Professor
Stephen Bell
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Most Helpful Review
Fall 2022 - This was one of the hardest geography classes I have ever taken at UCLA. Despite relatively easy readings, the lectures were hard to catch up with as Prof. Bell had never used the slides. Most of the time, the lectures went on and on, leaving a lot of students confused. This class is based on two quizzes and a paper (a proposal and a final research paper). The tests were true or false, which may seem easy, but they were not easy. They became one of the hardest T/F tests I have ever taken. Prof. Bell changed the grading scheme to be easier to get an A (which was the only reason I stayed in the class), but all the scores you see could give you a heart attack. If you are interested in South America, you should try it out, but this class was not really for me. I recommend you take other electives unless you want to challenge yourself or have no other options.
Fall 2022 - This was one of the hardest geography classes I have ever taken at UCLA. Despite relatively easy readings, the lectures were hard to catch up with as Prof. Bell had never used the slides. Most of the time, the lectures went on and on, leaving a lot of students confused. This class is based on two quizzes and a paper (a proposal and a final research paper). The tests were true or false, which may seem easy, but they were not easy. They became one of the hardest T/F tests I have ever taken. Prof. Bell changed the grading scheme to be easier to get an A (which was the only reason I stayed in the class), but all the scores you see could give you a heart attack. If you are interested in South America, you should try it out, but this class was not really for me. I recommend you take other electives unless you want to challenge yourself or have no other options.
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Most Helpful Review
All of these reviews are correct. His lectures are extremely boring. His TA grades hard. The readings are long and boring. BUT, this class is easy. Really the only struggle is staying awake in class, but if you can do that he makes it very clear what is going to be on the tests (besides the multiple choice form the mid-term which was fairly random). I was able to get in A in this course without reading the course reader cover to cover. Also, take it with a friend, or make a friend in class. It really is invaluable in this course to have someone to talk to and compare notes with before the tests because undoubtedly you will doze off from time to time.
All of these reviews are correct. His lectures are extremely boring. His TA grades hard. The readings are long and boring. BUT, this class is easy. Really the only struggle is staying awake in class, but if you can do that he makes it very clear what is going to be on the tests (besides the multiple choice form the mid-term which was fairly random). I was able to get in A in this course without reading the course reader cover to cover. Also, take it with a friend, or make a friend in class. It really is invaluable in this course to have someone to talk to and compare notes with before the tests because undoubtedly you will doze off from time to time.
Most Helpful Review
Prof. Bell is a nice professor who has a passion for Brazil and Spanish America..it's that simple. If you are whatsoever interested in these fields, by all means take him. I took his class for an IDS Major requirement, but I ended up liking his class. His lectures are a bit unorganized and his monotone voice can put you to sleep, but he has a witty sense of humor. Make sure to read the reader and make one or two of his office hours to clarify questions for the midterm/final. More often than not, he'll give you hints on what will be covered, so you'll be extremely prepared for the exam! No excuses to do bad! I had fairly low expectations for the class, but I came out having a greater appreciation for Brazil and its history of development.
Prof. Bell is a nice professor who has a passion for Brazil and Spanish America..it's that simple. If you are whatsoever interested in these fields, by all means take him. I took his class for an IDS Major requirement, but I ended up liking his class. His lectures are a bit unorganized and his monotone voice can put you to sleep, but he has a witty sense of humor. Make sure to read the reader and make one or two of his office hours to clarify questions for the midterm/final. More often than not, he'll give you hints on what will be covered, so you'll be extremely prepared for the exam! No excuses to do bad! I had fairly low expectations for the class, but I came out having a greater appreciation for Brazil and its history of development.
Most Helpful Review
Professor Bell is an awesome teacher! He is very organized and passionate about the social and historical geography of South America. Bell is also very accessible with students, which is an added incentive in a place where most professors are difficult to communicate with. I definitely recommend Professor Bell is you're considering one of his classes.
Professor Bell is an awesome teacher! He is very organized and passionate about the social and historical geography of South America. Bell is also very accessible with students, which is an added incentive in a place where most professors are difficult to communicate with. I definitely recommend Professor Bell is you're considering one of his classes.
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