Be prepared to take A LOT of notes! He's a really nice guy and very willing to help!

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He is an awesome professor. He will help you anytime you need it. Use his office hours if you have any questions. Exams are fair and he gives interesting lectures so taking notes is not all that bad.

Lotta notes but very clear!

Occasionally gives random quizzes about recent news stories, as well as the book. Make sure you keep up with your reading.

The long hair is where it's at!!! Prof. Retish is the man, very quality notes and very clear and concise. Exams are tough but I'd retake the class if need-be in a heartbeat.

He makes his classes interesting. I'd take this class again even though i hate history. If u study for the exams u won't have any problems passing them because he sticks right to the studyguide. U do need to take a lot of notes though in oreder to study for exams.

Great teacher, lots of notes, but very clear and interesting. Exams are lots of writing, but he sticks to the study guide. Very into history!!

I loved this class! There are a ton of notes and you cannot get away with not studying for exams but the material is really interesting and accessible. He is a clear lecturer and is passionate about the subject matter...I reccommend the class.

what a professor should be in my opinion.

Excellent professor; clear, interesting lectures; gets students involved in the subject matter; is objective yet insightful when discussing many ideologically charged concepts. If you're taking HIS 1400, take it with Retish, and don't bother buying the book.

best prof. i have ever had. history majors you must take retish. he will help you with any questions you may have. lot of reading in upper level classes, but his1400 students, dont bother buying the books, he doenst use them. this is who all profs should be like. makes learning any topic enjoyable!!

He is a great teacher. I have never learned so much in a history class. He probably is not the easiest history teacher, but as long as you go to lecture and take notes you will probably earn an "A". Keep in mind that you only have two exams in his class and they require lots of writing.

Very good teacher. Loves history and knows so much. I learned so much from that class. You take a ton of notes. Reading packets every week with a quiz. 2 exams that he gives you everyhitng thats on them so just use the review and you will be fine. Great class to take.

Funny guy, looks like he's right out of the '70s, and has the LONGEST hair at Wayne State. Good teacher, motivated, and passionate, but the readings are time consuming, while this class is just a mere general ed. requirement. Overall, good teacher, will help anyone!

A rising star in acadamia. For a hippy, he is an excellent teacher. He challenges his students to engage in discussion and uses a wide variety of tools to keep his class very interesting. The whole hair thing tops it off. Perhaps the only thing he might improve is cutting off those who babble about unrelated materials and digressions in discussion.

By far the best "new school" history prof at Wayne. Discussion is engaging and worthwile. Readings are plentiful but so is explaination. In addition to his 'i have shag carpet' look, he once said he drove a geo - a groovy guy all around.

Prof. Retish is the BEST professor at WSU!!!!

Great teacher! Very liberal standpoints, opens students eyes to the vast corruption in the world. Interesting lectures, clear PowerPoint presentations. Tests are somewhat difficult and require lots of studying. Highly recommended!

I am, quite possibly, Aaron Retish's number one fan. He is an absolutely fabulous man and an excellent teacher. He throws in jokes constantly and he's very witty so they are hard to catch sometimes. I'm actually taking his Russian History class next semester just because he got me hooked on History. Good guy.

i wasnt insterested in history at all and he made it a decently interesting subject. Although he gives a lot of work, you learn a lot and he isn't hard to understand. It'll be a little time consuming but it's not impossible to get an A and he's fun to listen to.

I recommend Retish to anyone who needs or wants to take a History class. He is interesting and funny. I actually got upset when I found that I'd be out of town for one of his lectures because I enjoy his class so much. I'm taking another one of his classes next semester as well.

I am in love with this man. He is so passionate about the subject matter that he just makes you interested too. He comes off as intimidating at first but is really a nice guy. Don't buy the book, you never use it. Readings are somewhat interesting but require time. Be prepared to take a lot of notes. Lectures are very stimulating with visual aids.

Well constructed lectures.

His lectures are clear and well presented. His study guide gives you everything you need to know. The course requires extensive writing (2 papers & essay exams). Your TA will make or break you here since they grade everything. You have to attend each lecture. You have to do all his document readings. Don't buy the text book. Very liberal.

Prof. Retish gave clear and understandable presentations. He goes a little too fast. Had to remembe a lot of dates. IF you needed help you had to go to the TA's. Somewhat helpful. Recieved a "B+" in his class even though I worked real hard. In general, the TA's did all the grading on papers, mid terms and finals. Fun class, learned a lot! :)

fun class and fun teacher. goes a little too fast with a lot of notes, but easy overall because tells you every single thing you need to know for the exams which are easy. really clear and tries to make class fun.

Retish is the hottest teacher on Wayne State's Campus...Holy Hotness!

I have never before seen a more beautiful human being in my life.

I loved this class. Prof. Retish is very intelligent and makes very clear presentations. You can't miss a lecture because there is so much material to cover. If you are a fast writer, you will get an A. I recommend this class to anyone.

Greatest history professor of all time. Retish is a super nice person, easy to approach, very helpful, and incredibly cute! Also, he is a very very caring person. I loved Soviet history...he made it so interesting and fairly easy to follow.

YOu better be a fast writer! If you attend the class and study profusely for the exams you will do ok. He expects out of you so make sure to take good notes. Very interesting class!

He does lecture very fast, but he encourages class participation. That will slow him down, so ask many questions. Over all, he is a very good professor. It is easy to understand what he is teaching and easy to remember. Just make sure to read every article he posts on blackboard.

He is excellent! If you want to know about Russia he is the man! If you want to know about Russia take with him and avoid the Slavic dept.

He's insane and short but grades KINDA fair.

He's a great teacher. He can go a little quick with lectures sometimes, but he's more than willing to slow down for you if you need it. You do take a load of notes, but it's definitely worth it. Try not to miss a class-you'll miss out on A LOT. Be sure to read everything he posts on blackboard. I loved HIST before his class, & love it more after.

He was amazing. He really made history interesting, and I hate history. Take good notes, bc in the long run, it'll be worth it. Tests are easy if you study his study guide. You won't see anything on the test that you didn't see on the study guide. I'd take him again for another class if I had to.

Best professor I've ever had. I would take him again for any class. If you find the lectures too fast, fill in the gaps with the textbook. And as someone else advised, do not skip any of the Blackboard documents.

I'm pretty much in love with Aaron Retish. Don't get me wrong, he's a tough cookie... but, if you do the work and put forth an honest effort, you should do decently in the class. Very interesting, quick paced lectures from someone with the experience to back up his stories.

Prof. Retish really knows how to incorporate humor and 'sarcasm' into his lectures. His passion for the topic makes you want to come to class every time. Do not miss out on this great professor!!

A prof who not only knows his stuff-but thoroughly enjoys teaching it!! Very knowledgeable. He knows really knows Russian/Soviet history and culture. I would take any class he has to offer and highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn about Eastern Euopre. Not a faker like some faculty.

Proffesor Retish is amazing. A young man with total knowledge on what is and has gone on in world and american history. I needed history to fulfill my prereq for pshyc. was a little scared because I never missed a lecture but just am not a history lover as I am older than most in the class. Got a C- and we gave him a standing ovation..BRAVO!

Hard grader but very into the subject matter and class materials. This enthusiasm will rub off on you and only help you in class. Quite approachable and easy to talk to outside of class. Has this annoying habit of referring to the students as "you Americans" - wasn't he born in Iowa? :) I recommend him highly but don't think his class will be cake!

He's loves the subject matter which rubs off on you even if you have no interest in Russian History. A LOT of working, reading, writen assignment each week plus term paper. I loved this class and he's a great teacher. Even with the workload, you'll be glad you took this class.

He loves the subject matter which rubs off on you even if you have no interest in Russian History. A LOT of working, reading, writen assignment each week plus term paper. I loved this class and he's a great teacher. Even with the workload, you'll be glad you took this class.

AWESOME class. Prof Retish rules. You have to go to all the lectures though!! If you don't, you'll miss a lot of info. Be a diligent note-taker!! 2 papers, midterm & final. Papers are not a big deal, midterm and final are mostly essay--so you have to know everything and write it all down! Anyway, worth taking, extremely interesting.

I think he's one of the best professors at Wayne State University. The class requires a lot of work but it is extremely interesting and he's just an all around awesome professor. If you need to take history, take it with him!

If your not interested in the actual history or the slides, ladies you can just stare at the professor...retish is so gorgeous...I love his hair, as for his teaching..his pretty clear just make sure you take notes are READ THAT PACKET!!!! He wants you to include infor from it on your final...he will answer your questions and hope for a good TA...

HIS 1400 was an awesome class. The material was interesting to begin with, but Dr. Retish is what made the class great. He is extremely intelligent and knowledgable about history. Prior to taking his class, I had little academic respect for individuals working outside of the sciences. However, I changed my mind after being taught by Dr. Retish.

Not an easy A.... if you get one it will be well deserved. Dr. Retish is BY FAR one of the best professors at WSU. TAKE GOOD NOTES, and do ALL of the reading. His courses are a lot of work, but by the end you will love it. Seriously.

Even though Retish knows a lot about history, he couldn't present it in a worse fashion. The lectures are extremely boring and his TAs are even worse. Even though I got an A, his standards are ridiculous for a 1000-level course. Tests are over-the-top and too many specifics wanted in his papers. Avoid him if you can!

He is one of the greatest professors at WSU. You have to keep up with the notes and write what he says word for word. This is a hard class with a lot of detail but it is not impossible to get an A. Just read the book take good notes and study everything. It is worth the effort because he knows the material which makes it really interesting to learn

Retish is one of the best professors in the History Dept, and at Wayne State in general. He is able to take his great knowledge of Russian and European history and bring it down to Earth for the students. He makes himself accessible to his students. He really wants you all to do well and is willing to help you succeed in his classes.

I took Aaron's spring course - Russia at War - at the University of Michigan. I went in with little interest in the subject, but the way he presents the information, and the books we read made this class made this a very great experience. Out of the LSA classes I have taken, this was one of the best.

Dr. Retish is a professor of intelligence, quick-wit, and hilariousness. His heart always means well, even if he ignores your e-mails that are probably superfluous anyway. He knows intelligence when he sees it, but will always give you the grade that you deserve, which landed me my first C at WSU. It won't stop me from a 3rd class with him, though.

Retish is amazing. He knows what he's talking about and is extremely detailed. It is obvious that he loves History and this is the field for him. His class was hard for me because you realllyyy had to read the book and take a lot of notes to keep up, but I learned so much from his class, it was great!

Professor Retish is one of the best history professors at Wayne State. He is extremely fair and he wants his students to learn and do well. I highly recommend his Capstone course.

Best history prof hands down! He knows his stuff and lectures are fun and easy. His labs are also extremely easy. Light readings, two 3-page papers & two exams. He's fun and young. Offers extra help when asked. Easy A for sure

Unless you like to WRITE- A LOT. Don't bother. 2 term papers (not bad) ALL exams are ESSAY.. ESSAY. Did I mention Essay? Its a COM class with "history" content. His outlines do not follow his lecture. Wasn't sure this wasn't a 3400 level class

A really great professor. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Attendance not mandatory but always go. May need book. Exams are essay based. Class isn't hard IF you take notes AND read course documents. Papers aren't hard. Very knowledgeable on Eastern Europe.

Loved this class and lecture was actually interesting! Attendance isn't necessary but it helps a lot to go. You will even be fine without purchasing the book. Exams are 10 fill in the blank, then you write 4paragraphs on other terms, and an essay

The best class I've taken at WSU so far. Maybe it's because I love learning about history and he is so knowledgable about history and teaches it so well. Lectures are kind of long but they are all pretty interesting, and make sure to take notes. You don't need to buy the textbook. Very easy and fun class.

Retish is an amazing professor who truly loves history. He answers questions to the best of his knowledge, and is easy to follow along with. Attendance isn't mandatory but there are little questions here and there. If you want to always know everything thats going on in class, get the book. But You'd be fine without it. Couple papers, mid and final

Retish is awesome, super light class, easy readings, exams are difficult if you don't pay attention and take killer notes. Retish bases his class heavily around lecture, although they aren't mandatory, you're foolish if you don't go.

This class had really great lectures and Retish is very knowledgeable and passionate about history! He always answers questions but bases most of his class on lecture. Lecture is not required, discussion sections are but you need to go to lecture for info and for short pop up writing assignments! For tests and midterms the study guide is a must.

Go to class, pay attention, and really focus on your study guide and you will get an A. Go to lecture because there are occasional pop up short writing assignments. There was no textbook but a three very enjoyable books that you need to read.

Prof. Retish is a very nice outgoing guy. I never had a professor like him before. He is so welcoming, and he is very helpful. He is really dashing as well. The first time I saw him, I immediately had a crush on him. He is a rockstar. He is so handsome.

I love Retish. It was not mandatory to buy or read the textbook for this class, but honestly it's the best resource you can get. He's very passionate about history, and always answers questions. His class is fun and he's such a quirky guy. Make sure to do the readings he assigns you from the packet, because he gives quizzes. make sure to study!

You're not going to find many history professors that are better than Retish. The man knows his stuff. He keeps students engaged during lectures and expects you to participate and succeed. He gives you the grade you deserve, so don't slack off. If you're looking for a good, overall well-balanced professor, take him.

Dr. Aaron Retish is so good looking, but you should be prepared to do your best in his class. He is not the kind of professor, who judges you based on your intelligence. He just wants students to try their best. I would strongly recommend to participate in his classes, then that shows that you are trying your best. He is so cute.

Prof. Retish is not that much of a strict professor, but he tries his very best to help students to do the best they can. He is a handsome man, especially with his long thick hair, but he is not really a hippy. It would be great if he guest starred in Mad Men, I think he would be fantastic. PLEASE DO NOT SLACK in his class. That is my advice !!!!!!

There are no better educators than Mr. Retish.

I really enjoyed this class. There were 3 papers, a few quizzes, and the midterm and final. Nothing was too hard at all, fair grader. The textbook is needed to understand topics thoroughly to show it in your work. Going to class really helps solidify understanding and he does a great job at teaching and flowing lecture.

A great professor and very interesting/engaging lectures. He gives really relevant readings and videos to watch, making sure you understand the concept in simple ways. Doesn't post lecture notes. No study guides. Attendance and participation is really important. Probably the best and most interesting professor. Stays unbiased on controversial topic

Dr. Retish is a great professor, and very knowledgeable, and his classes were very interesting. He is a fair grader and I would recommend his class to anyone!

I have taken 2 class with Dr. Retish and he is one of the best Professors, I've ever had, he is very knowledge, his lectures are interesting, and his assignments are very simple, I would highly recommend his class to anyone.

Dr. Retish is one of the best professors I've had in my 5 years of college, very knowledgeable, and kind/respected, if you're interested in history take him you won't regret it!