TSOUNA V
Thought this class would be an easy A, but for a class composed primarily of freshman, the TAs were tough graders. I would use the book we were instructed to read as points for my argument in my essay and the TA would dock off points because it was 'wrong', even though the required textbook backed it up. Her lectures are very boring too.
The class content was good, and she made it enjoyable. She also takes time to answer questions in class. One downside is the length of time it takes to receive grades.
Honestly, one of the best professors have taken at UCSB. Very passionate, you can use her slides to study and basically everything that's on there is also on the test. A bit of a heavy grader but a very easy class if you just pay attention.
Took this class because it was supposed to be an easy A--it wasn't, mainly because of how painfully boring every lecture was. Her lectures are essentially the exact same as the textbook readings. The essay prompts are very clear, but the TA's grade somewhat harshly, somehow expecting you to create more content out of the few fragments that exist.
Prof Tsouna is a lovely person, and I think her upper divs would be fun-- but her lectures for this class were dull/hard to follow. She does attendance w/ iClicker, but you can log it from home. If you read the textbook, go to section, and send your essays to the TA before submitting it's an easy A. Evan Green is a great TA if you can get him.
Tsouna gave us study questions for the midterm and final (both 40%) that basically covered everything that was on them. Going to class was very enjoyable for me because she is so clearly knowledgeable about what she teaches. Her accent is not bad at all. Read the book and write out answers to study guide questions and you will do well.
Second time taking a class by this professor and it's always engaging and interesting. There are a lot of readings but I mostly attended lecture instead of reading everything.
I'm an alumnus of UCSB and Voula Tsouna is hands down the most inspirational and brilliant professor I've ever had. You will not succeed if you don't read. She will not be happy if you ask a question whose answer is obvious from the reading. Come to every class prepared to ask questions and raise objections, and you'll be duly rewarded.2 classes
Professor Tsouna is brilliant. She is competent (not only in Greek philosophy, but also history and culture), accessible, and accommodating. The content was philosophically rigorous, so I recommend attending lecture. Also, there was a good amount of reading, which one may want to tackle strategically.
Tsouna is a incredibly knowledgeable of her field and holds students to a high standard because of that. However, she recognizes the difficulty of her class and offers a lot of grade bumps, too. The graded assignments are really just some essays and a final, so make sure you start those in advance and you're fine.
Tsouna teaches the tougher subjects of philosophy, but that doesn't make her a hard prof. She is an Athens native, and despite the thick accent, she teaches with passion and is the leading expert in her field, so its definitely worth taking a class with her. If you go to office hours she is more than helpful and only wants to see you do well.
This professor is insanely interesting and she is why I switched from a history major to a philosophy major. Really interesting lectures. Sit at the front to be sure you can hear and go to her office hours. She only teaches in the fall I think so get a class first quarter! I heavily recommend this class for anyone if reading isn't a chore.