The class itself is kind of boring but he is very helpful.

take good notes,pay attention very easy

He's pretty damn good if you find the time to stop whining about having to work.

Cannot say enough good things about Mr. Contreras. Caring and dedicated teacher.

Great teacher, lots of philosophical aspects in history. Class notes found on his website.

Great teacher, makes history kind of interesting, tests aren't that hard, all around cool guy

Professor Contreras is great. I enjoyed taking classes with him. He really knows his subject. His lectures kept me very interested in the class. He is easy going, his exams are not very hard.

Majors or the truly interisted ONLY! Classes get small because he expects you to work. Lots of reading, but VERY fun class. If you like the material it's easy. Don't expect to slide or not work for your grade. You'll get exactly what you've earned.

Conteras is not the easiest teacher in the world but he is very knowledgeable and helpful. Both 114 and 115 were very interesting. Take good notes and you should be able to do well on the tests. Most of his tests tend to be essay exams.

Very good teacher.

Good class, but certainly not an easy one, especially online.

I loved this class. It has really affected the way I see our country and the world. I hope Prof. Contreras teaches forever!

Very knowledgeable about topic. Interesting class, caring teacher and up to date with stuff we are interested in.

If this is your first couple semesters, do not take online. The class is great and an A is possible but you do have to put in the work. Essay tests, and a friendly guy.

Professor Contreras is one of the best teachers I've had at Grossmont College. He knows his subject well and keeps your interest during lectures. Everyone should take his class because he tells you the stories you wern't taught in high school (and many college teachers classes). He is very caring.

I had to drop his online class but he was very nice. Assignments and reading aren't too bad. Nothing you can't handle. Very helpful and knowledgable about his subject. If you're interested in the topic he's a great teacher.

He is an awsome proffesor! If you want to know about history this is the proffesor to study under. I love going to his class.

The class was hard, but I understood what he was getting at about the history and culture of South America.

He was a great professor. I had fun in his class. His class is not all dates and facts, he brings in politics, art, song and culture. I wasn't even interested in History of Mexico when I signed up. His tests are mostly take home essay's that are easy as long as you take notes and pay attention.

Professor Contreras was incredibly in tune with what us students needed in regards to breathing life into the material from the textbooks and making them more than relevant to our life and times. His passion for Latin America's history was unmatched by any Professor I've had thus far. Extremely knowledgeable and genuinely helpful. Top teacher!

I took his Hist 114 web class and it was great. The class was very interesting and easy. Sometimes he doesn't respond to e-mails, but when he does he is very helpful and friendly. Great teacher!

TOOK THIS CLASS ONLINE AND GOT AN A. COMPLETE THE READINGS AND READ HIS NOTES. NO ASSIGNMENTS. MIDTERM AND FINAL ARE NOT HARD AS LONG AS YOU COMPLETE MOST OF THE READINGS AND MOST IMPORTANT, UNDERSTANDING HIS NOTES. HIS NOTES ARE VERY CLEAR AND HAVE MOST INFO IN THE BOOK. GREAT CLASS.

THE BEST! He hands out excellent notes; they are are complete, easy to read, and follow his lectures perfectly. The books assigned are used thoroughly, and easy to read. He is very passionate about teaching and you'd have to be brain dead not to learn in his class. I look forward to taking his other classes, whether they are required or not!

I already wanted to be a history teacher. When i took his class, it was like carving it out in stone. I have to be a teacher to try to aspire to be as good as he is. Great use of books, movies, lectures, and is really open to student comments and ideas. Encourages you to learn and grow. Really busy all the time but he is writing a book... go figure

Intelligence is contagious in this classroom! Anyone who fails this course has to be trying to fail, not because it is easy, but because he is so passionate about teaching Latin American History you'd have to be brain dead not to get into it!

Carlos is knowledgeable, concise, funny, and passionate about his work, and about his students' learning. Awesome teacher, highly recommended!

Carlos is the man! His teaching style is great. He is a good guy, funny, helpful. If you want to take a great class, take him. Next to Curran the best teacher I had at Grossmont

Contreras Is a GREAT instructor!!!!! He is very passionate about what he has to teach and makes the class interesting.The class time flyies by due to his great effort to make the material come to live. He exposes you to a great number of concepts you have never had a chance to explore.You end this class being a different person with a point of view

Great instructor! His excitement about the topic was infectious. Great use of books, films, music, art, current events/politics. I'd recommend this to anyone who really wants to learn. Has an extensive list of additional readings for each week, in case you want to know more about the particular subject. Carlos is a great asset to the college! Wow!

passionate about history -- really knows his stuff. do the hw and you'll be fine!

Very enthusiastic,cares about his students, goes out of his way tomake the subject interesting and accessible.

Mr. COntreras is a great teacher! He is very passionate about the material and has a high interest in the success of his students. His hist 126 ( history of mexico) course was awesome!

Although I alread had Mexico history in a Mexican high shcool, this Mr. Contreras is the best ever. He is so in to the subject that the class is not enough time to talk about many subjects. He is also funny in many ways. Reading is a MUST and there is plenty but lectures are interesting. THE BEST MEXICAN HISTORY EVER TAKEN, and I come from Mexico.

Mr.Contreras is a great teacher and he really opens your mind. Also, he is very helpful; if you need help just ask. I must say all around he is a great guy!!

Fascinating class taught by a top-notch teacher. Loved the texts, assignments, and well-rounded lectures. Take copious notes, think critically, and you'll do fine.

Extremely Cool, Laid back and Chill, informative guy. He will make you think about things differently and shed light on the dark past of history..HEE HEE!! Will allow you to take both 114 and 115 concurrently, some inflormation overlaps but the 115 class is way more interesting. Really Knowledgeable about historical and current world events.

Outstanding teacher and class; great for history majors; loved every class; best if you attend every class, recommend to everyone

I absolutley love this class and professor. I learned alot about Mex Hist. Their is alot of reading involved but if you have an intrest in the subject it wont seem so bad. Take this clas and professor if you really want to learn about "La Rasa Cosmica" History

Great class, lots of lecture &reading but very interesting. Mr Contreras makes this class very interesting. He knows his stuff. Excellent teacher and class.

I never had any interest in taking a history course. But after finding out that it was a requirement in order to transfer, I chose to take history 114 & 115. What a blast! Mr.Contreras is extremely intelligent and SO interesting. Very in touch with culture as well. He was an amazing professor. Just do your work and you'll do fine. :)

A model of a man. One of the best professors and courses at Grossmont. Doesn't sugar-coat the hideous actions of the U.S. in Latin America, which is refreshing. Isn't too difficult if you put in the time and effort. Contreras is passionate, wise, and very helpful - an absolute must take!

I took Carlos for History 114, History of the early americas. I am a History major but had a sucky prof. last semester, Carlos really knows his stuff and is fantastic. You have to do like a journal every week in a half and there is only a Midterm and Final, which he gives you what is going to be on it for you to study. Plus there is lots a movies

Extremely Knowledgeable Professor who really gets you into the subject. Keeps you awake in class and opens your eyes to the history of Latin America. A lot of work throughout the semester but every minute put in is worth it and interesting. Dr. Contreras has been one of the best teachers that I have taken in my college years.

This professor was extremely helpful! I took his class online for intersession and I thought it was great.The quizzes are straight out of the text, so you have to buy them.Very easy to read. His finals and midterms were a breeze, they were based on questions from previous discussions. Take him! :)

Great teacher! I've never been interested in history, but Carlos was awesome. Watched a couple of movies, had about a journal a day, and discussed just about everything. Tests are short essays, but he gives you what to study. Two thumbs up!

Excellent teacher! loved this class, very interesting, extremely knowledgeable guy with a great sense of humor and excellent style : )

Great teacher, gave me a new found love for history! 2 tests.. May seem kinda frightening because its all essay questions but he literally hands you every question that will be on the test to you in the study guide which is awesome. So you know EXACTLY what to study for. No "bs" Its a moderate to easy class.

AMAZING PROFESSOR. I loved going to his class everyday, the topics you learn are so interesting it makes you want to learn more and more. His test are fairly acceptable, just do the readings and you'll be fine. There is a midterm and a final. He hands out basically study guides of questions that you answer as you read the text. TAKE HIM!!!

Definitely take this class!!! He's probably one of the best teachers I've ever had @ Grossmont. He's extremely passionate about History, clear, very interesting and enjoyable. Awesome class and teacher.

Good Teacher, Fun Class. He is very passionate about the subject and really does make it interesting even if you don't like history. But you have to go to every class because "participation" (Attendance) matters. I had an A average on everything and because I skipped a few classes I got a 60 for participation and my grade dropped to a B.

Amazing professor! He made this class very interesting. He is very nice but expects you to complete the work, as almost every professor does. He is very intelligent as well!

Great teacher. What other teacher listens to Immortal technique to start a class?! He really drives home the ideas he wants to get across. Forces the class to participate so reading helps it move along faster. Finals/midterms are essays but he gives you the essays ahead of time to prepare. Read and participate you'll get a good grade.

Took his Latin American history class online. His quizzes are very straightforward (he tells you upfront that there are no tricks). He is quick to respond and pretty helpful. I would recommend him, but don't expect an easy A. You will learn though.

History course was one of the most thought provoking and interesting of early native American culture and history. Word of advice, just read and no wont have problems!!

He is a great teacher, really passionate, gives you the hard to face facts. If you are lazy and are looking for an easy A, this is not the class. If you like history and don't mind putting in a few hours you will do well as I did...very inspiring.

Great teacher overall & very passionate about history. Lectures can be boring & its easy to doze off. He is very helpful. Quizzes are completed online and VERY straightforward.

Great teacher, keeps you interested in class. Would take him again.

Simply the best teacher I have ever had history is my.passion but because of him its more than that. He will teach you.what you need to know and open your eyes, not an easy class but the work is worth it and if.u know the material his mid.terms and.finals are easy.

GREAT teacher! This class was very difficult and required a lot of studying. I tried really hard and got a B+. I would recommend him if you actually want to learn something and don't mind putting in extra effort. He knows his stuff! ;)

LOVED Professor Contreras! Fun class to take, made the content interesting. Not too hard, passed with an A while a full time high school junior. Exams and quizzes were straight-forward. I'm so excited to take another class with him

Took his online class. REALLY GOOD CLASS> Not too many papers compared to other history classes I've taken. You can buy the online code for like ten bucks. The text book I rented and it was REALLY good. I wish I would have bought it, it reads like a novel. EASY weekly tests that you ALWAYS get 100% on if you do them. EASY CLASS take online!

I took this class online and I learned a TON! The assigned essays seemed really daunting at first, but they really weren't bad. I found that writing the essays is actually what really helped me to learn the content. I also utilized the book's companion website, which was super helpful when studying for the chapter quizzes. Highly recommend! :)

it's a really easy class, it is quite ridiculous not to achieve an A in the class. Dr. Contreras provides all the material that is necessary. Attendance is important

I took him for my first semester of college. He was a great teacher, very passionate. Must pay a lot attention, take a lot of notes, and show up for class!

3 untimed quizzes, maybe 20 questions each. Timed mid & final exams, same thing, questions & essays. 1 class essay & all essays submitted via SafeAssign. 3 Discussion Board topics. Handful of mandatory videos on YouTube and other sites, some are bad links. Good syllabus, lots of help, interesting class with 3 texts a dozen years old. Fun class.

The class is pretty easy. You can take as long as you want on the tests and they are word for word out of the book and are mostly in order. I printed out all the tests and answers after I took them because a lot of the questions are the same as on the midterm and final. His essay prompts are kind of confusing but there's is not a ton of writing.

SO much work for an intro class. Yes, he's a good teacher knows his stuff but way too much work, lots of reading & writing and exam & final asks too much. it's just an intro class thought it was going to be light...

This is my 2nd class I've taken from him. Learned a lot bout early Americans I never cared for but good to know. Lectures, lots of movies/films. Attend class daily & do the journals. He gives lots of info, might seem overwhelming but pretty helpful. Quizzes, Tests, journals, paper: very fair/easy to earn an A if you want it. Ps: stylish dresser!

I signed up for his History of the Americas class with no interest. However, I finished the class feeling very well informed on the entire history of Latin America and its relations with the US. The quizzes are easy if you do the reading, the 3 or 4 essays have easily-understood prompts and instructions, and Contreras responds quickly to emails.

A great prof. who really loves the material he covers. IF your willing to do the work then you'll get a good grade. He has no problem answering any question and also has a great attitude in class. Be prepared for alot of reading at home as it is very necessary for you to do well in his class!!

Professor Contreras is a caring and down to earth teacher. If you study his material is not hard. He is very passionate about his lecture material. I learned a lot of great information from his class and look forward to taking another. He is helpful and will give you ample time to finish in class essays. he is a humble teacher with a lot to offer.

He is very passionate, and SUPER supportive of his students' efforts to learn. Throughout the semester he would email suggestions for reading to assist in writing our essay. Class is often getting into groups to discuss primary source documents, then sharing what we said with the class. Do your reading, and you will get an A.

I took this class online over the summer. It is very demanding, but well worth it! Lots of reading, films and papers to write. He has a clear grading rubric for his papers that explains in detail what he is looking for to get an A. Dr. Contreras is helpful and responds to emails in a timely manner. I recommend taking a course with him.

Summer session. This is a very intense class with a lot of reading and essay assignments. It's not an easy A, but Contreras is well-organized and clear about what he expects from you. If you put the effort in and read everything you're assigned, you'll do well.

Professor Contreras is one of the most fair graders I've ever encountered, but don't expect an easy A. The class can seem a bit overwhelming at first (I took the 8 week class so it was condensed) and I almost dropped, but eventually it was very fulfilling and it's one of the few history classes I've taken where i actually learned something.

Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, this guy loves history and loves teaching it. If you plan to take this class, plan to ATTEND every class session. His lectures are very interesting and cover a lot of material that helps you understand the reading. Overall a very enjoyable and informative class.

This was the hardest, but the best class I have taken. Professor Contreras is so passionate about his lectures. You HAVE to read and participate in this class otherwise you will not get a good grade and you will not get anything out of it. Tests are important, and he basically drills into your head every lecture what he wants you to do on the tests

Man does this guy talk a lot. He definitely knows his stuff and is a good teacher. I would recommend him. Just make sure you actually do the journal entries he hands out. he actually does collect them. DO NOT throw them away. Discussions are most of the class. He's a easy grader overall. Easy B+ or A

EASY! Online class all you have is a untimed 20 pt quiz every week and 3 essays total a page an a half each time. SO easy

Pretty easy online class! One test per week that is open book (obviously for an online class) and not timed! You get an entire week for the test (20 questions) and it is due Sunday. Only three discussion board essays and one big essay at the end. Must read! For someone who HATES History I really enjoyed this class.

Professor Contreras' online class was clear, concise, and he responded quickly to emails/questions. 3 different texts - readings are a must to pass. 8-week course online a paper per week, so prepare yourselves. I became a better writer and researcher thanks to this class. Great class, great subject, great professor.

Contreras is incredibly underrated. He spends so much time researching the latest information to ensure he 100% accurate in his lectures. He puts together all his own worksheets and is constantly sharing news articles and the latest trending topics which relate back to lectures. He changed my understanding on so many topics. Would take again

Great Professor. There's a lot of reading and weekly quizzes but if you read the weeks assignment you'll pass easily. He also assigns a lot of videos but they make the class interesting. The course is heavy and extensive so I wouldn't take it if you're taking anything important. Other then that it was a fun class.

Pretty good professor. Very nice and is passionate about the Early Americas. There is a decent amount of work in this class so it is not one you should take lightly. Show up and do your work, and you will have a good grade in the class

He's a good teacher. he explains everything clearly. You are gonna have a quiz every week. All the quiz questions are in the book. you have a 5-8 pages paper due at the end of the semester. His tests are written there are 0 multiple test questions. He only gives two tests. midterm and final test.

Good class, good prof, but NSSP controversy arises again. History taught from a limited perspective becomes not so much history but vanity press. Dr. Baydo is on this site & his printings have been discussed elsewhere. But this is community college, lots of fun here. This prof will give you an A if you restrict your reports to the info given by him

I took him for Hist 114. Amazing class. We read a lot but thats expected in a history class. He really went in depth and spoke with a real passion about history. As long as you read and do the writing assignments, you should have no problem in the class. He is very straight forward and gives you a lay out of when everything is due in the syllabus.

one of the few teachers I learned well from, he obviously cares about what he teaches and is very knowledgeable. Be prepared to write papers and long free answer questions on tests (im talking pages). You will come out with a real understanding of the subject. He was also very helpful in making sure we had any course material we needed.

Very passionate & knowledgeable (to the point where he won't stop talking b/c he loves the subject so much). Cares about his students. I hate history but d. It's easy as long as you put in the effort. Highly encourage asking him for help b/c he will gladly do it! Very fair. Graded on quizzes (online except 2), 1 paper, midterm, final & homework.

Has his masters in Stats so knows the course material.

Professor Contreras was always available for office hours and really cared about you students had to say. He does lecture a far amount but his lectures are interesting. I highly recommend him if you want to take history with him.

Professor Contreras is a great teacher. I had an amazing time in his class and learned a lot. If you do your homework and the reviews you will pass the class.

The work in his class is only midterm, final, quizzes online (easy) and homework is journal papers and 1 essay, but they are very easy. Professor Contreras was available for office hours and really cared about you students. I recommend taking his class.

Great teacher! Work consists of packets, chapter quizzes, and one essay for the entire course. lectures are meaningful. the 1 hour class time is his enemy, lets say he plans for about 5 things, we will only get to 3 at most. Expect to be a week off the syllabus(he accommodates appropriately) . Be on top of reading to pass midterm and final essays.

Great professor! Super passionate about history. He gets behind on the syllabus but makes sure to accommodate that. Online quizzes are really easy and can be used to study for in-class quizzes, midterm and final. There's a lot of material but if you read, participate in class and ask questions, you'll get an A.

Carlos is a great teacher!! I absolutely HATE history but I loved this class. Read the assigned books and go to his office hours and he will make sure you pass the class.

Really cool professor but unorganized, maybe just a tough semester from what I experienced- had alot going on outside of teaching. Crammed 3-5 ch. a week in last 5 weeks + the extra assgnmnts, didnt have to be like that if didnt go on tangents. 2 txts required. Have to read to do good in class. hard to tell what was hw and what was just recommended

Amazing Professor. Knows his subject and is passionate about it. Likes students to get involved in discussions, so read and come prepared. I would love to have a few hours to just sit and talk over history with him. I learned a lot.

Professor Contreras is a real nice guy and strives to help students whenever possible. If you take history 115 and your syllabus requires you to buy the book "Born in Blood and Fire" then I urge you to buy the online book as it will help make homework and online quizzes immensely easier and go by quicker. The ctrl +f was truly a godsend for me.

This guy is the best professor out there. I took 3 different classes with him he is indeed an inspirational guy that made me switch my major into wanting to be a professor. He looks mean at first but once you get to know him you'll see what I mean. His classes are all the same journals, class discussios and no surprise quizzes. Study and read.

He is very passionate about the subject and it shows! There's a lot of content to cover but he does a good job going through it all in his lectures. Every other week there is a roughly 5 page homework assignment due which is from the assigned readings and every week there is a quiz about the reading but is easy. If your lazy don't take

Professor Contreras is very passionate and really knows his information. This class requires lots of reading/writing, but all of the material is extremely interesting. This class consisted of quite a few quizzes, discussion boards, and short essays. It can be pretty easy to fall behind, so make sure to stay on top of the weekly material!

I really liked Professor Contreras. I took this class over zoom and really enjoyed the class discussions. Although the information presented is very fascinating, it definitely isn't an easy class. There is a lot of reading and an open book quiz every week. The midterm was difficult and I still haven't taken the final yet. Overall a good teacher.

Chill and nice teacher. Lot's of reading and material but doable if you put your time into it. He's very willing to help other students and help you understand the material.

A somewhat rigorous but extremely rewarding class. Tons of material to cover but practically everything is open book including multiple choice unit quizzes. Lots of writing assignments & mandatory lectures. Professor Contreras is a really great person & professor always willing to help out his students & I feel like I got so much out of this course

I like history so for me I really really enjoyed his class, he is an amazing person and professor who will help you and understand you. He let me turn in late work when I explained my situation. He cares a lot about his students. You will need to read a bit and write some essays, nothing too bad.

This class was pretty easy for me. I don't love history but I enjoyed it. Prof Contreras gives a good chunk of homework mainly readings which are supposed to help you for essays and quizzes but everything is open note. The class was a little dreading to do but I would totally recommend taking him! Good luck.

Get. Ready. To. Read. (and listen to podcasts and watch movies). You won't be able to cover everything (it takes around 15 hours a week to do so sometimes). Multiple-choice questions are very ambiguous, and there are some essays that will take hours to write. The contents of this class are enthralling and very important to know. Study and you pass

Great Professor, really passionate about his job!

Excellent professor. Very caring and enthusiastic about the subject matter. Goes out of his way to assist students, even with supplies and will loan out his textbooks! Gives positive feedback and encouragement, wish every teacher was this passionate about teaching!

Amazing professor! He genuinely cares about his students succeeding. He is very passionate about what he teaches. There is a lot of primary sources; reading and videos. As long as you do the work and take copious notes you can make the connections and succeed.

TBH my fav Prof/class I've taken. He's very passionate about what he's teaching and wants to interact with students. Don't be afraid to ask for help! If reading isn't your thing, the class might be hard. But honestly get a screen reader for the pdf articles on canvas + an audio book of the textbook, that helped me a lot. Otherwise not much homework

Second time taking him and it was a good class. Reading is very important but dont stress as long as you watch clips you are fine. He is very helpful but can be all over the place with grading. Takes a while to grade simple assignments but provides extra credit on exam and on the side. Great professor!

Carlos is so passionate and knowledgeable about history. His class taught me so much that was never covered in HS for me. Really amazing lectures and group conversations if you participate. You can tell he has some public speaking anxiety so be patient as he pauses for deep breaths sometimes. Sit up front because he speaks very softly!