Extremely knowledgeable professor who is a pioneer in environmental politics. Engaging and informative.lectures. Answers to questions were detailed and approachable. Focused on theories and principles to explain why certain things worked and some did not. Class provided a well-rounded coverage of US env politics but could use more recent examples.
Lectures are interesting, he is a very relaxed grader, and the tests and essays have been pretty easy thus far. As long as you attend lecture and at least skim the readings you'll do fine. This would be a good class to balance out some other tough courses.
Absolutely loved this class. It’s super fun and he’s very good at teaching it, but be warned it is a lot of work. Also, since a lot of lecture periods are dedicated to the simulation, you need to do the readings or you’ll fall behind. Either way, definitely recommend, was an amazing experience.
Very boring, whole class was a drag. He needs to update his PowerPoints, material and communicate with his TAs. Final was very chaotic and asking way too much for the given time.
Favorite Course I've taken at UCSB. Is a lot of work, but worth it for experience. Would recommend to any Political Science student that isn't afraid to speak in front of a class everyone in awhile. Also, made a lot of friends and connections through this course, which is a plus!
Favorite Political Science Professor at UCSB. Knows his stuff on American Politics and Environment policy, delivers material straight forward and in a way that's easy to absorb. Would recommend!
Prof Smith is a solid choice for this class. The lectures get pretty long and can be boring, especially online. He has interesting things to say about the material as well as politics today. Didn't ever release the final grades or final paper grade which was annoying. overall pretty good.
Good class, solid professor. He was knowledgeable and had good political insight, especially on polling. However, if you took US gov in high school, you won't get much more out of this class. Had an 8-10 page term paper that was fine if you start early enough. Lots of reading that was kinda required for section.
He is the true gem of the political science department. Took his congress class and fell in love with the way the system works. He speeds through slides so you just need to make sure you get the notes off gauchospace. Truly my favorite professor here at UCSB.
This was my first political science class ever at UCSB and it was all around pretty good. Textbook readings were dry but I liked the use of immigration and current issues during lectures. Midterm and final are easier than expected if you are reading. Long term paper was vague but checking in with my TA made the process a lot smoother.
After reading other reviews I was hoping this class would be manageable. I wouldn't say it isn't, but it is A LOT of work. Doing the reading is essential for the paper and both tests. Grading is dependent on who you get as your TA (mine was on the stricter side). Still a very interesting course, but be warned, it is not an easy A.
Such a boring professor, incredibly dull. Could have been such an interesting class. I am typically an A student but in this class, the grading was so unfair because of the confusing and vague instructions and a TA named Michele who is about as dry and picky as they come. The reading is outdated and no one shows up to lecture bc it sucks.
There is a 10-12 page term paper that is pretty straight forward if you understand what he is asking you to write. There is a lot of reading that he tests you on for the midterm and the final. Lectures are boring but useful. If you read everything and attend lecture you will be fine.
The term paper was ridiculous. It was so openminded and basically told us to solve the issue of immigration. The TA was not clear in grading criteria either. Lectures are helpful, but he posts the slides online anyways. Doesn't hurt to go.
Professor Smith is an amazing professor to know in the department. He does really interesting research and teaches super interesting classes. PS155 is the best class I have taken at UCSB. It got everyone so engaged and I feel like I know the whole department now. For the final, the readings are crucial so make a study guide and review them.
PS155 was the greatest class I have taken at UCSB, I highly suggest that any poli sci majors take it. There is a lot of work but it is very rewarding
One of the few profs that genuinely cares about his students' success. He's even done optional lectures to give political career advice and helped me score a high level job in DC. Tests are fair, multiple choice tricky if you haven't read, but he tries teaching broad theories that will stick with you. CONGRESS IS THE BEST CLASS I TOOK AT UCSB!
Smith tries really hard to keep the class interesting. He focuses on immigration politics and brings in a few guest speakers throughout the quarter. His lectures are dry, but also contain a lot of material and he uploads them online ! There's a bunch of reading required as well but, overall he's an okay professor.
This is one of the most interactive classes at UCSB. Don't take if you don't like public speaking because participation and attendance matters. You also have to write bills every week, which is can be annoying. Overall it's a really fun class and you get a chance to get to know a lot of people!
Professor Smith is a great professor! Environmental Politics was interesting without being too difficult. Smith encouraged challenging authority and promoted questioning institutional channels. He's great! Really liked him :) Take Environmental Politics for a fun, interesting, low-stress class!
If your a ps major you have to take this class!
First of all, TAKE THIS CLASS. You meet a ton of people and learn a lot! It is a lot of work but it is one of the most rewarding classes in the PS dept. He doesn't really announce deadlines for assignments so make sure your on top of everything. There is a lot of reading which you need to know well for the final, it is not easy. Find study buddies!
This class, Simulation of Congress, is the best class I have taken at UCSB. The content is interesting, the professor is interesting and accessible, and the simulation was enlightening!You put in a lot of work for the class, but it is well worth it and you make a ton of friends!
His exams are nothing what you would expect, you study for one thing the short answers will definitely be something else. The multiple choice part was fairly easy, the female TA completely useless.