GREAT PROFESSOR, I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!!!!!!! I would definitely recommend this class, I never experienced a single boring moment. Fridlund is very passionate and makes the lectures fun. You can tell he genuinely cares about his students. Although a little tough, amazing class overall
You really do have to study for this class. Make sure to study the fair game sheet for the midterm and final. Overall, this was one of the best classes I've taken so far at UCSB.
My friends and I absolutely loved Fridlund. He was always interesting with his lectures, and it wasn't too hard to stay awake even though it was an hour and fifteen minutes long. However, his lectures are more like long stories rather than things pertaining to the tests. You HAVE to read the book - lecture isn't really that helpful.
I loved this class! He is my favorite professor at UCSB, but this is not an easy class. I studied very hard for the midterm but got a C- on it, I then studied like crazy for final and got an A. Go to lecture, he explains everything so well and gives very useful and memorable examples. Don't just memorize defs, his tests are more on application.
Didn't go to more than 3 or 4 class which I now regret only because he's interesting and funny. Also I missed a few sections, didn't read the book, and starting studying the weekend before the midterm and final. MAKE FLASHCARDS for everything on the fair game sheets even though he tells you not to. Get a previous year's test. HE REPEATS QUESTIONS!
His lectures are never boring. However,both the midterm and final have many tricky questions. Also, Go to lecture. Many questions are derived from his lecture, NOT THE PDT! If you read and memorize thoroughly from the readings, and go to the lecture and pay attention, you might have a great chance to have a B at least.
I loved his lectures and they were the best I've had so far. However, this class is not a show-and-pass class, unless you have photograhic memory. The midterm and final add up to 92% of your grade, and the other 8% are section quizzes, which is mandatory to attend. If you have the time for a more demanding GE class, I recommend it.
Fall quarter 2015. I took AP psych in HS (textbook and mindtap never used because of prior knowledge). Lectures are kinda fast and Fridlund tries to make the topics interesting (his dad jokes). Your grade is dependent on quizzes, midterm, and final. It might be difficult if it's your first psych class ever so be ready. Class average was a C
Fridlund is super knowledgeable and an amazing lecturer. The course material is tough and you need to keep up with reading and do the fair game sheets if you want to pass. Recommend going to all lectures, taking notes, and doing ALL of the reading. ALL.
Dont take psych 1 your first quarter at SB. Being honest right now youll probably get a C, or a B/B+ if you get lucky. Dont get me wrong its an amazing class and incredible teacher but its not worth the GPA kill so soon. Your grade is basically only 2 tests about conceptual material (book and lectures) and that is it. Just wait or something..
Fridlund is a very funny professor, passionate about psychology but gets too off topic. There is only a final, midterm, and four 5 point quizzes to make up your grade. Midterm was extremely difficult, final was easier. Do not take this class as a freshman during your first quarter!
Great class and great professor. Make sure you attend every lecture and READ READ READ. Make good use of your fair-game sheet (fill it in as you do readings and attend class) as it literally tells you everything you need to know for the test. Make sure you do well on the section quizzes. As long as you keep up with the work you'll do fine!
HARDEST MIDTERM, EASY FINAL! TRY TO PASS THOSE SECTION QUIZZES BECAUSE THEY CAN MAKE OR BREAK YOUR GRADE!
I took PSY 1 Spring 2014, so this is a little late. Fridlund is an interesting professor; you either love him or hate him. He's been teaching Psych 1 for a while and knows how to keep the audience engaged with the lecture. The midterm and final were fairly straightforward. Good "Intro to College" GE.
Fridlund's really into what he's teaching and you can tell he has fun doing it. Cool guy overall, very kind and friendly, but he's also "tough love" in the way you really have to pull your weight to try to get a decent grade in the class. Would highly recommend him and his class if you're interested in getting your feet wet in psychology.
He gives you the materials you need to study. To pass, and probably do well, READ the book assignments, go to LECTURE, study what is on the FAIR GAME SHEET, and you will do fine.
Fridlund is the type of guy that you want to have a beer with. His lectures may be funny, but it's obvious he knows what he talking about. Has the tendency to go off on tangents that are at times only vaguely related to course material. Midterm is tough; lots of bio/neuroscience. Final is a piece of cake. Study the fair game sheet for exams.
Fridlund is an excellent lecturer. I looked forward to lectures because they were full of jokes and stories which related to what we're learning. The class was very, very hard though. I went to every lecture and did every reading but still didn't recognize many of terms on the midterm/ final. The class was disorganized but entertaining.
Go to lecture and you'll get at least a B. Plus his lectures are super interesting. Only thing is, don't waste your time on Mindtap.
The class can be hard and it covers a lot of material, but his lectures are amazing! He loves the subject and he loves to teach. He is hilarious and keeps you awake during the lectures. Quizzes and tests can be a bit hard but doing the readings help a lot. Fair grading and great TAs. Loved the class
This class has a lot to read. Start to read during first week and do the fair game sheet as early as possible!!!!!! Not recommend for internationals(especially non native speakers) His midterm are tricky and someone you could not tell the difference between answers. Lectures are really interesting. Fridlund is a nice guy too.
Fridlund's lectures consisted of him talking about himself and his life instead of the material. Rather than teaching, he simply gave example after example, without ever really explaining definitions. His ego overshadowed what could've been a good class. Don't take with him, especially if you're a freshman, it'll be tough to pass.
PSY 1 with Fridlund was my favorite class this quarter. His lectures are in-depth and entertaining. I skimmed the textbook to look up key terms on the fair game sheet (it's posted on Gauchospace - use it!), but other than that I hardly read it. As long as you understand the concepts on the fair game sheet, you will do fine.
I would highly recommend this class but only if you have time to devote to it. Material is super interesting and as long as you keep up with the reading you can afford to skip class a few times. Fridlund is very clear and has a unique sense of humor, but tests are pretty tricky so its necessary to know the material well, not just memorize it.