Great professer, knows a LOT about the subject, very helpful, and his lectures are great. You have to go to class though, because there is no textbook.

great professor! very helpful, and knows what he's talking about. lso animated which makes the class even more exciting.

extremely intelligent. amazing teacher. i learned so much in this class. best design one teacher

has a lot of enthusiasm when he teaches and makes design seems like more than just design. be ready for pop quizzes

I've had Housefield for Des 1 and 144. He is very enthusiastic and dynamic, very passionate about design. However, he tends to jump around a lot on topics and it is a challenge to take notes in his class. But overall he seems pretty fair with his assignments, and grades. He is very approachable, so go talk to him with any problems or questions!

Dr. Housefield is by far THE best professor I have ever come across in my experience as a student. Many students misunderstand him, or think theyre too cool for his intellect, or want someone more traditional. But Dr. Housefield is unbelievably inspiring, intelligent, brave, entertaining, and life-changing. Like robin williams in dead poets society

continued from below: Dr Housefield changed my life as a student, and designer. How else can you describe what Dada is without standing on the table and screaming Dadadadada?? He gets it. He really does. He knows so much, and he wants you to know it to. And I have learned more here than anywhere else. he is brilliant. Thank you Dr Housefield.

Dr. Housefield is a master of his craft. He knows what he is talking about and makes class fun for students. While lectures may be long and tedious, it is essential to pay attention in class. If you learn to love design as much as he does, you will undoubtedly succeed in his classes and in life.

When I first entered the class, I didn't quite like it. The quizzes and lessons were very confusing and I manage to pull a D. However, in the end, I manage to get an A. How? Go to his office hours - he's very helpful and approachable! Also, if you're not doing too well on the quizzes, don't worry - your mistakes will help you succeed in your exam!

Most amazing and inspirational teacher I have had in many years. He is very passionate about his work and the well being of his students. Lectures are interesting, beneficial, and the main focus of his exams. One of my favorite professors at UCD.

Amazing professor. Definitely knows his stuff. Design is a broad topic that's hard to cover in an introductory class, but I found his class interesting as well as useful as I continue to take design classes. He's a performer, but I thought it really contributed overall. You have to pay attention in lectures and take notes on everything

He's a hilarious professor and really helped me rethink and really get to know the concept of DESIGN~ I have to admit though, that class is pretty hard despite those wanting to take it just for the GE. If you're serious about design, you'll love Housefield.

Professor Housefield is extremely passionate about design! He is very animated and works hard to keep students engaged. There were lots of assignments and attendance is mandatory. This class was very demanding so only take it if you're serious about design. Course materials included 3 books plus drawing pads.

Great professor. I showed him my portfolio before class & he loved it. He was very encouraging & inspiring throughout the quarter. He learns almost all of the 200 student's names. He's so energetic, you'll dance with him, do jumping jacks, & hug him by the end. The class taught me a lot & inspired me to continue my design career. Loved it. And him.

HF is very passionate about the material. At first you think he is throwing random information at you, but in the end it all makes sense. Capturing design in an introductory course is difficult and I think HF did a great job. Lectures are important, if you go you'll do fine on exams. Expensive books worth keeping for future design reference.

Housefield is extremely passionate about Design. He is a strong lecturer and, though the subjects were scattered, that's probably just the nature of the intro material. Very warm, cares about students, reasonable (easy) tests.

I have had housefield for both design 1 and design 40B. He is an amazing teacher and an excellent lecturer. He will get you excited to be a design major!

Housefield's enthusiasm and energy will make you love Design if you don't already. He genuinely cares about his students and is very approachable. Tests were reasonably easy - just attend lectures, go to office hours if you are struggling and you will be fine.

Professor H is really passionate about design and about helping students succeed. His lectures were scattered and random though. The material is fluffy. Both the midterm and final were super easy if you pay attention and do the homework. There's a final project that was annoying to do but a huge grade booster.

Prof. Housefield is an incredible instructor. He is extremely passionate about the material and encouraging. Throughout the course he tries to integrate art and design and emphasizes interdisciplinary learning. He is always available for help and wants everyone to succeed. He is by far one of the greatest professors at Davis

He was a good professor and tried to make the class as interesting as possible. The tests and projects were very clear. My TA sucked so I hated discussion but the class was overall good. He told you exactly what would be on the quiz and it helped prepare you for the midterm and final. Very helpful and flexible when discussing what would be on exams

very cool guy. class has no order at all but i still learned a lot. cool material. if you show up to class i guarantee you will get an A and don't have to study for the tests.

Loved hearing this prof speak.

Absolutely loved this teacher! I thought his class was very interesting and I feel that I learned a lot. I loved his enthusiasm and energy! I am definitely taking more classes from him! :)

Prof. Housefield does make you work for your grade, but in a good way. He will dance on tables, play great music videos every class. Be clear on what assignment is due next and is terribly easy to take to.

He's very enthusiastic about this subject. Class lecture is shorten because in class sketches and him updating news about Davis, which is nice because the class 1 12 hour long. It's a pass or no pass for "HOMEWORK" and "SKETCHES" so don't worry if you can't draw. Exams aren't that hard, just memorization. Overall, the class isn't bad! I enjoyed it

omg ty housefield for boosting my grade!!! I'm going to be unbiased unlike most of these... He's the only one teaching the course; his lectures are organized, it's just a matter of figuring out how to study. His TAs help create study guides. Show up to class and discussion or else you will fail. He's entertaining. TRY TO DO THE READING!!!

Housefield is super nice and friendly. He gives great, interesting, streamline lectures. He is also great to speak with outside of class about career interests, Davis, travel... His class is fairly easy and gives a good sweep over some design basics.

I love this class. I had him as a professor for DES 1 AND DES40C and the way he teaches in both classes are very similar so It wasn't so bad. His exams are easy if you listen to lectures. He doesnt give you any trick questions. His assignment aren't so bad either, again if you listen to his lectures, you will get good grades in his class.

He's there for you if you need help. You will have a group project as part of the course, but it's really fun and not so hard to do.

I had previously taken Dr. Housefield for Design and hated it. However, I took his seminar on Marcel Duchamp and it's one of the best decisions I've ever made. He is an EXPERT on Duchamp and you perceive the passion in his words when he talks about the subject. Even if you don't take his seminar, ask him about Duchamp. You won't regret it ;)

Must attend lectures to pass because sketches are worth points. Make sure you get a good group because the group project is 25% of your grade. The fact that most homework is turned in via your discussion sections can be good or bad. I missed one homework assignment and was .4% from an A-. Don't miss assignments.

Don't expect to learn too much about design, only tidbits of information. You don't have to do assigned reading. His group project is a big part of your grade, but it's fine if you put in effort. His lectures are unorganized, but tests are based off lecture. He requires rote memorization for quizzes. He fun and engaging. Honestly, he's a great guy!

I personally loved the class, material wise. His lectures can be long and boring but he is a very nice guy and always willing to help at office hours. Hw is pass or no pass which mean you don't really have to read the books as long as you turn in the assign. The final group project is 20% and can be stressful depending on the people in your group.

The lectures are great! Housefield's a really strong presenter and knows how to keep you engaged. You're warned well in advance of any tests, and they're pretty easy with even the minimum amount of studying. The one drawback is that most of the class is centered around one group project. Choose your partners wisely.

Awesome instructor. Go to the group office hours, it is great getting to know your instructor and classmates better. Office hours continues discussion and topics from class. Professor Housefield is the best!

He is a really fun and passionate professor. I feel like if you are interested in design, this is a class to explore and enjoy yourself. He was extremely inspirational and introduced me to so many new ideas. After class I would always have something to question or think about.

People have negative things to say, but he is a very positive guy with passion to live! Tests and hw are fair, and challenge you to think in ways we sometimes forget to. 40C can get little all over the place where I'm not really sure what we're really trying to take away. I do enjoy his classes and would recommend, if you are a positive person!

Really enjoyed 40C. DES 001 was very unorganized but this class was much more put together. Super passionate and enthusiastic, and also a very interesting class. Tests and quizzes are easy as long as you do the study guides. Didn't really like him in DES 1, but had a completely different experience in 40C. Would recommend him!

Took Housefield for an honors class. He is a great professor and very nice. Always open to hearing how you feel. Would recommend him if you are an art related major or even someone who is looking for an interesting class .

Housefield is knowledgeable and approachable. He is clearly passionate about his subject and interested in making sure his students enjoy it as well. I liked his class and felt that most of the assigned readings were worth my time. His grading seemed fair, if not lenient, although I was not always sure how/when I was being graded.

Takeing his class for honor, and I like how he provides good suggestions and office hour to help students. Hes nice and passionate for his topic. Workload for this class is not hard to handle as long as you do work and finish, then you will have a good grade. Will take his other class again. I recommend to take it!!!

Enjoyed this class way more than DES 1. He structured this class as an actively collaborative environment. Although still filled with tangents & disorganization, this class had intriguing, engaging topics and class discussions. Midterm + final is super easy; just take notes from lectures. Group project is chill. You don't need the books at all tbh.

I really like Housefield. He definitely cares and is passionate on the subject. The lectures are very dynamic and interactive. Overall, the class isn't too hard and the majority of the work is 1 group project, 1 hw assignment per week, a midterm and a final. As a des major, I would take him again. The best prof I had this 1/4.

Housefield is an interesting professor, but to pass his class you NEED to show up to his morning lectures. A lot of the content is memorizing names and familiarizing yourself with the subject matter. There's quite a bit of work, which can be overwhelming. This course was required for my major, but only take it if you're willing to put in the time!

Housefield was hands down one of my favorite professors this quarter. The intro to design lectures were focused more broadly on what design is, how to define yourself as a designer, and influential designers. Its an easy A if you attend lectures and put the effort. Your grade is mostly dependent on the final group project.

HF is really passionate about design. Attendance is mandatory although he posts everything online. Lectures can be fun. Midterms are mostly MC and memorization and assignments are relatively easy to do. Final project is a simple prototype and process book. I only really used 2/3 books he requires. Showing up and trying can easily get you an A.

Housefield is one of the most enthusiastic professors you will meet on campus. He is incredibly passionate, but sometimes to a fault. He hates cell phones / laptops and has TAs patrol the lectures, but if you can ignore your phone for an hour and a half, his DES 40C lectures are enlightening and his tests are extremely easy if you pay attention.

Didn't attend many of the lectures, so IDK much about the professors. 1 assignment and a few quizzes. Quizzes are lecture-based. Provides study guides. Discussion attendance do matter. Just follow the assignment rubric and you will get an A. Professors seem to like to get to know students personally, but unfortunately, I didn't use that chance.

He is the best professor i have ever had at UC Davis. Super passionate about design! Though, it is a huge class with 400 people, he reaches out to students who shows interest! The class is also super easy and informational. Definitely a great class to take!

The class was very unstructured but overall is a very easy class to get an A. It was graded based on a writing assignment, a final presentation project, discussion participation, and a freebie quiz. The structure might change in the coming years. Still an interesting course to take if you actually show up to lectures and pay attention.

I LOVE Prof Housefield!! Des40c is my fav class I've ever taken. Housefield is truly a gem. He lectures with so much passion and he really cares ab his students. He is so friendly and such a warm person. Anyone who takes one of his classes is so lucky! I literally changed my major after being in his class. Very flexible and accommodating w covid :)

dr h is amazing! i learned so much in des40c. we had weekly readings and a handful of inspiring guest lectures. dr h has a great sense of humor and he treats his students with so much respect like we're his equals. i wish i went to his office hours more. great person great prof.

Housefield is SO inspiring and WILL connect you with pros in your field if you talk to him. Great guest speakers, minimal hw (weekly reading & easy questions for discussion), easiest quizzes ever, genuinely cares and will meet with you for advice in the design world. Final slideshow presentation that's easy and interesting

Lectures felt kind of pointless but he takes attendance for points. While the info isn't needed for homework he does give good info about things around school and in the comminity. Going to his office hours helps and he is very friendly.

Your TA matters in this class. If you understand the grading criteria, the project is very straight forward. The lectures prepare you for overall design thinking concepts and introduce you to the field not necessarily prepare you for the term project. The class is about exploration and setting you up for long-term growth rather than simply a grade.

I want this to combat the ratings of Dr. H that call him "performative." I met with him several times due to an issue I was having and I felt so respected, safe, and important, which I appreciate greatly as a queer woman. He followed up with me several times and helped me so much with my work. Take the time to get to know him! You won't regret it.

Lecture attendance is mandatory and graded. That being said, the main reason to attend is because you are guaranteed a 100% on all his quizzes if you take good notes during lecture. The content was interesting as well. The class is reading heavy, though you can skim and still do well. It is not hard to do well with some effort.

At the start of the quarter, he will try to intimidate the people on the waitlist by telling them they're not getting in. As long as you get through this part, the rest should be do able.

Housefield is one of the best Design teachers I ever came across and that's not an exaggeration. It's clear if you come up to him and talk he's very passionate about what he does and he wants to see his students grow and change in Design. He's also very accommodating and understanding as long as you keep in touch. Go to BYOM!

Professor Housefield is passionate about design, but the class can be disorganized. Use Unstuck study and work with classmates to navigate the project-heavy curriculum. The TA is hit or miss, so stay engaged to succeed.

great teacher and has fascinating information however if you're solely looking to get through the class it's not going to be super fun. I enjoyed it because it was my most enjoyable class out of my 4. lots of projects, it's really helpful to have a good group and know some adobe/ google slides experience to make getting through the project easier.

James Housefield's Design 1 made me fall in love with design. I went on to take a few others with him. The skills laid out in Des 1:design etymology, thumbnails, vocabulary, basics for focusing your design skills made me one of the most competitive and successful students in my graduate program where I was a dual masters student.

Housefield was my first prof. at Davis. He is welcoming & cares a lot about his students. Each lecture felt personal as he shared life experiences to convey how principles he was teaching in the course related to real life. Course is interactive and easy to get an A if you participate! I chose other classes he taught based on his impact in DES 001

It was super easy, main project was making a slide deck analyzing an experience, like a museum or concert. Only problem I had was he kept insisting that we were gonna have tests & quizzes and we should be taking notes in class (on paper bc electronics not allowed) but then he never actually had them. So like it was stressful for nothing lol.

the reviews here are kind of harsh for how nice of a professor housefield is. His lectures are super engaging and he is extremely helpful. Even outside of class you can set up appointments if you can't make it to byom. He gives great advice and yes he can go on tangents sometimes but he truly cares about his students.

Housefield is a caring and nice professor. However, course was all over the place. Attendance was taken by doing reflections at the end of each lecture. Took a lot notes and said there would be quizzes but never actually did them. Only big project was to do a slide deck of an experience, overall easy course (not sure if itll be different next time)

compared to DES001, i think Housefield's expertise showed a lot better in this course. he is very caring and a funny guy. lectures could feel pretty long sometimes, but overall pretty engaging content. graded leniently, mostly discussion/participation based, with two exams and a few memorization quizzes. our TA naomi was also awesome!!

Participated in DES 001 to explore possible pathway into design; He's definitly got some charming personality--Do attend Bring Your Own Mug events! Attendence is mandatory, and the lecture don't often link to the actual group project--which was graded by TAs, meaning if you got a great one you'll have a amazing quarter.

Prof. Housefield is very passionate and cares about the subject and his students. Lectures were interesting, but could feel a bit long. Only one easy homework assignment. Grading is very easy on in-class writing on the exams. Study material for exams/quizzes were good. Make flashcards for quizzes and they're easy. Our TA Naomi was great!

He's very nice and enthusiastic. I only went to BYOM a couple times but it's a great way to connect with other design students. DES001 is basically one long group project that you have to iterate on, but it was graded pretty generously at the end. Attendance is mandatory but you don't need to pay that much attention to the lectures.

Super chill course set up, great supplemental readings, took a trip to the legion of honor mid quarter. Genuinely such a chill professor, very understanding TA, super clear grading.