The title of Prof. Shorter's fiat lux is "Aliens and Ghosts." It seemed like more work than a 1-unit class is worth (there were two books to read, and something like 4-5 papers to write), but overall it wasn't too bad. I really enjoyed the material and always looked forward to his lectures. In class, he got to know everybody's name, brought his dog to class, and often gave us food. Though he made it relaxing to be in class, he made us think. Like other people have posted, his lecture style seems condescending at first, but that's just because he's making you think twice about what you're saying. He's open to all beliefs and doesn't try to change your mind about anything through his class.

I went into this class knowing that it would be difficult, and only wanting to take it because it would be my last GE.

I can honestly say that this was probably one of the most enriching classes I have ever taken at UCLA and I don't regret a single moment of it. This class, like other reviewers have said, has truly changed my worldview and has help me become more understanding of the worldview of others.

Professor Shorter is definitely not one of those professors that is going to take your bs excuses for not going to class or let you walk away with an easy A. You're definitely going to have to work for it, but hopefully you'll walk away with something much greater in value than a grade...or something like that.

His class is sometimes brutal but undeniably fair. His quizzes, in all honesty, are not difficult if you have done the reading. I probably missed only two questions the whole quarter -- not a big deal. The readings are sometimes dense, but they're always gone over in class.

Shorter is one of those professors that truly care and he might even change your life. Take this class, I doubt you'll really regret it.

disgusting demon of an instructor who gives stinging, discouraging responses when you seek clarification
Thank you for this bullshit of a class. I will now change majors.

WAC 33 was one of those classes you regret while taking it (the workload was pretty intense, especially for me who only took it as a GE) but learn to appreciate its worth after you're done with it. Professor Shorter's lectures always prompted me to rethink the very way I thought and entire systems of what I had been taught. The way I approach the world has been, I can honestly say, affected by the philosophical aspects of the class. Anyone interested in really gaining something from their experience at UCLA should consider taking this class. There was one 10-12 page paper due at the end of the quarter and readings for every week.

Class taken: W51 Aliens, Psychics and Ghosts
Very eye-opening class. I found it incredibly intellectually stimulating and Professor Shorter is a very engaging and charismatic lecturer. As for the writing portion, just follow the rules carefully and you'll do great. If you're open-minded and interested in the subject, definitely take his class!

I personally found his pedagogical style not a good fit. Not enough freedom to engage in discussion. Interesting?
Yes. Probably not a good fit for English Majors though and talks down to the class even though some of us are hardly children. Interesting material though.

Where do I even start? Professor Shorter...is one of the best professors I have ever met. He's so energetic and passionate about his work. He really does care about the students and really wants them to get something out of his classes. He is incredbily funny which makes the class even more enjoyable. Take it!

I took his Aliens, Psychics and Ghosts class---Haha, I know, this can be difficult to think they'd offer a class like this at UCLA but they do. You know what, Shorter puts up a huge front in the beginning, but he's really not that bad. Yes, he has his methods of lecture that come off somewhat condescending, but his lectures force you to pay attention. He's actually just severely sarcastic, and that can come off as really funny. The readings were, different. I suppose as long as you have an open mind coming into this class, it's not so bad. I had to fight with a lot of the beliefs, because I'm sure individuals like myself, found it hard to take some of the topics very seriously because of lack of tangible proof. You really had to do the readings and attend lecture because he did pop quizzes and took attendance (sign-in sheet). Some people aren't fond of his grading or assignments because he has his way of writing the perfect paper (which is pretty much your entire grade on one paper)--but what teacher doesn't have their way of perfect writing? Just be like me, and keep on his ass about it. The more persistent you are, the more he'll respect you and help you. He's is approachable too, just go in and talk to him. Plus, after you hand in your final (the research paper), he gives you a cookie. I guess this is his peace offering to bitter or offended students, haha.

I took WAC 33: Tribal Worldviews (Winter 2010) and really liked it. The lectures are entertaining and he really engages the students to have a dialogue about the material we are discussing. He is funny, VERY sarcastic, and witty and I believe those are some attributes that make him such a positive role model and a phenomenal professor. He is stern in his requirements and only want the best from his students. I, however, didn't do too well and could have done better but there is always room for improvement and the grade I got was the one I deserved and I believe that is fair. I definitely recommend taking any of David Shorters' classes; making sure it's the right class you want to take, if you want to gain more insight about the world, be entertained, and befriend a great professor that might one day write a phenomenal recommendation letter for you. Also, keep in mind everyone's experiences are different and you have to take everything with a grain of salt so don't be frightened by others comments about Prof. Shorter. Good Luck!!!

Like someone said below, he puts on a very scary front in the beginning but as the quarter progresses, he's not that bad. He definitely has some quirks in teaching style and likes to stick to them (I doubt he'd change his ways unless there was a full-scale student riot about it) but as long as you do the assignments, the readings (he gives pop quizzes which can make or break your grade), and pay attention to the formatting guidelines, it's not that hard to do well in the class. He really just wants everyone to learn and be as engaged as possible. Sure, he's intimidating and he'd probably benefit from loosening up a bit but he's also sarcastically funny and entertaining to listen to. Pay attention to the things he says but don't psyche yourself out by stressing too much on the little things. His straight point-based grading system sucks a little but at the very least he's fair and as long as you do decent work, you should be fine.