Lecture is not mandatory, as he posts all lectures on his website. The textbooks just reinforce his lectures, so you don't really need to buy those if you don't want to. There are three homework assignments graded on completion. There is a final and midterm. If you do better on the final, your midterm grade doesn't count. I recommend this class.

Listen. If you do your readings and follow the reading guides, then you should do very well in this class. I probably missed a few classes, but I always made that sure I at least filled out the questions on the reading guide (even though it is not a requirement). Whatever you talk about will be on the midterms and final. Just remember to READ.

seems like a nice guy, but his lectures are so boring, and he doesn't really answer questions correctly if you ask. I was so excited for this class but it turned out to be one of my least favorite classes ever at UCSB. His midterm was the hardest test I've ever taken!