I really enjoyed this class, one of my favorites at UCSB. Do the readings and attend lecture though not required, and youre fine

This is my absolute favorite course I've taken at UCSB. Lectures are fantastic, but you do need to take detailed notes. There are no lecture slides and lectures are unrelated to the readings. Readings are fairly dense, but if you pace yourself and don't procrastinate you'll be fine. Do not squander the opportunity to take this class.

Be prepared to grind. There's a ton of reading, and he doesn't post his lectures, so you pretty much have to show up to every class if you want to keep up. As long as you stay on top of the work, it's definitely worth it and you'll get a lot out of it. He's super charismatic and makes the lectures actually interesting.

I haven't finished the course yet, Im in Comm129. I love him so much, I am very picky with my professors. He is so engaging and cares what he is lecturing. He doesn't use google slides, only lectures and uses the chalk board. Honestly he is my favorite professor ive had in my four years in college. T

Dr. Abra was my favorite lecturer throughout all of my time at UCSB.He was the only lecturer that I have ever really learned anything from. I've taken like 5 classes with him just because his lectures are so engaging. You do have to pay attention and you have to read for a good grade, but the material in his lectures will make you WANT to.Take him!

Nothing correlated to core ideas. Nothing felt in depth, and I have not learned anything interesting about music, industry, or the history of it. It feels more like him showing baseline things and rambling as if he knew everything. (his concentration is in criminal law studies). It is just lectures no slides, prioritize memorization, I guess.

Professor Abra's lecture style was great. I enjoyed the no slides and it made me actually pay attention and engage in the material. He wants the best for his students and pushes them to do his best. I had a great experience with him and the class material! Definitely recommend this course if your looking for a life applicable comm course.

Gordon Abra the worst lecturer at UCSB. That's because he is an actual Imposter. Only there because of nepotism. Real lecturers were let go to make room for him. Doesn't do his own research, just rides wife's (Dunbar) coattails. Expect egregious abuse of power. Forced a student to retake his course because student was late to the final!

If you are not comfortable hearing his “bragging” about how much power he has as a rich, middle-age, white straight male; don't take this class! Also, he has sum very questionable viewpoints towards the underlying causes of SA/ rape cases. And he would mock students when they ask questions, which is not my type of humor. Overall, do not recommend.

A professor who indulges in long-winded, irrelevant analogies that make his lectures drag endlessly. Offers almost no study materials for midterms, and refuses to use slides, forcing students to endure his convoluted teaching style with little support. Loves to argue and get personal with his students.

COMM179 Music class. 1 midterm, 1 paper, 1 final. Combines the lectures/readings for exams. No slides and rants a lot of the time. Memorization is literally the only thing he tests, so you're good it comes easy to you. A lot of his lecture are just his opinion on things. Readings were interesting. I would never take one of his classes again though.

Music comm course was super interesting lectures extremely engaging. He doesnt use slides & interacts with the class a lot which I loved. Graded on 3 exams (2 midterms & final) & 1 final paper. Dont take the course if you dont read you will do poorly. Readings are dense but start them early (no other homework). loved this class overall!