I hate to rain on anyone's parade, but I disagree with all the previous posts. Geography 5 has been the most painful course I have as yet taken at UCLA, and although Longcore seems like an affable Joe, I disagree entirely with his teaching style. The quarter project was absolutely ridiculous... I admit that it seemed at first like an exciting possibility, it just turned out to be far too much work for a GE course. If he really wanted us to do is research for him, he should have at least been open about it... the project had great potential, but in the end it was only a disappointment.
Longcore demands two things of his students: a mind that is open to new ideas, but at the same time critical and discerning. Unfortunately he desires a mind open only to his communistic propaganda and critical only of those political ideologies opposed to his blantantly obvious bias. Perhaps instead of critiquing Lomborg's Skeptical Environmentalist we should have critiqued our very own textbook, which I am sure manipulated sources aplenty in order to prove it's limited and somewhat depressing thesis.
I regret the time and units I have wasted upon Geography 5 and do not recommend it to anyone.

I agree with the previous statements mentioned. Longcore is extremely compassionate about what he is teaching, but sometimes it's hard to make the water cycle interesting. The tests are pretty easy, it's based on the lecture. The book is pointless. I would recommend this class if you don't want to do a science lab. The labs for this class is just discussion.

take this class for GE. it's good. it's cool too if you're interested in environmental issues. tests are pretty easy. longcore is pretty tall and pretty cool. the quarter project is annoying sometimes, but cool 2 i guess. well, jus' take it. you won't be sad. u might even learn something.

Okay, some people say Professor Longcore is "highly recommmed." I wouldn't personally say so, nor would I say so of the course itself, but I just think he's a bit inexperienced. He's definitely passionate about the environment and he brings politics, economics, and other cool perspectives to geography, but I don't think he's all that great. His powerpoint presentations were not all that "fun" to look at, but they do make studying for tests easier. The exams were rather straight forward and that is a good thing. The course isn't particularly difficult, but make sure you put in the work. I know people who aren't doing so well in the class. Oh yeah, word of caution: If you don't like doing "science projects" or research you might want this course. The course is overall a good GE. It's just that there probably are better ones out there.

Longcore tries very hard to get students to care about the environment and conservation, etc. His lectures were slightly boring, but sometimes included interesting sidenotes. he cares a lot about what he is teaching and the class is pretty easy.

Longcore is extremely interested in and is passionate about the environment, and he extends his knowledge of the Earth to his students. He is an extremely fun guy, and he knows how to make lectures fun. If you talk to him outside of class, he's pretty interesting, and will never forget your name or who you are. His lectures were always pretty interesting...I can't say that it was that important to attend every one...most of the material you can learn on your own by doing the readings and studying the lecture notes online. But he is fun to listen to. I really enjoyed Geography 5, and definately recommend it to anyone who is not too passionate about science, and needs to fill a physcial science lab GE requirement. It is not a difficult class, and tests and midterms are pretty strait forward and don't require intense studying. Whether or not you're serious about studying, Longcore will definately get your mind on the environmnet in a fun and positive way. Longcore is a great proffesor...so if you have the chance, take his class.