HIST 9D
Introduction to Asian Civilizations: History of the Near and Middle East
Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, two hours. Introduction to history of Muslim world from advent of Islam to present day. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
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Most Helpful Review
While Prof Alsatian was definitely knowledgable about the course, it was so disorganized that it was overall a hugely negative experience. The midterm and final were both papers derived entirely from the texts, and the map quiz was incredibly easy. I got an A- with minimal effort. The TAs absolutely make your grade though, so pick wisely and attend discussion sections, because they will offer really helpful advice for the direction the papers should take.
While Prof Alsatian was definitely knowledgable about the course, it was so disorganized that it was overall a hugely negative experience. The midterm and final were both papers derived entirely from the texts, and the map quiz was incredibly easy. I got an A- with minimal effort. The TAs absolutely make your grade though, so pick wisely and attend discussion sections, because they will offer really helpful advice for the direction the papers should take.
Most Helpful Review
Fall 2019 - Gelvin's lectures are definitely interesting, although I found myself not retaining a lot of the information because the lectures were kind of all over the place. Really nice guy and helpful during office hours. One of the only classes I've taken where the discussion sections have seemed really helpful/engaging. TA Lily Hindy was great and I still keep in contact with her. Grade is made up of 10 weekly reflection papers on the readings, 2 papers, and a final (either take home or in class based on a vote). We voted to have it be take home, and the assignment was two 5-6 page papers. Class is very writing intensive, but I definitely felt myself getting better at the assignments at the end of the quarter. This class was definitely interesting and I walked away a better writer and with knowledge of the middle east, but I would avoid if you are looking for an easy GE. Take it if you are interested in the topic and willing to put in the work.
Fall 2019 - Gelvin's lectures are definitely interesting, although I found myself not retaining a lot of the information because the lectures were kind of all over the place. Really nice guy and helpful during office hours. One of the only classes I've taken where the discussion sections have seemed really helpful/engaging. TA Lily Hindy was great and I still keep in contact with her. Grade is made up of 10 weekly reflection papers on the readings, 2 papers, and a final (either take home or in class based on a vote). We voted to have it be take home, and the assignment was two 5-6 page papers. Class is very writing intensive, but I definitely felt myself getting better at the assignments at the end of the quarter. This class was definitely interesting and I walked away a better writer and with knowledge of the middle east, but I would avoid if you are looking for an easy GE. Take it if you are interested in the topic and willing to put in the work.
AD
Most Helpful Review
Everyone has pretty much said everything that needs to be said about Morony and history 9D. Yes, he is by far the worst lecturer to the point where it is insulting that students are expected to go to his lectures. That said, don't go to the lectures. It is honestly a waste of time. The TA's are pretty good. I had Reem Bailony and she was very sweet. It's more than sufficient if you skim the assigned reading. All in all, I didn't learn much from the class but it was by far a very easy A.
Everyone has pretty much said everything that needs to be said about Morony and history 9D. Yes, he is by far the worst lecturer to the point where it is insulting that students are expected to go to his lectures. That said, don't go to the lectures. It is honestly a waste of time. The TA's are pretty good. I had Reem Bailony and she was very sweet. It's more than sufficient if you skim the assigned reading. All in all, I didn't learn much from the class but it was by far a very easy A.
Most Helpful Review
I took this lower div with him and I found his class to be pretty easy. I'm taking Hist 105B with him now and it seems like it'll be just as easy. The midterms in both classes are 20-25 fill in the blank statements. If you copy what he writes on the board, you'll know what to study for the midterm and finals. The final is 2 short answer essays. Both exams aren't cumulative. I went to lecture frequently, and when I didn't, I made sure to get notes from someone just so I know what I missed. I don't know how people passed when they never went to lecture...they must've paid attention to the reading! You don't really have to understand the reading, you can just skim (even if you have to write a half page summary- with the book in hand, it's not hard). He's a cool teacher.
I took this lower div with him and I found his class to be pretty easy. I'm taking Hist 105B with him now and it seems like it'll be just as easy. The midterms in both classes are 20-25 fill in the blank statements. If you copy what he writes on the board, you'll know what to study for the midterm and finals. The final is 2 short answer essays. Both exams aren't cumulative. I went to lecture frequently, and when I didn't, I made sure to get notes from someone just so I know what I missed. I don't know how people passed when they never went to lecture...they must've paid attention to the reading! You don't really have to understand the reading, you can just skim (even if you have to write a half page summary- with the book in hand, it's not hard). He's a cool teacher.
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