I left her class everyday feeling so inspired, she deeply passionate about everything she talk about, and truly speaks from her heart. The class is pretty easy, just go to lecture and section and skim the readings. The papers are pretty easy too, but the final paper is about 8 pages and a 5 minute presentation on your topic so dont procrastinate.

Absolutely amazing professor. Super friendly outside of class. Her lectures are repetitive at times, but you'll be let out early. Doesn't read from a book, most readings are interesting. Easy A. Papers aren't graded hard. Plenty of guest speakers, which put a perspective on the world. Excellent teaching and beautiful person. Take this class.

This class was really an eye opener regarding the history of native americans. Overall it is an interesting and easy class, but do not procrastinate on the final paper like I did.

In lecture she discusses the genocide of indegenous people in the US & how colonization has (& continues to) impact Native American people. Coming to lecture is important if you want to learn about history that is commonly overlooked & gain a new perspective on humans/nature. Skim the readings & put good effort into the final paper/presentation.

So this class was actually my favorite that I've taken at SB, purely because of how it impacted me outside of class. I learned so much about being a better person and caring for others. But, this was ridiculously hard. At one point we were reading a book and writing 1 paper per week. And it never slowed because the midterm and final were 10 pgs

Talamantez isn't a "traditional" lecturer by any means, but is one of the most caring, inspirational profs I've had at SB. She teaches about respect for one another and the world we live in, and the assigned books are very interesting. Take this class if you are hoping to broaden your state of mind, but not if you want a traditional class.

This class focused less on actual religious practices and more on avoiding generalizations. Much less interesting than it gives off. Long readings every week with 2 one page papers on each week's reading. No tests, attendance is taken in lecture but usually you get out early, taking notes in lecture isn't necessary. Final is an 8-10 page paper.

An amazing woman, who is compassionate and wise and really cares about her students. Her teaching transcends the course material- what she really wants is to encourage her students to grow and become better versions of themselves. Some people call her boring but I think it's because they are looking for the easiest A rather than reflection/growth.

Super easy class, you won't actually learn anything about Native American Religion but it's a super easy class if you have to get some credits. Talamantez is a pretty boring lecturer

Talamantez wants to reach her students on a personal level. She teaches us things to improve our lives, not just to get us to pass a test (which makes class much more enjoyable). 25% participation (showing up), 25% weekly readings/reflections (I usually skimmed), 25% midterm (paper topic/bibliography), and 25% final paper. Take this class.

Really depends on your TA. I had Shelby king and she was prob the coolest TA ever. Show up to lectures to sign in then you can pretty much leave because it's useless. But make sure you participate during section and go to office hours for midterm and final then you are guaranteed an A+. Didn't read anything for this class still got A+. Lots of EC

After taking multiple RG ST courses at UCSB, I was excited when I signed up for this one, thinking I'd have the same great experiences I had in RG ST 12 & 20. BUT the lectures were completely unfocused and cited no evidence or even visual presentation, the teacher was a quiet, rambling lady, and the entire curriculum was based on 1 paper. Awful.

Lectures are not organized, attendance is pointless. Matt is a super cool TA & person in general, only reason I liked the class. Texts give you a little knowledge, but nothing crucial. Not necessary really to purchase all, yet I did use Native Voices as a source for my final paper. A couple short analysis papers on text & 8-10 pg final paper.

Graded attendance and gave two papers. First was an abstract about your final paper (5-6 pages). Final paper was 10-12 pages long. Very confusing about what exactly to write about. Very passionate and inspiring professor. Interesting lectures, but doesn't really tie it into the papers to give you direction. Not really a lenient grader.

This class consisted of two papers. The first "rough draft" had a C average, with there being no rubric. However, important details like "you need to have 5 sources or you'll lose a whole letter" was something never mentioned. Lectures tend to be read from note packets, word for word. I learned one thing. Attendance becomes mandatory.

If you go in with an open mind prepared to listen and form new ideas about the world, this is for you. If you go in with the mindset of wanting to learn tangible knowledge, particularly from books, stay clear. Awesome prof and requires very little effort.

Dr. talamantez is the best. she makes you think about how her class applies to your own life. for those who say shes not organized, you need to go with the flow and think about what shes actually saying

DR. talamantez is so nice. she cares about her students and wants them to walk away with a greater understanding of life. she wants students to think for themselves and come up with their own ideas. those who say she can't stick to the material don't know how to think for themselves!

she is totally not organized. she never sticks to the material and is always side tracking. she focuses more on general ideas than specific facts. i never knew what her tests/papers were actually asking.

Dr. Talamantez is my favorite professor. She cares about her students. Although her class may not be very structured, you can still learn a lot from her.

Prof Telamantez is an amazing woman. You need to attend lecture and keep up with the readings, some of which are dry, but if you do so the class will be fairly easy. An interesting course in cultural sensitivity.

I really wanted to like Professor Talamantez. She's so sweet! However, her broad, sweeping generalizations in lecture on Native American philosophies and beliefs barely scratched the surface of what I read in the texts. Pointless lectures and unclear assignment/testing directions made this class an irritating disappointment.

extraordinary woman and teacher -- the naysayers are pathetic

Took a freshmen seminar with her. Nice woman but can go overboard with her comments regarding the persecution of native americans. Her lectures were incredibly offensive towards Catholics and "white" people. I'm still not sure what the actual class was about. Bright side is I only went three or four times and I passed.