A truly great professor. I loved my class with him and decided to choose another class just as he was a professor. He was one of few teachers I've ever had that openly said he was not a Democrat. He had an amazing knowledge of American founding fathers and their principles and beliefs. The classes were amazingly interesting
I switched into political science with an emphasis in political philosophy bc it meant I got to be in his classroom again. I got into his classes two more times in 187 and 188 and I had a big fat crush on this professor. His lectures were the only ones I hated missing. His classes were never easy but I loved the challenge.
I switched from IR to theory because i loved his courses
While attending lecture isn't mandatory, Hughes breaks down the dense reading so extensively that it's completely worth it. Great lecturer. Definitely keeps the class engaged using relevant examples and analogies.
One of the only teachers I have had who I feel truly loves the topic they are lecturing about. He clarifies the readings by explaining them in a modern sense. The TAs that he had at the time were the really hard graders that made this class difficult. I feel he should get more involved in the essay grades himself.
Professor Hughes gave great lectures and I found the material pretty interesting. Two papers through the quarter which are pretty straight-forward, followed by an essayshort answer final. All in all interesting class with a great professor.
Professor Hughes was absolutely amazing. His teaching style is unique and enthralling, which helps since political philosophy isn't the easiest of subjects.
lectures are entertaining, he always comes in with a smile and something interesting to say. the class is no cake walk but its very interesting and worth doing the reading for (which there is a lot of, mind you). overall amazing professor!
If you can take his class, take it! He's amazing during lectures. Had him at 9am and it was so worth it. He assigns readings but you don't have to read any of it, because he breaks down the reading in detail EVERY lecture. Just pay attention during lecture and you'll be fine. Definitely would take any class with him again. pretty good jokes too.
Hughes is a great professor! He is intelligent and knows how to explain very abstract concepts in a way that students can understand. Even though he assigns a lot of reading,it is possible to do well.
Never went to class, didn't do any of the readings, wrote the essays the mornings they were due, and still got a decent grade. This is not as difficult a class as everybody makes it out to be, go to section and write decent essays, and you'll be fine. He gives you the final prompt beforehand, and there wasn't even a midterm.
Best professor I've taken at UCSB. He clarifies the readings in every possible way. His passion for political theory combined with his external beauty make this professor breathtaking and worth taking. Do not graduate without experiencing the wonder that is Hughes.
350 characters isn't enough to review hughes. his passion for theory is crazy and office hours are great. you cannot graduate without taking at least one of his courses.
So far my favorite lower-division poly sci course I have taken! Great at explaining and outlining the main concepts of each philosopher discussed. He makes the material interesting by providing real life examples. Recommend for everyone to take, even if you are not a ps major
Hughes knows his stuff. He is loaded with energy and recalls everything from memory, no notes, power point, nothing. Intense reading but fair grading. Lectures are extremely important if you want to slack off on the reading. He breaks down the material and makes it more communicable. Without that I would have been completely lost. ARGH Boethius!
I love Hughes. He's an amazing professor. Learned a tom from his class and he made it easy to understand the dense readings. Best professor at UCSB. HANDS DOWN.
On the surface the reading may seem intimidating but he breaks it down to an elementary level. Attending lecture is essential. Not only is Hughes a cool guy but also a snazzy dresser with excellent posture. A+ Stick with the reading and you'll be golden. Be nice to the TAs as they are most likely grading your papers (50+% of grade).
Easily the most interesting class I've taken for poli sci at UCSB, and Hughes is by far the best professor I've had.
simply put, hughes is a boss.
Easily the most interesting course I have taken in poli sci. Hughes does an excellent job at explaining the material and keeps the lectures interesting. I highly recommend the experience.
Lecture was very interesting! Hughes does a great job explaining all the material and the books weren't as bad. Hughes is a very good professor and I recommend you to take his class!
Best PS professor here
If you're a Political Science major at UCSB, you have to take one of his courses before leaving here. He does mostly all talking during his lectures, ties concepts together well with examples, and makes philosophy/P.S. theory a little less intimidating. Other P.S. professors, including those at our school, could really learn from how he teaches
Great lecturer, only problem is being there at 9 am. Missed a lot of lectures, but as long ad you attend section you can do well, however if you are a morning person then i would highly recommend attending lecture. Great class and interesting.