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Overall he is energetic, enthusiastic, and has a good sense of humor, which makes his classes interesting not the usual boring history class. If you can handle a lot of reading in a short amount of time, and go to class everyday, your grade won't be bad.

I liked Abbotts style of discussion on books a lot! intill he decided for us what HE thought were the main points/thesis of a book. I was a little dissapointed, I thought we would be able to debate, and think for ourselves, not spew back his rhetoric.

This is the hardest class i have taken. it is also one that i have enjoyed the most. in this class you read...a lot. you also have to discuss books in class. The tests are essay tests. it is a tough class, but he tries to make sure everyone understands.

Hard class. ENORMOUS amount of reading, but learn a lot. Pretty scary when group goes in front of class to explain main points of chapters assigned. If you get main points right, he praises you, but if you're wrong, be prepared to get ridiculed.

Interesting style of teaching. Learn a lot from this class but be ready to do a lot of reading. Don't miss many discussions, and always keep up to date with your reading and you will do fine.

He was a great teacher. You just have to plan on going to almost every class. If you dont mind reading a little and there is not big tests just an essay for midterm and final! I got an A because I went to every class and wrote long enough essays.

His class was interactive and fun. It is great for people who like to get up and speak in front of others and who can take criticism. If you are shy, stay out of this class. I loved it and took 101 also. He appreciates a sense of humor also.

makes you think and analyze. great choice of books

Mr. Abbott was the finest history professor I had in undergrad. At SDSU, I majored in history and the foundation he layed helped me in all my upper division classes. His lectures are amazing, the best I observed. I highly recommend him to all.

Not for the faint of heart! Started with about 40 students and ended with 12.Be prepared to at least read one book per week. Very insightful and articulate on the subject matter. A definite accomplishment if you get an A in his class.

To succeed in his class, you MUST: be a good writer, enjoy reading and have enough time to read one scholarly book per week, and have a genuine interest in history. Excellent teacher if you're willing to engage and show interest. If these statements don't describe you, don't waste your time.

He taught me how to study, if you are dedicated and have 12 hours aweek for reading and outlining take him. I got an A because I outlined the books as I read each chapter. I learned more in his class than any other teacher! If you are a history major or just love history take his classes.

I LOVEEEEE THISSSS GUY!!!!...THE BEST TEACHER EVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVER

great teacher inspiring

Really nice guy, cares about what he teaches. Just dont take this class unless you have 10 hours a week to spend on homework. He assigns a lot of work but if you complete it the lowest grade you could get is a B. Definately recommended if you have the time but stay away if you work full time or are taking more then 12 units

If you are not a history or similar major dont take him. If you are(into history)he is one of the BEST teachers, he belongs at a higher insti.(and teaches that way). If you are going to go past an A.A he is what you had best get used to. +he is a Navy Reserve Intel Officer, which is pretty cool in itself considering the libs. that dominate academia

This class made me love world history. Alot of reading and outlining your next day group presentation. The class helps do the teaching by presentations and this is a great way for myself to learn. This makes the class not boring.

WOW, I had no life for 2 months while taking this class. Every spare moment I had I spent reading. I got an A, but it was challenging. You have to read constantly to keep up. IF you are taking a full load, I don't reccomend him unless you are disciplined.

Best professor I've ever had!

Class requiers a bit of work but is not difficult if you follow his instructions for the outlines. He teaches in a manner more like that of a higher institution, and his class will prepare you to succeed at one. One of the most intelligent and well read instructors you'll ever have. Don't take him if you're lazy or don't like history or reading.

Again, lots of work, epsecially if you take the 8-week verisons. Starts with 50...ends up with 10 who want to read/write/participate; very knowledgable and doesn't put up with idiots.

Wow. He didn't have the first test until after the drop date! There is a midterm and a final. Then a final project. If you screw up on the midterm, you're toast and I couldn't even drop! I do not recommend this professor!

Interesting teacher. Knows a great deal regarding the subject but requires the students to "lecture" in class. Does not tolerate students being unprepared or lazy (if you do not come to class w/ all the required reading outlined you will be sent home-no excuses). If you try you will have the potential to learn more than in a usual college class.

He was very hard. He told the class the first day was that he taught at a Graduate level. He gave the guidelines of having to read 4 books, outline every chapter in 3 books, quizzes on the chapters of one, and the final on 2 out of the 3 books. Very hard. Had only 6 people finish the class out of 30. Do the work & youll pass, I got a B.

Great teacher but a lot of reading

Amazing teacher. If you don't do the reading or don't come to class prepared, he will rip you a new one. If you actually try somewhat, he's fantastic. I probably learned more from this seemingly "intro" class than I did in many other history classes combined.

This is a tough class but in good way.There were 3 History Novels & a text book ,we took 3 tests based on the text, the Final was 2 Essay Questions taken from the 3 novels.Your expected to do outlines on each chapter & bring them to class, if you don't you can't participate in group discussion. If your lazy this isn't for you!Good prep though!

Best college clas that I have ever taken. It was not easy but it was totally worth it. This class actually challenged me and pushed me to be better, and the teaching style was awsome. I am a LAZY student who tries to put very little into a class because i feel that i get very little in return, but in this class it was different. If you like history

Completely fair and sticks exactly to the syllabus. No surprises. Be prepared to read read read and talk in class. Be respectful of him and he will reciprocate. Instead of a term paper, the notes you take on the three assigned books become your essay outlines for the final. Early dismissal to the Library on quiz days, so you can complete outlines.

A lot of work. I recomend his class.

Very little text book usage. He assigns 3 books that get complete usage. A lot of reading. You prepare outlines of chapters. He looks them over and assigns you a chapter. With your group, you put an outline on the board and explain it to the class. You basically teach the class about the chapter. You REALLY learn in his class. Don't be late.

Dr. Abbott is a very wise and intelligent professor. He knows his stuff and is eager to teach history to his students in a creative fashion. Yes, it involves lots of reading, but for those who want to transfer to UC, this is like a prep course for transfers. And is only a sample of what you will encounter w/at a real University. Take a chance!

Dr. Abbott is a great teacher. He knows his stuff. I really admire his knowledge for history. Be warned, he uses the books he assigned & grades you on what you deserve. No slackers!

I took his history 100 and 101, both short terms, lots of reading, outlines for every class, can use notes during exam but have to take them directly from the book by yourself.He's very smart,I enjoyed class,BE POLITE!take his class if you don't like straight lecture, you'll actually end up learning more.

READING INTENSIVE CLASS! I took the 8 week course...3 bks & a text book. His teaching style is very different than the tradtl college lecture. Group presentations on chapter outlines (thesis, evidence), open note quiz on textbook reading, and final essay exam. Prob the only class that will prepare you for university level coursework.

This class wasn't hard...just a lot of busy work.While he boasts about how wonderful his teaching style is(we talk, he listens and acts irritated when we aren't sure of something),I found I learned nothing in the class.Dr. Abbott is the kind of teacher who should lecture...he can get anyone excited about the subject because he loves it so much. ugh

Abbott is a great guy. He is very respectful of his students and is very clear in what he expects from them. He is fairly difficult because there is a large amount of reading required. You do, however, get to take notes on the chapters to use on the tests and final. If you enjoy history in any regard, take his class!

The best history teacher I ever had. The work was difficult but enjoyable. Learned so much.

Here's the deal,Cool teacher,EXPECTS you to be an adult, doesn't let you get away w/any bs, TONS OF READING but presentations in class(3 ch. at a time,3 books total,really interesting reading)are SOO easy and you get out early!!3 Quizes over TEXT chapters(5 at a time,OPEN notes)Final two essay questions on one of the three books OPEN notes!!

Honestly, the best teacher I have ever had. I had a mild interest in history, but now I love it. I'm planning to take his 202 class this fall. It's a lot of work, but totally worth it. I've learned so much in this class. Abbott knows his stuff, he's funny and its never boring. I was actually excited about coming to class. Gasp!

Dr. Abbott made History very interesting for the class. He was very helpful and clear with all the assignments. Basically, you have to read about 3 chapters from one of the assigned reading book and write outlines for it. The reading was pretty intense at first, but I got through it and got an A for the class. Would definitely take his class again.

Best teacher ever! The class requires alot of work, no way to bs through it. if youre a slacker, take another class. Tips for the Class: Read Ahead, take a weekend and work ahead. Do not save outlines for the night before. Don't walk in Late. Don't leave class to answer a call. Be respectful, he's a good guy and treats students very well.

Great professor. you WILL learn a lot in this class. You will also do ALOT of reading, but you mostly read out of "real" books and you know exactly what is expected of you every class! i would not take this class if you have a busy schedule it will consume all of your time, but its worth it!

This class is not for someone who isn't going to take it seriously. There is A LOT of work and the quizzes are tough if you don't take good notes. Dr. Abbott is really great though. He lets you know exactly what is expected from you straight from the start. If you enjoy learning and are willing to dedicate yourself, take this class.

great professon. I learned a lot

Not for the faint of heart.if you can't speak in front of a classroom for ten-fifteen minutes don't take.Three books are the reading assignments outlines on three to four chapters each week.text book is only used in three test but open notes.Professor knows what he is doing,Yes its a hardclass with ALOT of reading but wait till u getto Universities

Dr. Abbott is awesome! A lot of work but you will learn one of the best skills for your future as a student...how to read a book and take notes like a graduate student. He takes his class very seriously, so show up on time and well-mannered. Also don't try to do the outlines at the last minute. Good luck!

He come off as a real jerk at first. Then after the first two weeks of students dropping out, he actually turns out to be pretty cool. His teaching style is different. A lot of reading but if you do it, its an east A. He's not bad at all

Appears strict at first. Students drop and then he's really cool. He's a stickler for politeness. He's a great teacher and I learned a lot. Gives a good amount of HW and tests are open note. Reccomend this professor

Great professor! Lots of reading, and you have to do outlines for each chapter which you use to present in front of the class. He's teaching you to read critically & find the authors' theses & arguments; if you get it down, you gain a useful skill of getting the main points of anything you read, fast! I want to take all my hist classes from Abbott!

I really struggled with the amount of work he assigned at first. Then I learned to schedule my time and I learned a lot from the note taking. We have an open note and open note quizzes. You will have to but effort into this class but he is a great professor.

He is up front about the amount of work. You'll learn through reading, and he will clarify (extensively most of the time) if you have a question or struggle with an idea you aren't clear on. Be prepared to read a LOT and take notes clearly/concisely. Great instructor. Also,no BS in class as he'll have none of it. Show him the respect he'll give you

This will be one of the most grueling classes you'll ever take. He'll prepare you for upper level classes. Treats it like a seminar class, reading a lot and taking a lot of notes. You will do outlines and present them in class. The complaints on this professor are un-just. Students not willing to put the work into learning.BTW don't be late.

Great class, great professor. Took West. Civ with Dr. Abbott and it was the hardest I worked for an A but I felt great about it. Be ready to work hard and talk in front of the class. He will teach you to be a better student which will help in any future classes. Read the materials and do the outlines. DON'T be late.

Loved this class! Dr. Abbott teaches the class very differently, no textbooks but you read 4 books instead that are fascinating. Class isn't hard if you read and do the work, you will learn a lot!!! Highly recommend this class.

Honestly, I was pissed when I first enrolled in this course without knowing what I got myself into. However, with the limited courses available I perservered as my pride would not let me fail this course. Put in the work and you can get an A, EASY. This course trained me well, every other course on Mesa was a breeze afterwards. Not for the lazy.

If you work hard A real learning experience .

I took this guys class a year ago and learned more in a semester than I have in my whole lifetime, and I'm a big time history buff. Theres a lot of reading but its incredibly interesting so its not hard. just a great class.

This teacher's style is amazing. I am 58 years old and have never been a real history buff. Dr. Abbott kept us fully engaged week after week, I came away learning a whole lot about some of the periods I lived through. Strict? Yup!!! But well worth the effort.

Dr Abbott is an amazing teacher that is very knowledgable and approachable, he is strict and requires a lot of work, but it is totally worth it!

Good class. Learned a lot about history. I you want an A you actually have to do the outlines.

Excellent professor - one of the best I've ever had. There are no obtuse textbooks in this class; rather, he assigns three books that historians actually read. I have learned a great deal from Professor Abbott and this class, and will likely take future classes with him.

Its an interesting class, however, this class is a lot of work and reading. Not for the lazy. You will definitely learn much about history from this class. Make sure you do your outlines and don't be late!

I loved this class. All you need to do is the homework to pass. There are lots of presentations but instead of them being stressful he makes them fun. I would definitely take this class again!

Dr. Abbott runs a tight ship. Although his History 101 Survey course was very tough, I found his class format to be more effective than traditional teach to test techniques. Overall I learned a lot in this course, and enjoyed the challenge.

Dr. Abbott is very well learned in history. He is part of the "hard working and respect giving" generation and expects the same from his students. He teaches a seminar style class, meaning the students teach what they've learn from the reading assignments. There is definitely loads of reading, however, I learned more in this course than any other.

Dr. Abbott is the best Professor I've ever had. Dr. Abbott is very professional and easy to understand. As long as you read the books, write out an outline, show up for class, and help in the presentation, you will find this his class is very rewarding.

Dr. Abbott is what I call the ideal history teacher. He doesn't stand up in front of the class and lecture your ear off. It is a seminar style class which isn't the easiest for most people, but if you just read and take notes like he tells you, you will pass. This by far is the best history course I have taken. Made me remember why I love history!

The best history class I have ever taken. He is well versed in history, and knows how to keep students engaged. As long as you read, pay attention, and take notes you will pass. I hope that I run into professors similar to him in the future.

Concise, not a lot of add-ons to lectures, which is appreciated for note-taking. Teaching style is focused on material and querying what the student thinks. This promotes learning the material and critical thinking, not regurgitating what is known. Professional, yet highly approchable.