ECKSTEIN M P
Super fun/straight forward class!
Based on the reviews I was slightly nervous about taking this class. Came to find out that Eckstein is one of the best professors at UCSB. People complaining about the tests being difficult clearly didn't pay attention to lectures or go for that matter. The essentially tells you what's going to be on the test if you show up.
Loved the class despite the really hard content. If anyone else taught this class, it easily could have been my least favorite class at UCSB. But he is engaging, super knowledgeable, and great at explaining things in OH. Textbook and lectures are key to passing the class. I recommend going to his office hours a lot!
Honestly a very likable and funny guy. His slides are very vague, so going to lecture is pretty essential. Midterm and Final, with a couple of easy quizzes. Pay attention and do the readings, this class was cool.
Professor Eckstein is not the easiest professor but he is fair and does his best to make the material interesting and easy to understand. He really wants to make sure you're engaged and gives you opportunities to redeem yourself when you're falling behind. Had him as a research professor and for PSY130 & PSY129L, put in the effort and he'll reward.
Very interesting/engaging material. Exams/Quizzes come directly from lectures so I recommend paying attention but if you do miss a lecture, the corresponding book chap will fill in most gaps. Prof is a great guy that definitely knows his stuff and has a sense of humor. He does give EC for participation. One of the better classes I've taken at UCSB.
He acts super nice all the time but ruins everyone's GPA by handing out C's. He is passionate about the course and the lectures are fun but the difficulty level of the exams does not match the material of the course. He will pick out the most complicated concepts of the course and only focus on those in the exam. I regret taking it.
Eckstein is one of the most enjoyable professors. He is passionate and funny, and likes his students to participate by offering EC points if you ask/answer questions. His slides are engaging and fun but would be very confusing if you don't go to class. Midterms and quizzes aren't difficult if you pay attention to lecture. Wants students to enjoy it
He is very adamant about transitioning back to the in-person format. If you miss a lecture due to sickness, he won't do a makeup lecture without proof of a covid test. He tests on both the lectures and the book, if you don't go to lecture you won't understand the lecture slides (they're difficult and confusing alone). Graded on a midterm and final.
Clear, informative, helpful, funny. I really enjoyed taking Vision with him. Fascinating and fun subject (illusions galore!), and made learning it easy. Textbook wasn't required since he covers everything in lecture but it's a fun read. I highly recommended you take him if you have the chance.
Professor Eckstein can be hard to follow sometimes, but he is so helpful if you don't understand something and friendly! His tests are challenging, but incredibly doable if you study for even just a day before them. He's funny and makes the classes entertaining! If you put in the effort, an A will come out. GO TO OFFICE HOURS!
Having not taken any classes with Eckstein before, I found this class to be really confusing and unenjoyable.