Don't bother taking if just for GE. Just rambles on for an hour for lecture, section is utterly useless and unless you get the good TA (Charlene) you're going to spend many hours on this class a week. Professor and TAs have no clue what they're talking about, this is just an abstract class with no rubrics or guidelines.
Professor Akudinobi is a sweet professor, however a lot of the time in lectures it is a bit hard to follow what's going on since there's no lecture slides and he sometimes sidetracks. Apart from that the readings aren't difficult and as long as you do them and go to section you'll be fine.
Very random lectures. Spends about 50% of lecture off topic. The TA's are really tough graders too (for no reason). For a GE, its definitely not worth it. It isn't hard material to learn, but it feels super random and disorganized. I do not recommend. I would steer clear unless you are ready to suck up to the TAs!
He's a great professor, but I wouldn't recommend him for anyone who isn't a decent writer.
Great and funny dude class isn't that hard just watch the movies and do the readings essay and final questions are formated so you can succeed
Professor Akudinbi is well versed in the subjects he teaches. He might sidetrack a bit, but he does cover all the topics he wants to see in the tests/papers. Three assignments beside the attendance worth your entire grade. Very fun and personable, willing to aid those who participate but its largely your own work for the papers.
Professor is a kind instructor. He is always willing to help students during office hours. The discussion lectures always help with understanding the material and encourage participation. Textbook was important to supplement the lectures. Pay good attention and enjoy the class :)
Professor AKUDINOBI genuinely cares about his students. The reading takes 20 mins tops, there is no other weekly homework. There are 3 8 page papers. However they are actually 2 4 page papers on 2 different topics. He gives you all the answers in class. all you have to do is read 7 to 10 pages an week and show up.
Although we was a really great guy- totally hilarious, cared deeply, wanted everyone to pass- his lectures lacked content. It seemed as if he were rambling off the top of his head for the entire lecture. There were five papers in ten weeks (including the final and midterm), which was a lot, but he was very clear about grading and what was expected.
Attendance was mandatory. Three 8pg essays, easy grader. However, no gauchospace, powerpoints etc. He talks the whole lecture. Mostly let us leave early or cancelled class but if you read the book the essays are easy
Dr. Akudinobi is a caring and hilarious dude. Everyone loves him, if not the class. The class is hard to sit through since it's an 8 AM but you don't really need to retain anything from lecture (mandatory). Two 4-page papers for the midterm, one 8-page term paper, and two 4-page papers for the final. Class consists of 10 books, just read a few.
Lots of essays for this class. Total of three 8-page essays. Write down what he says in lecture and basically repeat and elaborate on essays. He's pretty old school and doesn't use gaucho space. Hard to understand him sometimes w/ his accent. He's a lenient grader though which is nice. If looking for an easy 'A', then don't take this class.
Pointless lectures. Everything he said was obvious if you read; I learned the most from section. He always shows up late too. However, attendance is 25% of your grade so try to go as often as possible. Try to read at least 5 out of 10 books to write the essays. He's a nice guy but I didn't enjoy the class. Easy A, just put in some some effort.
I was honestly scared to take this class because of all of the bad reviews here but after taking the course myself I can say that professor Akudinobi is such an amazing guy and teacher. Theres a good amount of reading but its manageable. Professor Akudinobi really cares about his students, dont be afraid to talk to him!
Prof. A is an awesome guy. Easy going and cares for his students. He's a bit of a character but really does want everyone to succeed. The main issue he doesn't use gauchospace, powerpoint, or visuals. He simply lectures out of the course reader and it isn't very helpful. Did not get out of the class what I wanted. 3 papers, one research of 8 pages.
Dr. Akudinobi is wonderful! Lectures can be a bit hard to follow, but useful and full of knowledge. Attendance 25% so show up. He gives hints about essay topics for midterm&final (take-home); each with 2 essays. Term paper prompt is completely open. Grading is straightforward. If you can write well and go to class, it's a simple A.
One of my favorite professors in UCSB. His subject matter is interesting and his analysis is eyeopening. He is also funny and makes class enjoyable even though it can be early in the morning. Highly recommend taking one of his classes before graduating
Just showing up is an easy 25% of your grade (kind of sucks for an 8 am class but be thankful for the easy points!). The class was four essays, 4 pages each. 2 for your midterm, you got your prompt 5 days before it was due and you got to pick your prompt, so long story short- you don't need to read all 10 books, just write about the ones you know.
Great professor that really cares about students, he definitely round up to the highest grade and wants "his gauchos" to get As. Interesting and fun lectures, he tells good stories and makes jokes along the way! Take him, reading isn't necessary except for citing in your essays and movies are interesting enough.
He is a very caring, intelligent person but the lectures are extremely unnecessary and he usually discusses irrelevant topics. It is a good class to take if you like reading and do not mind sitting through a confusing class period twice a week.
Genuine Professor. He cares about his students. He gives you the grade you deserve. Easy going and funny. He knows what he is talking about and can answer literally any question you may have. I would recommend him and I would definitely take one of his courses again.
Akudinobi is an amazing professor and gives you everything that is necessary to get an A+ in the class. Attend one lecture, sometimes two a week, and you'll get an A in the class. Straightforward 25% Section, 25% paper, 25% midterm, 25% final.
10 Books for 10 weeks of class. No other homework besides books and 4 papers. Grades easily on papers. Teacher is willing to help students succeed. Personally read only 5/10 books and got an A in the class, but you will need to listen to what professor and TAs say to write your essays.
I really enjoyed his course! Learned a lot about colonialism through the perspectives of the authors covered in class. The readings were a lot. You would have to complete a book every week and in total there were 4 essays with a research paper. Overall, I really enjoyed the class!