POL S 126
Brent Strathman
3.3
91 reviews

91
3.3
PS121 . 5 Years Ago

Professor Strathman is one of those teachers that makes you want to do well in his class. His lectures are engaging and he is extremely passionate about IR. His grading is fair and if you do the readings and attend lecture this class is very passable. Though it is not an easy A, I found his lecture actually insightful and useful towards my major.

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PS127 . 6 Years Ago

He's such a nice guy. He's really passionate about the subject and always willing to talk to students. The biggest complaint is the amount of reading he assigns which is required to pass his test (especially the 2nd half). Its inhumane for someone taking only 1 class let alone 3 or 4. But at the end, you will feel like a foreign policy expert.

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PS142 . 6 Years Ago

Strathman is by far the best professor I have ever had at UCSB. Take any and every class with him that you can. The political science department is lucky to have him!

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PS127 . 6 Years Ago

Best professor Ive had at UCSB. Classes are very challenging but he is so knowledgable and effectively educates students. After each class I leave genuinely thinking about the lecture material because its so interesting. The classes effectively incorporate history and opposing views too, making it unbiased and enjoyable to learn. Highly recommend!

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PS121 . 6 Years Ago

super well respected, very reading heavy but you'll learn more in a 10 week Strathman class that you'll learn in a year with anyone else. do not take if you're wanting a light quarter. also everyone falls in love with him by finals week

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PS121 . 6 Years Ago

Strathman is the old-school breed of professor, you didn't read, you didn't take notes, then here is your well-deserved F. But he isn't a stick in the mud, the material and lectures are interesting and engaging, and if you put in your dues, you'll do good. Also, he curves now, so don't get discouraged if you get a grade lower than you expected.

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POLS121 . 6 Years Ago

Literal love of my life. Lectures are so interesting & he's so passionate about the material. I am genuinely excited to go to class bc I know I'm gonna learn a lot from the lecture. Lots of reading & it sometimes gets boring or confusing, but then you go to lecture & it all makes sense. Exams aren't too bad as long as you do the readings. Love him.

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PS121 . 7 Years Ago

Strathman is easily the best professor in the department. Do the readings and go to lecture. His classes can be difficult, even the brightest don't get As. But that's fine - enter lectures with an open mind and think for yourself. Usually a couple small essays and mid term plus final. Go to his office hours and just talk, best advice I can give.

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PS127 . 7 Years Ago

Amazing lecturer! Speaks somewhat fast at times, but you can ask him to slow down. His lectures are never dull despite the subject. He's a very outgoing professor and extremely knowledgeable. However, there is a ton of reading involved which is the worst.

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PS127 . 8 Years Ago

YOU ***MUST DO THE READINGS*** Tests require you tie the readings directly into the answers. Prof is helpful and tries to make the lecture as interesting as possible for everyone.

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PS121 . 8 Years Ago

Amazing professor. Gives great lectures and is so approachable outside of class.

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PS121 . 8 Years Ago

Strathman is my favorite professor in the department. I genuinely enjoy his lecturing style and the slides/concepts are straightforward. There is a lot of reading but knowing the gist of it is enough for exams. Not super easy, but I learned a lot and he made it fun. Excellent at presenting many diverse opinions and theories. Highly recommended

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PS127 . 8 Years Ago

Strathman's class is really reading intensive and challenging. It's definitely not the hardest class in the world, but if you don't read the readings he posts online (I wouldn't get the lafeber and cohen books) you'll probably get a C or maybe a B. Midterm and final are all on really fair topics, but you have to be thorough in your explanations.

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PS127 . 9 Years Ago

Strathman has been one of my favorite Political Science professors at UCSB. It takes a couple of classes to get used to his style of lecturing, but once you are, lectures fly by. He assigns a lot of reading, but if you're remotely interested in the class then it won't be bad. Also go to office hours - he'll sit there and help you for a while.

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127 . 9 Years Ago

He is a very passionate, friendly, approachable, and optimistic professor. He puts all the slides online and the lectures are organized and easy to understand.

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57885 . 9 Years Ago

Nice guy, smart guy, very professional. However, his lectures are agonizing. His syntax is not conducive for learning- he overdramatizes his movements and voice fluctuations, speaks too quickly and excitedly, and seems more concerned with his dramatic delivery than effectively reaching students. Not a bad person, just should alter his lecturing.

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PS121 . 9 Years Ago

Strathman is by far one of my favorite polisci professors at UCSB thus far. His lectures are engaging and the material provided is very interesting. He understands students and is very approachable. Class is overall very easy if you attend lecture and go over the basics within the the slides. Loved his class!

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PS127 . 9 Years Ago

He is super passionate about what he's teaching and he makes lectures fun and interesting. You can clearly see he really wants students to understand the material. His grade breakdown is very straightforward: 20% midterm, 20% section, 30% final, 30% paper- he just assigns a LOT of reading; but I'd highly recommend taking a class with him!

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127 . 9 Years Ago

Brent is my favorite polisci professor! He is very prepared, gives GREAT lectures, and is very friendly and accessible. I've never given a review of a professor before but I enjoyed his class so much that I think every political science student should take one of his classes before graduating

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