Eric Smith
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I graduated from UC Berkeley and taught at Brandeis and Columbia before coming to UCSB in 1986. I'm married and have two daughters in college, who have done a lot to remind me what it is like being an undergraduate.
Research Interests
When I came out of graduate school, I studied public opinion, elections, and Congress. Over time, I began focusing more on environmental politics--especially climate change and what happens when the world oil supply begins to run out, so-called "peak oil." These changes will have profound impacts on every student at UCSB. They will happen in our lifetimes. Learning how to address them is critically important, and so far, our nation hasn't done much to prepare itself.
Teaching Style
My Congress class is based on a simulation. Students take on the roles of legislators, lobbyists, journalists, the president and his or her advisors. It's a way of trying to bring the real world into the classroom. A lot of my students go on to intern in Washington or Sacramento, and many end up working in those places. The simulation is a game, but it's also a great teaching device.
I don't use simulations in my other classes, but I try to relate them as closely as possible to the real world. I bring in guest speakers and talk about current issues.
Idea of a Good Time
Backpacking and soccer. I especially recommend backpacking in the Sierra or Glacier National Park. When you're my age, you can tell your children that you actually saw a glacier--before global warming melted them all away.
I also love hiking in the Los Padres National Forest, which is right beside us. There are wonderful trails up into the hills with creeks, waterfalls, and wonderful views. Everyone should try it.
Most Important Thing to Learn at College
Learn about how to become involved in your community--through campus, civic, or political groups. College should be more than just a narrow preparation for a job after you graduate. You can help other people and make your life richer at the same time.
Advice for New Students at UCSB
Don't just follow the requirements and do the minimum to graduate. There are incredible opportunities at UCSB. Join clubs, get an internship, volunteer in the community. The UCSB Washington Center (UCDC) offers amazing internships in Washington, D.C. You can work in Congress, for an interest group, for a government agency, or for an astonishing array of groups in government, public policy, the arts, and the sciences. It's an opportunity of a lifetime for students who are willing to step out of campus life and experience the real world.
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