The class was pretty interesting but could get boring at times. Lipsitz plays videos basically every class for at least 30 minutes. The majority of your grade is 2 essays that are graded pretty harshly. Lots of reading but you don't need to do all of it; just understand a few pages really well. Don' take this class if you're looking for an easy GE!
The course load and the readings are fine, but his lecture is so boring and I can't feel that I am getting anything from him. A video player is good enough to replace him as a lecturer.
Lipsitz is a wonderful professor who clearly knows the subject matter well. He doesn't always use slides, and the majority of the lectures are spent watching videos. There is no textbook, but you are required to read a number of books and write papers based on them and the overall concepts in the class. He made the class and subject interesting!
The class itself was not too bad but I did not enjoy the professor at all. He sounds like a preacher, not a teacher during all of his lectures. He won't tell you this but only ONE person in the entire class will get a perfect grade in participation, so if you're not willing to participate in every lecture and section, don't bother with this class.
Lipsitz is an all-around good professor. The only thing I disliked about his class is that his lectures had little to do with the readings and instead involved a lot of film watching. That said, he's a brilliant guy, and lectures were consistently interesting.
Dr. George Lipsitz changed my life. I had him as an undergraduate, an he blew me away! I took five of his courses. He opened my eyes to a raw real world, a world I was unfamiliar with, and that turned into wanting to know more. He is an engaging lecturer and a consummate academic. I consider it an honor to have taken classes with Dr. Lipsitz.
If you get a chance to take Professor Lipsitz, please do so. He is one of the best teachers i have had at UCSB and I learned so much in his class. He is so passionate about what he teaches and is extremely intelligent. The work in his class is very doable and he is always there for you if you ever need help. He is funny too which is a bonus!
He is an amazing lecturer! Has an unusual style of teaching but it so passionate about what he is teaching and clearly knows the subject. He is also funny which helps. He is truly inspiring one of the best professors I've had.
Great professor, probably one of the best professors I've met or ever will meet. Works to get to know each student individually, presents relevant and interesting material whether it be hardcopies of articlesnews or documentary videos. Will definitely open your eyes and guide you confidently. He also enjoys a lot of student mediated discussion.
Passionate lecturer. Gives simple, yet effective metaphors to focus on and apply to bookspapers and midterms. Good with encouraging healthy class discussion. Would highly recommend.
Lipsitz is an amazing professor! He is extremely interesting to listen to, we watched at least a 45 minute video everyday in a 1 hr 15 minute class. The essays were interesting and mainly short, pay attention in class and you can ace them. He's really relaxed about formalities. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM!
Professor Lipsitz had a very interesting and refreshing view on race that is not very common in these types of classes. He is very engaging, funny, and very straightforward. You can feel his passion each lecture. I'd very much suggest taking his classes.
Lipsitz was incredibly knowlegable about the subject and really passionate. Only two papers and a final and the papers aren't that hard. He uses a lot of videos. If you like the subject, and pay attention youll love it, go to office hours and an A isn't too hard
Professor Lipsitz is one of my favorite professors at UCSB. He has first-hand experience in the Civil Rights Movement, yet approaches the class from an objective view. Anyone who says the class videos have nothing to do with the papers were missing the core lessons of the class. If you approach this class with a willingness to learn; you'll succeed
Lipsitz is honestly the best professor at UCSB. It is not an easy class, you have to read 4 books and attend all lectures/sections. BUT it is extremely interesting and engaging. I didnt care about black studies before this class, but lipsitz is an amazing and inspirational teacher, i became very interested. it is worth the work, take this class!
The BEST professor at UCSB. Such an intelligent guy, we are all so lucky that he chose to put his talent and wisdom towards teaching. The class is not easy but if you go to lecture, read the books and put a lot of effort into the essays you'll do well. He gives a new outlook on the Civil Rights Movement. Loved this class. Take the honors section!
I do not recommend this class unless you need the GEs. The lectures go in circles but attendence is mandatory. If you can get a good TA (Kevin Hooge is the best!), then you might enjoy the class.
Don't take this class! The lectures are mandatory, and impossible to follow. You will spend the entire class watching videos that have nothing to do with the essays you will have to write. The essays are really difficult and not explained very well. You will need a good TA to pass, get Kevin if you can. He's the best.
LIPSITZ IS THEEEE SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!! AMAZING PROFESSOR! HIGHLY RECOMENED DUDE, I ENJOYED CLASS AND HE'S A FUNNY DUDE...VERY INTERESTING & DEPTH INTO CIVIL RIGHTS LIKE YOU WOULDNT IMAGINE
great professor, so smart! knows and loves his stuff and what he does! i took the class for GE and now want to do more black studies courses! DO all the readings!
Good class. Highly recommend.
Prof Lipsitz was a wonderful teacher. Definitely one of my favorites at UCSB. If you think you know about the Civil Rights Movement, take this class. He gives you information and perspectives that you wouldn't expect. Grade depends mostly on your TA but the professor will help you in office hours and there are writing tutors (unhelpful).
AMAZING PROFESSOR. i had absolutely no interest in history before this class, however he somehow managed to spark my interest in it.i LOVED this class.everyone i knew loved it as well:)favorite class and professor by far.TAKE THIS CLASS.you won't regret it. no midterms(just 2 papers 4 pages each) and a final which he gives you a great study guide.
My most memorable professor at SB. If you're into the 60's and the Civil Rights movement, Lipsitz will blow your mind away with unorthodox ideas. Everything he teaches is really stimulating and he doesn't sugar coat anything- completely real and in your face... i loved it.