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.

This is the worst class I have ever taken. Professor Norris is arrogant and outright offensive. He honestly believes that he is superior to the rest of the class, not to mention society. His lectures are convoluted at best. I do not know how he has remained employed at this school. He devalues the Political Science department. I do not recommend.

One of the worst profs I have had at UCSB. Where to begin... absolutely no flow to his lectures, just writes random things on the board (will they be on the final??? who is to say). A ton of reading, has said some pretty insensitive/offensive things in class & overall an arrogant fast paced guy who generally does NOT want his students to succeed.

While I found his lectures to be a bit boring, he is a really great guy, and cares about his students and makes sure that everyone understands the lessons. I highly recommend going to office hours, it's what helped me get a good grade in his class. The daily quizzes are a bit annoying but definitely bearable, and sparknotes will definitely help.

If you've ever wondered why arrogant academic self-referential pretentiousness has a bad name, well then, just take a class from Andrew Norris and the scales will be lifted. The guy can't even be bothered to be polite to students.

He was just politically driven and really abstract assignments. Didn't learn much

I loved this class and this professor. Really good guy who knows the subject matter well and is very down to earth. Tries to connect with the students in funny, weird ways. Lots of reading, but reading always ties in with his lectures. Overall great class

Difficult class. Daily quizzes which suck. Dense reading, a lot of reading actually. No PPT slides he speaks for the whole lecture makes you want to go to sleep. Take this class with another professor.

This guy is one legend. if you wanna hear "duh dah da deh meh" every five minutes(that's a stutter). No slides. Reader. Must read it. Cumalitive writing final. Two 5-7 page papers. Goonie. Talks way too fast. Daily in class quizzes. Disorganized. Has one piece of paper with a couple of bullets and talks a bunch. Bounces back and forth w/names.2many

Such a great professor. Can be hard to follow at times during lecture but also open to slowing down for students and reviewing. Also super funny and stylish? Def hits up the Jcrew. One of the most engaging, interesting, and diverse classes I have taken at UCSB

50 pages of reading a week, two essays, 20 short quizzes, horrid final, and the professor's lectures were honestly terrible and hard to follow. If you have to take this class please TAKE IT WTIH A DIFFERENT PROFESSOR even if you half to wait for another professor to teach the course. The pain of this course is not worth suffering through.