I had Spacks myself, twice, and found him to be one of the kindest, wisest humans I have ever come across. Another thing: the guy knows busloads about poetry and literature in general, but doesn't feel the need to showboat all the time. Take his class and you'll love life a little more.

Charisma, smarts, devotion, and genine care. He's the greatest I've come across at UCSB. Don't miss out on the Spacksinator.

Intimidating at first, I didn't like him and thought he shot down my work out of spite (I missed class a few times). By the end, I felt he had helped me take my writing to another level. Not close-minded at all, he has encouragement for people of all levels (excellent beginner's class). I consider him a mentor, friend, and master of lit.Best at CC

Professor Spacks was very helpful in changing and improving my poetry. At first I didn't like his approach and thought he was close minded but as the class continued I realized how incredibly right he was...everyone improved immensly.

Spacks is an amazing teacher who could help a student understand how to craft, tweak, and learn about the art of poetry. If you are in to writing or english and have the option to take him, do it, he can change your life.

He is hypocritical. He says that good poetry is innovative and unique, then he scolds people who want to write poetry which can mean something different to every reader. He seems to see himself as a open-minded free spirit, but he's confined by his own biases and stuck-up tastes. Grades based on it your work's publishable & he lowers self-esteem.

A creative poetic genius.... that can teach