This class is an awesome GE. The time commitment isn't bad if you manage correctly - 2 hour lecture, 2 hour discussion, 3 hour/ week community service - totalling about 7 hours per week. The content is very interesting, and it is easy to engage in both lecture and discussion given the topics are always very relevant. I found the community service therapeutic and to be a nice break from academics. You will find that your experience with community service becomes an easy source for discussion papers, I actually learned a lot in my service experience. There is a list of organizations that you get to put your top choices for before you are placed with them.

For discussion, there is a good bit of writing assignments, but they are very easy to navigate topics relevant to what we learn in lecture. Marquez is also an amazing and clearly experienced instructor who is passionate in what he teaches. I have definitely learned useful talking points in this class that I'll think about during my time in LA.

Loved this seminar and professor. There was a ton of reading each week- oftentimes dense- but we always discussed the readings in detail in the following class. No exams, a few papers, a group presentation and service learning. The service learning consisted of teaming up in a group and partnering with an outside organization to work on a project, such as forming an art exhibit or creating an event for the LGBTQ community. Lots of self reflection, so be prepared to share and listen to others. This class was intimidating at first because of it’s small size and sitting in a circle, but Dr. Marquez was very passionate about the subjects and made it feel more comfortable. I got a lot of this class and would recommend it.

I loved this class and the professor was awesome, easy A class where you learn a lot of meaningful material on the obstacles that people of color and other underrepresented communities (women, lgbtq) have had to go through. No midterm, no final, just a few papers to write but he gives creative freedom with these which make them easier and funner to do. He is the sweetest and I recommend taking him if you are on the fence.