The professor is great at teaching the content in an engaging way and constantly checks in on the students during lecture to make sure that we are understanding. She’s also very generous and she provided the opportunity for 2% of extra credit! The one hard part was our grade was 70% tests (midterm and final) but the tests weren’t hard if you made sure to study how to apply the content (not just definitions).

This is my favorite class so far at UCLA. I really like Dr. Smurda's interactive style of teaching. She really cares about her students and the topics covered are some of the most interesting I've come across in psychology. Her tests are fair, but you do need to study because I wouldn't say they are easy. I would highly recommend this class, but I would also suggest attending lecture and doing the reading. It's totally worth it.

I really liked her as a professor! She would always make me feel heard when I asked a question and would dance with my abstract thoughts with me. A lot of this material is applicable to real life, which has definitely made me think about how I interact with other people. However, do not take that lightly. Her tests are not hard, but they can be tricky if you did not study. I would highly recommend attending lectures and taking notes because it does help your thought process. There are a lot of research studies to remember, but you do not need to know the names. You need to know the concepts.

Dr Smurda is a really nice lady who cares about the content of what she's teaching. She also cares about all the students. Although she reads more (off her slides) than other professors, I didn't find it a hindrance to my enjoyment of the course and materials being presented. She is very relatable, has a good sense of humor and certainly prepared everyone for the exams. Social Psychology is a fascinating subject. There's a lot in it. Like most Psych courses, the subject matter is expansive. This is a great course. Really interesting. I would recommend taking any course with Dr Smurda. Get to know her. Get to know all of your professors. They are all really interesting people!

Dr. Smurda is such an engaging professor and this class is pretty easy. There's a midterm and a final - no papers. Her final isn't cumulative and I honestly only studied for five hours total for the final and it was so easy. Her slides are super clear and just make flashcards for all of the studies she talks about and you're good to go. You don't need to know names or dates for the most part and the studies are so interesting that I remembered them without studying anyway. I had a really good TA too (David Pinsof) and discussion was really fun. The 'textbooks' are just chapter books and they're all super interesting and easy to understand. TAKE THIS CLASS WITH HER

Her class is really fun and it is pretty simple to get an A in the class.

one of the best UCLA classes I have taken. prof. Smrda was clear, exhibited very deep knowledge of her subject, was always very complete and patient in her answers to questions raised. she obviously liked her students and liked to teach. I would not hesitate to take another class from her.

Great class, great professor. She's really nice and funny and teaches this class really well. Pretty interesting class, not too difficult. There are 4 books to read, but you don't really have to read it as long you go to section and understand what the books are about. Overall, pretty good class, eded up getting an A-.

Dr Smurda was really really nice! I would take the class again. The grade is made up of just a midterm and a final, with some participation credit from the discussions. Instead of a textbook, there are 4 readers (each less than $10) that you read chapters from in discussion. Definitely a do-able class.

She is pretty amazing I think. I really enjoyed her class and am looking to take her lab class also. She is so relatable and engaging, I never found myself falling asleep during her lectures, which are also podcasted.

Call structure:
40% Midterm, 40% final and 20% section grade
The tests are multiple choice but slightly tricky. Those "A, B, C, A &B, B&C, or all of the above" type questions. But other than that I really enjoyed taking her class and all of the mini-in class experiments definitely keep you engaged and on your toes.

Also, Lauren Harris the T.A. is like most adorable person I think I've met. She had study guides available and went over the readings in depth, which were only a few chapters out of a few books. No textbook for this course. This class definitely made me think about how I act around my friends and all the social factors that are happening all around us. A rewarding class overall.