At first I was really scared of this class, but it ended up being one of my favorite classes at UCSB. There's a lot of content to cover, but the weekly assignments made it easier to digest even if I didn't go to class. Midterm and finals are super reasonable. Her grading scale helps everyone out so much + 5% EC made the class super enjoyable
A lot of homework every week, but this helps offset any bad testing that happens. All assignment happens online, and all notes are online too. The textbook is a must-read if you want a good grade on the exams.
I loved taking her class! The professor talks a little fast but overall a good lecturer. Attendance isn't mandatory but you have to go to the lecture because her slides aren't sufficient on their own. She gives extra credit for discussion posts and her exams are very fair and comes from the readings and the slides.
She goes through the lectures way too quickly, it is impossible to follow what she is saying. She goes on random rants that aren't necessary for exams (according to her) so it all just seems pointless. If she slowed down and covered less material per lecture this class would be interesting.
I loved Professor Lapate's class. The lectures covered the reading and went beyond it by covering many cool studies. The midterms and finals were primarily from the lectures, but readings really helped. There was also a weekly extra credit post to boost your grade. Definitely recommend taking this class with her!