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He's really fun to listen to. Sometimes seems a bit crazy, but that's half the fun. Talk to him after class, just a nice guy to talk to.

he is a great professor! he makes all of his classes interesting and even fun.

He's a little crazy, but overall he's a really great professor. Probably one of the best the university has =)

He is a really good teacher, his classes are very fun and interesting.

very interesting teacher.

Funny yet also wierd. He teaches like he's on crack. I recommend him.

Awesome subject about religious terrorism. Great guestspeakers...Alvarez is very enthusiastic and very crazy. The midterm/final are pretty easy if you have the book on hand, and the paper we wrote was a 9 page paper on anything in the subject. Good stuff. Recommended definitely.

cannot say enough about this guy. all teachers should be like this guy. understanding and kind, passionate, intelligent. genuinely interested in his students learning. this guy is somewhat like coach carter.

really passionate about teaching, funny, keeps class involved, speaks english perfectly, respects your view on religion no matter what it is

Awesome guy...although he said he was an atheist on the last day of class which totally threw me off. He's a true rock fan and a great thinker. I still don't believe he's an atheist.

AWESOME professor. LOVE this guy! Very enthusiastic. Loves his material. BEST professor in the department, by far. Take as many classes w/ him as possible. Exams/Papers are very easy.

Great professor, but he's ****ing crazy!!!!!!!

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Really Good teacher and an all around great guy.

this teacher is great....extremely enthusiastic about his subject and knows a lot about everything....he loves teaching n that is what makes hinm great....a lil bit crazy....but u'll crack up in his class....take it if possible!

Awesome Professor. I love this guy, he's so funny and tries to make class interesting for you. Very down to earth kind of guy. His class is not an easy A but its easy to get a B. I definitely recommend him.

Good Man. Passionate about his work, overall good experience in his class.

Alvarez simply rocks to put it shortly. He is EXTEMELY knowledgable on course content AND he keeps it entertaining (The Dude is Crazy in a good way). You don't often find people passionate like him. I plan on taking as many classes as possible with him.

Dont be fooled this class is hard he never gave back any essays in the summer course so you had no idea how you were doing till the end of the semester, dont take him if you dont have to.

He's super interesting. Gives you hard take-home quizzes. Expect a B or better - but he's REALLY into his lectures, especially Christianity ^_^

Dan is extremely passionate and he brings his passion to class every day! His ambition for profound knowledge is contagious! There is never a dull moment with him; you'll learn a lot. He is definitely one of the most brilliant people I will ever meet in my lifetime and one of the most unforgettable. It also doesn't hurt that he's a charmer!

He is VERY PASSIONATE! the class is extremely interesting. If you want to learn about the history and how religions are take his class! it is worth the time and money! You wil ever regret it!

interesting man. but if you want a good grade in the class you have to take notes. you cannot do well on the quizes/exams without taking indepth notes. he keeps everyone interested every day. i really enjoyed it and plan on taking more classes taught by him.

Had this guy as a guest lecturer in my honors seminar. He is certainly very enthusiastic, but only marginally understandable. He rambled, and could probably have made the same points in half the time. I have a feeling that the people on the front row got a little bit wet, as well. Like I said: enthusiasm.

probably one of the best teachers you'll ever take. He's really engaging, gets you into things you dreaded going into, he's smart and funny and connects with his students. One of the best classes I've ever taken (and I'm not even a religion major!)

the class is EXTREMELY boring!!!!, but he's a really nice guy and he doesn't grade too hard...u only have to do 4 essays in the entire semester...a midterm, a final, and 2 site visits, which was GREAT cause the class did not require too much of my time...it's hard to get an A, but very easy to get a B.

So passionate that he actually made me love each and every religion he taught.His tests ARE hard but you have the book, the notes and internet at your dispostion, so they ARE doable,however, if you are not open minded to religions dont take him, he will challenge everything you have been taught since childhood...Great prof. overall!

Smart, passionate and fair. Kind of hard to follow when he lectures 'cause he goes all over the place, but the class isn't too hard. Tests are posted online and you're given two days to turn it in, so that's cool.

He is very passionate about what he teaches, which makes the class more interesting. If you like other cultures, it will be an easy class. Tests are posted online, so the internet will be a great tool to answer the questions.

He's very passionate about what he teaches! He might jump a lot and go off topic sometimes and he talks pretty fast also. All his tests/quizzes are take home and hes a really nice and funny guy and makes the class really interesting!

Prof. Alvarez is one of the teachers at FIU that you have to take at least one class with before you graduate. This is the easiest class he teaches. Take home MULTIPLE-CHOICE midterm and final, you don't have to show up to class but the catch-22 is that most of the stuff on the tests are on what he lectures. I DEFINITELY recommend him.

So far Professor Alvarez has been my favorite teacher of them all at FIU. He really knows his subject and is extremely intelligent. If you want to take a religion class, take it with him. He will teach you the pro's and con's to every religion. All quizes are take home and multiple choice, but not always so easy. Nonetheless, take this class!

I loved this class. The prof is really into the subject. There are 2 quizzes, a midterm, and a final - all take home. If you do the specified readings and take lecture notes, there's no way you can't get AT LEAST a B in this class. Plus, you'll actually learn something.

One of the best teacher's FIU has to offer. If you're a stick-to-the-syllabus Nazi, don't take him. If you want to learn something, DEFINITELY TAKE HIM. I love him and recommend him to everyone.

Coolest teacher. He makes the class so interesting, and knows his stuff so well. His test are a little hard, but they are take home, so with Google, your notes, and the book, you should be fine. Don't have to go to class, although I recommend it. The only bad thing is that he writes sloppy notes, so pay attention, he says everything he writes. A+++

I didn't want to take this class at first but I am glad I did. It was worth it because he knows so much he will dazzle you and you will see things differently. You may not like it if you are very strict with religion. Either way his tests are hard but no matter what grade you receive it is worth it to take this class.

He is an awasome professor, really into the subject, and willing to make the best of the semester. His class in not hard at all, you just need to read the sections from the book before class and the material will be super easy to understand. I definitely recommend those that want to learn in a cool environment to take his class :)

he is a little bit hard in the grading papers because this is a Gordon course............but his class is absolutely great.

I've taken several classes with Alvarez. He is kinda crazy and misses class or leaves early. Overall, the classes are not that bad, as long as you do the work required. He even gives take home exams and papers are pretty easy.

The guy is INSANE! he is halarious, nice, and talks a lot of crap! There are 3 papers, and you never have to go to class. Just make sure you have someone that goes every often to let you know when things are due. All the info for his papers you can get it from Wikipedia. He is always late, and the class is just slack slack slack!

Man i took this guy for the analysis class and world religions and lemme tell you, this guy is amazing. He knows so much about religion and is so passionate about it. I learned so much from him and in some of his lectures, i even got goosebumps. I love every lecture i went to and if he offer's more classes, i will for sure take him. He was awesome!

If his passion for religion does not inspire you on a quest for knowledge, perform harakiri.

tough class but this guy is hilarious, he will tell you stories that are out of this world. The exams were take home but they were really hard, and the final is a mission in itself, but he grades okay and you will pass the class with a decent grade if you show up and listen to this man speak his mind. Overall great teacher.

hes a down to earth guy. hes funny and curses sometimes lol no need to read any book u can basically wing through the midterm and final which is 3 questions and 2 pages long per question and 2 site visits which are REALLY EASY. best wrtiting class i took!

Class was easy. Tests all online. Class not necessary, but he's fun to listen to.

EASIEST CLASS IVE EVER TAKEN! 2 site reviews and a TAKE HOME midterm and final paper. you don't have to show up for anything except to turn in your work. no textbooks. just look info up online for the midterm-final. EASY! TAKE HIM!

One of the best professors ever, he is supper easy and funny. Class is optional. We had three papers: a site visit, midterm and final (not hard at all). I ended with an A-

this is guy is wow great!!!! I really recommend him you will have so much fun he is just crazy but that is what makes him standout from any professor. Really cool guy the only thing is that when ur trying to write down notes it might get crazy since he writes everywhere. Overall great one midtern one final and that is it they are all take home:-)

Professor Alvarez is one of the best at FIU, the lectures gets so intense I feel like I need a few drinks to calm down when the class is over. Very thought provoking and entertaining.

This is by far the best professor and the most passionate i have ever had. Awesome class, really knows the material like the back of his hands. Awesome learning experience! ! !

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The class is not bad but essays are graded hard by the TA. You must check that your essay is graded right always. He makes the class interesting.

He is the best Professor there is in FIU for all the Religion Courses. He is different than the rest but he sure knows how to explain, he takes time to interact with students and he gives fair grades. Is not hard to pass as long as you show up to class and do the assignments. TAKE HIM!!! you will learn....

Smartest man I've ever met. He has a passion for what he's talking about. Pay attention and pass the tests. Open to discussion in class, and likes to hear what we have to say. BEST TEACHER IN FIU!!!

Excellent professor and excellent lecturer!!! He is the jewel of FIU. Graduated from Harvard University. I could perfectly understand all his handwriting and his lectures are so interesting that all the info gets stored in your memory. I think only anal or extremely detail oriented people gets bothered by his teaching style and i love his style.

If you really want to learn about religion this will be a great choice. He is a passionate individual and if you read his lectures will be crystal clear. This is not for slackers but it was the best decision I've made at FIU. Ive taken him for several classes.

Excellent Professor. You will really learn in this course and will enjoy the relaxed, slacker atmosphere. This is a brilliant professor that has a wealth of knowledge. Just make sure that you have an open mind and are willing to think outside the box before you take his course. Highly recommended. I took his class for religion (REL 2101): recommend

Extremely smart. Knows everything there is to know about religion. Lectures are impossible to comprehend as he shorthands everything he says onto the board, illegibly. Seriously, you cant read a word he writes. But he makes the class alright. Funny guy. 3 take-home essays, a site visit, and a take home final. Class is HARD

Highly recommended. Do not leave FIU without taking a religions class with Professor Alvarez; the man is an expert in his field (he went to Harvard for his post-grad, for crissakes) and in an unconventional method of most present professors, he cares more that you comprehend the material instead of just shallow memorization for the exams.

It's not an easy class. But, this was the most interesting class I took this semester. The man KNOWS what he's talking about. Don't cheat yourself out of what I call the Alvarez Lecture Experience -- go to class! Take notes and enjoy, best lecturer at FIU by far, challenging material. Bring your open mind!

I cannot believe anyone would write something negative about this Prof! Very Knowledgable, reall really cares for his students! His test are challenging but he curves! Take Him, you will not regret it! The JEWEL of FIU

This guy is nutty, but endearingly so. Just skim through the readings and contribute in class. There was only one 4 page paper the entire semester which can be good or bad depending on how well you understand the material. Overall, it was an easy but at times boring class.

Where do I start, this guy is AMAZING! He is by far the most dynamic speaker and interesting lecturer I've come across. It's not an easy class, but you'll be amazed at the amount of knowledge you aquire by listening to him. So interesting!! He's a genius. TAKE HIM! HE'S THE BEST! He's also a sweetheart and genuinely cares for his students. TAKE HIM

By far the best professor I've taking class from in 2 universities and a community college. Very knowledgeable and makes the class very interesting. For me not only the best professor at FIU but best I've ever had. Tests are hard but not impossible. He also stimulates students to study and read, he influenced me more than anyone ever had...

This is my third class with Professor Alvarez. This man is simply amazing. One of the best people I have ever met. He is so knowledgeable. His class is simple just an essay. You will more about life in this one class that you will in your entire 4 years of college.

He is a great professor. He really gets into character and his lectures are dynamic. By getting into character I mean that he emphasizes points and concepts of each religion and does not discredit anything (or preach his own beliefs) and is very respectful to every religion. He cares about the students and tries to be as fair as possible on exams.

Class was so so. He is a nice guy and has a LOT of enthusiasm. His tests are so so. Class attendance is NOT mandatory, which is nice, and in my class, all tests, quizzes were online through blackboard.

Show up to class some of his test questions are directly from class discussions. All test are online, nice amount of time to take it but EXTREMELY hard. It's all based on how lucky you get with the questions.

Great Profesor. Does not take attendance because he expectes to capture your interest in his class with his knowledge which he clearly does (based on number of students in attendance). Teaches each religion from the inside with a non bias perspective. Provokes your mind into action..very good. Tests where take home..

He is a really great teacher; He knows his stuff and gets you excited about Religion. Because of his classes (I've taken about 5) I decided to double major in Religious Studies. Take his religion and mysticism class its one of his best.

Alvarez is not just Alvarez. He is THE ALVAREZ. I can't describe how much I admire this man. He has superb intelligence, dynamism and enthusiasm. He will wake up your senses and teach you to think. Highly recommend. Best professor EVER.

I think hes overrated by most. Yes, he's read alot. But for all his knowledge, it can be lost in disorganization, often abrasive subjectivity, and some confusion. This class caters well to the intellectually arrogant, though I don't totally blame him for that. 4 tests, 3 50 questions, final 100. Read the book and be prepared to be offended.

Great lecturer. Really "translates" different types of mysticism into Western language. Great course! READ ALL ASSIGNED MATERIALS!

Having Alvarez my first semester was probably one of the best experiences of my life. By far the most dynamic lecturer and knows about any subject. You WILL learn and you WILL be inspired. This may be one of the few intellectually stimulating prof's left at FIU. Read the books, put effort towards your papers and you CAN get an A in the class.

Course will seem like an "easy A" at first but don't be fooled! It will get increasingly harder as the semester goes on. Did well on the papers and most of the class BOMBED the final which he DID NOT curve. Ended up with a "B"

Alvarez is one of the best professors at FIU. Some of these negative comments are honestly written by idiots. Disregard them, unless you're an idiot.

Great World Religions professor. Alvarez is very honest, tries to do the best he can to continue lecturing. But he is in general human, and will answer all of your questions no matter how long it takes. His office hours really do help and he will enjoy your company and participation. I did not get an A+ but I was close.

By far one of the most brilliant minds in the study of religion. Sometimes hard to follow but a wealth of fascinating information in that head! Limitless knowledge and excitement are his trademarks.

This professor knows his material and is very knowledgeable, BUT his online quizzes are extremely difficult and very confusing. His handwriting is incomprehensible and extremely difficult to follow. If you want to pass get the book and make friends to copy from each other.

Alvarez is simply the best. Incredibly thought provoking and has influenced me to embark on a spiritual quest myself. Yes, his class is challenging, and that's what I loved about it. I earned my A. If you're looking for a nice challenge with a genius instructor, this class is for you. This is my second class with him, and definitely not my last!

Definitely worth taking class with him. You'll learn so much. The material he covers is tough, but he explains difficult concepts clearly. I though I was going to be completely lost all semester, but somehow, things came together at the end. Is flexible and willing to meet with you to help with your papers. NOT AN EASY A, but worth it!

Took class online, reading is necessary and take good notes on audio/visual online lectures. Only 1 book which is a very little for a humanities class. There are 13 quizzes (one a week), midterm and final, and 2 papers. Professor is very helpful, answers emails, clears any doughs or questions. Nice person despite intimidating photo on this site.

best professor, love his beard and insightful mind, tests were confusing but if you read the book and understand his train of thoughts it's all easy

YOU MUST ATTEND LECTURES. I DID NOT BUY THE BOOKS NOR DID ANY OF THE ASSIGNED READINGS, JUST WENT TO CLASS EVERYDAY AND GOT A B+, NEVER STUDIED FOR TESTS/QUIZZES EITHER. IF YOU STUDY IM SURE YOU CAN GET AN A EASILY... HE IS ALSO VERY KIND AND HELPFUL IF YOU ASK HIM FOR HELP. TAKE IT.

HE'S HARD FOR SURE. BUT YOU'LL WALK OUT OF HIS CLASS BETTER EDUCATED AND WITH AN OPEN MIND. HE TEACHES WITH PASSION AND ASSURANCE.HE KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT INSIDE AND OUT.HE CAN ARGUE ANY POINT FROM OPPOSING POINTS OF VIEW. NEVER A DULL MOMENT.SUPER FUNNY. HE'S AN ASSET TO FIU. TAKE HIM IF YOU REALLY WANT TO LEARN.

By far the best kept secret at FIU! If you are looking for an easy A, don't bother taking the class. If you want to learn, this is the place to do it! I disagree with the folks who say he is opinionated, I found him to be very neutral and highly intelligent! There are few profesors with his passion and zeal for the subject matter.

Recommend everyone to take his classes!

I took Prof. Alvarez for World Religion. I loved him. He made class very interesting, he was very knowledgeable about everything. He's quizes and exams are NOT easy. However, he does give extra credit and he will curve your grade at the end of the semester. I never studied for his class, but if you go and take notes in every lecture you'll be fine.

Best professor at FIU. If you are looking for an easy A and to not learn a thing go elsewhere. The tests are difficult but if you read the text you will do well. I had straight A's in all my undergraduate and the only B's I got where in all 4 of his classes, but they were the classes I learned to most from.

Considering the other professors at FIU this professor is the best. He has a crazy passion for the subject that'll pull you into the world of "religion". In addition, the best part was going to the site visit and experiencing something different from my own culture.

Amazing biker dude professor. Loves his subject and pulls his students into every lecture. Extremely knowledgeable and interesting. One of the best in FIU. Gives extra credit but he cares most about students learning. Loves his Harley and loves his students. Worst handwriting. ever. Completely Horrible and illegible. :) You'll love this guy!!!!!

Alvarez is very passionate about religion. I only took the class for the GL requirement, so I really have no interest in the subject, but he made me interested. He's a great lecturer, his words really get to you, but he does have terrible hand writing. Essays aren't easy but they're not impossible either. Just read the books and you'll be fine :)

Alvarez loves Religion. He is a great professor-except for his handwriting. If you want to get an A you have to read all the books, go to all of his lectures and extra credit opportunities. If you like the subject it's even better. I agree with the previous comment 100%.He's also very funny. Don't mess with Alvarez!

This professor is awesome! Not only is he super cool and funny but he's also very knowledgeable in religion. The class doesn't have a lot of work, there's 2 papers and 3 tests. The tests can be tricky so make sure to take good notes! Besides that i would definately recommend this class, i ended up with an A.

Seriously take this class! I'm not a religious person at all and I loved it, it really opens your mind. Definitely my favorite class I've taken so far. Alvarez is a great & knowledgable professor.

All assignments are through Blackboard; 2 Timed Quizzes, timed midterm, a timed final. Also a Site-Visit and a 2 page globalization essay. I recommend buying the world religion book,he uses it to make the quizzes.

I've never had a teacher move me during a lecture to a point where I teared. Professor Alvarez is the most REAL professor Ive ever had. Go to class. If you PAY ATTENTION, you will pass. He provides a lot of extra credit opp., all quizzes & exams are online. TAKE NOTES, worth watching the show.

This guy loves religion and he's very funny.If u want a good grade u need to read all the books (8 in total). U have 4 papers (site visit,midterm,final, glob quest) and a quiz of 50Q which is awful. If you r taking the class because u think he is an easy A don't, u have to read as crazy

The best professor I have ever had. But you will learn more taking the final then taking notes. Still its a very easy class, and this professor is the best, loves the subject and loves to teach. Really makes you think about religion.

Professor Alvarez delivers a clear explanation of what Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity entail. Then he opens your mind to analysis. A mind blowing experience. TAKE NOTES. ATTEND CLASS. READ THE BOOKS. YOU NEED IT FOR EXAMS AND PAPERS!!!!

He is super sweet! Not only that, he is completely invested in his classes and his lectures are full of passion! Very funny and approachable; will explain anything after class as well as have conversations. Definitely recommend him

Refuse to take another religion professor. I absolutely love this guy. His tests are hard as hell, so prepare a team of people to take tests with since they are online (2 tests) and there is two papers at the end of each class, a global learning one and a site visit. Great professor, hysterical, super nice guy, just prepare yourself for the tests.

He is absolutely my favorite professor so far. He is witty, insane, passionate, funny, and his knowledge on the subject is beyond impressive. His tests are hard-ish, just take notes on his lectures and the textbook. He has two papers, a sight visit and a globalization essay. Both take work but it's fun. You'll be seeing me in his other classes!

He is hilarious and he has an extreme passion for the topic he is teaching. However, the tests are extremely difficult. They are not based on the lectures, they are based on the textbook, so you must read. The tests are so hard that Alvarez can't even pass his own tests. STUDY STUDY STUDY and you will be fine.

He is a great professor! Very passionate about what he's teaching, he tell's you straight up that the quizzes are hard but honestly if you use the textbook the questions are not too difficult, I've passed every test. He is interesting and funny, the only thing I had trouble with was understanding his handwriting but definitely take this course!

AMAZING professor! If you have an interest in religion I HIGHLY recommend you take this man's class. I took this class Spring 2013 and had a great time learning from him. However, the class is no cake walk. It is a lot of reading and if you don't show up to class you might not know what'll be on the tests.

I loved Alvarez! He's so passionate about religion that it makes you want to learn more about what he's teaching. Not only is he a great teacher and speaker, but also he's hilarious. I can't count how many times he made jokes with out 400+ person class. Take this class and you won't regret it. He's really great!

This class rocked. Professor Alvarez is very engaged and you feel like you're having a chit chat with a friend about philosophy. He demands 2 short essays at the end of the semester and class participation is a good idea. Great class. Feels like grad school.

The Heidegger seminar with Professor Alvarez is probably the most difficult yet addicting class I have ever taken at FIU. Professor Alvarez turns this class into a coffee hour. We read and analyze the texts together and decipher the mind of Heidegger. Incredible seminar taught by the perfect scholar.

The class is mostly lectures and it's alright, and he's a good professor. You can even skip class if you like, it's kinda boring anyways; you're just learning the thoughts of old dead guys and other useless crap you'll never use in your life. Take it if you just need another honors course to fulfill. Essays are a BlTCH. 2 whole pages!! Good God...

This Heidegger seminar was challenging. Professor Alvarez, however, did not leave us in our existential crisis alone. He was by our side every step of the way and provided so much helpful feedback to aide our writing. I am so grateful to have been his student. What an honor to have studied under this caliber of theologian / philosophical genius.

This Ethics class was the perfect preparation for graduate studies. I loved every second of our engaging scenario based conversations where epiphanies made several appearances. Alvarez knows how to play devil's advocate quite well and I recommend his Honors seminars to anyone who is looking for grad experience. 2 papers at the end of the semester.

His course is super chill. All you need to do the entire semester is 2 essays. Both which are only 2 pages long, and trust me with the topics he gives you won't have a problem writing two pages. Take him if you have a heavy work load, he is very understanding of people missing class, specially in midterms, and finals.

He's good and understanding. Very lenient and willing to help. Only 2 papers with a minimum of 2 pages each. The rest of class is just come and listen. It's DOABLE! My only complaint is not about him, but about some atheist students who sat in the front mocking Christianity with little snide remarks the entire semester. Very rude and annoying. >8(

My only complaint about the class is ppl didn't talk to each other. Lots of hermit crabs in class. I would have loved if the class were more fun and extroverted and if ppl could have gotten to know each other better. Hats off to the poly-sci guy who sat in the front-right of class. You win at LIFE, Sir. May an autocracy be formed under you.

My only complaint about the class is ppl didn't talk to each other. Lots of hermit crabs in class. I would have loved if the class were more fun and extroverted and if ppl could have gotten to know each other better. Hats off to the poly-sci guy who sat in the front-right of class. You win at LIFE Sir. May an autocracy be formed under you.

If you're really into your belief system/religion this class might not be for you. He basically destroys all major world religions. People would walk out when he went into his tirades. Hey it's college, he's just giving information, not trying to convert you. As for the actual class, it's easy if you do the readings and watch the movies.

This guy lives through what he teaches.

Alvarez is incredible! He's the most passionate teacher I've ever had, he even made me realize I wanted a minor in religion. All the tests are online, but yes, they can be difficult. Do them in groups for the best results. Go to class, take notes, read and you'll be fine. You'll leave the class feeling inspired! I'd take him again in a heartbeat.

He is a very funny and passionate professor. His lectures are interesting but he is not very organized since he goes by his handwritten notes that are not legible (at all) on the large screen. This class is passable with two online quizzes and an online midterm and final. I would definitely recommend it for the social inquiries credit.

Go to class, take down his notes, watch the videos, and your all set for his tests. If you fail he gives you plenty of opportunities for extra credit and will curve the grade in your favor. He is funny and as he says "he lives what he teaches". Just a warning though, watch out for his bad handwriting and quick speech. No listening, no passing

This is my second semester with FIU. Professor Alvarez made my online experience so much better when I realized he had my best interest at heart. This semester was pretty tough bc my computer crashed, plus I was taking 5 courses. He was prompt with emails and made it so much easier to find alternatives so I don't fail. Professor Alvarez is great!

Interesting, funny, and really cares about his students. Loves what he teaches. Attendance isn't mandatory but it gives you a big advantage when writing the papers. A site visit, two 6-8 page papers and a 50 question final, not to mention a ton of extra credit. Don't even bother paying attention to the mess of a powerpoint, just listen to him.

He is strongly opinionated and the class is all the better for it. Very funny professor and is incredibly sweet. Clearly knows what he's teaching and is knowledgable on various topics. A midterm, final, and objective exam. There is also a site visit report that really enlightened me (much easier than the way he puts it). Pay attention in class.

3 6-page papers . Confusing final exam (but you get 2 attempts online). Ridiculous amounts of extra credit. Lectures were awesome. The work was lengthy but straightforward. Best teacher ever.

Professor Alvarez was the one that inspired me to see the depth of other cultures, religions , customs and societies other than my own. A truly inspirational and enlightened human being. You have to work hard but in the end you learn a lot.

I never take the time to rate my professors. I personally believe that unfair, and quite frankly deceitful since the learning experience is very personal. But I will do this for professor Alvarez since he is one of the most amazing, highly intellectual teachers I have had in FIU!!!

I took this class Spring 2017. The class is really easy. You do not need the book because he puts notes and outlines on blackboard. There are 4 papers to write and a final to take online. The TA's grade your essays. You might get a tough or easy grader. Just make sure to answer the questions on the essay topics correctly.

Gave wonderful lectures and knew exactly what he was talking about. Very passionate. Took him over a year ago and still leaves an impact today. Still have his last lecture recorded. Cares about his students. If you like religion, take his class. Some papers but fairly easy. Read and do the work to keep up with him if not you'll be lost.

All grades are based on essays and an objective final. Just know what you are talking about, he helps you after class if you are lost. Easy A if you work for it.

He is a solid choice if you truly care about philosophy. There are few things graded on and you will not know your grade til the very end of the semester, he won't even set up the canvas page. He cares about his students and loves his job, attendance isn't mandatory but he might send out an email saying a certain lecture is. Don't buy the books.

Professor Alvarez makes the class fun, he engages with students, and his lectures can be a little confusing, but they follow along with the textbook, so you can always read that and help yourself. TA's are helpful, both midterm and final consisted of 2 essays and an objective exam, all online. Extra credit is offered as well as quizzes online :)

The most amazing professor I've ever taken. Really inspiring and yes the class was indeed difficult but I learned so much.

Sweet guy, a bit crazy, but very educated on what he teaches and cares deeply about his students. Do the work he asks for and you have an A, straight forward class with a lot of lectures. No quizzes or tests, 4 discussions, and 2 short papers. Books are not necessary.

This class is easy except for the essays. They are long and require a decent amount of effort. They are also worth a lot in terms of grading and the grading of the essays can be harsh too.

Alvarez really does care about his work and the effort he puts into the class. His lecture explains clear concepts and is very informative. He does discussions and essays and 1 exam which you have to do readings for, but honestly very manageable. But grading takes very long and it is a very strict criterion.

Protect this man! Such a wholesome dude. He didn't do exams, but had us write discussion posts and two final essays. It just wasn't enjoyable for me since another classmate made it unbearable (personal issue), but the professor tried his best to keep it under control. Overall, I'd take his class again but without constantly losing brain cells haha.

Lecture heavy. Grading takes a while and tough criteria. Few assignments. Lectures are dense and great but occasionally go off-topic. A lot of writing. He generously extends the dates so try not to procrastinate.

This class has very few assignments, only around 5 essays and 4 discussion posts for the entire semester. Going to his lectures provide a solid foundation for what content is being covered and he is also very entertaining. It is not a difficult class, just do not fall behind.

Professor Alvarez is passionate about teaching, caring, and an amazing lecturer; he makes seemingly boring topics entertaining. If you pay attention you will do well, he also is always understanding and wants to help you do good. He became my favorite professor after taking only one class with him. Take him! You will not regret it :)

Probably the most passionate professor that l've had at FlU. The lectures are very fun, engaging, and interactive. Attendance isn't mandatory, but you will struggle it you don't show up. The class is all graded on essays and discussions (it's a GRW course), but if you show up to class and turn them all in, you'll get a good grade.

This is a GRW course so expect lots of writing; however, it was pretty simple. Good passionate professor; although he's up there on the age side so I think his passion for teaching isn't very well conveyed in an online setting. Regardless, the class is an easy A if you submit your work, and he's flexible with deadlines.

Professor Alvarez is passionate but his lectures can be hit or miss. Essays are the main focus, so stay on top of them. unstuckstudy AI was a lifesaver for essay prep. Overall, manageable if you engage with the material.

He let me turn in my midterm after one month of the deadline. He a G for that.

Overall, the professor is good. 4 discussions & a lot of essays made up the class. The class is not hard but the lectures are very heavy. Don't rely on just the notes on canvas. Take this class if it's really necessary but I don't see it as worth it if you just need a humanities elective. There are definitely better options, but to each their own!

Prof. Alvarez is an amazing lecturer who is deeply passionate about what he teaches. Show up to class, you learn things you wouldn't otherwise know. Discussion is easy as long as you bring something new to the conversation. Most of the class is graded from 5 essays, none of which surpass 1000 words. Grading is always late. Take Alvarez!!!

Took online. Decent class, lectures are recorded and grades based on chapter quizzes. Chapter quizzes based on textbook. MUST read the textbook. A lot of reading, but as long as you read thoroughly you will get at least 8/10 on the quizzes. Sometimes questions can catch you out on the quizzes (but I never watched lectures and still got A-). Papers.