Very nice guy. Class starts with rather abstract concepts first, which can be disengaging. Presentations are very eloquent and structured. Wish there were more examples of culture other than the numerous ones about music. Europe + America-centric class material. Overall, very interesting if you pay attention during lectures. And no textbook!

Professor Cruz is a super nice guy & very passionate about the subject he is teaching, however I found lectures to be very boring. No attendance taken but 4 pop quizzes throughout the quarter which counts for attendance. He posts reading online. Easy A reading reading reflections every other week. I midterm (5-7) paper and one final (7-10) paper.

my favorite professor- take him!!! no textbook! very nice and i loved his lectures!

best class ive taken at ucsb- the lectures stay with you. no textbook! he is very kind and has a cheerful voice. material was interesting!

Boring course material. about how the term "culture" was created rather studying specific cultures. Cruz is a nice energetic guy but lecture dragged. Everyone was always on their phone or on Facebook. never did the readings & got a B. 4 freewrite papers (3 pages each), 1 mideterm (5 pages), & final (7-10 pages). Will not take professor again

Cruz is a passionate lecturer. He gives you many ways to look at the topic which is helpful in your understanding. Lectures aren't in a ABC123 format, more fluid-type bullets. He hilites whats important and posts all reading and lectures on GS. Every other week a short reflection is due- easy. 5pg MT 10g final. 2nd class I've taken with him. Good!