I don't get all the whiners on here. If the scores on tests were poor -- which was rarely the case -- he curves (big time) in our favor to make the grades better. I learned more in this class than all my other Comm classes put together. Funny guy, great lectures, explains things really well. Very helpful if you just approach him and ask.

Lots of information, tests challenging but fair, lectures were very interesting. Don't take if you're a slacker, but otherwise you'll love it and him.

Never ever take a class with this guy. Seriously the worst professor I have ever had. makes his test incredibly difficult on overly specific topics, over 50% of the class failed one of his midterms because he made it too hard (he said this himself). Class is graded on three tests and attendance is 8.3% of the grade. avoid his class at all costs.

Do the work and you'll be fine. The content was relevant and interesting. Covers all aspects of the internet, from history, to social media, to legal issues, to technical things (not overly in depth), to misinformation, etc. Always gives up-to-date info based on empirical research. GREAT lecturer and very engaging...

The worst professor I've ever had at UCSB. The material was interesting but it's hard to stay interested in the subject/class when the professor is a stuck-up grumpy man. I could write a whole essay on why to not take this man but I can only write 350 words about it. He is an awful professor just overall, it seems like he hates teaching.

The lectures were super informative and he clearly knows what he's talking about. Likes to interact with the class, so it kept people interested.

Honestly one of my favorite comm professors. No assignments which is great. Tests were difficult but doable if you study a little. readings are straightforward and supplement lectures very well. Not sure why people dont like his attitude, hes a really cool guy and always has an interesting, random story that relates to lecture.

Pros -good lecturer -easy to take notes on -no assignments -very accessible outside of class Cons -hard exams -attendance taken -has a stuck up attitude -not much to bring your grade up with Overall interesting if you like tech !

The information provided in this class is helpful to those looking to go into tech-related fields, and not much more. Flanagin does not once discuss how internet effects society or communication. He does not slow down to match the pace of his students. His ego is bigger than his desire to educate students properly. Try to avoid this class

Professor Flanagin is a great professor and his lectures are very interesting. I took the class during a 3-week session which is why I would say it is a challenging course. It was fast-paced and only graded on midterm and final. My biggest recommendation is to attend all lectures and study the readings/notes until you mastered the material.

I wouldn't listen to the people giving Flanagin 5/5. Although he had interesting lectures, he has a negative attitude and his tests are very difficult. If you fail the midterm, I would get a late drop approval since the main portion of your grade is a midterm and final. Prepare to study for hours and to limit your social life.

Flanagin knows his stuff and his lectures are interesting if you pay attention! However our grades are only based off a final and a midterm with attendance so if you fail the midterm...yeah. Literally anything he says can be on the exams, and the answer choices can range from A-G. He is willing to go more in depth on topics, just study/hope lol