This class is overall interesting, however, it is challenging for no reason. The TA who grades the exams said there was a "lack of specificity" but that didn't help me understand what I got wrong. The grading is harsh and there's so much content to learn. I wish there would've been at least a study guide but nothing. Would not recommend it.

Grade based on in person timed write midterm & final, plus one big paper based on 1 of 4 films. If you're not a theory person, avoid this class at all costs. Prof is fine but class is boring and tedious, & is my least favorite pols class yet. Hard to do without mass amounts of reading.

Doesn't post lecture slides online, so be sure to take good notes. Graded on the midterm, a paper, and the final. Lots of reading.

Readings are long and dense but explained thoroughly in lecture. Tests are pretty darn hard for an intro class but if you put in the work definitely possible.

Professor Digeser was my introduction to UCSB Political Science and her class was absolutely amazing. Many students struggled to keep up with the speed of the class but if you take good notes during the lecture, you should be fine. I got an A in the class despite not touching any of the readings, but that was only because of my focus on the lecture

Professor Digeser is an amazing professor and Poli Sci 1 is a highly interesting class! However, the material is tough. This is not an easy A in any way. You will read dense texts on political theory from Aristotle, Locke, Hobbes, and Rawls. In lecture, Digeser explains everything and makes it easy to understand the complex ideas. Highly recommend!