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You gotta love Al. He makes you think critically about history.

Al is a great teacher. i would not be influnced by the last negative comments and understand that what you put in with Al is exactly what you will get out of him - Great Teacher

Al is a great teacher. I agree that what you put in is what you get out with him.

al is one of my favorite teachers ever. his class is hella funny. i do not know why everyone is baggin on him so much. al is tight.

hes great! This was a telecorse and if I ever needed help he was there. If I ever had a time conflict with tests he would work with me, so I could take them at a time that was good for me. If you want an easy history class he is the man to take!

although history 102 can be so hard, he help to make material underestandable for all students. there are many homework assighnments exist....so if u missed some...u will be able to make them up!! recommend his for all history classes.

Al is the obmb, man! Even in times of a class crisis, he is great! He works with you, gives you extra time, and if you are having personal problems, he knows about it and understands. The man is easy to talk to and has a lot of things he is involves in, so might seem distracted, but a great teacher

the best teacher in the world

i REALLY LIKED HIM...HE WAS A GOOD TEACHER..TWO ESSAYS THE WHOLE CLASS NO TESTES EVER...COOL GUY IM TAKIN HIM FOR 101

This teacher is so crazy and he makes the class very enjoyable. I never knew i would like history until this teacher came around. Al makes everyone laugh each time you have his class. Any teacher that has a sense of humor is a cool teacher.

Really nice guy,very biased though. Get to know him, it will be benificial to you. His lectures are a little hard to follow and take notes from, but listen and learn the concepts...that is key to his class, not little facts. Very outgoing and can get the class laughing, a bit crude though.

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His class was fun. He makes it more interesting and its not boring and the class was easy

Mr. Smith is the shiznit! He is such an intelligent person and he loves teaching. His lectures and reading are difficult but that is only because he wants his students to succeed and be smart and able to turn brian gumble on that A*!

This dude is fine for a teacher! His class is easy and hes hella cool. Keeps it real...Honest...Nice...Fun to look at. LOL! Dude is just off the chain. He cool. :)

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Good teacher

He's funny real kool and to the point. No beating around the bush or "sugacoting". He let's the truth flow and stops lies from entering his classrom.

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Dang, this dude is such a tight teacher... I have him for two classes...afro american history and california history and he keeps the class actually wanting to come back. dang, he has us rollin when he makes his smart butt comments

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this dude is off the hook...hes a down to earth teacher tells it like it is and no ****...

As a an A student, I find Proff. Smith to be very easy.He's a nice, and funny. Truly, this is a history class for non-history majors. To a serious student, this class will be a blast. You'll have to try hard to get a B in the class. Easy A for the hard-working students.

I am a returning student who was drawn to the readings online. Great online class for self-motivated learners. I believe he has a passion for the subject matter that will translate better in the classroom setting. I am highly libral and see a alot of uptight comments. Trust me, college requires only that you open your mind and learn new things.

I thought the in class discussions were pretty good, very thought provoking. The homework was pretty easy if you acctually read the assignments and the essays were easy as well as long as you kept up to date with the class discussions and material from the book.

Professor smith is a very good teacher! i took him in the spring 06 and took hist 155 and had to take him again! it is really easy to get an A in all his classes, I believe as long as you show up to class, listen to the lectures, take notes and do the assignments that he assigns!! He doesn't give much HW. His mid-terms and finals are take home.

He is a good teacher, knows his subject and can easily relate to students and their needs. There are no tests for this course, all assignments are papers. If you go to class, pay attention and do the required reading which is about 30 pages a week, the assignments are not hard and it's an easy A. Best history teacher I have ever had.

Smith is an excellent professor. He is extremely knowlegeable and funny. The subjects of the course will get you to think hard and will challenge your beliefs and opinions. Come into class with an open mind. No tests, just mid term and final. There is also a million ways to earn extra credit.One of the best teachers I've ever had.

Prof. Smith is a really good instructor. He knows his stuff. He gives you constructive feedback that isn't that bad. At the midterm I had a D but after working hard I earned a B. Not alot of homework. Midterm and Final is basically writing an essay or doing a project.

Professor Smith is awesome! I loved attending class; hes smart and really funny. There is a lot of reading to do each week but the mid term and final are take home. I highly recommend taking him!

I took him in fall 06. My favorite history class yet. I was a returning student and was very interested in his discussions. The essays were no problem for me. I went to class, took average notes, and scanned the book. If I had known about him before being so close to transfering, I would have taken another class from him just for fun.

One of the best teachers I ever had. You have to have an open mind to really enjoy his lectures, but you learn a lot if you do. It's crazy how much stuff this guy has in his head.

If you are a CONSERVATIVE person and sensitive- you might want to consider another teacher! If you can put his political views aside-he is an interesting teacher. I actually enjoyed him.

one of the coolest teachers at MJC! Very honest about everything...

I took Smith's online class, and his instructions and grading technique are fairly simple. DO take this class if you love learning about African American History, DONT take this class if you want an easy A. It's a lot of writing and reading.

Down to Earth kind of guy that makes the class fun.

He makes the class interesting with his lectures, gives an essay every week for 10 week but you can turn them in late and you don't have to use all the books on them and gives a lot of extra credit, for the mid term he makes you do a 5 page minimum on a question that has like 4 questions in it and for the final he makes you do a 10 page biography

great teacher!! truly cares about his students and his curriculum. makes history interesting even for those who get bored easily. do ur work and reape the rewards!

He is a good Professor to take especially if history is not your thing. If history is your major then I would suggest that you take him because he is a wealth of information on other topics other than the ones taught in class

Mr. Smith is a really great teacher,very open minded and full of knowledge. However if you are conservative this is not the class for you, because he if very up-front with views and isseus. Easy A long as you put fourth effort.

I took Smith's online class this summer and it was cool,very simple. Some people would ask questions that were clearly explained with the course syllabus, that did not req. him to respond to ?s. I have taken other online classes and this one is no different.Take Smith if you are not an idiot & seek untaught history,& you are open minded.Great teach

I've taken 3 history classes with Al, and I loved every single 1. His assignments are not hard, and his lectures are very interesting. A typical class is usually very engaging in group discussion. The guy is brilliant.

This teacher was off the hook really enjoyed his class. there is an essay every week without any quizes or tests. he gives you a chance to redo all of your essays except for the final or midterm essays. extremely easy if u doint pass his class you are an idiot.

Professor kept the lectures and teaching criteria on a realistic level that all students could relate to. He encouraged participation and welcomed all comments and cultural contributions.

He is amazingly clear as long as you ask. this teacher is excellent

As long you do the work your fine. Each week there is a critique due. there is no test or quiz. Just do the homework and the extra crd. Nice person. If you work hard, you get a good grade basically.

I like Al Smith, he is simply the best. His assignments are pretty straight forward and if you work hard you will ace the class. He is very friendly and outgoing and makes the students comfortable in his classes. I would take his class over and over again.

I have no idea what the people that say bad things about Professor Smith are talking about because Smith is one of...if not the best teachers at M.J.C. I usually can't stand History it bores me but Smith makes it interesting and fun...yes I said History can be fun! He's super knowledgeable and likes you to give your pinion...the best hands down!!!

Al brings an infectious passion to his classroom and opened my conscience to many aspects of history and social issues that I hadn't previously considered or appreciated.

I really like Smith he is really cool and offers alot of extra credit so there is no way you can fail. He can get really angry sometimes but it just shows how passionate he is about his topic. I would recommend this class to anyone, its great!

You have to try hard to fail this class. He makes it really easy to get points. He is one of the best teachers I've ever had; very inspiring. Theatrical, funny, opinionated, smart. Really loves to teach and loves history. I recommend this class to everyone.

He's funny and he really makes you think.

He's a thought provoking teacher, he makes me want to ask questions all the time! I don't agree with all of his political views but at least he knows both sides of the field and not just his own. He's a well kept man, takes care of the people in class and genuinely likes people I believe. You'll like him!

Hes a really great teacher, speaks his mind and is completely honest and upfront. knows how to capture students attention and keeps them interested. youll learn something new everyday and hes hilarious. strongly recommend him for african american history

Wow i just dont know what to say! the best teacher ever. EASIEST class, and if you want to just laugh, please take him hes amazing. All homework are due anytime before the semester ends. Please take, it will be the best class for you!

Wow i just dont know what to say! the best teacher ever. EASIEST class, and if you want to just laugh, please take him hes amazing. All homework are due anytime before the semester ends. Please take, it will be the best class for you!

LOVE HIM! I WILL DEFINITLY TAKE HIM AGAIN IF NEEDED. HE IS SO AWESOME AND KIND. ALL HOMEWORK ARE DUE BY THE END OF THE SEMESTER, AND WE HAD A DO AT HOME FINAL. NO TESTS AT ALL IN THIS CLASS. PLEASE TAKE SMITH!

I really enjoy his classes. He keeps them interesting and fun. Probably the best professor on campus! But then anyone who likes cigars is good in my book!

Just like life, U get out of it what U put into it. Using text, film and lectures, Smith concentrates on concepts, not just facts, which help U understand cause and effect of history and how it has shaped the culture we know today. Thought provoking w/lots of writing that U do at UR own pace and express UR own opinions. Loved it! Cool guy.

hes great and knows his stuff. you wont like him if you are lazy

There is no way that Prof Smith missed three weeks of class. Perhaps the student who made that comment was the one who missed three weeks! Smith covered a LOT of ground and inspired me to pursue more reading and learning about the subject. Also, grading like a "Harvard professor" is better than grading like a high school teacher!

Professor Smith clearly believes that learning overall concepts from history is far more important than just learning random facts and dates. His lectures help you understand how our culture came to be what it is. I commend him for offering extra credit to students who take part in community service. Be prepared to write on a regular basis!

I took Al Smith's history 106 class last semester and enjoyed every second of it! He tells you what is expected and grades fairly. I would make jokes with other classmates all the time during classtime and he would laugh with us. He is very opinionated but very fun and I learned something new everyday in his class.

One of the most unique teachers I've ever had also by far the funniest and entertaining. He's different but in a good way. Very passionate, does not tolerate laziness but will work with anyone who wants to do well in his class. Experienced as if was a professor from a large university. Class is as easy you make it. Has a heart for disadv students.

Mr. Smith is an awesome professor!! His lectures are very interesting. He's upfront and tells it like it is. You definitely have to participate and do your homework in order to pass. He gives students the opportunity to make up points by allowing one to do extra credit, such as community service. If you are there to learn you definitely will.

Afro Amer Hist Not just for African Americans. No person should consider their education complete without a better understanding of this part of history that had been ignored for so long. As usual, Mr. Smith's lectures are fluid and complete. He is always open to questions and opinions of the students. Inspired me to pursue further readings.

Al Smith is a great history professor because he focuses on the causes and effects of historical events, not just the dates they took place. He really wants his students to be well informed of past and present issues in the world. It takes him awhile to grade things, but as long as you do the work, you will pass. Weekly reading review assignments.

Great teacher. He lectured using the white board and images off the internet for visual aid. He is very honest about history, and it was a most thorough history class. Our book is one that i kept for personal use because it was that good (A People's History of the United States, Howard Zinn). 2 weekly assignments. 2 papers. extra credit.

This teacher is awesome, he makes the class fun while being educational, instead of getting overboard with the lectures he gets to the point and makes things as clear and simple as possible, get ready to read and participate a lot but get ready for a cool teacher who makes history a fun and educational class

Professor Al is amazing! He is very passionate about history and it makes the class very enjoyable. He is very funny. Will take every class with him if possible.

Great educator! He may offend you if you aren't prepared to know the truth behind African American history, so be prepared and come with an open mind because his stuff is deep. If you fail his class its because you just simply didn't do his weekly assignments in which he give you tons of time to do. Take his class if you want to learn

Mr. Smith is an awesome teacher. I really liked listening to his lectures, and discussing some of the current issues going on in the news. There is a reading assignment due every Sunday and you have to turn in a question every week . Since he also teaches a film class, you will be watching movies too! Great class!

I had professor Smith for two months and then I had to leave school on emergency surgery. He is BY FAR the BEST professor I have had. He is very humorous and supportive. I am actually planning on taking some of his classes that I don't need just because he teaches it. He is very detailed and get to the point clearly. A+ from me!

Professor Smith is one of my favorites at MJC. I have taken several classes with him because he his inspirational when it comes to history. He is hilarious. He does NOT get grades back on time. He is a very busy man so see him during office hours for grades. All around great teacher.

Al where do you start. He knows what he is teaching. He grades normal if you put your work in you get what you deserved. He will talk with you about your work clearly. I took all the history classes with him. All his classes are fun he's funny I recommend.

Makes the class super easy! Have one easy assignment each week and no tests. Just a midterm essay and a final debate (you just have to show up).

Awesome professor. No quizzes or tests, only weekly reading assignments with easy questions. One essay for midterm. He couldn't have made the class any easier. He cares about his students & makes his lectures very relatable. He is also very funny so the class is never a drag.

he is the best history teacher i have ever had. i loved his lectures as well as his teaching style; Mr. Smith made history fun.

Took his summer class honestly not that bad. 5 week course. You do an essay ever week he gives you a chance to turn it in late. Daily question. Not hard at all. He explains things easy and will go back and explain it again if you ask. 10/10 would take him again

I took him during summer class. No quizes or homeowork just an essay is due each week. And we turned in daily questions. His lectures are are really good , I learned alot from him. He's a down to earth teacher, he has his own personality. I enjoyed being in his class. Do the work and you'll fine. Its college so don't expect to do nothing and pass.

Great teacher and great guy

No matter what any of these other reviews say, Al is the best history professor at MJC. He genuinely cares about his students and wants them all to succeed. His classes are super easy to pass- you just gotta do your work like every other class. I've taken many of his classes and each one is great. I highly recommend him!!

Great Professor. I really enjoyed his class. If you put your effort in your work you should pass the class with an A. Professor Smith is really passionate for what he does. I highly recommend taking him, you won't regret it.

This proffessor is very inspirational. He is a little tough on students but he means well. His verbal comminication can get confusing, so refer back to his online syllabus and you will do just fine. I encourage you to take his class, you will not regret it.

Took him for history 101 and he was okay, easy class but I personally didn't like him. When you ask questions he'll sometimes make you feel stupid for asking(very sarcastic.) He is a heavy lecturer so you just have to show up. No test, but weekly online hw, a paper at the end of the semester and the final is a discussion.

By far the best professor i have had at MJC. Explains history very well, and he isn't boring. He sheds light on many things that other professors never cover.

I took his History 102 class during the summer and although it was 1 essay due per week he was very helpful and would give us a summary of what he wanted.

Professor Smith has been a bright light for me this semester. Very understanding and engaging, and not without a sense of sarcasm (which is a big plus for me). Some may complain of little directions, but honestly he does this so that his students can be creative. If you put effort into this class, you will succeed.

Overall great teacher. He is hilarious and he really cares about his students and their progress. If you need help or have any questions at all he is there if you need him. He is one of the best teachers i have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

Hes a teacher that I feel comfterable around. He cared not only about your progression in class, but you as a person as well. I loved taking his class and definetly would take again. He always made lectures fun and his class wasnt too difficult. One of my favorite professors!

Smith is a very interesting professor and the work is really easy but you might not learn as much as you would with other professors the asignments aren't very history related

Right from the start he starting spewing historical facts like it was nothing. He made very funny remarks about historical figures during ancient civilization about how crappy they were and such. Really outgoing guy, the final was a class debate.

Smith is an Excellent and energetic professor. Extremely knowledgeable, his assignments are posted on his website, so that if you wanted to you could do them in advance. He likes to help students, but not always available in his office(make sure to ask the important questions in class and don't hold back. Fantastic lectures and extra credit too

His class was pretty easy. He is a hilarious professor and makes his class enjoyable and easy to pass time. I took the class during the summer and had an essay a week but the essays were pretty easy to do. He is a lenient grader.

Probably my favorite professor at MJC. Took him for both 101 and 102 and the class was incredibly interesting and enjoyable. He doesn't post grades at all but it's very difficult to not pass the class. Really laid back, easy assignments and just an overall great guy. Plus you get a potluck during the semester for extra credit, so that's pretty cool

professor smith changed my life and introduced me into a major i never would have considered otherwise. he is a passionate individual who cares about the well being of students and teaches you concepts beyond education, i feel that i have become a better person taking multiple classes and i have challenged my own outlook for the better.

Took two classes with him and loved both! Lectures are informational/captivating. Attend class... continues lectures from previous day topics. Students must submit weekly questions for points. A few group assignments, a few essays, & one easy presentation. Keep track of graded assignments to know your grade and pay attention! Great professor!

I have taken 4 courses with professor Smith, he is AWESOME! I feel that Al Smith really puts his heart into teaching and cares about his students. His classes are truly inspirational. I highly recommend his classes. His class was one of those classes that you remember for the rest of your life.