pros:
* prof Illes is extremely helpful and nice.
* class material is very intriguing, and prof lectures in a very engaging way
* wildlife from the wildlife learning center was invited over during the last lecture (WE GOT TO SEE A BABY SLOTH)
cons:
* participation is not mandatory, but prof does not upload slides or anything. If you do not attend the class, you are on your own to obtain class notes.
* prof does not allow late work, no matter the circumstances.

Grading:
Weekly papers: 10% (one-page analytical analysis of readings. Remember to follow the instructions on formatting)
Introduced species paper: 30% + 5% (6 pages SINGLE SPACED) (This is not that hard, but do start early. She does not grade this harshly. You still need to put a lot of time and effort into this though)
Midterm: 25%
Final: 30%
Exams are hard (the median was 74/100 for the final and 82.9 for the midterm). Prof tends to ask questions on the fine details. Remember to review thoroughly and spend more time on the essay questions. Writing more for the essay questions will only do you good (and always read the prompt multiple times and answer every single thing she asks for)

Overall, not an easy A class, but you do get to learn a lot (AND WE GOT TO SEE A BABY SLOTH CLOSE-UP OMG)

Professor Illes is one of my favorite professors in the Geography department! She is passionate about teaching and the material, and I love her sense of humor, which is sometimes dark. Not a class for those who are sensitive, because she has strong opinions about certain topics (although she is happy to discuss opposing opinions). Attendance is not mandatory but recommended. She does not post lectures online. If you go to class and take notes of everything on the slides and the videos she shows, you will do fine. You have weekly assignments which is a one-page single spaced response paper, and they are basically easy points for the class. There is one paper about 6 pages single spaced long about an invasive species in California that you choose. It is very easy to do because you follow a certain format, and not that time consuming like you might think. Just show up to class and be engaged with the lecture and you will be a-okay. Professor Illes is funny and the class is not boring at all. The tests are a mixture of multiple choice, short answer, and a couple essays (no minimum length for those). They can be hard, so study up on the notes and make sure you know every detail mentioned on the slides and what she's said in lecture.

Dr. Illes has hands down been my favorite professor at UCLA. I am so excited to take another class with her next quarter. This class was 3 hours long, but she made the time pass quickly. She is a great speaker with a good sense of humor - always a plus. I learned so much in this class about invasive plant and animal species and found the topic quite interesting. She has very strict rules and a very clear set of expectations; however, as long as you follow them, you'll have no trouble in her class. I received an A in her class, but it is vital that you show up to every single class so you don't miss any information.