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.

I didn't think it would be as bad as Rate My Prof said. It was. He assigns a HUGE amt of reading for EVERY class. I am a poli sci major used to reading, but the daily pop quizzes are excessively difficult. No reason to take if you're not a poli sci major and if you are a poli sci major wait to take it with another prof. Nice guy 1 on 1 though.

Norris is very knowledgeable. You cant afford to miss more than one class due to the quizzes. I went into his class thinking it would be a breeze, so wrong. Go to your TAs office hours and make sure you know how to write your paper. If you do your readings and go to lecture you should be able to get a decent grade in his class, hes fair.

Professor Norris is exactly the type of professor I expected at a college level. His class is quite difficult but pushes you to actually think. Most students struggled with the rigor and thought that it required. His lectures are vital to understanding how to approach the readings (SUPER IMPORTANT). Don't be afraid to ask questions. Enjoyed overall

every lecture is mandatory so you have to go to because there are quizzes on the reading, so you cant slip up AT ALL. he is the worst professor I have EVER had at UCSB!! if you can avoid him, PLS DO! he never takes responsibility for a students confusion but puts the blame on the the student slacking off and not reading what is assigned

I've had many classes with prof Norris and they are definitely not easy, but many of the comments on here are very unfair. The few times I've seen him upset with a student resulted from that student asking questions that did not apply and slowed the whole class down bc he/she did not even skim or pay attention. Interesting, insightful prof, fun guy

Every lecture started with a quiz for attendance and make sure you read, but the questions were confusing even if you read. The class was graded by 2 essays, daily quizzes, and a final. I don't know anyone who got an A on the first paper, and the grades for the second paper didn't come out before the final. Hardest class I've ever taken.