Definitely recommend Dr. Gio! He is super down to earth, respectful, and caring. He wants his students to do well in his class. He encourages everyone to engage during class and is passionate about the subject. The textbook is a free pdf, his grading/syllabus is clear. Offers extra credit. Look no further, take him if you can!

Awesome and enthusiastic person. He is very understanding and looks at everything from an educational standpoint. There is quite a bit of reading in the class but it is enjoyable. Loves what he does and seems like he would go out of his way to help. Very admirable person and makes the class fun and engaging. (I took 100 not 151).

Gotta be there at every zoom. Makes you reference material learned on zoom and is a very tough grader. Super easy class if you show up every day, do all the work, and put in extra effort. NOT FOR SLACKERS.

Dr. Gio is such an amazing person. Really cares about the students and wants you to learn and understand. There is a lot of reading, but trust me it is well worth it! Everything you read is either eye opening or it will leave a good impact! Awesome job and kept it up we need more professors like you!

Dr. Gio is an professor, very nice, dedicated and understanding. His lectures were very interesting and he really does care about would he's teaching. A lot of the work was based off readings and videos, sometimes slides. I recommend taking him.

He gives you links to all the textbooks so you don't have to purchase them. Really cool guy but gives out SOO MUCH WORK! Lectures are nice and easy to follow along and he seems like he really cares about his students.

Means well and accommodates those who put the effort in and attend. But he doesn't always meet in the middle. I would be frustrated that he marked me down significantly for something he did not clarify in lecture. Field trip not optional.100's of pages for a very short quiz. Rigorous csu GE class but best prof for this class. Do great on quizzes.

He's a good professor and gives interesting lectures but gives lots of material to read for his hw/quizzes. It's doable and you'll learn a lot. Has 3 assignments instead of tests/finals. He does offer extra credit and there is one class trip that's mandatory.

SOOOOO much reading. I think its a lot for a general ed class and it being only 3 units. tough grader

I would definetely recomend this class with Dr.Gio! He really made sure that the material was presented in a very creative manner and presented topics such as racism, social justice and how it has impacted our society in a way that was easier to understand.Dr. Gio was always accessible after class for questions and valued each student in his class.

Passionate and empathetic Professor who welcomes you and keeps your attention going. Took us to the College Gallery tho I never seen it before. Thank you !

There have been classes I look forward to and this one is one of them. I think grading is helpful and he cares about teaching.

Dr. Hortua's structure is very straightforward: discussions, quizzes, and papers. He's one of those Professors that uses out of the box ways to teach. Definetely taking him again!

Many students are lazy and just want the easy route and have lost the enthusiasm to learn. My advice is this: if you're seeking an easy ride, then you should consider finding a different class/professor. But, if you truly value education, and want to actually learn something, then this class is definitely one to take!

The class looked into the racial and social injustices of minorities through a survey of pop culture history. No textbook; it mostly used online articles or scanned literature. A final project required students to spend money in their free time to go to the movies or theme parks without an alternative to do an audio/video assignment.

Dr. Gio was by far the best professor I had so far. Yes, there was a lot of homework and papers, however; it's to be expected. I took this class because it is a requirement, but I left this class with so much valuable information. He is an easy grader, always gave me A's for my work with great feedback. I would take this class with him 1,000% again

He wasn't as bad as I thought other people said he was! I feel like he gives a fair and manageable amount of work every week including some fun readings and videos. He is a tough grader when it comes to the micro midterms we have per semester; however, that class is easy to pass as long as you are on top of things. Also, he has free textbooks too.

If you did well in your English classes then you'll be fine. Lots of readings though. If you're gonna take this class then take it in the winter or summer semester and make sure it's the only class you're taking. I'd imagine this class would be much more difficult to manage over a regular semester.

This class was a 4-week tough course that Dr. Gio explained you had to be on top on all the work due. I know I did the best I could in such a short time. Readings were awesome, assignments engaging, and I wish I would've taken this in the semester.

After reading the ratings I have to disagree.Dr Gio asked us to reach out for help and I couldnt have asked for a more patient instructor. I got help, suggestions and feedback, and he reminded us to stay on top of the classwork. Pleople complain about too much work, but in reality its the students who are lazy and want the easy A. Gimme a break!

The class was not easy cuz we had 4 weeks only. There were quizzes and assigments on what was presented. Dr. Gio guided the class well and I appreciated his helpful comments to my questions. Will take again!

I took ETHS 101 with Dr. Gio in Spring 2024. He's a passionate lecturer who truly cares about his students and the course content that he is teaching. I've looked forward to every lecture and actively participated in class, as he keeps students engaged, and walked away from this class with lots of wisdom and a renewed appreciation for learning.

Dr. Gio's lectures were amazing. I don't know about this "boring" stuff because I was one of many students who were clinging on to his every word. I recommend him, just keep up with his lectures and ask questions!

This class opened my eyes to many things we are exposed to growing up about minorities. Dr. Gio thank you for your passion and for showing us that representation matters!

I have to personally thank Dr. Gio for the incredible amount of sources presented. I am so happy that finally somebody in my college is talking about my history and the struggle my people have faced. Power to all communities!

Dr. Gio was one of the few professors that I had that actually gave good feedback. He was very helpful and very willing to meet virtually. If you are willing to spend time doing your work, you'll be fine. Some of my peers were complaining about the work but he provided all sources free and had me think about the world differently.

I didn't have my history in high school but it took going to college to hear and see it. Thank you Dr. Gio and I appreciate you what you do for our community.

My only complaint in the class is that our semester was done before we could all say thank you and goodbye. Dr. Gio is a rare gem and truly cares about his students. Thanks to him I can't look at a movie or watch a commercial or look at a billboard without drawing from what we learned in class! Good readings and excellent conversations in class!

Very fast-paced course! I enjoyed all the sources and got a different perspective for sure! Although I can agree to disagree with Dr. Gio's angle, I want to say that it was at least a good argument presented mixed in with all the sources for the class. My advice: if you want an easy A, this isn't the class. If you want to learn, take him.

This is one of my first online classes and Dr. Hortua had a lot of straightforward assignments and readings. I was surprised to see such weird ratings for him, considering even when I reached out to him, he was beyond helpful. One of the things I remember he said was "I am more than happy to meet you halfway, but you have to meet me halfway".

Amazing class and he was very helpful when it came to not just talking about class but also potential career choices. Very smart and funny. Take this class if you want a professor who shows you how much he values you.

This was not an easy course. I have total respect for Dr. Gio because I still got a chance to express myself in class about my native heritage. I appreciate at least him hearing me out during tough times. It was a lot of work but I can see why it had to be that way. Take him and keep up with your assignments!

One of the best professors at Cypress College. I couldn't have had a better opportunity to get such an engaging professor. He was right: high school did us wrong and taught us nothing about our struggle. I like how Dr. Gio did several debriefs after intense lectures on the violence against people of color.

I had bad luck taking Ethnic Studies with other professors at Cypress College but Dr. Gio gave me a different way to think about the class. I felt included in group work and I felt heard in class. Lectures very awesome.

The professor was very straightforward in his class. Midterm papers were easy to follow and his assignments were well connected to the weekly theme. If you're looking for an easy A, I would suggest not taking Dr. Gio. He has a lot of work but it's all put together very nice.

I recommend Dr. Gio because as the semester was going on he was one of the only teachers at the school to sit with me and guide me through the class so I didn't fall more behind. I know we have mental health resources but I felt I could reach out to him as I was going through stuff.

Professor Hortua has incredible passion for the course materials and I enjoyed his awesome humor. Sometimes we did have to talk about a lot of stuff that was difficult and I was glad he gave trigger warnings because it showed he cared how we felt. I felt good to share in class my experience growing up and talking about racism in my school.

Dr. Hortua's class was tough but fair. It was a very quick course and you gotta spend time doing the reading.

Honestly I thought this was going to be easy but nope! My favorite part was how he didn't just have a bunch of papers, Lots to read and watch!

Even though there was a lot of work, Dr. Gio made the class super interesting and worth taking. I was bummed that I couldn't submit everything, but I know it was a fast class. I recommend taking the summer class if you can do 5 weeks of non-stop work.

This class challenged me to focus and take this serious. I don't always get a chance to complete my classes so I'm proud I completed this one. Professor Gio was fair and gave me enough help to keep motivated.

There was a lot of information that I thought was going to just be boring, but I was wrong. I liked how each lecture connected to today and this class was definitely one class that I didn't want to miss. Take good notes in class enjoy the class!

I enjoyed Dr. Gio's style of teaching and felt I learned a lot about native American culture. He presents different styles of assignment so it was just like doing the same assignment over and over. He is clearly passionate about what he does and I would def. take him for a different class!

The class was not easy as you would assume it to be! Dr. Gio warns everyone that it's 5 weeks and it's a fast 5 weeks and we need to work really hard because it's like a whole semester smashed in. He was tough on deadlines after a couple weeks but I stayed on task as best as possible. I know he would be cool to take in person.

Overall good experience. Some of my peers complained about the workload but it's a college class! Anyway, he was fair and gave many opportunities to get the work done on time. The lectures were good and Dr. Gio had pretty cool projects!

I had a good time in this class! There were some of my peers complaining about the workload but I thought it made sense for the class. Thank you Dr. Gio and I can't wait to see you in the Fall! Happy summer!

Amazing 5 weeks and let me tell you Dr. Gio that even though there's a bunch of reading, it's possible to do this and actually learn lots! Super cool dude and very fair. Gracias Dr. Gio!

After reading the reviews, I gotta agree. Dr. Gio was clear about how much work we had to bust out in 5 weeks. I hesitated but I pulled through. Thank you Dr. Gio and hope to see you around campus!

I'm sorry I didn't write this sooner but I figured I'd add to all the applause Dr. Gio has received. I took this class last semester and this is what I wished all professors could be genuine. This class has def. got me thinking about representation on a totally diff. level. If you get a chance to take him, go for it. Super open to diff. opinions

My only regret was not taking professor Gio in person. I enjoyed ALL the material for this class and I'm excited to know that he's also teaching in the Fall! Thank you and if you're taking this class online, there's a lot of stuff...but it's info that we didn't know about because high school don't talk about this.

Man, this professor is legit. I took this class last semester and he offered to speak to me about not just ethnics but also careers and I feel like Im finally on a good path. Dr. Gio will hear you out and his advice is gold. Take him because I'm taking him for more classes.

A good professor. I give him props because he answered all my questions respectfully and always tried to lift me up. I haven't been in school for a while and I appreciated him very much.

This professor wears his heart on his sleeve. I've never had a professor care so much about the subject, students, our goals and dreams. I am grateful to sit in a class and learn and feel like I'm being seen.

Very light workload-a few small writing assignments and a reading quiz per week. Quizzes are based on the textbook and fair. They're not proctored either. A lot of the textbook material is pretty boring, but otherwise mostly video and article assignments which are pretty interesting. Dr. Gio is understanding too and honestly just a chill guy.

This is the first class in my life that I felt a professor really cared about how I did in class and helped me with what I was going through. Dr. Gio thank you and bless you. You are the difference in this world and I hope that you keep showing students that we matter every day.

His class was a late-start accelerated class. He was honestly very understanding and would allow you to turn in late work as long as you communicate with him. There's just so much content that he gives every week that you definitely need to spend a lot of time on it. Some modules only allow you to complete each item before going to the quizzes.

By far the best professor I've ever had! I don't know how he does it, but every time I went to class he was ready to talk about some of the most heaviest histories affecting Native Americans. I can't wait for the next class to take with Dr. Gio!

I don't do many of these but I have to tell you that Dr. Gio has given us what our high school has denied. The knowledge and motivation he has has helped me learn about me. He's also dope and funny and available to chat in office hours. Take this class!

I didn't know what kind of class this was going to be but this class taught me to value Native American culture on a level I didn't get from any of my classes in high school. I recommend him and his projects for class were super cool.

The most amazing professor I've ever had. This guy is not just inspiring but he is also super kind and just a good soul. I recommend this class and I'm sad that we had to end. I never thought ethnic studies was something that I should care about until Dr. Gio. Thank you!

The professor has been on point when it comes to content and I def. appreciate him communicating back quickly about my questions. I've had professors disappear on me but Dr. Gio is here to help. I know taking him the semester won't feel as heavy as winter session. If you take him for Winter, lots of work and he tells you too.

This class was very fast and loaded with a bunch of work. That said, awesome materials used and I thank the professor for being very creative with different assignments. Good class!

The best in-class and online experience at the college. Dr. Gio is amazing and I can't say thank you enough for someone who is such a good human being. There's work, lots of notes, and he asks you to put it together and review it on your own so you're not lost...if you're not organized, good luck!

Currently taking Dr. Gio and yes, he was right about in class live versus online classes. He is a true champion in person! I love his energy and compassion, especially with what is going on in the country. Good comments on papers and fair grader!

The best professor at Cypress College! I never had a prof who cared so much about the mental health of his students. A real champion and a good soul. Dr. Gio you are what this world needs! Good lectures, good laughs, and motivational for all of us!

It's not fair that peers don't take responsibility as they talk about Dr. Gio and rate him bad. I can tell you that he does the best he can to make the class amazing and I don't mind being pushed to be the best! It's not easy but I get the challenge. I would def. take him again! Seriously peers, grow up!

This is the first class I've been in where the discord is so toxic I had to leave it. I'm so tired of the trash talking by my peers and hope that one day they take responsibility for what they don't do. I've met with the professor many times and each time has been a positive experience. Dr. Gio is a good professor and they know it!

The professor gave us materials for free, gave us videos to watch, connected lectures to videos, had class discussion about topics that I never knew about. He also made us look up stuff on our devices to get used to finding info on our own. I can't complain. Not an easy grader, very accessible and I don't share his same politics. Thx Dr. Gio!

Love this class! I'll never watch a movie the same again! Cool prof and good resources and can't wait for his class in the Fall!!

I'm reading bitter evaluations on the best professor on campus! Awesome lectures, very understanding, and it's sad to see people claim he is manipulative and evil? What a joke and immature. Good luck in life to all the haters!

Can't complain, very straight forward, and Dr. Gio was very understanding during a personal crisis I had this semester. Woot! Woot! Taking him in the Fall!

So much respect for a professor who not only means what he says and says what he means but shows you. So much support and thank you for coming out to see us perform! He really is community!!

What's sad about some of my peers is that they don't like being encouraged to actually work in college. As someone who does the same thing as the person below, I find his style engaging and the fact that he does want us to know our history is inspiring. If folks stop complaining and actually engage the class content, it all comes together.

Met this guy for the first time recently and it was very helpful, especially for my second midterm. I recommend this professor as many of my peers also told me they were able to reach out to him without a problem for help. There is a lot of reading, quizzes, and assignments for sure!

I'm reading all the reviews and i had to give my 2 cents. Dr. Gio has gone above and beyond for his students. I'm looking at this generation and feel sorry that they got cheated in high school because they aren't sure how to work in a college system. College is not the 13th grade folks! Anyone unhappy is a reflection of where they at in life.

I don't get how some folks mistake honesty with being snarky. The professor was helpful and did what he could to make the class relevant to today. Best class and life lessons!

This class was eye-opening and the professor just did out of the box work that challenges you to think! Thank you Dr. Gio and I'm sorry there are folks who don't appreciate you and your wisdom.

This class has taught me so much about my culture! I love the videos and course convo. This professor is legit and all the haters keep drinking the punch. No one brings it to the real like this brother.

This class has been such a good experience. I didn't know what to expect since Dr. Gio came off strong in the beginning, but he's definitely given good exposition to all of what he mentioned on Day 1. I am grateful knowing I'll be seeing him for Native American history!! If you take this class, you won't regret it!

If anything has taught me well, it's this class. With so much political mess going on against the world I am grateful to at least have a chance to know the truth in history. If you want the truth, take this class. If you don't, you not ready and it's OK until it affects you too. Kudos Dr. Gio!

It's too bad that there are folks who are feeling threatened and can't take responsibility for their own performance. I've taken him 3 times and each time has been just fine. Folks, if you want to take sides, go for it! I know who he is and he isn't anything what you say! I pass the mic!

Work hard, do the job, and you'll be fine. This professor has met with me personally and no other professor has taken the time to ensure my safety. Great class and I'm here to stick up for the professor. He's done great and that's it.

This class was an excellent take on social movements. Some of the best conversations and docs! I recommend this class and thank you for everything! Lots of reading but good stuff!

Good professor. Truth to power and what's best is that I'm now in a graduate program where I can't stop thanking him. See you at my graduation Dr. Gio!

I think the hate is a little too much, he's a fair professor and easy to talk to.

Excellent lectures and good energy in his classes. Taking him in the fall! He has the best resources overall! Fair grading!

Dr. Gio has done an awesome job this semester. Good lectures and good overall class! I recommend him!

Learned a lot about misrepresentation and cultural appropriation in a way that made sense. Very understanding and fair. Can't wait for the last assignment.

Excellent professor and very helpful. From what I'm reading, none of that makes any sense. Thank you profe!

Each lecture connected very well and Dr. Gio was on point. Some classes better than others but overall good semester!

Course is alot of readings, be prepared to read. The topics we learn are fun and insightful. however the teacher can come across as rude. Goodluck if you take this course!

Good professor, good sources, and the coolest vibe in the discussions. Second midterm tough but good challenge.

Tough class, lots of work, and I'll make it but whewww it's intense. If you not ready for piles of work and quizzes don't take it. Otherwise it's possible to pass well.

Disgusting ad hominem attacks. Excellent professor and nuff said. Salty students who are just unhappy get nowhere. Dr. Gio we got you.

Good professor and good class. Didn't agree on everything and good dude.

Fast paced class and lots of work. Fair grading.

There is so much trolling here I'm recommending folks to read between the lines. Good professors like this don't deserve such reviews. Looks out for students and actually cares. Get other together trolls.

Very tough course but not impossible! Thank you Dr. Gio but it's been a lot of work this semester but a lot of stuff I passed on to my family. Good sources and deadlines fair!

We had a midterm that I would say was tough for sure. He gave us a study guide, good time to go through it, and a review during class. He even gave us a chance for a study hall to review more the day before the actual midterm. Goes above and beyond for sure!

Dr. Gio is a great professor. There is so much to read and unpack, but will inspire you to think outside the box. Lectures are entertaining. He is clear on what he expects of you.

Professor Gio will read everything you turn in. Tough grader, but clear on what he expects from you. He provides the reading materials so you save on books. His lectures are packed so attendance is a must.

The professor has been able to take tough conversations and break them down in class. I didn't always agree with every little thing, but we talked in class, in office hours, and I feel like the professor did a good job showing me proof for a different point of view. Good papers and waiting on the last project to see how he ties it all in.

I would describe this class as a lot of work but fair grading. I'm usually ok with keeping up with online courses but this one was tough. The flipside is that the content is really good and the professor shared things i had no idea about.

I enjoyed the content presented in this class and looking forward to taking him in the Fall 2025! He is very good at getting back to you by email and the projects for class were very on point!

Coolest Final Project! Very creative prof and I've learned here more than my entire high school experience about who I am. A real college profe.

Honestly really cool class and teacher. The lessons are really eye-opening and I genuinely can remember the lessons to this day (took it back in 2023). The final project is so unique and gives you the opportunity to put your own stories into it!

What can i say about a professor who has taught me my history. I recommend him and only have thanks for his ability to bring in my story into the class materials.

Yeah, there was a lot to do in this class, but I never thought or knew that ethnic studies was so important. The professor had the best lectures and I was never in doubt what my grade was even at the end of the semester. Got to see him in his office hours and he was very helpful with questions outside class stuff. Shout out to Dr. Gio!

Out of all my professors, Professor Hortua provided an awesome gran finale. Im so grateful to have a professor who cares and is passionate about the topics week after week.

Dr Gio is a goat !! Down to earth teacher who connects and gives a voice to every student. I hate writing with my soul so I really struggled with discussion posts but he helped me out and I was able to pass! Everything you learn in this class is so important and there's something for everyone. He is always on your side if you explain it to him

Almost ending the 3rd week and the assignments are good and manageable. I like his encouragement and it's only 5 weeks. I am eager to see his last project for this class. Very timely things the professor is bringing in for sure.

This class is super hard, but I get it...lots to cram in only 5 weeks. I wish I could've taken it in the Fall but I got a packed schedule already. Dr. Gio has very straightforward assignments and it just takes a while to do them. I got no excuses, only results! Good times here!

I Professor Hortua's enjoyed his lectures and style and I saw a comment about updated information lol...ETHS 151 is Chicana/o/x History...It's history...I guess you can update history...lol Anyway, this class was not easy but not impossible! If you have the time to devote to doing good work, take it.

Even though I like Dr. Gio, this class was really tough. I don't think I would go through this again because it is a lot of reading. I got a chance to speak with him on Zoom and he told me that it had to be this way because he's smashing in 15 weeks in 5. I suppose I understand. Still a good prof for sure!

Tough class but I pulled through! Dr. Gio has so many good source that I took them all down to read and watch them during summer. Thank you profe and it was not an easy 5 weeks, but I def. learned...

I was worried that I couldn't get everything done, but I was able to do it! This summer class is fast and I was hoping to see more material on other groups, but the workload was more than enough. The professor was fair and I couldn't ask for more!

The professor came through when it came to the last grades. His comments on my last project proves he cares, pays attention to detail, and just gives benefit of doubts. Recommend for sure!

I'll never look at a movie the same again. The connection to Kpop Demon hunters was dope. Most caring profe.

Clear as water. Dr. Gio is as human as you can get. Met with him to discuss how to go about the class and get through Canvas. I don't know that many professors with that heart and patience. Thank you.

Dr. Gio talked about a history that many of us didn't get in our high schools. I feel like I connected with something for the first time in school. Ima going to take him for 101 in the Spring for sure. Different way and style of teaching and had me thinking every class. These are not the teachers I used to have back in high school. Thx.

This professor is very passionate about the subject. He makes the lectures interesting and I like how he connects today to the history. I recommend this prof.

The best professor I've ever had. Assignments clear, grading a little tough, but as long as you do what you have to do you're good. Dr. Gio is someone who listens and knows what students go through.

The best professor ever! I couldn't get any of this in my high school and the way he ended class was right on point. He the GOAT! Take notes and do the work and you good.

Professor came in to our class and blew my mind. Very tough and heavy stuff to talk about but he provided a good debrief. Thankful to have a caring prof like this guy. The last project was worth it.

Let me defend our Professor Gio. He gives us at least 2 weeks to put these tough papers together. That's more than enough time and I know my peers are always waiting for the last minute and complaining that it's too hard. Yeah it's not easy but it's not impossible. I got a good experience here and if you into the easy way out take somebody else yo

Looking at the comments thinking the class was smooth. Tough and doable. If you on your game you good. If not, you not going to do well. I agree it's not impossible. Best lectures, funny guy, and discussions and quizzes straight up. 1st midterm cool and 2nd one was tough. Last assignment was nice...yeah, he gave a bunch of extra cred too. Smh

This was class was worth it. Very understanding and some of the best sources that I never seen. He worked with us patiently and challenged us. Ima take him for 150 and hopefully 101.

He's a great Professor uses a lot of lectures that are beneficail to the Midterm write Everything down.