FLANAGIN A J
Great lecturer, approachable, and fair.
So interesting. Each lecture is its own "story," and yet the entire class ties together over time. Great lecturer, better than any prof I've had in the dept or outside of it. Highly recommend you take his class before you graduate.
If you don't do the work you will regret it, but...what a relief to have a professor with high expectations AND the ability to teach fascinating content in a clear, patient, and insightful manner. If you want to get your money's worth, take his classes. If you want to glide by there are plenty of other profs in the department who will oblige.
Flanagin has boring lectures and his exams are pretty tricky. He likes getting into arguments with his students and calling them out in front of the entire class so be prepared for that. I would never take him again just because of the way he treats his students and the fact that he doesn't seem like he enjoys being in class at all.
Flanagin's lectures are packed with information, which he presents in an engaging and accessible manner. I learned more in his courses than in most of my other classes combined. He expects a lot, but also will help you do your best. Show up, do the work, learn a lot. Simple.
Best classes I ever had at UCSB. Knowledgeable prof who has your best interests in mind. Engaging lectures full of relevant information. Covers current theory and research and teaches you how to digest research for yourself. Honestly, he was inspiring.