Very little homework, and easy homework at that too. Tests are hard, but if you pay attention and memorize the word list, the tests are no problem. Grades hard on the essays, but will change grades. Plus, he's funny and goes off topic a lot.

I recommend taking ENG103C before taking this class. The essay is a large percentage of the exam grade and critical thinking is necessary. Sometimes gets off the track in class, but it makes the class more interesting. Not easy, but I learned a lot.

WestCiv self paced is easy, you can complete in a week if you go nonstop, it's all 2 page essays on each chapter, it'll make you good at writting, and the tests are essays which you just want to include a lot of info

I think he's cool?

A professor who can easily be disliked. He has strong opinions. Overall, his teaching style is different which is why students are apprehensive of him. He will make you think and that will only further your education.

Kirshner is not for everyone. He does tend to go off on tangents, but they're interesting and informative. Always opinionated, but always fair, I would reccomend Kirshner, but it's helpful to know as much as you can beforehand.

It's a hard course, but he's fair. Memorize the word list. You will learn a lot about politics if you pay attention. Seems to take pride in having a tough course.

I never showed up to this guys class, got an F+ on some group test but still managed to get A. I don't know what these people are talking about, but take him. BTW my book had torn out pages too and could not sell it back and I like his liberal propaganda. Pretty amusing guy.

I think he is a great Professor who is very knowledgeable, and as long as you read the books you will do fine. Going to class helps a lot, but he also has lectures on his website. He lets you use prior book editions, and submit interfaces online.

He is exremely informative. The class is hard but not if you pay attention and make sure you understand exactly what he means. He is extremely liberal but I know it doesn't get in the way of his teaching cuz I'm pretty conservative and am still passing! TAKE HIS CLASS if you want to learn something

no term paper, 2 essays, easy A......if you do your job and study. he assumes you know the stuff, so if you don't...ASK! over all easy class. great guy too.

I really enjoyed his class. He's Hard but fair and always willing to help you understand a lesson. I would take His class again. He has an ego, but It's fun hearing him talk about it in class. The interfaces aren't too hard, but it's better than an extremly large amount of homework. Plus you can turn in the interfaces anytime the day they are due!

Dr. Kirshner is a great professor. It is true he does get off topic during his lectures but it is usually something way more interesting than what the lecture was about anyway. he is also an easy grader on essays. have to write complete bullsh*t to get a bad grade.

I took the online 104A class. If you are an older/working student like me then take this class. Dr. K is a good guy. Introduce yourself before the start of the class (if you can) stick to the deadlines he sets, get the papers in on time and you’ll do fine.

Kirshner is a good guy. Ask the man questions, engage him. He works hard to make his class easy to pass; do the interfaces and study the word lists and the class is a breeze. And if you find his class boring or off topic, you're not intelligent enough to understand or relate what he's talking about to the course material.

Great Teacher!!!! I took him again for Western Civ

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One of the best professors i've ever had. all the complainers probably dont have the writing skills of a 5th grader (all thats needed to pas really). His lectures are interesting and informative, hes very knowledgeable of the material, and u get 100 pts practically free (just attnd) Very fun person to talk to, would definitely take him for poli sci

Dr. Kirshner is probably one of the best professors on campus. I loved his classes. Very easy-going. Lectures were interesting. I had 3 in class essays and free 100 points for group meetings. Even if you just attend class and listen, you will retain information. Not an easy grader, so you have to know how to write.

Work hard, pay attention, come to class, take notes, do the required assignments, and you'll earn what you deserve!

One of my favorite professors. His obscure humor, strange stories, and over-the-top sarcasm are just some of the elements you can look forward to. Grading is fair and an 'A' is easily attainable as long as you are well-versed in the material.

I have taken 3 classes with Dr. Kirshner and loved everyone. If you want to do nothing and have the information fed to you then do NOT take Dr. Kirshner's classes. However if you want a college level course where college level work is demanded and learn about history or American Gov. then take Kirshner's classes.

I have took both Poli sci, and history 104 with professor Kirshner, and it was very easy if you just read the book and pay attention in class.

Very good teacher, very funny. He seems intimidating though, not sure yet, but 100% sure going to take another class with him. He comes off as pompus, and full of himself at first--but thats because HE KNOWS HIS STUFF!! So do your work and respect the guy. We are lucky to have him as a teacher at ohlone. Almost to good...

He is no joke. He is a smart man. Each test covers 4 chapters of the book and lecture. The tests are a choice of three prompts. Read the book and attend the lectures. Go to the group meetings. It's best if you come into this class already knowing how to write well. Get to the point. Class was fun with his wise-xss comments.

I took Dr. K's course on a whim my first year at Ohlone. I found it to be a blessing and a curse. A blessing for all I learned (I took two more of his courses)and a curse because now I am forced to judge every other teacher by comparing him to Kirshner. None, so far, have come close.

I took his self-paced class, and it's tough. If you have a lot of time on your hands during the semester, then you can pass easily. Otherwise, it's a challenge. But I did learn stuff about West Civ. that I'd never think about. However, I suggest that if you can, take the lecture instead, as I hear that he can be entertaining.

I've known Dr. Kirsher for more than five years now, and I've taken both of his western civilization courses and his American government course. The man treats every one of his students as if they were his own children- He accepts you as who you are, but simultaneously he expects you to do your best. If you want to better yourself, take his course.

I do not understand people are having hard time with his classes. I took both of his western civ. and his PS class; all that is required of student is to do their readings. Dr. K is great and he definitely knows his stuff. I can tell you right now there is nothing called easy A. However, you will definitely benefit from the lectures. Highly recomme

I very much enjoyed taking Dr. Kirshner's class. His western civ course is harder than his poly sci class I admitt, but he tells you that up front. I love his lectures although they do not cover much material from the textbook.Just make sure you read the chps!And he is always in his office ready to help his students

Dr. Kirshner is a very good teacher. His western civ classes are challenging. You just have to know how to write unlike most people at Ohlone. Reading is helpful, although you can do quite well just from studying lecture notes. You just have to get over his arrogance and sarcarsm. It's actually quite entertaining. Doc K knows his stuff

amazing teacher omg! if you love to hear lectures that make reading the textbook interesting listen to him! if your a little twit who needs everything listed out straight from the book he doesnt do it but his way is extremely helpfull when it comes to memory

Professor Kirshner got me interested in school like few other teachers have. Following his classes I was prepared for my transfer to UC Berkeley. So, if you're biggest goal is an AA you've probably got the wrong teacher but if you'd like to join me at CAL pay attention and sign up. Even after CAL he would be my second favorite lecturer ever.

After taking self-paced History 104B with Prof Kirshner, my only complaint (other than my last rating for 104A) is the boring material. The textbook on humanities gives no history while emphasizing the arts, architecture, literature, etc. I signed up for a history class, not an arts class. Other than that, do 2400 words for each exam for an A.

I took his online class and it was a really good class! however, it's no cake walk. Kirshner makes you work for your A, so be prepared for a lot of critical thinking. but don't let the workload discourage you. the class is completely worth the effort, it really prepares you!

I took both western civ and american gov't with Kirshner. Really good teacher. would definitely recommend taking his classes. for his tests the essays can be kinda hard because you need to provide good information and not just completely generalize. good speaker and ive always thought he kinda sounded like Kevin Spacey. weird

Funny and entertaining lecturer. You don't need to read the book to pass, but because I read the book and attended lectures I never had to study and got As. Tests are based completely on his opinions so just reciting them will get you a good grade.

Well he has a lot of knowledge of what he is talking and yes he kinds of get out of topic but he is a great professor. If you really like politics you are going to enjoy his class. Another point is that he barely gives you homework.

AMAZING! I loved his class and I always looked forward to going to his lectures. If you read the book, and do your vocab....you'll be fine! I read the chapters and studied for a day or two for the midterm/final and did pretty well. If you ACTUALLY do the online homework, you'll be fine since thats like 33% of your grade. Overall, I enjoyed it :)

All I have to say is you better know your sh*t, when you're messing with Kirshner. You either swim or drown. This New Yorker aint no joke! My advice to anyone who takes his class is to take notes during lectures,because this is very important. Do all your on-line essays and read as much as possible.Good Luck!

Charlie!! (; One of my favorite teachers at Ohlone. Although his lectures are long, it amazes me how he doesn't have to use a study plan. Extremely knowledgeable. I'd say you have to be a good note taker for his class. Flashcards saved my life for his mid term and final. Extremely helpful, has a TA. I got the grade I deserved and was very content.

Dr. Kirshner is an awesome teacher. I had the privelage to take both his Poli Sci class and his Western Civilization class. I knew almost nothing when I started and now I know my stuff! I worked really hard in both classes and got A's. He's tough and provides you an open door to to come and talk to him if you need any help.

Tests are in class essays which aren't too bad if you pay attention. He gives you the choice of questions from lecture, book or combination of both.