Loved this class! Super interesting material, engaging lecture/discussion, very intelligent peers, small learning environment.

Each week the class met twice (no discussion section) and joseph would lecture about a given topic using a slide presentation. He was always eager to answer questions and foster discussions about specific interests that students had. He protects his slides with his life and will not repost them. This is largely because the midterm and test are based 100% on the slide content.

Each week we were expected to produce 1 discussion question based on the assigned reading (this was 20% of our grade I think).

I studied the slide material a bit for the midterm and final and got 100% on both. They were structured as about 25 short answer questions.

The most challenging part of the class is probably the final paper which is 10 pages and you can create your own prompt. I was pretty anxious about this + I procrastinated it, but everything was fine.

All in all, one of the best classes I have taken at UCLA. Super interesting content, straightforward assignments, and a witty but cool professor. Totally recommend.

I will admit I took this course because of the reviews here. Honestly, I'm surprised I passed this course with a B. I went to every lecture and took notes. I did not do any of the assigned readings. I passed my final and midterm with a B and never received my grade for my final paper, but I enjoyed writing the essay! The professor was hilarious, I didn't think I would be intrigued, but I was; he made learning about different religions fascinating. I DO HIGHLY RECOMMENDED going to class and taking notes. Everything in the study guide will be on your notes! I studied three days nonstop before my midterm and final and memorized my notes to the tea.

It's a fascinating subject! The class is not difficult at all. The only assignments are a midterm, 10-page final paper, and a final. The tests are straight memorization of your notes according to the provided study guide, and the paper requires at least one in-person site visit to a religious ritual. The lectures are interesting, and since the professor does not record lectures nor upload slides, make sure to write everything down. The professor is a cool person too.

This was such a great class with a great professor!

FYI for those taking this class next, don't go on your phones or leave early, he will call you out, lol.

Simon's a great teacher, most of his classes are all 33%/33%/33% midterm, final, and a final paper. He didn't record lectures so participation in every lecture is a must. The exam questions are open response—just memorize and study the review bullet points like it's an exam and you can BS the rest. The final 10-page paper requires you to visit 2 religious sites and compare them.

Simon's very accommodating and I recommend you to take advantage of his OH if you have the time.

Overall, his lectures were pretty engaging as someone who took it as a blow-off GE class.

Prof Joseph is very knowledgeable about his field and an awesome guy. He helped me so much with my research paper and providing powerpoints for the lectures after I got sick.

I took this class to satisfy the diversity course requirement. I highly recommend taking this class because the professor is very passionate about what he teaches. I always looked forward to his lectures because they felt like a time to relax. The way he teaches the material helps you really learn the material without feeling stressed. His exams do require you to memorize almost all of his lecture slides.

Easy A class. Professor Simon will provide study guide for the midterm and final. The exams are heavily based on the lectures and the study guide. This class also has a final project which is at least 10 pages long but Professor Simon was super helpful. You can ask him anything about the project.

Professor Simon is an amazing lecturer! He was passionate about the history of religion and made the lectures engaging. In order to succeed in this class, you need to go to the lectures because he will not post the lecture slides for you to view at your own leisure, so make sure to take good notes and pay attention. He provides readings for the course (I didn't read any of them since I had other classes and work) and he may ask questions about the readings on the exams. However, I did fine in the class even though I missed a couple questions. He has you write a paper at the end of the course, give yourself plenty of time to do it! It is easy to procrastinate, start early on this and it shouldn't be too much of a hustle. Finally, if you have any questions, Professor Simon is very accommodating. During office hours he supported many students who were having trouble with the final paper. This class really makes you think about the impact of religion in our political system. Is America a Christian Nation?

Professor Joseph is a gem and can be categorized as a traditional lecturer. The content discussed is very interesting and he loves when students participate. The class is broken down as there is one midterm which is an exam 33% a final paper 33% and a final exam 33%. Class notes are integral for doing well on the exams and the assigned readings are secondary to help curb your knowledge of the material. I would definitely recommend him, and I am looking forward to taking another class with him in the near future.