Very willing to give help, nice guy outside of his daily lectures.

Really nice guy. Can be a wiseass, but in a joking way. Good all around profesor

good guy. makes wise cracks. gives you what u need to know in the class

"Now the Nubians, They wanted Booty..." Hilarious.

great lectures and knows his material well

hint:write down every word or bring a tape recorder or else you are screwed

Very difficult. But is a good teacher and teaches you a lot.

lectures most of the time, but very interesting and tells you what is important

Be prepared to take notes. study for tests. harsh test grading. good prof.

notes notes notes, very demanding. But I did learn A LOT!

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Lots of notes, very interesting, very enjoyable

Great prof., hard work but you learn a lot, great lectures!!

Great prof., captivating lectures, always interesting, hard work but worth it.

Good Prof, interesting lectures, doesn't believe in group work..learned alot

What a great Prof. Very easy to talk to, but very demanding as well. Great guy!

AWESOME teacher, learned so much. Got straight A's Take him, you'll learn a lot

Very organized, the outline handouts helped a ton, great lectures

Notes always suck, but at least he is interesting. Great at lecturing.i got an A

Great Prof, time consuming, but well worth it.

best hist prof at GVSU

Tough grader, but always available to help. I liked his lectures!

Great Teacher, lots of notes but he keeps it interesting. Papers kind of suck but he is totally willing to help with anything

Big time hoosier fan and that's his only flaw. Best instructor I ever had in any subject! He will make you work for that A.

The only professor that ever made me enjoy history! Got a C in his class, but only because I didn't do the study guides for his test. Willing to spend hours helping you out

I didn't like this professor at all, he lectured the whole class period and was very very boring!! Very hard to get an A on anything.

He grades his papers hard, but is very willing to help you. His class consists of lectures, but he gives you an outline so you don't get lost. I learned a lot from him, he's a great professor and very nice. I would recommend!

Wonderful, interesting and fun. Extremely helpful. If writing is your weak spot you may want to avoid. However, if you wish to improve your writing take this professor and make sure you let him help you before you turn in your papers.

He is an awesome teacher. Lectures were always interesting. Be prepared to work very hard on papers. His grading is hard, but it is not impossible to receive an A.

Awesome guy. All you have to do is go in to see him and he will help you out so much. Take him, even if he is hard, it will be worth it.

Tough Grader on papers but other than that an all around nice guy

I find the lectures to be very interesting. He takes time to get to know each student on a name basis, and even goes around the class before each lecture and talkes for a bit with each student. Highly recommend.

Excellent professor. Extremely willing to help and very clear. Caveats: Class is FAR more enjoyable if class participates in discussions...and essential that you go to his office and talk to him about assignments.

Very good prof if you want to learn how to write better. He grades his papers very tough. Interesting in his lectures and make sure you go and see him in his office. He is the only prof to get to know the names of his students I have had.

Wonderful Guy! He really cares about his students. He is difficult on grading papers. However, for someone who sucks at writing he can help you improve or frustrate the hell out you. He is worth taking just for his lectures.

He is by far one of the best professors I've ever had. He's tough but fair-very knowledgeable in his area. He shows genuine concern for his students and their performance. If you need help he bends over backward. Wonderful guy!!

Knowledgeable, caring educator. Take his classes, you won't be sorry.

Finally a teacher that can teach! Excelent lecturer. Very pleasant to listen to and understand. Tough grader but it's all fair & you can rewrite papers. Just for the record..those looking for the opposite of BAD Prof. Mapes - this is it.THANK GOODNESS

JUST AN AWESOME CLASS. The lectures are very interesting, and you won't even look at your watch once. Take this class, you will not regret it! Oh yeah, NO EXAMS!!

Very very tough grader. Classes are fun and mostly lecture. No group projects.

Creative projects. Makes the class interesting and focuses on the practical and not the technical aspects of such a survey course. Tough grader on papers but will help you improve greatly.

He is a "lecture" person. Not many class discussions or group-work. VERY hard grader on papers. In this class there were no tests or hw, only papers, and he graded HARD. But he is very helpful, caring, intelligent and passionate. I learned A LOT

If Jesus did a thesis on the Bible he could only hope for a B from this proff.

Very tough grader on papers. If you don't like to write, do not take his class. On the flip side, he is awesome at helping you understand if you go see him after class. He really cares about his students

He doesn't grade papers "too hard." You can rewrite all of them..so obviously he cares. If you don't want to improve and just want a grade then yeah..he does grade hard. I think he's encredibly smart. He finds EVERY mistake..which is great!

If you're lazy, don't take a class with this prof. He is very demanding, but makes sure you actually learn something from the class. If you're worried about your grade, go talk to him, he is a very nice, helpful prof.

If you dont take Stark, youll miss some of the most informative, bet you didnt know, lectures to date. Great creativity with group projects, and great feedback on papers. A Must, Guy is always in his office

Awesome teacher, he is so smart when it comes to Latin America since he is from Puerto Rico originally. No tests, just papers. He's a tough grader but grades on improvement over the course. so it makes you work harder. Good guy.

An "aragont" jerk? I don't think he's arrogant at all. He's confident because he's good at what he does. P.S. You're probably not going to like the class if you can't spell.

First, just because you make spelling error on does not mean you will not like the class.Stark is very entertaining. Just go to his information on the hisory website.Anyone who post everything he has ever done in life for all his students to see is full of themselves. Stark can be an arrogant prig!

he's a pretty confident guy. Excelent teacher, fair grader. Class is interesting and...stuff. do yourself a favor and take him over the other prof. that teaches HST 300.

He is a great prof. I had him for a 3 hour night class and thought i was going to die. I definately didn't. I learnd history from a different view, and not just the major stuff that the teach you in hs. you learn so many new things. i'm a nerd though...

This is a tough class, but Prof Stark is always available to help you. He will help you/make you work for your grade in here. You will learn a lot in his class, he is very intelligent, but be prepared to work hard and come to every class.

I found him to be very helpful when I came for help or advice on my papers. It is true that he is a tough grader but he also grades fair. I couldn't find any mark on my paper that I thought was unfair. He talks fast though so you have to be a fast writer. I would recommend him.

Stark won't tolerate anything but your best work. Don't waste his time. But, he was always available when I needed his help looking over paper drafts. His lectures were like stories. Take over other guy! I got an A, but that was only because I worked HARD! If you want to learn...take this class!

I felt that Prof. Stark was an excellent Freshman Seminar teacher and I recommend taking his classes if possible. He encourages activities outside of GVSU (and into Grand Rapids) and allows you to vent in a weekly journal. Not hard, a bit enjoyable. He's a kind man, as well.

A very knowlegeable professor. His lecture style is very organized and easy to follow. He has a lot of information to get across, so take good notes because they will be a big help with the papers. A tough grader, but fair, and gives opportunities to do rewrites to improve your grade.

Easily the best Prof. in the History dept. Concise and humorous lectures that will grip you for the full 50 minutes. Does not assign worthless work. Great Paper topics! His enthusiasm will make you convert to history! A must take Professor that will expand your horizons while challenging you.

One of my all-time top three favorites. This man is AMAZING. His lectures are like story narrations - beautiful to listen to - yet convert easily into your own notes. Makes every subject enthralling with humor and personal eloquence. With his help, I produced some of my best papers in my college career for his class assignments. SEEK HIM OUT! =D

Stark's lectures are interesting and take up the whole class period--thus your hand hurts afterwards, but it's a good thing. Grade majorily based on 3 papers which he grades EXTREMELY hard, but it will make you a better writer, as he allows rewrites. Has unique personality and humor, but overall nice to take. Don't take if you write bad!!

BEST teacher I've had, ever. Makes class very interesting and has great enthusiasm for teaching. Very approachable and gives great feedback. Great paper topics followed up with great class discussion. Breaksdown grade into 3 papers and DQ. Some thought grading was difficult but he allows rewrites. His love for the subject is contagious. TAKE HIM

The person below says he allows rewrites but that is only for the 204 class not for his 300 level courses. Basically, do not bank on rewrites. Other than that, he is entertaining but the most arrogant a** I have ever met. He really needs to have a needle put in his head to release all the hot air.

I don't know what to say about this guy. He is really nice and funny at times. He is approachable and energetic (loves coffee) yet I didn't love his class. I don't know if it was the subject I found boring, or the fact that I had him for a 3hr night class and taking notes for that long was painful. I like him but dont think I would take him again.

Lectures were very interesting, but note-taking gets tiresome. He is a very nice guy and pushes you to think in news ways. I wish I could take him more.

Good prof, he lectures the whole time, a few little assignments, two papers, and a group project, but for the project you're graded individually. Only bad thing is your grade is based on a few big things. But not a bad class.

this guy's great. his lectures are clear, easy to understand, and very involving. he does a great job of keeping the class' interest all hour long, which is hard to do in a history class. probably the most helpful professor i've ever had.

Far and away the best 200-level history prof I've had at GVSU. A huge chunk of your grade revolves around three papers that require a lot of time, but there are no dreaded blue-book exams. Dr. Stark is a stand-up guy who clearly knows what he's lecturing about. If you need help on papers, go to his office hours. Definitely recommended.

Thought he was a really good teacher. Had three hour class with him and he made it entertaining the whole time. Only down side is he makes you read a hell of a lot.

Great teacher, he keeps your interest and uses a good mix of teaching strategies. The class and books are interesting. There is a lot of reading but not unreasonable for a college class. However, the papers are graded very hard. If you're not an English major, you may want to consider getting help with your paper.

If you actually want to learn something in your history class take him, but don't expect to have an A or B handed to you. You have to work hard in the class if you expect to get higher than a C.

I am taking him for an honors class, and he is really hard. For the most part he is a good prof, but he doesn't consider that his classes are taking more than just his class. He can be funny on somedays and then do a one eighty and be moody for the last half of class. But he definately knows what he is talking about.

Awesome prof. Very helpful, makes assignments crystal clear. Lectures are actually interesting, and the papers you write actually make you think - and are usually somewhat enjoyable to write. A VERY easy class, he doesn't believe in tests so all you have to do is write three papers, two of which you get re-writes for! Would definitely take again!

Great class, learned a lot. Difficult workload. Required about 1 book a week for the first 1/2 of semester. Then had to work on semester-long research paper. Yet he was very fair in grading and expectations. Enjoyable lectures, however there are no tests (on anything) so not sure how much effort students put into these activities.

Professor Stark is a nice guy, but an ify prof. He tend to lecture a lot and it gets boring at times. I learned a lot from this class, but I had to work hard for my B. If you don't want to work, don't take this class. If you fall asleep easily in class, don't take him - you have to be awake to know what's going on. Overall: Fairly good.

Impossible grader, paper topics are to narrow, then graded extremely hard if you don't answer exactly what he wants. If your not an English mj, you will need help to fulfill his expectations. Excellent lecturer but your grade is based on the papers so your notes are almost pointless. Oh and the reading...LOADS YOU UP...dont take him basically.

Tough class, but will make you a better writer. Only grades are papers, 1 project, and a final. After a C- on the first big paper, I salvaged a B+ in the class. Good teacher, just be prepared to work.

Great guy, very intersting lectures, and yeah, there's a lot to read, but it's not that hard if you like history. NO tests whatsoever, so it's all on your writing ability. I didn't find the grading to be impossible, in fact it was my favorite class!

Great prof, one of the more interesting Ive had at GVSU. He takes a real interest in his students and has done a better job helping me with grad school work than my registered advisor. Yeah he's a tough grader, but he will meet with you to discuss papers( which does help if you listen to him). took one class and am looking forward to the next.

Prof Stark is awesome. Very interesting. He inspired me to teach history. You must put in lots of work to do well though.

Prof. Stark does not believe in tests so you never have to study for pop quizes or exams. The class was based on discussion questions on the readings and three papers. Papers are graded difficultly but he offers help and rewrites. Overall he will make you a better writer. Pretty good Prof.

Professor Stark has a great personality for teaching History. He is upbeat and excited about the subject, which makes World History much easier to learn. As long as you do the reading, you will get an A. Knowing what is in the book will help write all 3 papers. And as long as your papers are concise and thorough, you will have a good experience.

I really like Dr. Stark and I learned a lot in his class. He is tougher on grading papers than the other professors I have taken at GVSU. His lectures are very informative and the readings chosen are usually interesting. If you enjoy history then I recommend taking him. Just don't expect an easy A.

The guy is great. I've had him for 3 classes and can't wait for next semester when I'll have him again. If you want an A and don't work for it, it won't happen. If you want to learn, then this is the guy. I'd take a B in his class and learn something over an A in some blow off class any day of the week, even at 8 or 9 am when his classes usuallyare

AWESOME Prof! Super helpful and super enthusiastic, so helpful. Take him!

Great prof. Papers are difficult but he's very helpful if you're willing to ask.

Excellent teacher. Very organized. Very clear. 98% lecture. No exams--just papers. Loved it. Best professor I've had at Grand Valley. You work hard, but an A is totally possible. His assignments are reasonable in difficulty and so are his expectations. Very personable and enthusiastic. GREATLY ENJOYED THIS PROFESSOR! I will be taking him again!

Professor Stark was awesome. I enjoyed this class immensely. Just three papers, no exams, but make sure to keep up with the readings, it will help you when you have to write the final paper.

Very clear expectations. All papers--no exams. Papers are difficult, but he is VERY willing to work with you. An A is totally possible if you work for it. He is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I have taken 3 classes with him. I HIGHLY recommend him!

Dr. Stark is outstandingly helpful and his course is the most well-structured that I have yet taken at this University. ALL readings and lectures complement the three papers.

I was pleasantly surprised by this class. Stark is a great prof and I enjoyed the subject. The workload was perfect with papers and readings and he was a very clear lecturer. The only complaint was that he talked a little TOO much sometimes, but it was interesting. I'd definitely recommend taking his Freedom From Slavery class!

As long as you come to class, do the readings, and try, you will do well. Stark went out of his way to help me with the papers and was extremely helpful. Some of the complainers must not have tried very hard because it's not very hard to do well in class.

Yes he is a hard grader, but he's very willing to help with writing but you have to make the effort. The lectures are the best part of the class. I thought he was helpful and genuinely concerned about the students.

One of the most helpful professors out there; will make you work hard for your grade but will bend over backwards to help you achieve your goal. Amazing lectures and very knowledgeable. Take advantage of office hours. Definitely would take again!

Yes, he's tough, but also one of the most helpful and down-to-earth professors you can take. The material was interesting and we had some good discussions in class. You will be chanllenged, but not disappointed.

Professor Stark is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what he teaches. He really cares about students and will help you if you go to office hours. He is a very hard grader though and assigns a huge workload of reading and assignments. If you are willing to go through the work though, you will learn so much!

Stark is currently my favorite. His enthusiasm is unreal and if you can handle his energy and passion for excellence, you'll love him. He is a challenging grader and had high expectations for sure, but he has your best interests at heart. Speak up in class and keep up with the reading. Go to office hours. And ask him questions.

Professor Stark is one of GVSU's finest. He shows concern for your academic progress, passionate about Latin American studies, enthusiastic, cares about you as a person, is very friendly, is extremely knowledgable, genuine and if he really likes you can stop by his office pour a cup of coffee for yourself. Highly recommend him!

He's not bad. He really cares about his students and will do what he can to help you if you need it. That being said, do not take him if you are not in honors. He dishes out more work than should be necessary for a gen ed, and his class itself is pretty dry because he just lectures. Still a good prof, and makes his lectures very clear. Also no exam

Take Prof. Stark only if you want to learn and earn an education. For the rest of you that don't or can't use your brain, well, that's why they came up with the PhysEd major! Back on point, he's the fairest professor I know, but that fairness comes with honesty built in. College ain't HS. Work and learn, or slack and whine. Your choice.

He lectures every day for the first hour of sequence (Latin American Civilization/the Making of Latin America) which wasn't that bad, but assigns a ton of books to read each semester, with questions due every couple weeks or so. He is a tough grader on papers, and never seems to be satisfied with your work

The class was well taught! All you have to do is read 4 books, answer Discussion Questions, watch 3 films, an oral presentation, and write 3 essays! The DQ's are easy if you read, and the essays are based on the films! He doesn't believe in exams! so you're midterm will be a DQ or your first essay & your final is a group project!

Stark definitely comes off as condescending but ultimately he is a great professor. All of the readings complement the papers and hes more than willing to look over papers although he DOES expect a lot. Take a class with him and your writing will improve if you follow his advice. Makes you work for your grade for sure.

Professor Stark has an intense passion for Latin America, and his lectures show it. If you actually want to learn the material and not just receive a passing grade, he's your man. He grades essays especially tough, but his office is always open and he is willing to help you. He is a bit condescending and arrogant, so you need a tough skin at times.

This is the hardest class I've ever taken. Stark acknowledges its difficulty and takes pride in it. That said, you learn a lot and get your money's worth. There's a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking. He knows the subject very well and gives long lectures. Stark does care about his students, but sometimes can seem a bit condescending.

Surprised by the negative comments ... Great lectures that leave you literally hanging on the edge of your seat. Difficult class, but very willing to work with you outside of class. Very accessible - will meet with you before and after office hours, even when eating lunch. You work for the grade but he prepares you for life beyond Grand Valley.

I have taken Professor Stark 3, count them, 3 times and look forward to taking him in the future. Yes he comes off as arrogant, yes he grades tough and yes there are a lot of books to get through but its worth it. Stark has many repeat students for a reason. He is accessible, he works with students and the courses are crazy good. You will learn.

HNR151 is SO MUCH WORK! Don't cut corners or your grade will reflect it. Stark's class is almost a full-time job. He doesn't give any tests though, so that eases some stress. Stark is very detail oriented, which is overwhelming but extremely helpful. Super interesting and rewarding class and he's very open to people's opinions. Highly recommend.