Challenging intro class with a strong focus on the professor's views. Prepare to memorize material rather than open dialogue. However, Unstuckstudy helped me stay organized for exams.

Worst prof in RS. Don't believe good reviews. Not structured like a intro class and hard to follow unless you have prior education in Judaism. He is hyper focused on his own personal ideology. If you don't repeat his views prepare for a bad grade. Got an A bc I got early this isn't an 'open dialogue' type of class. Plus he's a boring lecturer too!

One of the worst college courses I've taken. Barely graded on anything; papers carried all of the weight. Had to write two 10-page essays within 2 weeks of each other. Lectures were monotonous and moved online after one class in person. Professor Hecht was kind enough but dismissed other forms of -ism (racism, etc) and came off as tone-deaf.

Professor Hecht's grading system is awful. I thought I was doing well in the class until my final grade came out and I got a C. I never got below a B on any assignment, so I am not sure what made him think giving me a C was ok. Went to the department head and they did nothing. Easy class but beware of the grading system.

Hecht is an incredible professor. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the subject matter, and his personal anecdotes are funny and fascinating. Hecht is a gem and one of the best professors at UCSB.

Professor Hecht gives a ton of extra credit. His lectures are very basic. He just shows pictures and videos of Jerusalem and briefly talks about them. He assigned two brief homework assignments worth 2.5% each, a roughly 3-page midterm worth 35% of the grade & a 10-page paper for the final, worth 60%. I skipped class all quarter and easily passed.