that are required to read. 3 Essays (3, 5 & 7 pages). No midterm. Quizes throughout the quarter in lecture worth 15% of your grade. Very time consuming and a lot of work. If you take it Thomas Hughes is the BEST TA!

Prof. Norris is passionate about what he teaches and genuinely wants students to succeed. The readings are dense but usually make sense after lecture. Norris created an optional discussion section when students expressed need for more clarification and keeps class interesting with his jokes. Definitely recommend taking his classes.

I really loved Norris. He is an engaging lecturer with a great sense of humor. The class was hard and there was a lot of reading, but most of the reading is decently easy to understand. He was very kind and accommodating whenever I emailed him or went to office hours. Essay prompts were clear and easy to write about. He is clear about expectations.

Genuinely an awful professor. Super condescending when questions are asked, gets sidetracked easily in lectures. The prompts on his essays are very complicated and confusing, and when you ask questions about the prompt he gives very vague answers. I very very rough grader, and his tests are so difficult. Honestly this was the worst experience.

Take this class if you hate yourself and you have an unshakeable sense of self-esteem when it comes to political theory. Initially, I loved this class but because Norris is a tenured professor he doesn't give a flying fadoodle about whether you stay or go. People who love theory hate this class, that should say enough.

Norris is a great professor. He cares about his student if you care about the class. Heavy read them and go to office hours a lot. If you try, you will succeed.

Norris is a great lecturer but presents confusing prompts regarding the papers. He expects a specific argument from the student without clearly stating his expectations. He is also a condescending professor. If you want more structured lectures, I recommend Norris, as he only uses the blackboard and gets sidetracked with questions.

I literally hate this man. Thinks he is one of the great thinkers and is super mean. Calls you out in front of the whole class if you get a question wrong even if you're trying. Grading criteria makes 0 sense and the TA's he provides are even worse than him. Not understanding in the least. HW is super hard and 0 credit if wrong. Don't take him fr

I LOVE Professor Norris. He's such a great dude, and his passion for philosophy is awe-inspiring. He's also adorable!! In his class, you'll work hard, learn a lot, and get a solid foundation for political philosophy, which has helped me in life areas other than politics. He's the best!!!!!!!

Prof Norris is such a nice guy and a great lecturer. Graded on weekly assignments that are not hard if you do the readings, midterm, final paper, and participation. No iclicker but he elaborates on everything in lecture so you should def go. Easy to stay engaged with his lectures, he is really funny. So glad I took his class!

Professor Norris is amongst my top 2 favorite professors at UCSB. No PS1 isn't easy, but it's enjoyable especially because Norris is so good at political philosophy. His lectures engage with the material enough to understand the material perfectly.

Norris is such a caring and funny professor!The readings are heavy so if you do not understand make sure to attend every lecture because he goes over the reading in detail! Midterm is free response based entirely on the readings and lectures. FInal paper is very hard! Just make sure to not skip class and you will pass the class.

Political science 1 is not an easy or fun class. However, taking this class with Norris made it bearable. He clearly cares about students and is willing to accommodate all students. The class material is decent as it explores many different ideologies and perspectives. There is a homework assignment each week, a midterm and final paper.

Dr. Norris is indeed a difficult professor, especially for the PS major. However, his method of teaching is meant for mental participation and constant inquiry. He is a great scholar and professor because he will drop his own subtle opinions about politics, life, and other subjects within his lecture but you have to pay attention to get the most.

Great professor! - go to class - do the readings - do your homework Norris is a precise teacher who tells you exactly what he needs from you, and gives you the tools to do it successfully. Not sure why he has bad reviews, overall 10/10. (Funny as well)

Norris is super knowledgable about what he teaches and makes sure everyone knows it. I think he's a decent guy but he did not have to make this class as hard as it was. Lectures were basically unbearable to sit through and the readings were super dense and sometimes hard to understand. Only take this if you need it for ps, otherwise, avoid it.

There is a reason he is notorious for teaching one of the hardest classes in the entire major. The other reviews are accurate in their own assessment of him. He is a "true scholar" and so to well in this class you do have to fully immerse yourself in this course. Very heavy on the readings and quizzes. Definitely not a class to d*ck around in.

Norris inspired me to pursue political theory as my concentration in my major. All of the other reviews that rate him poorly are from low-IQ frat bros who couldn't handle the heat or from students who can't read. I am going to take multiple more courses with Norris because he is just that good. A true scholar. I was fortunate to learn from him.

I understand the low rating- he assigns a lot of reading. But he's a great guy, very kind, and is willing to go outside of his office hours to accommodate you. His lectures are interesting, informative, and very helpful with writing the papers. As a poli sci major, I look forward to taking more of his classes in the future.