The class itself was really easy. There was only one assignment that we had to complete the entire quarter. It was a 20 page research paper. You do not need to attend his lectures to do well on the paper. If anything, go to office hours to clear up confusion.

Other than the light workload, I really did not like the class. He said that we are allowed to freely express our political views in class, but you’re really only allowed to say things that go in line with what he views as correct (left-wing extremism). The other students in the class (who were even farther left) acted as thought police to shut people down who have differing opinions (thoughtcrime). I had to stop going to his lectures because they were basically a 3 hour version of 1984’s “Two Minutes Hate” towards the Republican Party.

The only reason why I would take this class again is because it is 5 units of easy A.

Von Blum is the type of professor I expected to find at a high level uni like UCLA! Taking his class I learned so much, this was the first class I had with him and afterwards took two more. Unlike many other professors, he reveals his bias right up front, on the first day of class, and encourages students to agree/disagree with opinions he suggests. He loves to asks the class questions, sometimes he raises his voice, but it is often in a rage of passion and can be quite funny at times. This class especially was engaging, no one fell asleep, not that I saw anyways. The slides were great, just pictures of art/artists and Von Blum giving the context and asking the class what they think of a certain piece or issue. There was one essay, if he assigns it to be long (honors was 20 pages), dont fret. You get to choose your topic, he is not a tough grader, does not nit pick, and encourages you too add your own opinions. He does not ask for much, so just do his base requirements and don't be afraid to speak up during class, it makes things more interesting when students give there insight!

Professor Von Blum is the best person I've met at UCLA and it was an honor to take a class with him. He has an extensive history in social justice work and is not afraid to tell you what he thinks and stand up people who are often left out of the conversation.

This class is especially great because you get to learn about social change through art - something the Communications Department doesn't offer very frequently. You don't need to memorize anything you learn about, but I promise it will stick with you because it is so important and he presents it in an incredibly engaging way.

Your grade is based on either curating an art exhibition or writing an extensive research paper on whatever area interests you. Either are great opportunities to take everything he teaches you and apply it in a way that will cultivate important skills for the future.