tough material, but puts modern spin on it to raise interest. funny, laid back.

Such a wonderful man! Great class

My favorite! Easy!! Variety of things to do in class makes it fun - always!

Great class, Great teacher, You learn a lot

Such a great professor! I definitely reccomend him! Learned a lot, wasnt boring, wasnt hard:)

Great discussion and openness of mind. Very interesting class. However, discussions tend to be Christian sided, but not his fault. Learning a lot.

I can't say enough good things about this man or the class. If you have the chance...take him.

fun, easy class - great lecturer, never boring. watched movies, acted out Bible passages in class, lets us have class outside. very cool - take him

Are have you taken this class yet? You should. In the words of the prophet Nathan, Laspina You the man.

loved this class! laspina is amazing at what he teaches, and you'll learn a bunch because of him.

Had him over two years ago, but he was a really nice man and very good professor. Study for the tests and you'll be fine.

VERY boring class, but material is extremely interesting. The tests are straight forward and can be a bit specific at times. You really have to read the Bible for this class. Good class to take if you want to know the Old Testament more.

amazing teacher! he's a very nice guy and makes the class fun. tests aren't too hard and only had to write 2 papers which were pretty easy. i learned a lot about the old test! take this class!

A good class, not to hard, tests are mostly from lectures.

The tests are kind of difficult, and he likes to assign mini group projects, but he's a great professor. He really knows what he's talking about, and he's funny too.

Good class. Be sure to study, cause it pays off. I got a B and barely studied, but I know my way through most of the Old Testament. Go to class..no attendance policy, but he gives quizzes sometimes....and in-class projects (they're easy). You can do 2 papers or 1 paper and 1 big project. Tests can be difficult.....and so is the final. STUDY!!!

lectures are very interesting...never know what you might hear. plus he is very funny, esp. when he is not trying to be. tests can be difficult until you know what he is looking for you to learn and papers are as easy or as difficult as you make them. learned ALOT, so if that's you goal you should definitely take his classes!

Laspina is the man. He is a good teacher, but even more importantly he is a great man. Can be very understanding, gives so many opportunitites to do well.

One of my favorite professors. I regret not trying harder in his class and sleeping through many of them. He is the most understanding teacher I have ever had since middle school, seriously. This class has taught me so much and I am glad I took it. It is challenging, but it's worth it. Don't even hesitate to take Laspina's classes.

The Sarge is funny. he's pretty good at teaching this class. He really sides with the book which sometimes is tough to agree with. His tests are pretty tough and specific, but if you read the book and take notes in class, it's not too bad really. The papers are all up to you, put time into them.

fred's the man. i took him for 201 and 202 and i love him. i've learned sooooo much from his lectures. he's really chill and cool and he really cares about you. one pop quiz between each test, so study the notes. go to class, and you have to read the textbook. if you read the bible you should definitely get an a.

Laspina is a great guy. He really grows on you. You learn a lot, and the class is very easy. I didn't buy the textbook and got a B or A on every test.

Great Professor. the material is tough because there are so many names you must remember, but you learn alot. Take Him!

The positives: Keeps discussions and lectures interesting, lots of group work. Negatives: Don't expect an A w/o memorizing all the names and places in the Hebrew bible (there are thousands). Puts too much of an emphasis on memorization rather than general meaning. Tests are 50 short answer.be prepared to study A LOT. Average Test Grade is a C.

Very friendly professor. You have to take good notes and read for the text because there are names/places that you must know. But I will be honest with you that if you are interesting in learning the old testament you will learn a lot. Make sure you know what his favorite desert is and what type of car he drives; if so u get extra credit on quizes.

Take this class! You'll learn about lots of different religions, some you've probably never heard of. Laspina really knows his stuff. He lectures all class long but most of the material is interesting so it's not too bad. Take good notes and read the text and you'll succeed.

My rating may look average, but this professor is actually really cool! I had an easy time in the class and some of the assignments allow you to have fun, if you have a bit of creativity. Tests appear intimidating, but if you answer the questions with a bit of sense he should give you some credit. I am a bio major, but I really enjoyed this class.

Well, I came to rate him here to give him a fantastic review. If that doesn't show it's because his tests require a good amount of studying and he enjoys being vague, but I think it makes assignments more fun. He is the most interesting guy. My fav class fer sure. Take him!

I loved this class! It was super easy but also very interesting. The tests are 60 multiple choice but you could almost write anything vaguely related to the question and get redit for it, heâ??s VERY lenient with grading. My lowest grade on a test was an 88 and I barely studied. Only negative would be verbal notes

this is a tough class because there's a lot of material but it is honestly fascinating. he tells stories & makes jokes to make learning the stuff less painful. I honestly never thought I'd look forward to going to a religion class when my major is the farthest thing from it, but thanks to Prof LaSpina, I thoroughly enjoy it. take him, no doubt!

LOVE PROFESSOR LASPINA. He is funny, easy-going, and an "easy" grader. He makes class so interesting and if you try, you will learn a lot. READ THE BOOK! Also take notes constantly. Very random test questions, but like I said, he grades very nicely. Definitely take a class with him if you can!

very interesting class discussions where you can ask pretty much anything about religion and he'll answer it. a lot of note taking because the tests are pretty much based off your notes. 50 short answer tests that you actually need to study for. but overall not bad of a class.recommend for a gened, easy B

He's a great guy. Four tests, reads straight from a website. If you take notes you should do fine on the tests. Easy to pass. Nice guy. Randomly takes attendance. Only a couple questions on each test come from the book.

Take him if you can, definitely worth the gen ed requirement! 50 short answer question tests, but as long as you attend lectures and take notes you will get a good grade

Dr. LaSpina is a really nice and chill professor. He has 4 regular exams, 50 super short answer which is intimidating but take good lecture notes and study well the night before and you will get A's and B's. They're really not bad. I personally thought his lectures were interesting but it's different for everyone. Really fair GenEd course/professor

one of the nicest teachers i have ever had. even though the tests are 50 short answer you adjust and do pretty well. he one of the easiest graders, which makes him so nice.i did not buy the book was fine. All his test questions come from notes so if you attend every class and take very good notes then you should be set! he is a very nice professor

This class isn't the easiest, but Professor LaSpina is a good guy and his class is very fair. His exams are 50 free response questions, but go to class, take good notes, and study! They aren't that bad at all, plus he grades very leniently. You learn a lot in this class! I loved him and the course!

This guy is just a great professor. He is really just a genuinely nice guy and I enjoyed the class. Don't let the 50 question free answer tests scare you away, they really aren't that difficult. HE DOES A GREAT JOB AT BEING OBJECTIVE, which is a must for a class like this. He makes different religions approachable and cool to learn about. Take him

He is really nice and he grades the tests very easily. For the papers he tends to give 85s. If you go to class and take notes you will do well in this class. He goes through notes fast so when he refers to a website I write down the link and fill in my notes later which has worked for me really well. Don't bother getting the text book

Solid professor & very nice person. Straight up lists facts about religions for you to know and take notes on which is nice. He gives small creative homework assignments every once in a while but not a big deal. Short answer tests, but not hard. 1st test I studied one night for and got a 79. Take notes & you'll be fine. Don't need textbook.

Only a very few out of class assignments. He gives extra credit on tests and otherwise. Must show up to lecture to take notes. Hes really nice and helpful and tries to make it interesting. tests are 50 VERY short answer but he grades SO easily, like he just skims over the answers so most test grades are good. only big thing is a 4 page term paper.

This class was probably one of the easiest gen-eds for cluster 2, but it's really just all memorization! Prof LS is incredibly easy going and can be funny at times. He rarely gives over a 90 on assignments, but if you just study and do well on the tests it's an easy A. Definitely take him!

Dr. Laspina is the best. He is friendly, nice and approachable. His tests are always 50 short answer questions. They are hard if you don't study! Tons of memorization! DO NOT SKIP CLASS. Everything from class will most likely be on the test. He is a very easy grader, but can be inconsistent in his grading because he often skims. You learn a lot!

Really great class and professor! He doesn't use canvas, so make sure to have friends in the class in case you ever miss anything. He shows a lot of videos and grades pretty leniently, but you still learn a lot so definitely take him!

LaSpina was a great professor and this was a great class. Not too much work and tests were easy as long as you memorize things from the lectures beforehand. He's a pretty lenient grader and the projects he assigned were quick and easy. one 5 page essay but it's pretty easy and again he's a lenient grader. overall such a good choice for this cluster

Going to class isn't mandatory but his test questions come directly from the lecture notes. As long as you have friends in the class it is ok to skip. There are a couple group assignments, 4 tests, a final, five page paper, and a house of worship paper. He is a really nice guy but does not always explain what he wants for some of the hw. Take him!

Four 50-question short answer tests, a few quizzes, a term paper, and a few little group assignments makes up Laspina's class. Does not use powerpoint, must attend class and take detailed notes from his lectures to do well on tests. Very sweet guy and sometimes cracks a joke! Doesn't read test answers, just skims over them. Definitely take him!!!

Great professor, easy and interesting class, funny guy!

Prof LaSpina was a pretty good choice for this class. Tests are all short answer but it's not horrible, he's a bit of an annoying grader but he's also pretty lenient. Group projects were the worst part but there weren't too many. Go to class and take notes! He's a nice guy, very approachable and some of the things he says are just hilarious.

I really liked this professor. Had a few group projects in the beginning. All tests aren't too hard if you take good notes and show up to class. All tests are also all short answer. I find his lectures really interesting! You can tell he loves what he does. He's a funny guy & assigns no homework. I would take this class again.

Really liked him! Laspina literally just lectures the whole class, so dont skip, is a little unorganized when speaking but still manages to cover all of the info needed. A few group projects and tests (really doesnt look over answers so easy A/B). EC papers & a pp due at end of semester. Honestly if you have to take a cluster 2 class, take this.

He was an awesome professor! I would totally take him again if it wasn't for the difficult tests. His tests are 50 open ended/ short response questions. It's hard to do well on them since there are many different language involved in different religions and remembering the correct words is difficult. If his tests were mc i would take him again!

LaSpina was awesome in my opinion. As long as you go to class and take notes (he doesn't post any on Canvas), you will be fine! For sure do NOT buy the text book because his lectures cover all the test material. Hard grader on papers and projects, but pretty lenient on tests. Tests are all 50 short answer, but don't freak out. They are pretty simpl

He lectures all class, with a few videos here and there. Personally, I did not buy the book and received a high B. Make sure you go to class and take notes because everything he says will be on tests. Tests are 40-50 short answer (not bad) but he is pretty lenient when grading. There are few quizzes but are easy and meant to bring your grade up.

Tests are based on in class lectures - not posted online. Tests are 50 question short answer but come directly from lectures if you took notes in class. Super nice professor, very interesting class. Never opened my textbook once

Professor LaSpina is a really nice guy. The tests are all 50 questions and short answer but not bad at all if you just study. I would say he is a solid choice for a professor.

Honestly this class was super interesting and as long as you go to class and write down like everything he says, you'll do fine. Tests are 50 short answer questions BUT as long as you study then they're pretty easy. He is interested in what he teaches and he's super chill and funny

Professor LaSpina was my favorite teacher at JMU. I am TERRIBLE at history/religion so the thought of 50 S.A. questions scared me BUT do not be afraid. Go to his office hours and he will be SO helpful. The questions are straight forward if you think about them. Go to class, when someone else takes notes it doesn't make any sense. 10/10 TAKE HIM

Prof. Laspina is honestly amazing! He has mixed reviews on here but if you attend class or at least have a friend in the class to help with notes you can pass his class easily. His tests are straight from lecture and are fairly easy. Hes also very understanding. He does give group projects but it takes not even 10 mins to do them. HIGHLY RECCOMEND

Nice guy but really makes you work for a good grade. 4 quizzes,4 tests and 6 group projects. He is never clear about what he wants you to do in assignments. Tests are 50 short answers and have crazy specific questions that you need to go to class to learn. Puts nothing online. Not an easy gen ed but really good if you want to learn religion.

Very nice teacher who cares about students; you have 4 tests throughout semester, plus final exam; they are all 40 short answer except for final which is more. If you study the lecture notes he gives, you'll pass.

Doesn't post notes online. You need to take notes based on lecture. Random things he says are fair game for the test. Test are 50 short answer. Love the professor but hard gen ed. Hard grader.

Prof LaSpina is very caring and overall hilarious but you have to attend his lectures and study soooo hard to even have a chance at passing this class. All his tests are about 55 short answer questions on about 4 different religions at a time. Way too hard for a GenEd class in my opinion. Would not take if you're looking for an easy religions class

While the class was hard I would definitely recommend taking him for this class. He was great.

Look if you dont cheat in this class idk what youre doing. Tests are 50 short answers usually on 4 chapters so good luck. Group projects will indefinitely get you a B. Quizes are short and usually dont help your grade because they have hard questions with the bonus being about his life. People who studied averaged Cs

He gets hated on a lot because he gives little feedback, but I honestly really enjoyed this class. I found the lectures to be interesting and he posts all of the notes. Theres a few small projects that aren't too time consuming as well as a group assignment every other week which usually consisted of 1 question/person. Tests are all based off notes

Professor Laspina is one of my favorite professors here at JMU. His lectures are very easy to follow and his tests are all based on the notes in class, which he lets you bring a one page (front and back) list of notes to for the tests. Attendance is not mandatory, but you will lose points if you don't come to class.

Professor Laspina is one of my favorite professors I have had here at JMU. Laspinas tests are all based on the notes taken in class, and he allows you to bring a one page (front and back) copy of the notes to use on the test. Attendance is not mandatory, however, you will lose points if you don't come to class.

He was a nice guy but his notes were read off of a google doc, write down what he says or writes on the whiteboard, and the movies he showed in class will be tested, pay attention to them. Group assignments kind of sucked though, my group got an 88 every time and we have no idea. You answer 8 q's with 1 editor, no other rubric, only major flaw IMO.

My favorite class this entire semester! I love Laspina and loved every moment of his class. He is so kind and personal, and his lectures were always very interesting . The work can be a bit much at times - as he likes a lot of writing. The tests are not open-ended- all are multiple-choice (unlike previous reviews.) Definitely take his class!

Guy is just boring, but teaches his stuff well. Takes notes and pay attention and you will do well on the test.

Overall decent chill prof. Tests are multiple-choice, online, and one note sheet allowed. He reads off a doc, you just need to take notes on that, what he writes on the board, and movies. Group work always scored in the 80s, and there wasn't feedback. Attendance sheet passed around each class. Interesting material, just lots of information.

I was shocked to see so many bad reviews for this professor which made me hesitant to take this class, yet he is absolutely incredible. I had a ton of obstacles this semester and he accommodated to every single one, lectures can be on the boring side, but the material itself is fascinating and he is super funny and easy to talk to.

Easily the best professor I have had all semester. Really gets in-depth and offers engaging lectures. Would recommend to anyone remotely interested in religion, or anyone who wants/needs a gen ed. The more interested you are in religion, the more you'll get out of it.

You'll get an 85 on every assignment, tests arent too bad I barely studied at got a 75 on each one, sometimes he curves or he'll let you use a notecard.

Really nice man who obviously loves what he does. His lectures are very comprehensible and he is so accommodating and kind. Go to class, take good notes, and you'll be fine. Strongly recommend!!!

Professor LaSpina is a tough grader but once you know what he is looking for it is not too difficult. He basically gives a B for anything; however, if you just talk to him he is really nice and does raise it sometimes. Just go to class everyday, take notes, pay attention. He does curve the tests or let you use a cheat sheet.

Professor is engaging, lectures can be dry but the material is fascinating. Attendance is mandatory, tests are tough but note sheets allowed. Used Unstuck AI alongside the textbook to prep - really helped boost my understanding.

He is a pretty tough grader and doesn't give out many A's. His lectures are pretty boring but he is a nice guy and passionate about what he teaches. You get a cheat sheet or the tests are online so it isn't too difficult if you try.