I think this class is pretty easy as an elective up div class. no heavy readings, basically just go online and search case summaries that you will be fine. I organized the notes ahead of time and started studying 2-3 days before midterm and final. two short responses, 10 pts each, you would able to get almost full pts for the responses. midterm was 35 pts and final was 40 pts.

VERY difficult class, would not take again - waste of an elective in CS. I'd rather take a nonlegal class about actual media or one of the more interesting legal/political classes like Presidential Comm. Learned a lot but often strayed away from what was expected. Intertwining video games into free speech was interesting, though.

If you're looking for a class where you can mindlessly regurgitate memorized information for an A, this is not the class for you. Only take if you're interested in putting real thought into the material and formulating your own opinions and expanding your base of knowledge and argumentation skills. That being said... Professor Huppin is an incredible instructor. He's knowledgable, approachable, insightful, fair, and clearly cares about student learning. The best part about him is that he doesn't just teach at students- he fosters meaningful discussions and pushes students to think critically and deeply about the course material. The readings were well-selected (if a little bit dense at times- be prepared for reading lots of Supreme Court cases), but I felt that there was plenty of time in class to explain and clarify them. I also loved that Professor Huppin discussed recent developments in the topics covered- it made everything we discussed that much more relevant to life outside the classroom. The midterm and final were both pretty short and not too difficult if you go to lecture, participate in class, and familiarize yourself with the cases. The two short thought papers were a breeze and great grade boosters. I highly recommend this class as a Comm. elective- also, it counts towards Honors credit, which is a sweet bonus.

Huppin is great. Take him if you can!

Professor Huppin is great! His lectures are very thorough and clear. He really wants you to understand the material.

He is very welcoming and approachable. He invites students to go to office hours and talk about law school or anything else he can help with.

As far as the class goes, there is a paper and midterm and final. The paper is fairly easy. You just need to semi try and you will receive full credit. He purposely designs it so about half of the class gets 9/10 points.

The midterm and final come straight from lecture. Attending lecture is extremely beneficial.

Another plus, he has review sessions before the midterm and final!!

So, I am a graduating senior and this is not only the best class, but also the best professor. Yes, I did do well in the class, but even if I was getting a c in this class, I would still leave this review. I was one of those students who would email the professor a lot asking for help and he was just so patient and so helpful. I really was surprised, I had never met a professor like him. He is super caring of his students and he will give you an opportunity to boost your grade. I MEAN THIS! I don't know what else to say to express how good of a professor he is, but I will DEFINATELY take another class with him next quarter. Oh and it was a class that was only hour 15, which was very well crafted. I have tooken a class that was similar and it was 3 hours , but I preferred the one hour version more. Thank you professor !!!

Huppin is an extraordinary professor!
Really, even if you do not possess an interest in law/legal studies you will be motivated by him.
He motivates students to think for themselves and come to rational conclusions with the evidence and knowledge given. Taking his class will be an asset for you in your daily life and the way that you analyze situations.
Really, he is a gleaming professor in the dulling Communications department at UCLA.
I feel as if my experience in his class is a treasure, as he said himself, in the years to come your favorite professors may not remain. Go for a spin!

One of the best professors I have ever had! He is engaging, down to earth, and very fair. I don't have a particular interest for law but this was still one of my favorite classes! Midterm and final are also pretty easy--he really wants his students to do well.

This class had cases which he would go over in class. He was always available in office hours. There were two short papers which helped your grade. I enjoyed the class.

I really enjoyed Professor Huppin's first amendment law class. We only met once a week: on Monday nights for three hours. There were two monday holidays this quarter, and the midterm and final were administered during lecture time, so the grand total of lectures was 6. During these six lectures, he laid out the basic doctrines and fundamentals of first amendment law, and used past cases for evidence. It was a really interesting class because the cases were pertinent to society now, and taking the class helped me better understand the true limits of "free speech." This class was very easy, no textbook required (just a couple of court cases from online to read every week), no homework, only the midterm (45%) and the final (55%) were counted. He also posts all of his lecture slides, and hosts a midterm and final review session, making studying much easier! Overall, if you are interested in first amendment law, and not looking to be overwhelmed, I highly recommend this class!