Ive taken Professor Seikaly twice. This class was quite difficult. Lectures got a bit confusing but very knowledgeable. Def need to have prior knowledge. 3 in class essays open note. Never read a thing and was able to get an A. Grades do not go into canvas so u dont know what your grade is till they come out after finals. love her, just difficult.

She knows her stuff and is respectful of students opinions. However, there were some weeks when the reading was just way too much. I learned plenty from this class though.

Cares a lot about what she is teaching. Wants everyone to succeed and hates grading because of it. Lots of reading to do, but most readings are interesting. No need to take notes in lecture because she posts the slides and would rather you listen to her speak than write things down. 5 biweekly assignments. Final and Midterm.

Took HIST46B in my first quarter here. In my second year now and I have a strong feeling that no other course experience will surpass. Every one of Seikaly's lectures was fascinating. Workload was reasonable and all assignments had a purpose. I came out of this course having really LEARNED rather than just having completed busy work.

Weekly short written assignments and large papers for midterm and final, but prompts are given in advance. Don't procrastinate and you'll do fine. Lots of reading and very dense lectures, but well organized and notes are posted online

weekly responses. midterm/final takehome but too long for a GE. shes nice and knowledgeable, but if you dont know anything about the middle east the class is difficult- she expects you to already have context. easy enough if you use wiki. could probably skip lecture if you do online iclicker. if you hate writing do not take this class

There's a lot of weekly readings, and usually, there is a writing assignment on one of the readings. You have to attend lecture and sections for participation. There is a take-home midterm/final in the form of an essay. Overall, great class, with really supportive TAs. Definitely a bit hard for a GE but doable if you put in the time.

Prof Seikaly cares about this subject, but if you have no prior knowledge of the middle east you will struggle. To me, this class was like a forgein language and I called my parents weekly crying about how stupid I was. 2 long papers and weekly responses. Lectures not recorded, but in person. If you ask a stupid question, she has no mercy.

Her class gives you insight into Middle East History that, even as an Arab-American, I knew little about. Things like oil & concession and the origins of Zionism that the US school system glosses over in world history classes. I took her class when COVID struck and she incredibly detailed lectures that definitely took days to make. Take her class!

This class like many history classes has quite a bit of reading but the readings are generally pretty interesting. Grading consisted of midterm, final, one long paper (book review), and several 300 word review papers due on the weekly readings. Very amenable professor who will work with students to give them any support they need and helpful tips.

great professor! she is very passionate. Lectures were a bit confusing at times and I struggled to understand because she moves very fast and goes through a lot of material in one lecture. But she's very helpful during office hours and an A is doable if you put in the effort! readings are long but she prepares you for essay prompts.

Good professor; tries hard to avoid her obvious bias, but still falters a bit. That being said, she is a very kind person and is always willing to help out. There is a lot of reading, but it's not too bad if you stay on top of it. Weekly writing assignments help to keep you on track to make the midterm and final a bit easier.

Seikaly is a real gem. She cares that students understand the concepts she lectures about, but won't tolerate bull-- i.e. cellphone use, lazy students. Difficult course, a rather meh T.A., but Seikaly responds promptly to emails and is available outside of class. Bluebook midterm and final, weekly responses, and book/film review. She's the best!!!

Sherene Seikaly is by far the BEST history professor I have had thus far. I've taken HIST 46, 146, and now 146T with her and I can honestly say that I have learned so much from her. Her courses are demanding since there is quite a bit of reading and weekly responses due but it's all worth it because you get so much out of it!!

Genuinely the best professor I've ever had. If you're lucky enough to get the chance to study with her then you 100% should. So passionate and engaging and you'll walk away with so much more knowledge and insight into history as a field than you could imagine.

The best professor I have had at UCSB. The class is not a walk in the park, but is completely worth it if you have any interest in the Middle East. The material is heavy at times but she wants you to succeed and pushes the class to get all A's. Highly, highly recommend.

One of the best professors at UCSB

Absolutely phenomenal. I have never had a professor who had such a deep and concise understanding of Middle Eastern political, social, cultural, gendered, and economic dynamics. Assignments are a little challenging but she actively rewards people who try to learn, doesn't just say she will.

An expert in the field, and an amazing mentor. Seikaly is passionate about Middle East Studies, and expects the same level of professionalism and rigor from every one of her students.

One of my favorite professors by far, I'm taking her again for Israel/Pal! MUST go to lecture, but the Gelvin is only semi-helpful. 1 midterm, 1 final, few weekly response papers. MUST read supplementals but not necessarily textbook.

She's honestly one of the best professors I've had here at UCSB. Her class can be hard, particularly if you have no knowledge of the middle east, but she's engaging, inspiring and politically active. The lectures are funny at times but always informational. I would take every one of her classes if I could.

She's intimidating but amazing #starstruck

Professor Seikaly is by far one of the best professors I've had at UCSB. She is highly intelligent, fierce, passionate and in all honesty will make you a better version of yourself. I highly recommend her classes. - One Midterm - One Final - Weekly short online responses

Professor shares her insights as best as she can with students. Know what the textbook says (and read a bit of news about the contemporary Middle East) to ace the class. At office-hours can provide you with answers to a plethora of questions. Ppl who don't know the difference between an Arab and a Muslim (real ?); don't take.