Don't be intimidated on the first day. He is way smart and knows history. You will get better grades if you sit in front and participate. Don't be afraid to chime in and ask questions, he will answer them! He will teach you to look at business history in a scholar way and you WILL become smarter after finishing this course! Make sure you read!

Attendance is not mandatory, but It is important you show up and actually listen because you could be missing a lot of information that could be on the test (he does not put power points online). Your grade depends on 3 exams (they aren't easy questions unless you took good notes and learned the material).

Hoff is really passionate about what he teaches, and challenges his students on very controversial topics which makes the class more engaging. Hoff is very organized and specific of what he wants you to know for the material and tests. This is a class where your grade only depends on tests. You should take solid notes. Lots of reading but managable

Honestly really enjoy Professor Hoff's class. At the beginning of the semester I felt like most of the other students that have rated him poorly on here, but then I checked my ego and tried a little harder and the class became enjoyable. I went in to make up a quiz and instead of just giving me the quiz he went over the readings with me personally

Pretty good teacher. Lecture Heavy. Quizzes in class so attendance is almost mandatory. Two papers and three tests. Tough grader for writing. His tests are a lot easier than the other professors; short writings as opposed to 50, in-depth, multiple choice questions. Do the reading and you'll do fine. Cuts you off while talking, get used to it.

Hoff is a very good professor, especially when it comes to lectures. I found them to be very enriching and thought-provoking, but this class requires a lot of engagement to do well in. If you do the readings, you'll do fine in this class as quizzes and tests aren't too difficult. Grading on the 2 semester essays kind of killed my grade in the end.

Hoff was a tough professor but did a good job engaging everyone in his lessons. Would not always give good feed back on the tests. Over all I liked the class but there was a lot of reading, much of which was irrelevant on tests and quizzes.

I really enjoyed Professor Hoff's class. He made you really think about business in lots of different ways. He occasionally argued the other side in order to have us think critically. I learned a lot about business, critical thinking, and the world in general. The class is a little challenging. I would definitely recommend this class.

Professor Hoff -- a true professor -- challenges your ideas no matter how smart you think you are. Yes, he is direct and sometimes arrogant, yet there is a great deal of value in how he teaches the class. Professor Hoff likes to focus on the big picture, and ask questions that we never consider in our free time. Be prepared to discuss readings!

I was worried to take BUS 1051 from Hoff upon reading poor reviews, but he was a really good professor. If you show up to class, and especially do the readings, the tests and essays are fair. He had a really annoying group essay assignment, but other than that the assignments were fine. He really knows his stuff and I would recommend his BUS 1051.

Professor Hoff is a hard but good and knowledgeable teacher. Attendance every day isn't technically mandatory but he does give out pop quizzes often. Regardless, if you do the readings and pay attention in the lectures you will do fine. I would recommend taking foundations of business with Hoff.

Overall Professor Hoff is someone you either love or hate. He can have a very arrogant and condescending personality, but his teaching of the course content is top tier. You will learn something from his class and he truly makes you think about the ideas you write about. If you can handle his off-putting attitude then take this class.

This class has a lot of reading, with lots of it being very difficult and long reading. He gives a quiz at least once a week on the readings, but as they are only 4-5 questions long you will be fine as long as you read. Participation in class is expected and graded. He gives 3 tests all of which are short answer comparing themes you find in the hw.

Hoff is an amazing professor. I had absolutely 0 interest in business when I first started, but his lectures are so intriguing and he interacts with the students and adds some humor into his lectures. Lots of reading but it is beneficial to class and helps you do well on the tests. 10/10 would recommend him!!

Hes actually really funny. Just soooo much reading.

Professor Hoff is a very knowledgeable and respectable professor. He always makes it a point to best engage the class with the material, whether that be through the "professor's shots" or in-depth class discussions. I highly recommend going into his office hours, as this is a tough class and requires much reading and effort to do well.

Professor is very knowledgeable, but can be quite haughty and won't accept defeat, even though he may be wrong. Participation is optional, but he'll use it to round your grade up or down if your grade is on the fence. There's a TON of reading; I spent 5 hrs the days before class combing through the readings. Make sure you understand them very well.

I wanted to switch to a different professor at first. I could tell it would be hard and he comes off pretty intimidating at first. One I got into it I really loved it. It was my favorite class so far. I loved the readings and discussions. It was my hardest class so far as well but the one i put the most effort into. I got an A. I loved the topic

Professor Hoff was intense, but in the best possible way. You can truly tell that he wants you to improve and better your analysis and writing skills. As a professor, he is extremely discussion based in class and encourages you to be wrong in order to understand better. It is a challenge, but if you want to improve, I highly recommend.

Everything that is said about Professor Hoff is at least mostly true. However, I believe he just appears arrogant to try to start a debate in his class. No matter what your view point is, he will challenge you and I love that about his class. He is a very tough grader, but if you go to office hours with him he'll usually bump your score up a bit.

Don't take this class if you're going to complain about having to work hard in college, if you refuse to follow the citation and grammar guidelines Hoff clearly lays out, or if you can't take sometimes being wrong. The class is difficult, but interesting. Hoff's lectures are complicated, and not always clear, but he and the TAs will always help.

This class was very difficult but rewarding. Professor Hoff is very smart and witty, and I enjoyed him very much as a teacher. The class is very reading and discussion heavy, and it is very important you do both since participation is graded. The class was awesome but difficult which is why I think a lot of people don't like him.

Professor Hoff would be in good company among top universities. The course was definitely tough, and there was a good deal of pressure to get through the readings and tests. It helps that Hoff has a personality and is passionate about the content. Hoff explained things well and provided good perspective to help us make a rational conclusion.

This is not an easy A class, but it is definitely worth taking! As long as you do the readings, show up to class, and participate, you should have no trouble keeping up. Professor Hoff's lectures are more of a discussion, and are very engaging. One of the most interesting classes I have taken.

He assigns reading every night, but it isn't very much, maybe a few pages. It was by far my favorite class to go to (and I am not very passionate about the subjects). He listens to your comments and welcomes discourse about interpretations of materials.

An amazing course if you are willing to communicate and understand the type of work that he wants. Can be intimidating at first, but if you put in the effort, the class is completely worth it. Readings every night but always relate to class material. You will not like this class if you are just looking for credit. Take his class in Amsterdam!

Great Professor

Love professor Hoff. By far the smartest professor/teacher I've ever had. Super funny and although the course was super difficult, it was never boring because Hoff made it super interesting.

Hoff clearly lets you know all of his expectations. There's no surprises. The structure of class is very consistent including lectures and then reading for homework followed by quizzes. This class does require lots of critical thinking and writing but honestly what class doesn't? I think Hoff is very funny and helpful.

Professor Hoff is one of the best teachers I have had.He always engages with the class during his lectures and starts insightful conversation. Plays devils advocate to make us really think about what we are trying to say. Understands there are many topics from the readings that students don't fully understand and covers those while offering insight

Professor Hoff is one of the best professors I've ever had. He is notorious for playing devil's advocate and being kind of snarky, but personally, that just adds to his lectures. If you do the readings, participate often, and take his writing advice you'll succeed in his class. If you don't you will not do well and he makes that very clear.

I loved BUS 3900 with professor Hoff. Genuinely one of the best professors at the U. He really cares about educating the future generation, and does expect you to perform at a college level. He is very accessible, and will talk to you about ways you can improve in the class if so requested. Overall, a fantastic professor.

Derek Hoff is a great professor if you're a good student and care about education. His courses will challenge you, but if you take the time to listen and learn, you'll receive a great deal from his lectures and readings. I strongly recommend this course to develop your understanding of capitalism. Bonus points if you take the course in Amsterdam!

Derek is easily one of the best/most memorable professors I've had in my college career. The expectations are set at the beginning of the semester, and when you put effort into the curriculum, you'll thrive in this environment. Derek is the most knowledgable man I have ever encountered, and I would recommend every single class!!! TAKE HIS AMS CLASS

I took his class in Amsterdam over the summer and this experience is one that I will never forget! Hoff made every class interesting, and as long as you follow the expectations set at the beginning. He's improved my writing/reading ability and I wish I could take this class EVERY YEAR!!! I cannot recommend him enough.

Hoff has a great sense of humor and cares for his students. I suggest staying after class to get to know Hoff on a personal level, he is an awesome guy. His class consists of reading for homework, quizzes, tests, and short essay papers. His class structure is very straight forward. He will make you leave his class feeling much smarter!

Hoff is the goat. He is the smartest professor I have had and makes everyone in the room improve their learning skills, vocab use, and overall writing and reading skills. He pushes his students to be great and understand hard readings and translate them to short essays, tests, and quizzes. His essays will never be longer than 300 words.

Don't listen to the prior reviews. Derek is one of the most hard-working professors at the University. He is always available. You could email him at midnight and he will respond within 5 minutes. Derek seems tough, but if you reach out to him and read the material he provides you will have an easy time. Do the readings. Show up to class.

I had Derek for Bus 3900. Derek has two asks, that you participate and that you read. if you do those two things you will be successful no matter what class of his you take. Readings can be tough but he will always offer help if you have any questions.

Professor Hoff is an excellent teacher! He helped me explore and expand my knowledge by giving me feedback that mattered and he had a fun way of challenging my answers to make me up my game a little. Read the material so you can participate in the discussions. He's caring and truly wanted me to understand the lessons. His mission was my success!

Great professor that puts effort into teaching. People that actually want to learn should take his classes.

Professor Hoff was an amazing professor! If you show up to class, contribute to the discussion, and do the readings, you will do well in the class. There is a bit of leeway on the quizzes if you fall behind. He is also knowledgeable and makes class fun and engaging. Hoff is a funny guy who is extremely personable! If you want to learn, go with him.

Hey I'm telling you read all the things negative about this teacher and it's all about how he wants you to actually critically understand the material… He makes you work…and by doing that students dislike his teaching He is an amazing passionate teacher who makes you work your ass off for your grade but I've never learned so much from one class.

He is the most intelligent professor I've ever had. You have to read, but come on everyone, its college. I would recommend Professor Hoff to anyone because he is such a strong speaker and engages the class well. You will come out of his class as a better developed person.

Very passionate about his material, but you need to be invested in the class

Derek Hoff is not deserving of the slander he receives. Ive taken multiple of his classes and they are genuinely not difficult if you do the readings. He is happy to meet and help you do better in his classes and he is pretty understanding. He loves debates and critical thinking, hes happy to take time out of class to debate pretty much anything.

Professor Hoff is far and away at the top of my list of professors at the U. His expectations are clear from the jump and not unreachable, but it probably will require more work than most other classes to succeed. He quickly responds to emails and is open to meeting if you need help. Walked away feeling like I learned a lot and got my money's worth

Derek Hoff is absolutely a college-grade professor, and I would even say over-qualified. Extremely knowledgeable of history, whether it is US History or Worldwide history. I learned plenty of new information and expanded my perspective of the business/real world. Be prepared to have your points challenged and read for understanding of main topics.

Professor Hoff is one of the best professors I have ever had. He cares so much about history and the content that he is teaching. Yes, he is a harsh grader, but I got 100's on the tests because I did the readings, took notes, and went to the reviews. If you put in the work for this class, you will be heavily rewarded. PLEASE TAKE THIS COURSE!!!

Honestly, I have mixed feelings about Hoff. He is an amazing teacher who cares a lot about the material he teaches. He loves to argue and make you question why you believe what you do, but he is also a little condescending towards students, and the group projects were the worst. This class is worth it if you're willing to put in the work.

If you do not study for his tests you will do very bad in this class although he is not a tough grader. Class is not mandatory but if you don't go it is hard to understand the readings because they are very confusing. I would not suggest taking his class if you cant comprehend a lot of information on multiple authors fairly easily.