This class is all lecture. But he explains things very well. If you study the information you will get good grades

He was the most awsome teacher ever! I love his class. It's all lecture but it's not hard to listen to. Love this class and the teacher!

he is great!! lectures are very understandable. all lecturing though. good lectures all together!

Very good teacher. Very clear and if you really listen he makes history a lot easier to understand because of his chronology.

great professor, enthusiastic about subject, and explains stuff really well. even though it was an a.m. class for me, his lectures kept me awake. test material comes solely from his lecture notes so pay attention and go to every class.

pay attention in class, don't need to read. just take class notes. whatever he writes on the board.. write it and when he repeats something more than 2 times.. it's going to be on the exam. it's all lecture!

Love this guy! He explains material very well and tells interesting history stories. Only 3 things needed for class: midterm, 4-5 pg. paper (no sources but read a book), and a final. He gives study sheet. If you're taking Hist 120, take this guy!!!!

2 tests and 1 5-7 page paper. I hate history but this class was very interesting. He tries to make it fun. Take this class if possible.

Prof. Matthews lectures with much enthusiasm. He is knowledgeable in Am. history, and passionate that we learn "what is important." I like his teaching still, and the discussions are very interesting. He talks loud and that keeps the class awake and participating.

I think this professor is great. I was never really a big fan of history but his lectures kept me awake and wanting to pay attention. He only gives two exams and one paper. If you go to class and pay attention even without taking notes.. you'll pass the class with a minimum of a B.

a lot of note take but a very good teacher. only 2 test and one 5-7 page paper. final isnt comprehensive. :)...very good teacher

Prof Matthews is one of the GREATEST teachers I have EVER had. He is hilarious and knows his stuff Fun class, good textbook, long notes, but very easy to take. His exams are a combination of essay/shortanswer/multichoice. There is also a long paper on Conservatism in the 1970s. TAKE IT AT NIGHT.

Matthews is a great teacher. You will learn a ton. I never even bought the book. He goes over so much in class and your hand will be cramped at the end of every session but you will come out knowing tons. The paper is just annoying.

Loves to tell fun trivial stories from history. Fun prof. Loud and lots of notes. Don't really need to read the book. Gladly answers questions and welcomes arguments. Tests aren't too hard. A paper on a book. Go to class for the notes. Highly recommeneded professor.

Great professor! Totally recommend. I don't like history but he makes me understand so much better and gets me interested. Loud and clear. Pages of notes, but mandatory for exams. So don't skip. He is totally up for a debate and it's funny. Just take him haha.

he is the best teacher ever. he gives really good lectures and knows his****. he's fun and a realy good teacher. theres one paper and 2 exams and he gives you what you ned to know before the test. in his lectures he gives a lot more info than needed so its easy to pass test, i bought the book but didnt use it at all. i highly recommend him.

A very good teacher, gives great lectures, and gives pretty good study guids for the exams. The term paper is the only thing that really brought down my grade. He's picky about how you write. The book the term paper was on was also pretty boring. I hated that book. You don't need the text as much as he makes it seem like you do.

Very good class and teacher. Makes history interesting and is very clear. Attendance is important but if you take good notes and show up for class the tests are simple. Wasn't sure if he was going to be an **** or an awesome teacher, but he turned out to be awesome. The reading isn't really important but taking good notes is.

TAKE HIM!!!!! very good professor knows his history and makes the calss really interesting you have to go to calss though all his questions are from his notes u dont need the book and he gives you an outline for the tests hes a good teacher and u dont even have to know dates! TAKE HIM!!!!

TAKE THIS GUY! I LOATH history, but Matthews gives lectures and the stuff you need and adds a few extra facts from history that are interesting and sometimes funny. Makes history a little less boring. He gives study guides for each test that are very helpful. No quizes or papers!

Great professor!!! Readings were required, but just go to class and take notes and you'll do fine on the exams. He's a great lecturer and you'll learn lots from them. Only 3 exams and then a final. Great class, no stress.

I find it difficult keeping my eyes open in history classes but I never drop dead in his class... what does that tell you? Tests are very easy, but you MUST attend lectures. I take bad notes so I did mediocre on tests (B and more B's), so learn from my mistake and jog down EVERYTHING he says. Take him, highly recommended.

Highly Recomended. Very good history teacher...and I HATE history.

Professor Matthews is a great teacher. His enthusiastic personality reminds me of a kid in a candy store. I don't like history but he made it fun. He gave study guides which really helped. If you dislike history he is a GREAT teacher.

wow, what a great class. he knows what he is talking about and he makes you want to learn history. most people say that his test are easy and its true, but only because he is such a good teacher that you really learn the stuff and you know whats going to be on the test. I HIGHLY SUGGEST TAKING HIM!!!!!

He is a very good and enthusiastic history teacher. I really enjoyed going to his class. That being said, I feel that he is an unfair grader. There are three exams and each exam has two long essays. He is very picky on these; basically write until you think you have enough, then double that and you should be getting close to what he wants.

Dr. Matthews's enthusiasm makes history fun. Not only that, but he's also a great lecturer and you will learn tons from him. There is no BS with him either, which I appreciate and respect. I don't agree that he's an unfair grader. He doesn't subtract points for wrong answers in essay questions which is beyond fair to me.

Awesome teacher with interesting lectures. I really learned in his class. He's not an unfair grader, just watch out for those damn maps on the 1st exam. Kind of looks like a grown up Harry Potter. Definitly take him.

One of the best teachers at GMU.He delivers his organized lectures loud and clear,great for notes.He makes history fun and interesting with videos and fun factoids and helps a lot with questions.The class is short so a lot of history is left out of the lectures,for instance we didn't even cover D-Day during the WWII lectures,but it's in the book.:)

eeepe

Finally a history professor who isn't monotone and boring! I really enjoyed being in his class; his lectures were loud and clear, the tests were fair and dare I say easy, the mini-clips were interesting, and he's a respectable guy. To do well, don't skip lectures and take great notes. Read the book too, but you don't have to read it religiously.

A history teacher that doesn't suck. He teaches concepts not dates. Very easy class. He promised quizzes every day but not one was delivered. It doesn't matter, I learned tons in his class anyways. Take him whether you're general ed or a history major.

This is the greatest professor I have ever had!! I absolutely hated history all my life and my parents almost dropped to the floor with i came home & started talking history at the dinner table! There arent words to describe how wonderful he is! Hes hillarious and even though its my last class of the week and is late I look forward to every class!

He's a very good history teacher and it was obvious that he knew what he was talking about and what he was doing. He does talk about concepts rather than dates and sometimes that can be hard but if you stick with it it'll be allright. Not as boring as you might thing he is at first.

He is an alright teacher! His Exams are NOT easy! You cannot get away with a good grade without studying. You just have to learn HOW to study for his exams! First exam I studied my ass off an yet got a D, second time, I didnt study much but wrote down EVERY WORD he said in lecture....read it before the exam and did the study guide! I got an A!

To get a good grade in Dr. Matthews' class, follow these basic rules: read before lectures to get an overview of what will be discussed. DO NOT waste your time taking notes whilst reading the book. Be sure to write down everything he says in class, and make sure you can answer the questions on the study guides and you may even come out with an A+.

I wouldn't bother asking him a question, b/c he will just look at you like your an idiot.Just write down EVERYTHING he says, review the study guide, and you will be fine. There are 3 exams which are a bit difficult, especially for a "100" level course.

Class is moderately difficult and exams (3) are challenging but if you attend class and take good notes (I took 10-12 pages of handwritten notes per class) you will do fine. Check online quizzes from book website for extra test questions. If English is a second language, you might want to record lectures since they are key to doing well.

"The better the notes you take, the better your grade will be".It's just as simple as that.One thing I didn't like is that the guy goes on so fast.Don't even think about looking at your watch because if u do,u will miss a valuabe paragraph of notes.oh by the way:"TURN OFF YOUR CELLPHONE!" ;)

Like you all reading this right now, I read the past reviews and went to class/took A LOT of notes/"tried" to read the book, etc. I still found the 1st test to be fairly difficult. HOWEVER I greatly improved my grade on the 2nd and the final by using the INDEX in the back of the text to look up the exam essay topics he gives you in the study guide.

Great Professor! He goes very fast and the tests are kind of hard but i learned so much from him! i would definately recommend taking this professor. he knows what he is talking about and has a lot of interesting stories to make the lectures more fun. I did not open the textbook once.

I really liked this class. the professor made the lectures really interesting. the tests were mediocre, but he gives a study guide a couple classes before. so all you have to do is study. take this class.

I absolutely loved this class! I have never liked a history class and that's why I took it my first semester so I could get it out of the way, but he made history so much fun!!!!!! Definitely recommend his class!!

Honestly a good teacher..lectures are very interesting: video, writes words on the board that are hard to pronounce/spell, incorrperates stories that are on subject. Two exams & one-10pg paper. YOU MUST include A LOT! of informtion and detail on exam. FAIR-Hard grader. He gives a lot of information in class-don't miss and you will not need to read!

This guy is a great teacher, explains things clearly and gives you a lot of tips. Tests are easy if you go over his study guide and pay attention in class, only bad thing is he is extremely strict about his papers, I didnt look at his essay guide and got an F on the paper because of it, but the midterm and final pulled me up and I ended up with a B

Dr. Matthews is one of the best teachers I've had so far at Mason.I hated history when I came to college, but he makes it very interesting and comprehensible.He is very passionate about what he teaches and makes you want to go to class.As long as you go to class you will do fine on the tests. DEFINITELY take dr. matthews if you can!!!

Dr. Matthews is one of the best History professors that I've ever had. He grades to rather high standards, but he is fair. If you want an easy A, don't take this class. If you want to learn a lot and improve your writing, though, then you should look into it.

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This is the hardest class ever! I would definitely not recommend this teacher if you want a DECENT grade. I barely passed the first test and failed the rest. He goes moderately fast, you have to write down EVERY SINGLE word! A LOT OF NOTES & READING! He is nice as a person & good teacher, but very hard! Tests are a killer. No fooling around.

A great professor overall. Attendance is a must and the lecture notes are equal to the test! If you take the notes, the test will be a piece of cake :)

Dr. Matthews is a really nice guy and his lectures were always very interesting. He kept stressing the fact that history repeats itself, and he was more concerned with teaching concepts rather than having us memorize dates. Make sure you go to class and take detailed notes- he bases his exams on his lectures. Take him, he's easy!

Ok he is a nice guy a good teacher. BUT his class is not easy. He actually calls himself a "nazi" about his paper. i understand having high standards but his are beyond necessary. If youre a complete buff about a specific subject than hes probably a good choice but if youre more of a history in general lover, i would try to choose a different prof.

Really great professor. Grade is based on 3 tests and participation. Bring a laptop to take notes, he's a very fast talker. Attend class, take good notes, and its an easy B, if not A. Book not really necessary, most everything comes from lecture notes.

Dr. Matthews is the best history professor I've ever had. He makes the material very interesting. He is a fast talker, but has no problem being told to slow down. I suggest bringing a laptop if possible, and study your notes. The essays are not difficult if you go over the info outside of class.

He uses checkmarks for his essay exams, and then counts the checks. You can repeat - but only 1 or 2, and way apart, like the beginning and the end. He grades very hard for the paper. Almost everyone gets a C, no matter how well written. Go to every class, take good notes, and don't bother with the readings.All the exam questions are from the notes

Take notes verbatim, since the exams are all from notes. If you see him at his office hour every week and discuss your term paper, he will help you tremendously, so you don't get a C like most of the bums in the class. Don't be lazy about doing research. He is a grammar Nazi. The Elements of Style will be your bible for the term paper.

Dr. Matthews is a great professor. His classes are constantly informative and his lectures are some of the best I've ever had. Exams come directly from lectures, so attendance is important if you want to do well. Would definitely recommend taking a course from him as long as you plan on attending.

He definitely kept class interesting, which is important in a 3 hour class. Makes a lot of jokes and knows TONS of information. If you have any questions he is really great in office hours. I genuinely love this class.

Best professor I have had at Mason. Extremely witty and has a dry humor that I loved. He will be hard on the paper and lectures a lot, but this is an upper level class, so expect to do work. Absolutley worth staying the entire three hours for his class, because ever lecture is entertaining. I have learned more from this professor than any other..

This is one of the best history professors anywhere. Come to class takes lots of notes, read the texts, and put effort into the term paper, you will get a good grade. He can be demanding but all his classes are great. Remember this is an upperlevel history course so apply yourself get the A, but dont expect it just because you paid tuition.

Best history professor I have ever had, full of great info, kept class interesting, and is very helpful if you need it. Go to class, take lots of notes, do readings the readings and write a good paper. If you do this all will be fine. Also ask for help if needed. Heis very approachable and will guide you as needed. negative commentsare from lazy st

He is the best! What a wonderful teacher. Take his class as long as you plan on attending because exams are right from the notes. I rarely used the text book.

Professor Matthews is amazing! He made class so interesting. Usually I zone out in long lectures but he always kept me interested. His tests are very fair and super easy as long as you study. He provides you with very helpful study guides and as long as you study them thoroughly you will definitely ace the class. Definitely recommend!

Matthews is amazing! I wouldn't take his upper level classes if you aren't a history major though. He's very demanding, but as long as you show up to class and pay attention, you'll be fine.He's hysterical and I encourage going to his office hours - once he has a personal relationship with you, he'll usually cut you a little slack.Attendance counts

Great prof. Very engaging. Highly recommend.

Not the best but not the worst. Class was a drag though since it was three hour lecture. Assigned a lot of pages for reading which actually help if you take the time to read it. Also make sure you take good/detailed notes because test comes right off his lecture. Overall he was okay.

I was told he was quite harsh about the analytical paper and I was stressing all semester however I just got an A on it so I would say he is not as difficult as others make him sound. His exams are simple if you study and attend class. The reading is completely unnecessary unless you don't attend class. Just show up and take thorough notes.

Boring but easy class. Talks fast and detailed notes are important for his exams. Only used the books to look up topics on the study guide. Tests are straight from the study guide.

Prof. Matthews is an excellent lecturer, who obviously has a lot of passion for history. You have to take good notes, but if you do and you use his study guides, you'll have no problem with exams. This was a required course, and I wasn't looking forward to it, but Prof. Matthews presented the material so well that I enjoyed the class immensely.

Great professor, I enjoyed his slight southern accent during the lectures. He really knows his stuff, be prepared to take a lot of notes and then study from them. The good news is all the material on the tests are in the notes you take, meaning you barely have to use the textbook. If you study your notes you will easily get an A.

I had Prof. Matthews for a 3 hour lecture class, and he is very educated on his field of study. He knows what he's talking about. He gives study guides that tell you exactly what will be on the test, but you have to actually study and put in effort. There is no homework, only 2 exams and then the final exam so you have to actually put in work.

For a 3hr class, this class went a lot better than expected. It went fast and Dr. Matthews clearly loves History and is always in an enthusiastic mood. He is also pretty funny, too. You really need to go to class! He takes attendance. 2 tests + final that comes from lectures and study guide. Take great notes and you won't need the book.

For a three hour lecture with insane note taking, it was actually a very enjoyable experience. He taught me so many interests things about the Western Civilization, and he's a pretty fun guy himself

Don't take him is you don't like the subject and unwilling to put forth a lot of effort. His tests are easy if you go to every class, take good notes, and read over the study guide he gives out.

Take him!!!! He is a great professor and tells you the truth about history! Take detailed notes during his lectures and study for the tests according to his study guides and you will do great! DO NOT BUY THE TEXTBOOK! I GOT AN A+ WITHOUT OPENING IT!

He's an awesome professor. Lectures are engaging and interesting. I recommend making sure that you read before class or at least before tests. He gives study guides for the three tests you'll have for the semester and there are NO quizzes, papers, or other assignments due. He's always available for questions. He takes attendance.

While his lectures are long and involve massive not taking, I enjoyed this class! Just 3 tests, which are non-cumulative, and 10% added for just showing up and participating. Tests are pretty straight-forward! I didn't open the textbook ONCE, yet managed to get a B+! Take him if possible!

I had Professor Mattews a 3 hour long class. His teaching style is lecture based but his lectures are very interesting. In high school I felt like I was learning the same history over and over but he taught me things I didn't know! Exams aren't hard if you go to class, take notes, and study. I really enjoyed his class. I would highly recommend him!

Dont buy the text books, if you just attend lectures then you'll be good. He also gives out a lot of study guides for students.

A great lecturer. Enthusiastic, absorbing and challenging. Imperative that you attend every class as 90% of his final exam is drawn from lecture material, but definitely do all the reading to gain full benefit from the lectures and the class. His paper format requires RIGID discipline to his dictates, but he provides great guidance.

Attend every class and take notes on everything that he says and you'll pass. He's enthusiastic and cheesy which makes the class interesting. You don't need the text book if you write good notes. Amazing teacher that really cares about history. I would definitely take him again. He's the only teacher to keep you awake for a 3 hour class!

I have a tendency to fall asleep, but I never fell asleep in this class. I also hated history, but this class wasn't that bad at all. The textbook is honestly useless and all you have to do is take notes and go to all the lectures. That's it. I literally just reviewed my notes before the tests and aced most of them.

I thought Professor Matthews was the best professor I've had in college. His lectures are clear and very informational, and parallel perfectly with his exams. If you take notes, use his study guides, and really study the study guide, you'll pass easily. And you'll actually retain the information. Plus he's really funny and actually cares about us.

I have never before rated a professor that I've had on this website, but after the review I just read I felt somewhat obligated to. Kevin Matthews is one of the greatest professors you could take at mason. His class is challenging as he doesn't post anything on bb and you have to write what he's saying as he lectures, but damn is he good.

Just show up and listen to his lectures for an A+, they're the least boring ones I've ever sat through. This man was literally my favorite professor and I'm not even a history major but I'm planning on taking some obscure Celtic History course as an elective just so I can take a class with him again. Bless Charles, he's an angel.

Professor Matthews is amazing! His class is interesting and not boring high school history all over again! Just show up take notes and you'll pass. If you skip you'll fail bc his lectures are the test and I doubt ppl would read the textbook outside of class. Very caring and tests are exactly like the study guide! If you want an A, take this class!

TAKE HIM. i dont like history, but he is a great professor. i took a 3 hour lecture and it went by fast. dont expect to do well if you dont study and attend class. the things we learned are basic. DO THE STUDY GUIDES. you'll regret it if you dont. hes a funny guy, enjoy him!

He was by far my favorite professor this semester. He explained things well, made class entertaining, would slow down and repeat if you needed him to. He gave study guides for his tests and gave time in class to go over the questions anyone had. Only graded on three tests though but they're easy if you pay attention in class. He gave extra credit.

This class was mandatory, but I'm so glad I took it with him. The tests were purely from his lectures, and they were fun to listen to. He makes class interesting and the 3 hours flew pretty fast. You get 3 tests, non-cumulative. Don't buy the textbook, only a few questions from the test are from the book. Just redo ur notes and you'll be fine.

DONT BUY THE TEXTBOOK just show up to class and take notes! save yourself money

Had his class from 4:30-7pm his lectures can get a little boring but if you take notes and rewrite them, you will get good grades on his exam. He gives out study guides and tell you to read the book, but really most of the questions are from the lectures. His exams are pretty simple and only worries if you understand concepts.

I loveeeed Matthews. Solid A in his class. No phones or computers allowed in class, he only allows note-taking by hand, but honestly this is the best way to go. He speaks slowly, loves answering questions, and will gladly repeat himself. Only 3 exams the whole semester & everything on his study guide is on the exam. Don't buy the textbook trust me

Awesome lectures and a great person! Most enjoyable history class that I have ever taken and I learned so much that I didn't learn before through history. He does take attendance and will give you extra credit for being in class on days that a lot of people don't show up.

There's only 3 tests I believe and he's a tough grader. Attendance is mandatory but you should show up either way b/c he lectures w/o PowerPoint so take detailed notes. There's assigned textbook readings which you should do b/c he doesn't teach everything that's on the tests. He's pretty funny and makes the class interesting.

Matthews definitely knows his stuff. He's a tough grader and can tell when you BS something, but he's a fantastic professor. He's incredibly helpful through email and in office hours. This isn't an easy A, but if you go to class, pay attention, and take notes - you'll be fine. Would definitely recommend him to any history major or graduate student.

You dont need the textbook, just come to class and listen to him. For the exams you will just need the review guide and everything he spoke about in the lectures i.e. your notes. The exams are easy and fair and his lectures are very entertaining!

Not only is this prof funny but also he takes the time to repeat & clarify info 3x&is willing to answer any questions students have. Only 3 exams(non cumulative), don't buy the textbook-all exam material comes from his lecture& make sure to do the study guides!

Although this class is completely lecture-based and I'm not really a history person, I really enjoyed it!! He assigns readings, but as long as you take good lecture notes and do the study guide before exams, you'll be fine and won't need the textbook at all. His lectures move pretty fast, but he's an amazing teacher. I highly recommend this class!

No laptops or other devices allowed. Otherwise, wonderful class and very enjoyable. Charlie likes to use the phrase, "handsome devil," when describing historical figures, so watch out for that. Lastly there are only three exams, so SHOW UP TO CLASS to learn material! If you do this, you will NOT need the book! I promise you! Attendance mandatory!

Everything you need to know comes from the lectures, don't bother buying the textbook! Did a good job fitting content into a short time period (MWF class) and made lectures entertaining. Be prepared to take lots of notes by hand and study them for the tests.

Simply put, if you don't show up and take notes, you will not do well. The textbook is honestly not needed. His questions come directly from the lecture and the study guide he gives out. The lectures can get boring if history is not your thing, but you don't need to study a lot throughout the semester. But you MUST know the study guides. MUST!

Get ready to take notes. Don't bother getting the book. Lecture heavy but very interesting and not boring. Best history professor, easy A class. Take notes, the exam reviews are based on them.

Though the class is entirely lecture based, his lectures are incredible. He's an excellent story teller and really makes you pay attention to the content with the way he speaks. One 10 page paper based off of one of the books, but the other books are virtually unnecessary. I really enjoyed his class!

He is the most amazing teacher I've ever had, he has great lectures, just take notes in class and you're great. He is funny and has such interesting lectures, lots of content but it's so worth it. Absolutely take him, not much work outside of class, don't really need to do assigned readings if you show up and pay attention.

So glad I took him! The entire class is just based on 2 exams and 1 final, no essays&assignments. Amazing lecturer. Teaches history like he's telling a story! A textbook is recommended, but honestly, you could save money and go without it and still be able to excel since it's mostly from lectures. Just be prepared to take tons of notes by hand.

Be prepared to take lots of detailed notes and long lectures. Each lecture was pretty interesting and I learned a lot from his class. Graded on attendance, one paper, and two exams (including the final). There are a lot of assigned readings, but you don't need to read them to pass. Book for essay is boring. Essay and grading of essay can be brutal

Seems hard at first, but if you go to his lectures, easy A. Old school teacher so no computers and phones but too busy writing so its fine. Also really nice dude once you get to talk to him alone.

History has always been my worst subject, but Dr Matthews makes the material easy. He teaches like he's telling a story & really knows how to engage the class. The class solely relies on lectures, so don't skip! Also, no phones or laptops allowed. The class is graded on 3 exams, but his study guides clearly tell what material you need to study.

Great lecturer and dynamic speaker, presents on topics like hes telling a story. I never used to retain much I learned in history but this class really taught me the material.

you have to go to the lectures and get ready to take at least 3 pages of notes each class! i never liked history, but he makes you understand history! you dont really need the textbook, bc his tests are all based on his lectures (JUST GO TO THE LECTURES AND TAKE NOTES AND YOU PASS)

Dr. Matthews is the best professor in history department. His lectures are amazing and his tests are super easy. This class might seem hard in the beginning, but dont make the mistake of dropping out & taking different professor. You wont need the textbook. Everything on the test is from STUDYING GUIDE. 3 easy tests, no papers. Easy A

Super interesting class, I'm not a history person at all but learned a lot with Matthews. He didn't allow computers so we could only take hand written notes but writing things out helped me remember stuff for the exam. COME TO CLASS after the exams, you might get extra credit.

His lectures are the best! You HAVE to attend lectures and take GOOD notes to get an A on the exams. All of his questions are from the lecture so the textbook is not necessary, it just works as a tool. 3 tests, non-cumulative final, attendance is a grade, and he teaches in chronological order like he is telling a story. TAKE HIM!!! Easy A!

He is literally one of the best professor at mason. No papers. Just three non cumulative exams which he gives study guides for. Although his are mandatory, they are the best and they are so engaging. Its def not an easy A you have to take good notes and study before the exam. I learned a lot from him. Definitely would recommend.

Dr. Matthews is the best. History has never been so fun. His lectures are interesting and tests are very easy. Skipping class missing a lot of information. Dont bother buying the textbook or studying anything thats NOT on the STUDY GUIDE. No papers. Although required, you dont have to read the book 1984. Just use spark notes and u will be fine

Negatives: He has an abrasive personality. Hates technology. DON'T take out your phone or laptop, you will get screamed at like you're back in kindergarten. Positives: Easiest class I ever took, take notes and you'll get an A. Incredibly interesting and thought provoking lectures. Is clearly passionate about History and is pretty understanding.

ALL TESTS ARE FROM THE LECTURE SO TAKE GREAT NOTES (literally write down everything that comes out of his mouth) 3 tests, and that is it. He provides a study guide for the test which is essentially the main topics of the lecture. Take him! He gives out lectures like they are a story, all events in chronological order, but study in a group!

Dr. Matthews is by far the best history professor I've ever had, and I hate history! He has a strict no phones/no laptops rule which is very helpful because it keeps you engaged in class and not distracted. He has so much knowledge and passion for what he teaches! 3 exams and straight from study guides, SHOW UP TO ALL CLASSES AND TAKE GOOD NOTES!

Professor Matthews was a really great orator. He has a way of making the history come alive to people and making it applicable for today. Read the books thoroughly and take notes during lectures and you'll be fine. He grades only a few things so keep in mind that you really have to put the work into the tests and final paper.

Prof Matthews was great! I took him for a European history gen ed, and he was very helpful and accessible to me, a student who generally doesn't care about Europe. He's a fantastic lecturer, easily reached outside of class, willing to work w/ you, and very reasonable. We only had 4 grades for the semester, but I was able to bounce back from a c-

I usually hate history but Professor Matthews makes it easy to understand. No essays, 2 tests & 1 final. Dont bother buying the textbook, he never mentions it during class. All you need is to take GOOD notes during his lectures & youll do fine on the tests. Provides study guides with material on the test & overall an easy going guy.

Super fun teacher. Explains to the class in great detail almost like a story. You have to come to class to pass, it is not optional. He mostly talks but puts pictures up on the board for the visual learners. 3 tests multiple choice and writing in. Study guides are so helpful he specifically puts what we need to know

Disregard any negative reviews about him, great professor could not complain about him. Literally take notes during all his lectures and you'll excel in his class. Textbook required but really not needed if you just take good notes in class. Tells history like a story, very interesting. He hates electronics and isn't good with them but thats all.

3 exams with multiple choices and short writing. study guide every exam. only picture ppt, so take good notes in lectures, he uses all class time to talk. His lectures have more important info than textbooks. No electronics. I don't like history but his lecture is interesting. Come to class on time. Recommend Matthews.

He has a gift when it comes to history. He turns history into an engaging story. I found myself enjoying history for the very first time thanks to Dr. Matthews. Just take notes on his lectures and when he send the study guide, READ IT! The questions come directly from the topics specified on the study guide. Its an easy A class. No paper or project

Only grades off of tests and attendance, there are no other assignments. If you show up (check in online), and do the work, you'll pass. He also sends his lecture notes which is extremely helpful for study notes.

This professor is the best learning experience I had with History Yet. He goes in depth about the pas t and connects various incidents from the past to the troubles in the present and does it in a way that is really interesting to know about and also easy to understand.

I took HIST100 with Professor Mathews for the Mason Core requirement. I must say he tells History in a funny and engaging way. However, if you don't take notes from the beginning of class until the end, you'll find yourself lost. He also doesn't post notes/powerpoints. Just take good notes in class and ask questions and you'll be fine.

I loved this teacher. He made lectures humorous and actually interesting. I learned A LOT. Only downside is lots of writing. Graded on 4 tests, super easy with multiple choice and written portions (written is easy, just pay attention). Such a fun guy, just make sure to never let him see any use of electronics-he doesn't allow them.

I wish i could take prof Matthews again, i've never had this much fun during any class before. He makes his lectures so engaging and humorous that its hard to ever get bored, i was genuinely looking forward to attending his classes every week. However, be prepared to write until your finger fall off, definitely worth it tho.

Professor Matthews is great with lectures, he uses images on the screen and he will speak about notes. He does not do text slides and will not post the images. If you miss a day, you miss all of the necessary information for the exam. No grades besides 3 exams. They are mostly straightforward but they are specific to even the clips he plays.

Professor Matthews is an amazing professor with lots of knowledge on world history. While he may be very strict on technology use and on using the bathroom, overall, he is a very nice professor who I'd highly recommend for any student at Mason.

If you don't show up to his lectures you will fail. He does NOT post anything on the blackboard, at all and I did not read the textbook but I passed because I wrote down his lectures word for word, he requires written notes unless you have an accommodation! he's strict but I love him!

I learned more in this one semester of history class than I did in all 4 years of high school. He is a very nice person and teaches very well.

I really had fun in this class. I had taken History in the first two years of high school so this class was recap for me. Despite that, this professor was such a pleasure to take and he made the lectures so engaging that it made me never want to miss one. Really glad I took HIST100 this semester as history is also one of my favorite subjects.

I'm so glad I had this professor for my history course. He has great charisma and is entertaining during his lectures. You will be writing a lot of notes in this class and sometimes he does go fast. Make sure you do not miss a lecture because he does not put his presentations on blackboard and you will be responsible for getting that day's notes.

An excellent lecturer. Encourages classroom discussion.

The exams are the only things that make up your grade and he is a bit of a tough grader on the short answer questions so really go into detail. The study guides highlight exactly what's on the test and his lectures are very detailed and his class is entertaining. I didn't read the textbook, but you don't need to if you want an A.

3 tests and attendance. Show up to class, take notes. 2 days before exam start rewriting notes. you will easily get an A. Textbook is required but stopped reading it and still did well. HIST is boring in general but he makes hella funny jokes that makes class go by. Take notes, study a little, and you have no excuse not to get an A.

Matthews was a great professor to have. I loved his lectures and how he would connect everything we learned in class to things going on today and how those events still have an effect on us. He says you need to read a bunch of the book each week (you don't) and attendance is very strict. Just go over the study guide he gives out before his exams.

Mr. Matthews clearly knows what he's talking about and encourages everyone to participate and give their side to any discussion. The only drawbacks I have about his class is the lack of technology integration and his strictness about tardiness; if you don't like going to every single class, don't take his course. However, if you show up/study, yes

Professor Matthews classes are INTENSE when it comes to it being lecture heavy. You dont necessarily have to read but highly recommend. Only grades in the class are the 3 exams you will be taking. Provides study guides in advance. PAY ATTENTION TO LECTURES and take good notes or you will fail the test. If you miss class ask someone for notes.

Really enjoyed how he presents his lectures and he is funny! The only grades were 3 exams/attendance though so you really need to write all that he says/read textbook or at least skim through & READ 1984. He can be a little bit of tough grader.

If you are someone that does struggle with history, then i would highly recommend that you go to every lecture and read. the. textbook! The textbook could sometimes be repetitive to what was said in lecture, but it becomes important when you get the study guide. He is really passionate about history and i recommend taking his class!

The class is lecture-heavy but manageable. His lectures were engaging, and he connected events to things going on today. If you attend class, study, and use his study guides you'll pass. He can be a tough grader but just make sure to write enough details. Attendance is strict and only written notes are permitted. Make sure to write good notes.

great professor

Make sure to listen in lectures and no electronics because hes old

This class was relatively easy and low stress. Dr. Matthews doesn't use technology, so you must show up to class if you want to pass. His class is also graded on very few things, just 3 exams and attendance. His class is lecture heavy, but he makes the lectures interesting and enjoyable. There was a textbook, but I never had to use it. READ 1984!!

His tests are pretty straightforward and aren't too difficult if you attend class. Doesn't post notes or allows electronic devices. Will scold you if he sees you on your phone. He gives a lot of textbook readings but they aren't necessary if you attend class. Takes attendance. Exams come straight from the lecture material. Be sure to read 1984!

Professor Matthews makes a potentially dry subject engaging. Attend every lecture, take thorough notes, and study the textbook - it's a lot of work, but pays off. unstuck AI was a game-changer for my exam prep.

There are three exams, you can get away with not buying the textbook if you come to lectures and take notes. Prof is passive-aggressive and hilarious in that sense, if you don't like dry-humor don't take this class. He has had the most engaging lectures I've ever been to (and I'm not a hist fan) The study guides are exactly the test questions.

By far the best course and professor ive had at mason. He doesn't allow technology but thats ok, just pay attention to his lectures and take good notes. The whole grade is based on midterms and the final. He's gonna pressure u to by the book but U DONT NEED IT, save 100 bucks please. Definitely read 1984 towards the end of the semester though.

This prof was highly interesting to learn from. He is extremely knowledgeable and told history like a story. He does use a book but if you attend every class and pay attention to the study guides you will succeed without it. I found him funny and kind. Only grades are tests fyi

Very interesting, at times humorous lectures. Grades on attendance and tests only. All memorization, handwrite notes and use the study guides he posts. Phenomenal professor, eccentric personality. Very passionate about his work.

Great lecturer, but his passion is in western history. No tech, but his lectures are over quick, so I didn't mind. You don't need the textbook. Class is easy if you've taken US/Western History classes before, but if you haven't, you might need to take time out of class to prep for exams. Easy to get 90s on exams if you come to class and take notes.

His lectures were AMAZING. He is strict with phones and all notes must be handwritten. Bad with technology and didn't have a Canvas/Blackboard. Lectures seemed like storytelling. Only graded on 3 tests and extra credit oppurtunities were silly. Once it was hot in the room and he asked students to. open windows, then gave them 5 extra points.

Professor Matthews made a subject that I only had slight interest in and made it more engaging. The lectures do get long at times. You absolutely will not pass if you don't show up for class and if you know you're gonna be absent definitely make sure you ask somebody for their notes. Overall a pretty great professor although a bit harsh at times.

Dr. Matthews is a really great lecturer and makes normally boring lecture material interesting! I really appreciate his dedication to including the role of women and POC in American history and WWII, and he provides great insight on different global events. The only grades in the class are participation and exams, so make sure you go to class!

Mazing Teacher, his Lectures feel like listening to stories, and Very fun to listen to. his lectures make you want to keep listening, but you do have to read a book that is going to be in the final, very test heavy and come to class

He is a great professor. I never cared for history before, but he made me really love the class. He relates whatever you are learning to current day, and also keeps the lectures as entertaining as he can. Read 1984 at the end of the semester so you can remember things, take lots of notes and read the textbook, pay attention and you will pass.

Professor Matthews is an amazing professor who cares about his students. the class is hard- your grade is 3 tests and participation/attendance. use the study guide and go to class. he doesn't post lectures so u need to go to class and take good notes. if ur not good at going to class at least get the book if not u will fail.