3.8

Farid Mahdavi-Izadi

History - San Diego State University

3.8
Quality
1.9
Difficulty
73%
Would Retake
185
Reviews
3.8
Quality
1.9
Difficulty
4.1
Helpful
3.7
Clarity

73%

Would Retake

185

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

89

4

48

3

24

2

19

1

5

What Students Say

a lot of work but do-able

HIST411 - 4.0 rating

Mahdavi is an incredibly sweet prof that tries super hard to make his class engaging

HIST100 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

68%

Textbook Required

46%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 36 grades
Most common grades:
A (13)
B+ (8)
A+ (7)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(2)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(13)
Based on 38 reported grades
A: 13
B+: 8
A+: 7
A-: 5
Common Tags
Caring (9)
Clear grading criteria (8)
Respected (7)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (7)
Get ready to read (6)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (4)
Participation matters (4)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.21 avg change
Apr
May
Jul
Mar
Aug
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

101

5.0

(1)

350

5.0

(1)

474

5.0

(2)

21693

5.0

(1)

HISTORY

5.0

(2)
+27 more courses
Difficulty by Course

100

4.0

HISTGBHG

4.0

HST101

3.0

HST474

3.0

HIST412

3.0

Reviews (185)
5.0
3.0
HISTORY
May 9, 2002

quizzes are easy, you read the book, youll get an A

4.0
2.0
HST101
Aug 5, 2002

midterms are hard, easy if u show up to class and read assignments

2.0
1.0
411
Nov 16, 2002

he is easy...u need to show up in the class if u wanna pass..he is EASY AS hell!

3.0
1.0
HIST474
Dec 7, 2002

Easy to pass but oh sooo Boooooorrrrring aaaaaaah ZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!

4.0
2.0
HISTORY10
Dec 10, 2002

Must do all the reading to do well- there's a lot . He's brilliant, you learn 2.

2.0
4.0
100
Dec 11, 2002

pretty boring, hard to stay awake, amuses himself, kinda hard, MUST read/study!

4.0
2.0
HIS100
Dec 12, 2002

Very orgonized and easy to understand. Great Guy!

5.0
3.0
474
Dec 13, 2002

Great teacher. Very cool, patient and knoledgeable.

5.0
2.0
350
Dec 18, 2002

great teacher, it's easy if you show up to class & take notes, easy quizes

5.0
1.0
HIST411
Dec 21, 2002

Sit up front, talk to him, he'll like you!! Easy CLASS!!!

5.0
4.0
HIST100
Jan 8, 2003

good teacher, weekly quizes, is clear, and is knows his stuff

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Feb 24, 2003

He's pretty good, if you answer questions, he'll like you.

5.0
2.0
HIST100
Mar 12, 2003

excellent teacher...never boring...quizzes and tests are easy as long as you read and take notes

4.0
1.0
HIST101
Apr 23, 2003

This guy is preety cool. Very easy. Test every week that are simple. If you go to class you will get at least a B

5.0
2.0
HIST411
May 17, 2003

great class. i never liked history but now i do! really cool guy. do your work and you will do fine. I loved it!...take it

5.0
1.0
HIST411
May 27, 2003

Brilliant guy. Tough to totally stump him (he can take a history question from me which should require a 1-2 word answer and talk for a few minutes without ever getting his point across). Enjoyable guy and course, made me change my major to history.

5.0
3.0
HIST100
May 28, 2003

Dr. Mahdavi makes class interesting...weekly quizes are fair and prepare you for the midterm and final...nice teacher.

5.0
1.0
HIST411
Jun 19, 2003

I didn't love having weekly quizzes but the class is interesting. Presentations are presented by every student so you must like to speak in front of other people.

5.0
2.0
HIST100
Jul 1, 2003

this class rocks, there are lots of quizzes, but they are at the end of class and on the lecture for that day.. Just show up and take good notes.He is really laid back and nice.

2.0
2.0
HIS411
Aug 13, 2003

Knowledgeable teacher, but very difficult to understand. Not very helpful in describing assignments. The class wasn't hard, but it was boring and I didn't learn a thing.

3.0
5.0
HIST411
Aug 26, 2003

He was a nice, understanding teacher..but seemed too knowledgable of the subject, boring at sometimes..way over my head!

1.0
5.0
HST101
Sep 16, 2003

not helpful!

5.0
1.0
HIST474
Nov 19, 2003

How come history classes always have the worst students ever? This teacher is awsome. For a history professor, he is very captivating and his grading system couldn't be easier. It's hard not to get an A in his class unless you don't try. A+++++++++

4.0
1.0
HIST101
Nov 28, 2003

Very easy, sort of boring but he tries as hard as he can, sometimes he'll even ask about sports if the class is going slow...oh and you will always get out of his class about 20 min. early.

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Dec 4, 2003

good teacher at times hard to understand! class is a cinch as long as you make it to every class! I really enjoyed history which is quite surprising. Easy A!

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Dec 15, 2003

easiest history course i've ever taken; one of the ones i learned the most in. all undergrad g.e.'s should be taught like this! really nice guy...go to class and take notes and you're fine. grades essays pretty leniently as well.

5.0
1.0
474
Dec 28, 2003

Dr. Mahdavi is the best. You have a take-home quiz every week, a term paper and a take-home final. This class was easier than his world history class.

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Jan 4, 2004

Wonderful teacher helpful and understanding. A lot of reading but an easy A if you put in some time and effort.

3.0
3.0
HIST474
May 17, 2004

Alright guy, must write a lot of papers and he is super strict on attendance which kinda sucks

3.0
1.0
HIST474
May 20, 2004

great teacher, very nice and boring. Quizes every week take home very easy grading group work.. one reaserch paper, have almost all semester to do it. very nice guy, attendance is very importance. and easy B. must work somewhat a little for an A-

4.0
2.0
HST101
Jul 11, 2004

This was a very easy class. The weakly quizes are a breeze, he gives three bonus questions that can only help your score on each quiz. There is a map test...easy...a midterm and a final all esay...he gives you the topics ahead of time.

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Aug 21, 2004

Easy class, no pressure. If you go to class, it's an easy A and you'll actually learn something. Homework maybe 30-60 minutes of reading weekly for an A. Fun teacher and no projects to stress you out or burden your schedule.

4.0
2.0
HIS411
Nov 4, 2004

boring lectures, no tests, 1 map quiz,quizzed every week on readings (an essay question), 1 project on a civilization (4-5pg paper)& presentation to class.class observation project (3 hrs in 6th or 7th grade history class,4 pg report);takes attendance, not a hard class,just show effort & participate

2.0
2.0
HIST101
Nov 16, 2004

He's really difficult to understand and you can get really bored really easliy but he's really nice and if you read then you'll ace his class.

4.0
1.0
HISTORY411
Dec 3, 2004

Very nice guy. For MWF classes: he lectures Monday, we have a presentation by a classmate every wednesday, and a quiz on the readings every friday. The quizzes are short essay based on the assigned readings, not the lecture. Before taking the quiz, we get together in groups and discuss the quiz ?s.

4.0
1.0
HIST101
Dec 3, 2004

Gives quizzes every week that are really easy. Always 3 pts Xtra credit on 10pt quizzes. Map quiz is really easy. Answer questions in class and you get an A. Lectures are boring, but he doesn't care if you sleep.

2.0
3.0
HIST411
Grade: A+
Dec 9, 2004

No motivation to come to class b/c you are not tested on anything said in lecture; you are only quizzed on the 100 or so pages you have to read each week. Doesn't explain written assignments well, final is to basically design a text book.

4.0
1.0
HIST411
Dec 14, 2004

Easy class, but very hard to concentrate class because his voice puts you right to sleep. No midterm or final, just weekly quizzes that are easy to BS. Very likeable guy. Don't go to Bell MS for class observations!!

5.0
2.0
HISTORY411
Dec 17, 2004

Quizes, observations, and presenation weren't too bad, but this final takes forever to complete. Nothing was too difficult though. Overall, great guy. Can't really say anything bad about him, but that's just the kind of person that I am. :)

4.0
1.0
HIST411
Dec 20, 2004

Weekly quizes are easy. Presentation was basic as was the paper that accompanies it. Observation at a middle school is simple and the final paper isn't too bad. He doesn't provide much info on the paper and it was something I had never done before but it wasn't difficult. Dull class but informative

5.0
1.0
HIS411
Dec 22, 2004

easy, but BORING class. nice guy, but don't really learn that much. it's easy to BS the quizzes. a couple papers but no major tests, 1 map quiz early in the semester, not a lot of work in this class, only reason i went is b/c he took attendance

5.0
1.0
HISTORY101
Feb 22, 2005

Good guy, easy class, pretty laid back teaching style with jokes here and there. Do the reading and ull pass easily.

5.0
1.0
HIST101
May 9, 2005

farid is very helpful and sweet to everyone. the class is interesting.. the whole grading system is based on weekly quizes (very easy) and he drops 2 of them.. one midterm (essays.. gives u the questions before hand).. one map quiz.. one final.. an easy class. take him for sure

5.0
1.0
HIST411
May 18, 2005

AWSOME CLASS!!!!!!!!

5.0
3.0
HISTORY411
May 20, 2005

Easy class if you want to slide through if you don't want to learn. However, if you read and participate you learn a lot. Professor has excellent global perspective on history. Quizes too easy for the slackers. Assignments ok.

4.0
2.0
HISTORY411
May 24, 2005

Great professor. Easy weekly quizzes, one paper,a map quiz,a classroom observation paper, and curriculum final. Lectures are boring but go for attendance.

5.0
3.0
HISTORY411
Jun 30, 2005

Great teacher,great guy,together with an interesting subject makes for a great class.Mahdavi is funny, helpful and extremly knowledge able. If you do the reading and go to class you will succeed.

5.0
3.0
HIST411
Aug 17, 2005

Awesome rofessor. This class is as easy or hard as you want it to be. You can slide very easy or pay attention and pick up a lot of interesting knowledge. The term paper was graded rather harsh, but I still managed an A in the class.

5.0
2.0
HISTORY
Sep 11, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
HISTORY101
Nov 12, 2005

This class is fairly easy, weekly reading and quizzes to cushion the grade, only 3 big tests. The professor is very polite and helpful and can be actually very funny in class. Sometimes his lectures are a little dull but he's a nice guy who clearly knows a lot about what he teaches. Not too many incredible demands. Can be hard to understand

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Nov 22, 2005

the class is pretty easy, weekly quizzes, one map test, one midterm exam & the final. Lectures are a bit boring and it does involve quite a bit of reading, but the quizzes and tests aren't too hard.

4.0
2.0
HIST411
Dec 16, 2005

Great class!! There are no real test in this class. There are just weekly quizes and there are two papers. The final is a project so there is no test. He knows a lot so I enjoyed the class.

4.0
3.0
HST101
Dec 20, 2005

Easy class if you pay attention and read all assigned readings. Quiz every friday on assigned reading. One map quiz, one midterm, and a final. But studying for midterm and final is hell because you have to learn about 20 different things that he will make you write an essay question for only 3 of. Boring lectures.Commit yourself and pass.

3.0
1.0
WORLDHISTORY
Dec 28, 2005

Really easy, gives you all the questions that are on the test just study those and you have an A. Takes attendence tho which sucks.

5.0
1.0
HISTORY100101
Jan 10, 2006

i had him for both classes. he is one of the best teachers on this campus. if u show up to class, take good notes on his lectures(follow his over head outline) and skim the readings then u will get a 100% in his class...weekly quizzes plus midterm and final are the easiest things in the world as long as u do what i said above. also tke hist474 whim

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Jan 13, 2006

Easiest and chillest teacher around. I literally sat in the back of the class and slept helf the time and I still pulled off an A. Just do the reading and you will do fine on the quizzes every week, which were really easy.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
Jan 18, 2006

This man is a great teacher. He's smart and gives tests that are REALLY EASY. Very approachable and the class is pretty interesting. Just do the assigned readings, which are also interesting, and you'll ace the quizzes easily. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

5.0
1.0
ENGLISH
Apr 22, 2006

he's the best

5.0
3.0
HST474
May 22, 2006

He's a great teacher. Very approachable when you need help or just want to talk to. His class was interesting. He knows his stuff.

5.0
2.0
HIST100
May 23, 2006

really nice guy. worst part is he takes attendance(3 free) so you have to go. i did the reading so weekly quizzes were easily full credit. he gives questions(like 15) for mid-term/final ahead of time(then gives 6 on test and you choose 4) so if you put in the studying you'll do fine-add as much detail as you can. i got an A, but most people get Bs.

4.0
2.0
HIST100
Jul 7, 2006

Really nice guy. Most if not all of the lectures were boring and seemed irrelevant in regards to quizzes and tests. Do the reading and you'll do fine on the quizzes, answer the study guide questions and you'll do fine on the tests.

4.0
2.0
HIST100
Aug 18, 2006

Read the book, take notes, do study guide. Go ape on the essays!

5.0
1.0
HIST100
Sep 11, 2006

Do all the reading so you can get perfect scores on the weekly quizzes. That helps A LOT. The reading isn't hard anyway. Try to get a perfect score on the map quiz too, and then you should get an A in the class, even if you don't do so great on the midterm. Just by reading, I got an A-.

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Dec 5, 2006

Very nice teacher, he is very helpful and really knows what he is talking about. Pretty easy class, just do the weekly readings and you will do good on your quizzes, map quiz, midterm, and final are pretty easy but you do need to read. Definitely take his class, nice guy.

3.0
3.0
HIST101
Dec 6, 2006

i've fallen asleep on many of the lectures but i'd wake up sometimes because, in few occasions, they become interesting. my class got engaged in several discussions, maybe a little off topic, but he encouraged it, because it was all thought provoked. he regulated his classroom well, a great instructor. and you can joke around with him too.

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 15, 2006

He is a little hard to understand, but you catch on quickly. I fell asleep every day and he got a little mad about it, but I got an A in the class, almost an A+, so he couldnt trip on me that bad. Tests are very easy because he gives you the questions to the test and you just have to find the answers, all essay questions except for the quizes.

4.0
2.0
WORLDHIST
Dec 21, 2006

This class was not bad at all. Lectures seem to be going a different way, but just go for attendance. Quizzes: read weekly assignments. Exams: study guides given, and it's eays essay questions. He's a nice guy, and his class is an easy A if you try (like any class).

4.0
3.0
HIST101
Dec 23, 2006

He is a really nice guy who you can tell enjoys teaching. Hard to understand his accent sometimes but it gets easier towards the end. Weekly readings and quizzes which are vital to your grade. Do well on them, and you should get at least a B. Midterm and Final questions are given to you but require a lot of research and detail to do well.

1.0
4.0
HIST101
Jan 11, 2007

he starts to explain something then if you ask a question his answer is confusing and then when he goes back lecture he starts talking about another thing and just doesnt finish what he was saying before and he is very unclear.. i guess if you do all the reading then you will be ok but i feel that he asks too much of students in a freshman class

2.0
3.0
HIST411
May 31, 2007

Map quiz sucks, but weekly quizzes aren't so bad. If you have a general understanding of the material, he's not a harsh grader. Need to come to class for grade.

5.0
2.0
HIST100
Jun 28, 2007

Dr. Mahdavi is an absolute delight! Very knowledgable and approachable. Wants his students to take his class seriously. Show up, take notes, read the text, form groups and make outlines for essay tests (very helpful) and you'll be fine. You'll learn a great deal from him if you pay attention to the story he's telling. He cares about his students.

5.0
4.0
HIST100
Dec 4, 2007

When I first got to his class I thought I was going to be bored to death. But he actually lectures exactly what you're going to be tested on, he doesn't BS you. You end up learning more than you thought. You have to read and do weekly quizzes but it's not that bad... He 's pretty cool and if you talk to him, he's there to help.

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 12, 2007

I really enjoyed this class and learned a lot. Sometimes it was hard to motivate myself to actually go, but attendance is a must. The weekly quizzes aren't bad at all. The final and the midterm are fine as long as you prepare and make study groups.

3.0
4.0
HISTGBHG
Dec 24, 2007

good instructor, hard class.

1.0
3.0
HIST411
Dec 26, 2007

DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER. his class format angered me. monday: lecture. wednesday: individual student presentations. fridays: group quizzes. quizzes were only on horrendous readings--why show up for lecture or presentations!? ridiculous. too many papers + mandatory attendance + bad lecturing + too much random emphasis on islam = horrible teacher.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Jan 2, 2008

really cool, laidback guy. weekly quizzes are simple as long as you read the book. he gives you midterm and final questions, as well as map quiz study guide. really simple class as long as you put in a little bit of effort. attendance is mandatory. only main textbook is really necessary.

4.0
4.0
HIST101
Jan 3, 2008

he is a very nice teacher. very understanding if you need help with anything. if you read the book you will do ok on the weekly quizzes. the map test is ok just study alot. the midterm and final come straight off the review sheets. its an ok class i very much dislike history and i got a b plus. its a good class.

4.0
3.0
HIST411
Jan 20, 2008

He is extreemly nice, cares about his students! Will help you if you ask. Group quizzes were helpful. My group would divide the reading becuase it was a lot but together we did well on the quizess. You have to do a 10 min presentation, but its not bad, hes not a hard grader. TAKE HIS Class,

4.0
1.0
HIST1
Feb 20, 2008

All I can say is that his class is EASY. You just need to read the chapters that are assigned that week and you're guaranteed at least an A in weekly Friday quizzes. I recommend highly.

3.0
1.0
HIST100
May 14, 2008

This is a really good instructor and an interesting class. At first you may hate it because the lectures are boring. What makes them boring is that you can't understand him much and he speaks slow. This is minor though. You have weekly quizzes which are REALLY easy just read the assigned chapter. The midterm/final r easy. Go to reviews!

5.0
1.0
HIST100
May 14, 2008

I recommend going to the review sessions he has before the midterm and final. It REAALLLY helps. He is a really nice guy, not a hard grader. His class is interesting and you learn a lot. If you put some effort in it (doing good on easy friday quizzes) and you are guaranteed a good grade. HIghly recommended!

3.0
4.0
HIST101
May 30, 2008

I regret taking this class.

5.0
2.0
HIST100
Jun 12, 2008

Great teacher! He is a cool teacher and seems like he really wants people to pass. Go to class and do well on the easy friday quizzes and the essays for the midterm and final wont be so hard. Plus the readings each week are simple.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
Jun 26, 2008

A nice and great professor. Good sense of humor. Weekly quizzes are easy if you read the weekly assignments. One midterm and one final, he gives out sample questions for both so just study off of these and you'll ace them. Gives extra credit through a short presentation. Attendance is mandatory, he takes attendance every morning. Take him !

5.0
1.0
HIST100
Jun 26, 2008

Nice and great professor. Good sense of humor. Weekly quizzes are easy if you do the weekly readings. One midterm and one final, he gives out sample questions for both of these so study off of them and you'll pass. Exams are essays, not multiple choice. Gives extra credit through a short presentation. I highly recommend, easy A if you work for it.

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Oct 8, 2008

Good teacher. I just did the reading on what chapter the weekly quizzes were on. Failed the map quiz, but did decent on the midterm and final. Pretty easy class, and teacher. He's nice.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
Dec 4, 2008

i hated history but he made it quite interesting. very easy if you just read the chapter assigned weekly. very funny and lenient guy ^_^

5.0
2.0
HIST474
Dec 6, 2008

Excellent professor. I had no interest in the Middle East too much, but he knows a lot and connects it to current events and makes a complicated region easy to understand. Fairly easy class, readings aren't bad. Take him

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Jan 2, 2009

Mahdavi is a really nice guy and I liked him as a teacher. Sometimes the material is a little dry, but overall the class was quite interesting. Attendance is mandatory and you are allowed up to 3 days missed in a semester without penalty. The exams are 2 essays, a map quiz, and 10 weekly quizes based on chapter readings. He's a fair grader.

2.0
2.0
HIST411
Jan 12, 2009

Class is so boring! Class seriously rivaled high school level class, I didn't learn anything new. One big class presentation, observation, and two large papers and quizzes every class. Group time is important for success on quizzes, so choose your members wisely.

5.0
2.0
HIST412
May 27, 2009

This class s a breeze. If a student didn't learn anything in this class, it's because they didn't do the reading. Which is not that much and you have a large group to splt the reading with, easy quizzes every friday, one presentation, 2 papers at the end of the semester and no final. He also is extremely helpful in office hours, take it!

5.0
1.0
HIST413
May 27, 2009

Dr. Mahdavi is an excellent professor! In fact, one of the best I've had here at SDSU. He's easy to talk to, his quizzes are easy bc he gives you time in advance to discuss them in class. Only 1 presentation along with the term paper and the final.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
May 27, 2009

There weekly quizes were super easy if you did the reading. The map quiz was also super easy...just look up the places online. For midterm and final just get into a good group and divide the Q's in study guide and you will be fine. I got an A!!

5.0
3.0
HIST100
Jul 13, 2009

Dr. Mahdavi is an amazing professor. I LOVED his class. He's a little soft spoken and can get a little monotoned but overall he's great! Do your reading and you'll be fine. Quiz every friday.

3.0
1.0
HIST101
Dec 4, 2009

extremely easy grading

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Dec 29, 2009

Good class. Exams are essays that arent graded too hard. buy all the books (3 books) because you'll have to use them (not much though) for the exams.

1.0
1.0
HIST101
Jan 5, 2010

Startin with the good, nice teacher!open to ?s. Now the not so good, his voice=definition of MONOTONE! Couldnt undrstnd a word he was sayin, not even my name durin roll. Stopped tryin to listen after the 1st wk, went to class cuz of mand. atndnce, sat in the back and counted how many times he used the phrase "lets say." STUDIED for tests...got an A

3.0
2.0
HIST100
Jan 13, 2010

very boring class. you do learn a good amount, just voice is very monotone. the study guides are very helpful and exactly whats on the tests. does offer extra credit. and you will need the txt books

3.0
2.0
HIST101
Jan 14, 2010

As everyone else says this guy has redefined monotone. He does take role prior to class starting, but after that you might as well zone out because you can't understand him. Overall the class is easy, just don't expect to get anything out of it.

2.0
2.0
HIST100
Feb 7, 2010

completely takes all my effort JUST to understand what he is saying. attendance is mandatory. pretty easy class. try to sit on aisle seats to hear him better. just do the reading and try to hear what he says because it will appear on the tests/quizzes.

5.0
1.0
HISTO101
Feb 9, 2010

I LOVE HIM! He is an amazingly nice, kind person as well as a caring and dedicated professor. Show some interest, sit in the front, and read the books. You should be fine if you put some freakin effort in. Yeah he has a thick accent, so what? He's well spoken and intelligent. A rewarding class with a great person. Take! I got an A.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Apr 9, 2010

He is very soft spoken so you may need to sit in the front to understand him. However, I went to class just for the attendance points. I never listened and did well because he has a midterm and a final which he gives a study guide for and you study it with partners. Theres also a research essay.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
May 24, 2010

Simply put, THE GREATEST TEACHER OF ALL-TIME. I love this guy he is so friendly and awesome!! I looked forward to going in his class everyday! He's pretty hot to, no joke. Man, if I could, I would take his class year after year. SUPER AWESOME CLASSS!!! I love professor Mahdavi <3

5.0
1.0
HIST100
May 25, 2010

Hands down, SEXIEST MAN ALIVE. Great teacher too! take his class!

5.0
1.0
HIST100
May 25, 2010

This class is a piece of cake. I did not pay any attention in class and I walked away with an A. He is probably the easiest grader in the world. Holy cow, if you want a free A, here you go.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
Aug 3, 2010

He taught me alot. I walked away with a great sense of knowledge. He's a geniune friendly guy too, smart. Anyone who doesnt take his class is truly missing out!

2.0
4.0
HIST101
Sep 9, 2010

CANNOT UNDERSTAND A WORD HE IS SAYING. not learning a thing. equivalent to a bad high school history teacher.

5.0
2.0
HIST473
Dec 23, 2010

Dr. Mahdavi is arguably one of the best teachers at San Diego State. He genuinely cares for his students and their success and will do what it takes to ensure that his students succeed. His class is fun to attend and the students really seem to like Dr. Mahdavi. I would definately recommend taking Dr. Mahdavi.

3.0
3.0
HIST101
Jan 4, 2011

Prof Mahdavi is a really nice man. And his class is do-able. The midterm and the final is really hard though. What he does is he'll give you a study guide before an exam with about 12-18 essay question to study. And he'll only pick a few to be on the exam. I found this really difficult since it was a lot of memorization. But I pulled out an A.

4.0
2.0
HIST411
Jan 11, 2011

Professor Mahdavi is a very sweet and caring man. He genuinely cares for his students and is EXTREMELY flexible with turn in dates (too flexible at times and sometimes gets taken advantage of) I did not take a single note in the class because lectures were never tested. Just do all of the readings and the reflections and come on the quiz days.

5.0
3.0
HIST474
May 25, 2011

really cares about his students. attendance is mandatory. He is one of the best professors at State. You will not regret taking this class! I honestly loved this class, he is a great professor because he wants students to learn and is willing to work with you

4.0
3.0
HIST100
May 4, 2012

He is such a nice man. It's kind of hard to hear him but you'll get used to it. He gives 10 surprise quizzes throughout the semester so attendance is mandatory. And there's one term paper.

2.0
2.0
HIST100
May 12, 2012

Can not understand a word. Slides not organized and doesn't post them online. Very dull and doesn't make the material interesting. Gives a midterm, final, research paper, and surprise mini quizzes. Use google docs to help each other out. Read the book if you can stand it..

3.0
3.0
HIST100
May 13, 2012

For some reason he grades his two hist 100 classes differently. Try to take his easier class because the surprise quizzes are extra credit. I had to go to each lecture just for the stupid quizzes

4.0
2.0
HIST100
May 23, 2012

He truly cared about what he was teaching. I didn't find the lectures very interesting but I came for the surprise quizzes. He is reasonable so you can come to him for any issues. His TA was nice when he didn't mark a lot points off on the research paper, midterm, and final. Overall, the class is manageable. Just read the book for suprise quizzes

5.0
2.0
HIST101
May 25, 2012

One of the best Hist teachers at State. Very nice person and a fine instructor. Midterm and Final are essay based, one research paper, & 10 pop quizzes that you can do well on if you skim the reading & pay attention to lecture. Doesn't post powerpoints, but that's the point of going to class. Highly recommend this instructor. You won't regret it!

3.0
3.0
HIST101
Aug 7, 2012

One word: BORING. Though he is very knowledgeable and kind, his class puts you to sleep. Even for a history major, the class is way too analytical for an intro to history course. Only take if you're interested in self-educating, as his lectures and the readings do not cover everything.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 17, 2012

He can be hard to understand. He does 11 quizzes at random. They are based off of the reading. Sit up front and participate. Its an interesting class. You will actually need to read. His final and midterm are essay questions based on the reading. He has you get into groups and share info but often times people don't provide good info. Easy grader.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 18, 2012

1 map quiz, 11 quizzes, 1 midterm and a final. i failed the map quiz, B average on the quizzes, A on the midterm, and pretty sure an A on the final. if i didn't fail the map quiz would have gotten an A. cool professor and really nice

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 19, 2012

Monotone lectures, but you have to attend for pop quizzes. Essay questions on exams are easy enough, he gives you the possible prompts prior to the exam

5.0
1.0
HIST411
Dec 28, 2012

Strong accent, talks slowly and lectures can be boring. Attendance is important and participation. No exams, but a lot of reading and two major projects and a small map quiz. Do your best and ask him for clarity (can be confusing). He is nice and easy grader; all you need t do is show up and do the work he gives you. A lot of work, but easy grade!

4.0
3.0
HIST101
Jan 6, 2013

Super boring and lectures for the entire class. However he's a really nice guy and wants you to do well so he'll give you a few freebees. Class and the assigned reading isn't mandatory but they are worth 25% of your grade. Make sure you study for the quizzes and tests and you'll do well

4.0
1.0
HIST101
Jan 10, 2013

piece of cake, a few quizes, map quiz, midterm and final. gives you a few of the midterm essay questions. its really easy but quizes can be random and no make ups. however he usually only gave quizes after the powerpoint presentation was over so it was easy to guess when the quizes were. super easy

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Jan 25, 2013

I love this man! He will do anything for you to succeed and he is just a sweetheart. You can tell he really cares about his students and will really push them to succeed in his class. Attendance is mandatory everyday because there are random quizzes on the reading, but they aren't very hard and reading is not necessary.

2.0
2.0
HIST101
Mar 3, 2013

He was a really nice teacher but he spoke very quietly with a heavy accent and it was hard to understand anything he said. Read the book because the pop quizzes and everything else are based off the book but his lectures are absolutely pointless and don't help at all. If it weren't for the pop quizzes I probably never would have gone to class.

2.0
2.0
HIST100
May 17, 2013

Very monotone so lectures seemed to drag on forever. Powerpoint presentations were kinda pointless. ~10 basic quizzes for attendance, 1 map quiz, and 2 exams (essay style). Pretty easy course, not much else about it.

3.0
3.0
HIST101
Grade: A-
Aug 19, 2013

His lectures are boring and he is hard to understand at times because of his accent. 10 question pop quizzes each week-attendance is KEY for those. Class is overall pretty simple if you memorize what to write for the midterm and final.

2.0
2.0
HIST411
Grade: B+
Aug 24, 2013

Hard to understand. Doesn't post grade until final grades are due. Boring class. Don't learn anything. Important to have books for homework assignments. No tests just 1 quiz

3.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 6, 2013

He's a middle eastern man , very kind. I seriously did not learn a thing in his class . his accent and just the way he teaches is very uninteresting. His power point slides have almost no information on it. There are also pop quizes so you have to go to class. only good thing out of this class was the essay tests are easy , you just have to study.

4.0
2.0
WORLDHISTORY101
Dec 16, 2013

class is super boring but he gives random pop quizzes so you are forced to go. i didn't pay attention usually. he gives you the essay prompts for midterm/final so its easy to cram and do well on the tests and its pretty easy to do well in the class as well

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Dec 26, 2013

Take this class if you need an easy A. How to get an A: simply work on every question of the study guide, and get a partner to split the work. Then study, remember and be detailed in essay exams. 3 exams, final is not cumulative. Study guides are gold. 1 research paper, extremely easy. THANK GOD FOR MY TA.

4.0
1.0
HIST101
Grade: A+
Dec 29, 2013

Kinda hard to understand but a nice guy and easy class. Go to class to take the quizes, and then study the study guide and it is an easy A

4.0
1.0
HISTORY473
Jan 20, 2014

The nicest guy in SDSU. He wants every one to do well in this class. He is helpful and passionate. I recommend any of his classes because although he has a strong accent, he wont disappoint with teaching. One in class midterm and a take home final. Weekly quizes but he made them take home. One term paper also.

3.0
3.0
HIST411
Feb 1, 2014

the most work i ever had in one class. 3 hrs middle school observation with paper, map quiz, lesson plan, 2 essays ,presentation, outline, newsletter, weekly group work. each thing is not a simple homework where you can sit down and do in less than a day.

4.0
2.0
HIST411
Apr 27, 2014

very very nice man. a lot of work but do-able. he is very helpful. will give u chances. love this guy.

4.0
1.0
HIST100
Grade: A
May 13, 2014

Easy class, 6 random quizzes, 10 Q's each, drop lowest one, gives extra credit for attendance when there is few people, he gives many chances to get an A, 1 midterm (essay questions), 1 term paper, and a final (same as midterm) Really nice guy and an easy A, although he has an accent his lectures are understandable. I recommend this professor.

4.0
1.0
HIST100
Grade: B+
Jul 29, 2014

Easy class. Had him for both HIST 100 and 101. There are random quizzes so try to go as often as you can but not mandatory. Sometimes the quizzes are just free points, so don't miss those. Memorize study guide for midterm and final and you're golden.

5.0
1.0
101
Dec 6, 2014

Such an easy going teacher, will do anything to help you pass.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: A-
Jan 1, 2015

Easy class! Only two exams , one paper. and 6 random quizzes (go to class for these). Memorize the study guide he gives you and you are good to go! Textbook is a must! He has an accent, but you'll get used to it. P.S. if you don't take his class, you're just complicating your life.

2.0
4.0
HIST101
Grade: C-
Jan 2, 2015

His strong accent never gets easier to understand. You have to read a long, boring chapter for homework pretty much every class or you won't pass the random pop quizzes throughout the semester. Two midterms which are very difficult to get a good grade on.

5.0
1.0
21693
Jan 13, 2015

EASY A. I really liked this professor as a person, he knows the subject well and is kind & helpful. Super easy class, JUST READ THE BOOK & NOVELS. His exams are so easy he literally gives you a study guide that is IDENTICAL and his 5 pop quizzes 10 simple multiple choice. He has an accent so if u have bad hearing sit near the front.

3.0
2.0
HIST100
Grade: A
May 7, 2015

Not a hard class at all: 1 midterm, 1 term paper and a final. He also gives out 6 pop quizzes throughout the year to make sure you're coming to class, but you can guess when they are most of the time. Reading the book is pretty essential bc that's what the quizzes are on and his accent is very hard to understand. He posts all his powerpoints too.

3.0
2.0
HIST100
May 8, 2015

He gives 6 pop quizzes through the semester on the assigned reading that night. He's a really nice guy and understanding if you have any issues. However he has an accent and a quiet voice so it was pretty difficult to hearfocus since my class was in a large hall. One term paper, one mid term and a final. They're essay questions but not difficult.

4.0
3.0
HIST100
May 10, 2015

Professor Mahdavi is a nice man and extremely knowledgable on the subject of World History. Because of this, he expects ALOT from his students come midtermfinal time. Tests are essay questions but he gives a study guide a week before. 6 random quizzes, an annoying Map Quiz, and a term paper make up the other grading for the course.

2.0
2.0
HIST100
May 11, 2015

Mahdavi is a cool professor. However he has a really thick accent which makes it hard to understand what he is saying all of the time. There are six pop quizzes, a map quiz, a term paper and 2 written tests. Term paper is easy money. Written tests are easy. He is a very easy grader. I thought I did horrible on my midterm but got a 100%.

2.0
2.0
HIST100
May 11, 2015

6 pop quizzes. If you read the required reading the quizzes are easy. 1 map quiz. You have to memorize so much it's ridiculous. 1 midterm and 1 final. Gives you list of questions(12 midterm, 9 final) and picks a certain number for the test(6 midterm and final). You have to choose either 3(midterm) and 4(final) questions to write about. Easy grader.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
May 13, 2015

I am not one to like History at all, but Mahdavi made history somewhat interesting. He is a VERY easy grader and knows his stuff when it comes to history. He does have a thick accent but that did not interfere with me getting an A. Would definitely take again!

5.0
1.0
HIST101
May 17, 2015

he is easy grader and nice guy but this class is so time-consuming. two exams and one 5 page paper. he provides us with prompt which has 15 questions. on exams, you can answer 4 out of 6 questions.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
May 18, 2015

Dr. Mahdavi was a great teacher! History 100 was extremely easy as long as you went to every class and put in a little effort. Although there's 6 pop quizzes, 1 is dropped which is cool. The tests were extremely easy because he gave you the questions ahead of time. Would definitely recommend!

4.0
2.0
HIST100
Grade: A
May 27, 2015

I would recommend taking this class, it's pretty easy for the most part. There are 6 pop quizzes, a map quiz, and 2 tests. The tests are only written response essays, no multiple choice, but I think Dr. Mahdavi sees how challenging that can be, so he's a very easy & generous grader. He gives the test questions beforehand on the study guide as well.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
Grade: B+
Aug 11, 2015

Amazing professor and super easy grader. There's a few pop quizzes in class so attendance is necessary. There's also a map quiz but it's super easy. He gives you a study guide for the midterm and final and the exact questions from the study guide are on the tests. I got a B+ in that class because I missed a lot of the pop quizzes. Good luck!

3.0
2.0
HIST 472
Oct 21, 2015

Passionate about history. He is very knowledgable about his field and shares everything with his students. Great guy who also answers your questions fully in class. Tests are easy since most are take home just like all the quizzes. READ THE BOOK and you will be fine!

5.0
2.0
HIS411
Grade: A-
Dec 10, 2015

Dr. Mahdavi was very sweet and helpful the entire semester. I would definitely take his class again. Biggest issues? Group projects with unreliable students (which if you let him know, he understands) and lectures seemed to drag on even though you don't get tested on the material he teaches.

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2015

Very kind professor and extremely knowledgeable. Was my easiest class of the semester, required only a little studying for the midterm and final, and some effort for the one term paper. He is interesting but lectures get long and are easy to sleep through.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2016

Professor Mahdavi is very knowledgeable about what he teaches. yes, his accent can be hard to understand in the beginning, but it does get easier as you get used to it. His class consisted of powerpoint lectures, a midterm, a final, and one 3-5pg. research paper. It is important to attend class. He gives a study guide for the essay style exams.

5.0
1.0
HIST100
Grade: A+
Jan 11, 2016

Amazing professor and is incredibly helpful! Tests are insanely easy as long as you study. He literally tells you exactly what to study, you just need to carve out time to memorize what he asks. The tests are in essay format so be sure when you study, recite the information back to yourself from memory. I would take him again in a heart beat!

1.0
5.0
HISTORY473
Grade: Rather not say
Jan 20, 2016

By far, this was the worst professor I ever had... I never rated someone so low... I dont get why there are so many positive remarks, I wouldnt be surprised if he wrote them himself. Although he clearly preferred some students over others, so that might also explain

2.0
3.0
HIS100
Grade: B
May 10, 2016

I personally find him hard to understand but as the semester continued it became easier. Pretty straight forward class, make sure you study a lot for the midterm and final. (extra points given for attendance saved my grade)

5.0
1.0
HIS411
Grade: A
May 12, 2016

Easy A if you do the work

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: A
Dec 16, 2016
Would take again

One of the easiest classes I've taken at SDSU. You learn a lot if you pay attention. There is random attendance so showing up to class will help your grade, although attendance is only a small part of final grade. Class doesn't require much studying, although it is good to read the books. Easy A as long as you do the assignments.

Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
GROUP PROJECTS
5.0
3.0
HIST101
Grade: B
Jan 5, 2017
Would take again

Lecture was so boring. It was only 50 minutes but i felt it was 3 years. Gives really helpful study guide. Gives extra credit. Kind and respectful guy.

Respected
Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
4.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Easy A if you do the work. Theres's a Mid-term, Final, Map Quiz, and research paper. Easy grader. Tests are 2 parts: one is a take home question (you write an essay almost) and 2nd part are other essay questions. He gives you a study guide in advance. Lectures: meh didn't listen most of the time. Do well on the map quiz in the beginning! (10%)

Respected
Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: A-
Jan 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Respectable guy, definitely passionate and knowledgeable. Really enjoyed his charisma and insights into history. The mid-term and finals are in-class essays (two each) + take-home portions. Study guide helpful. Term paper is on topic of choice. Random Attendance. Map Quiz is easy. Some group discussions based on reading Overal an easy grader

Respected
Participation matters
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
2.0
1.0
HIS101
Grade: A+
Jan 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He does take random attendance so going to class is a good idea even if your brain isn't present. I unfortunately couldn't understand most of his lectures but he does seem very passionate. 2 Exams and 1 term paper. He grades everything very easily as long as you show effort. use the study guides and this class should be an easy pass.

Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
HIST100
Grade: A+
Apr 25, 2017
Would take again

Go to class and you will get an A for sure. Do well on the map quiz at the start and he will like you. He's super passionate and a really good professor. He makes it interesting and easy to follow.. The exams are pretty easy because he gives you all of the questions before the exam. 10/10 recommend taking his class

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
1.0
HIS100
May 11, 2017
Would take again

Mahdavi is a solid choice when it comes to taking a history class to satisfy your GE requirements. He's passionate about what he teaches, but classes can be pretty boring. He does random attendance so if you want the points, show up. 2 exams, term paper, and a map quiz. Lowkey regret taking this course as C/NC because it's an easy a

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
1.0
HIST100
Grade: Not sure yet
May 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

It's easy to get 100% on everything. He's a great guy and all, but his lectures are just really really boring, and you have to be there because he does random attendance. Class is easy though so might as well take it

LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
HIS100
Grade: B+
May 19, 2017
Would take again

I would take this class again. It is easy to get an A in this class if you take the time to study and prepare for exams early. He gives a midterm, final, map quiz, and you have to do a research paper. He is super chill and is very helpful. His lectures are a little on the boring side and he does take random attendance.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
4.0
1.0
HIST101
Jan 4, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Mahdavi is like a teddy bear, he is so sweet and clearly loves history. He has 10 random attendance "quizzes" throughout the semester and its worth 10% of the grade. 2 tests (mid term & final) which are fairly easy if you study, 1 paper. Such an easy class with little effort

Respected
Caring
5.0
4.0
HIST412
Grade: A
Jan 18, 2018
Would take again

great teacher who loves history. a teacher who brings out the best in his students. my greatest respect go's out to him, thank you for teaching they way you do.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Inspirational
4.0
2.0
HIST100
Grade: A
Apr 30, 2018
Would take again

You have to get used to his accent but he is very clear about his expectations. One paper for the year that he grades really easy. Tests are easy especially if there is a google docs study guide sent out. Easy A with a little bit of work.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
3.0
HIS100
Grade: B+
May 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Has a thick accent which is hard to understand, but is a soft caring guy. 11 quizzes through the semester. Some he will tell you about others no. Midterm paper, 2 take home questions and final is a bluebook test. Do the reading before hand if theres gonna be a quiz cause we never finishes powerpoints. Book is on reserve at the library.

BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
SO MANY PAPERS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
HIST100
Grade: A-
May 8, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Mahdavi is an incredibly sweet prof that tries super hard to make his class engaging! There are "pop" quizzes once a week based on readings/lectures, but if you pay attention in class, you shouldn't have to read & he usually warns you when there will be a quiz. There are a couple essays, but they're all take home & I got A's on both. Take him!

Gives good feedback
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Caring
3.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: A
May 14, 2018
Would take again

Nice person but MY GOD, lecture was so dull and boring. I showed up bc of attendance points. Other than that, this class was not difficult. I didn't take notes I didn't read the books. Just study the test questions which he literally tells you before each test and you're fine. No excuse not to pass this class.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
2.0
HIS100
Grade: B+
Jun 22, 2018
Would take again

Easy A if you do the work, there is a weekly quiz. Most of the time its on a Friday but sometimes he will change it up, so it best to go to class to get those easy points. Midterm and final are take home. The final has a portion in class, he gives a study guide weeks before.

Skip class? You won't pass.
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
HIST101
Dec 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Nice person but the lectures are boring. You will get an A if you read the weekly assignments and prepare for the pop quiz.

Get ready to read
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
5.0
3.0
WORLDHISTORY101
Dec 14, 2018
Would take again

Professor Mahdavi is an amazing history professor. Hes the sweetest man and you can tell hes very passionate about what he teaches. I would love to take him again. There are 2 take home essays, one large map quiz, 12 pop quizzes throughout the semester, and then the midterm and final. He has an accent but it is honestly charming. Please take him.

BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
LECTURE HEAVY
Caring
5.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 24, 2018
Would take again

One of the sweetest professor I have ever known! he is so caring as a history prof. He is really open and super welcoming when you go to his office hours. he does his best to keep the class fun! just the best and easiest prof ever! please take him you will never regret it.

BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
2.0
HIST473
Grade: A+
Apr 11, 2019
Would take again

Hands down, one of my all time favorite professors at State. Prof. Mahdavi is an absolute gem of a human being who is genuinely kind and caring to all his students, and he makes his class feel like a breath of fresh air in your schedule in comparison to more difficult classes-while still learning a lot! I'm excited to take him again in the future!

Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
Caring
3.0
4.0
HIST100
May 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Hes a fine professor, but combine a big lecture hall, his accent, and a mono-tone quiet voice, you can hardly understand him. Obviously cares about the material, but pop quizzes on the reading and lectures 1-2 times a week get tedious.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
HIST100
Grade: B+
May 28, 2019
Would take again

Honestly, I enjoyed his class. Midterm and final consisted of take home essays and an in class essay. Create a collaborative google doc before the midterm and final and you should be solid. The quizzes arent too bad, I never read the book and still did okay on them. If you read they should be super easy.

Respected
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
1.0
HIS100
Grade: A
Jul 22, 2019
Would take again

Random quizzes every week, BUT they are honestly super easy. Skim through the book before class and you should be good. I liked his class! Very chill and relaxed

5.0
2.0
HIS100
Grade: A
Mar 3, 2020
Would take again

Long lectures but he tries his best to make it interesting! Weekly quizzes but they aren't super difficult so as long as you read or pay attention to the lectures you should be fine! I highly recommend this class!

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Caring
5.0
2.0
HISTORY473
Grade: A+
Aug 28, 2020
Would take again

The sweetest professor you will ever meet.

Respected
Participation matters
Caring
5.0
3.0
HIST100
Grade: B+
Oct 9, 2020
Would take again

The nicest teacher you will ever have hands down. He's incredibly passionate in what he teaches and will do whatever it takes to get a good grade. Class is mandatory and has weekly pop quizzes and can be boring at times, but is completely manageable. Not a class to worry about.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

68%

Textbook Required

46%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 36 grades
Most common grades:
A (13)
B+ (8)
A+ (7)
Grade Distribution
A(20)B(2)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(13)
Based on 38 reported grades
A: 13
B+: 8
A+: 7
A-: 5
Common Tags
Caring (9)
Clear grading criteria (8)
Respected (7)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (7)
Get ready to read (6)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (4)
Participation matters (4)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
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