Great, easy class. Essay-based and you have to try on them, but the grading didn't seem to be too brutal as long as you made a solid, well-structured argument and followed instructions. I'd recommend going to your TA's office hours for help.

There are online quizzes where you have several days to finish (open book) and they are not very difficult. Attending lectures helps since sometimes a quiz question is based on something she says (typically a list of ideas she repeats twice or whatever).

Professor Brand is really kind; probably the nicest professor I've met, so I'd ask her for help if you needed it. The honors seminar was great as well.

Amazing professor and very approachable and understanding. She did recorded lectures with slides and explained things clearly while also hosting office hours after class for those who were able to watch lecture immediately. She broke things down clearly and asked always checked in with her students on how they are doing. Loved this class and the professor. Both midterm and final asked the same question for the prompt but had different page length recommendations (its do able). She also offered extra credit.

Midterm 30%
Final 30%
3 quizzes 30% that is straight forward
Discussion 10%

I would definitely take another class with Dr. Brand. She is extremely knowledgeable about this topic and is at the top of her field. She is a good lecturer, she just goes a little fast. However, she has polls in class where you can ask questions and she is always willing to go over something again. She is such a kind professor and it is clear she is rooting for her students to succeed.

Class consisted of:
3 quizzes (10% each)
Midterm Essay (25%)
Final Essay (35%)
Attendance in discussion (10%)
Extra Credit post (1%)

The quizzes were based solely on lecture, and pay attention when she is listing things. She will often point out that something is important to write down (wink wink it's on the quiz). The quizzes were five questions, mostly multiple choice and weren't too bad as long as you put some thought into your answers. The midterm essay was a five page paper that used the readings and lecture material. The final essay was an extension of that paper to seven pages. The TA's prepped us well to write it and helped answer any questions. The extra credit post was an easy point that just asks how you got to UCLA since the class covers a lot about education.

The topic of the class was also fascinating and you learn so much about our society through the lens of education. If you have ever wondered whether college is worth it, this is the class for you. While this class may not be considered an easy A it is so worth it.

the quarter started rocky due to prof brand's living conditions during the fire, but she was still determined to make lectures work despite everything! I truly admire her dedication to teaching and she is extremely kind and helpful. throughout every lecture, she will post an online board where you can ask questions and give insights on the topics. I did feel that there was a lot of content to be covered, but the workload was manageable as there weren't a lot of assignments besides readings, quizzes, and midterm/final. speaking of reading, be expected to read A LOT (5+ readings per week) as participation in your discussion is mandatory and relies on a thorough understanding of the weekly readings. my TA was quite difficult compared to the others and expected us to engage not only actively but also analytically, but I felt that she pushed me to become a stronger writer and orator. tbh I was always scared going into discussion but the overall lectures were chill.