Lectures are pretty funny. Found myself laughing in a lot of his lectures. Really smart guy who has been around to a lot of school and knows a lot about a lot of places. If you go to his office he will help you.

I absolutely hated US history before taking this class..though i'm still not fond of it, i had a good time with this class. He's an awesome Professor! Very down to earth!

Funny guy...starts out the first day of class telling you he doesnt expect you to read all of the chapters just scim and look at the pics lol..that's why we paid so much for the text :) 2 Exams mid and final.2 papers and A MUST participate discussion class! Show up to lectures because late work is not accepted(without valid reasoning) Fun guy!

I don't know WHAT the other person was thinking or did in this class. He is an awesome prof. and very helpful. He does not walk you through things, but you should be able to do the work by now. He is very laid back and if you have questions SEE HIM, he is very willing to help. After what I heard about others, glad I took him.

nice guy, makes lectures interesting and is pretty funny too ussually has some story to tell about any topic, lectures you take notes all calss which can get old. 2 test and 2 papers. if your not confident with tests that are all essay then id avoid but otherwise a good guy.

I love Mr. H he was an amazing teacher. I took history last year and fail and this semester im getting a high C low B. You take alot of notes but thats all you really need for the test. Hes a great guy funny and makes history actually interesting. I recommand to anyone that doesnt like history because he makes it fun.

Dr. Gelfand is a really cool guy. He makes history interesting and fun. Lectures are interesting even at 8 in the morning. Discussions are fun because he tells a lot of personal stories. Tests aren't hard and he gives you a lot to pick from. I reccommend this class and him to anyone....and he did not say we should be a socialist country!

great guy- very knowledgeable and makes lectures fun- i actually don't mind getting up for this 8am. he's a pretty fair grader- you have weekly mini essays (3 sentences), a midterm, final, and two papers plus a weekly discussion section. i hardly read the text but attended most lectures and got a b on the midterm.

OMG I love H. He is so passionate about history and makes the class fun. I definately say take this class if you need to take it. The assignments are not that bad and he's awesome

EXCELLENT!! i love this professor! Best one that i've had so far...he's not that easy, but his lectures are actually fun and he's easy to relate to. He has such passion and such great ideas that he's really easy to listen to. Great great professor!

i hate us history and prof gelfand made me almost like it! if you're dreading taking this class, then take it with him!

1st of all H is freaking awesome. 2nd don't buy the book and I want to slap the jerk who gave him an awful rating H is so awesome. Go to class, take notes, it's really not that bad. Just watch yout time on the midterm and the final is the same with much more time. Definately take him, it had been the best 8 am class I could have ever taken

H is a great professor. This was the first time I was EVER interested in a history class. The lectures aren't boring in teh least bit. The mid-term and final exams are not easy at all though; you will have to study a great deal. It's definitely worth it though.

He is an awesome teacher. Your grade is what you make of it because the assignments and tests are not easy. He has alot of knowledge on the subject of US History and his lectures make it worth going to class. TAKE LOTS of NOTES and go to all the disscussion classes to get a better understanding. Do all the assigments because there are not many.

amazing professor! i despised history in highschool and thanks to him it's one of my favorite classes this semester...TAKE THIS CLASS, you won't regret it.

H is an amazing professor. I really wasn't big into history before his class and now I think it's really interesting. Not the easiest grader, but it's definitely worth taking his class. He makes the lectures worth going to. Definitely take a lot of notes though and go to the discussion groups. I would without a doubt take another class he teaches.

class is pretty good for an 8 AM, but the guy is SOOOO liberal, you're gonna get a very one-sided view of history. He's also pretty arrogant, but he likes his students and because he's young is chill to be around. On the whole, not a lot of work, pretty easy papers, but make sure to study for the final and you'll do fine. Easy B, harder for an A

He is a really smart guy who really knows that he is talking about. He tries to combat the very nice view of US history we got in school by being kind of harsh and very liberal. Overall he is a great teacher and its not too much work.

Gelfand is great. He's very real with his students and knows how they want a teacher to act. He made a terrible class somewhat bearable and is a really friendly guy. Take Gelfand, you won't regret it!

Not too much work, although it feels like it only at crunch time because there are only two tests- each worth a lot of points. Grades easy on takehome essays and hard on essay tests. SOOO hot and a Bob Dylan fan. Really funny too- spends some class periods making people laugh or discussing politics without too much of a bias.

H is an amazing teacher. The class sucks all around and there is definitely too much work for just one class- but that's just how 395 is set up. H is so helpful with assignments and really supportive. Take H is you have to take 395.

For one of my first college classes, it was hard to adjust to his grading scale. midterm and final plus two book reports. He is an excellent teacher just a hard grader. If I could, I would take him again. Very funny and has some interesting stories... Go to the lectures and you won't need the book

If there is an available class under H, SIGN UP NOW. I kid you not, this professor is one of my favorite teachers, let alone professors. He's extremely knowledgeable and great at conveying course material to students. He'll have discussions outside when it's nice, and you can see him skateboarding around campus. AMAZING professor, hands down.

Absolutely fantastic. I hated history before this class, but actually felt like I wanted to come to H's lectures. He's a great storyteller. Lots of reading to do, but mostly interesting.

Gelfand relates well to students and shows concern for them. The all essay exams are very fair; attending all lectures and taking good notes and studying them should get you an B or A. The essay assignments are based on books which aren't too bad to read but the actual essay can be a challenge to write in the concise detail that he wants.

hes a cool guy. didnt really agree with anything he said but lectures were interesting. you dont need to buy the text book but you do need to take good notes and to do so you better have A LOT of paper. the class was kinda too much work for a gen ed so i'd say only take it if youre actually interested in history.

lectures were entertaining but very note intensive. you have to write like crazy. study the notes for the midterm and final and you won't have to read the book.

H. is a pretty good professor overall. He is helpful and very knowledgable, but he is very opinionated. He encourages participation, but if you answer wrong, he makes you feel like a total idiot in front of the whole lecture class. Not so easy class. Essay tests are hard with mostly Cs. Good luck getting a B in this class.

I LOVE H! very strong opinions, tons of notes, but he is the funniest prof ever! makes class interesting because he teaches you things you probably didnt know before...take him!

Everyone always told me HIST 395 was the worst class for History majors. H. definately makes it do-able. I guarantee that I would have gotten a C or below in this class with any other prof. H. is hilarious and knows how to relate to students. TAKE H. For 395!!!!

History is what you expect it to be. The class itself, however, is 4 credit hours: 2 hours of history; 1.5 hours of environmental jargon and animal rights not pertinent to the class; and half of your lab for whatever the hell is on his mind. If you want a friend, add him on Facebook. If you want to learn history, choose a different professor.

Interesting class, but a little too liberal in the presentation of materials. Both H and Mike are extremely helpful if approached. The discussions are great, especially when Mike made presentation with media. Definitely try to get Mike for discussion. Class really makes you think about hist., but graded too difficult.

TAKE HIM! his life is interesting, and he includes fun material. go see him and you'll like him more and he hints toward the midterm/final. you'll read 4 short books and write 2 papers but, i only finished 2 of them and never opened the text and i got a B. be prepaired to write alot of notes.

Class was very interesting, H is hilarious. BUT his grading sucks! Very specific about content and not using the passive voice in weekly assignments and on midterm and final. Studied over 12 hours for midterm and final but only got 72 and 76, so good luck!

HE KEPT THINGS INTRESTING, HIS PRESPECTIVE IS DIFFERENT AND HE ENCOURAGES (INTELLIGENT) DEBATE DURING DISCUSSIONS. DON'T EXPECT AN EASY A, DON'T THINK THAT HIS ATTENDENCE POLICY MEANS YOU CAN SKIP HIS LECTURES, YOU'LL PAY FOR NOT READING THE MATERIAL, BUT ITS WORTH IT! DON'T SLACK AND YOU'LL BE FINE

Don't listen to the bull. H is a great professor and his class is definitely worth taking. He expects alot out of you, but it is infinitely worth it. The people complaining are the ones who didn't do their work. If you really want to learn history from a guy who knows his stuff and is actually fun, take H. I dare you.

H. is probably one of the most intellectual teachers i have ever met. He really isn't that bad at all the only people who complain are people who don't go to class and who worry WAY too much about writing every little thing down. HINT: write notes on subjects that he elaborates on. A lot of the info if just for fun. He is awesome. take him!

DONT LISTEN TO THE HATERS! H. is BY FAR THE COOLEST teacher I've had. He is really chill & funny. It isnt hard to do well if you GO TO CLASS & DO THE READING! Listen to what he says cuz he makes sense if you LISTEN. Its pathetic that people whine about him not curving, he shouldnt have to. I would take his class again HANDS DOWN, & i SUCK @ history

H is my favorite history teacher ever! He's so enthusiastic about what he does. I love it. I put 'Hot' in there because it was a funny thing to say. I am a guy so I would not know how hot my guy teacher is.

H is a great teacher who clearly loves history. His class is hard, he doesn't take attendance but you need to come to lectures and read the books. He really knows what he is talking about and doesn't just give you one side to things. He definitely made me think and taught me a lot I didn't know. This class isn't a breeze but I enjoyed it.

If you're looking for a bird course, then this class is not for you, but if you want to learn history from a guy who's really passionate about teaching and really knows what he's talking about, then take H. Easily the best professor I've had so far, not easy, but a great a teacher.

H is not a pushover, easy grading professor. You will need to stay on top of your readings to do well in his class. Listen to the lectures, take some notes, do the reading, and you should do ok on exams. His papers are a bit of a challenge, however, if you do something unusual, he might like it. His odd mannerisms I found to be entertaining.

So far H has been my favorite professor. His class is pretty damn hard but he makes you want to learn. I actually looked forward to discussion sections. When writing make sure you write small details and not general ideas and you'll be set.

dont take this class if you are close minded or self righteous. he is a fantastic teacher if you open enough to hear him out. he is crazy radical and their is lots of reading but i think everyone should take his class if they want to leave jmu educated!

H makes lectures really interesting. But make sure you write EVERY word he says (which can be hard since he talks so fast and covers a LOT of material in one class - a laptop would be extremely helpful). Tests = hard. He's a stickler when grading and takes off points for minor things. Also, LOTS of reading! Attendance not mandatory but recommended.

H is a "very" intelligent person. His grading is his weakness; toughest ever. He gives you a writing style guide, with "very" picky rules (one of which is no use of "very"). I enjoy his lectures- if you want to do well you must go. Tests equals impossible; don't expect better than a B. Take the class though, you will learn tons and probably enjoy.

H the absolute man! Although his grading is very hard, his class is extremely interesting and if you take good notes you will do fine on the tests

good guy, class is interesting, papers are pretty frustrating sometimes. hardest grader ive ever had. technically attendence isnt mandatory, but youll fail if you dont go. tests are as hard as his papers. no textbook, just alot of small books that talk about the subject at hand, GET HELP WITH THE PAPERS AT HIS OFFICE! you will learn alot that way

I am currently opperating under the theory thathe is dorian grey. he is by far the most interesting professor I have had thus far. He's a great guy, but if you are close minded, or scared of pictures of war, don't take him

H is awesome!! He is very funny and very passionate about history! The class is challenging, but if you take good notes, you'll be fine. PLEASE TAKE THIS CLASS! Def my favorite professor.

TAKE HIS CLASS! This is definitely a challenging course, but if you are up for it, it is the most entertaining class I have taken yet. H is amazing, he is one of the top professors at JMU for sure. I think I have honestly laughed every class, he is so crazy. Definitely a class where you have to work, but it is worth it.

Take H! He was a great teacher to have for 395. This is the most dreadful history class, but H made it bearable and fun. Plus, he will make you laugh constantly with his many sarcastic comments. He is excellent! If you don't like sarcasm, you might not like him :(

He is easily my most favorite teacher i have had so far. He made me want to minor in history. Granted you must do the readings and if you don't go to class you will not pass. He is passionate about the class and current issues. If you want an exciting class he is the perfect teacher. And don't let him catch you smoking he'll call you out in class

definitely not an easy class. A LOT of work but H is an awesome teacher and makes the lectures really interesting. try to go to every class and write down everything, even the little details because those are key in even attempting to get higher than a C on any of the tests. put your time into the class and it will pay off.

Great professor, really knows history. Very helpful if you go to him with questions and really helps guide you with papers. Quirky sense of humor but hilarious. Made 395 bearable and somewhat entertaining. I would recommend him but expect to do your work and well.

Great professor, really knows history. Very helpful if you go to him with questions and really helps guide you with papers. Quirky sense of humor but hilarious. Made 395 bearable and somewhat entertaining. I would recommend him but expect to do your work and well.

This guy knows history. Class is very entertaining and he makes class and history fun to learn. There is a lot of writing in class with notes to take but he looks at another side of my events in history. Tests are essay format which isnt too bad you just gotta pay attention in class and read.

Very passionate about history! H. has so much material to cover and does it from memory (or limited notes) which is impressive. He'll drop F'bombs to wake you up and maybe even offend a few here and there, but I think that's what makes his class great. Tests are difficult and you better not miss a lecture or you will be screwed. Great Class.

the first few weeks of this class i was scared and contemplating dropping it, but i am so glad i didnt. Yes, its a hard Gened, and yes all of the tests are essay but if you study your notes you will do fine. There are other grades than the tests which help out. If you have even a little interest in history and want to learn take this class.

The only professor I shook hands with after the final. Great guy.

Everyone keeps saying this class is so hard, but if you go to the lectures and discussion sections and actually TRY, it's not. Gelfand is a really interesting professor and he teaches the class about the other side of history. He's one of my favorite professors -- and I'm an english major!

By far THE most challenging gened class I've ever had.As a History major I loved this class!However, this class was harder than some of my upper level classes.H is an awesome professor though.I was never bored in lecture and learned & continue to learn a ton of new info.Both the class & professor are my favorites so far at JMU!

H. is definitely a fun professor. His classes are interesting, although it's sometimes hard to distinguish what exactly is important in his lectures. He also doesn't get back work in a very timely fashion, so I kept making the same mistakes because I didn't know I had been making them.

I hated history prior to taking this class and now I'm actually considering it as a potential major. H is an awesome professor and not only teaches you a ton of interesting info but is also a really cool guy. I definitely recommend taking this class despite how difficult it is. The class is really unique and he teaches about stuff textbooks don't.

H. has been my favorite professor so far at JMU! This class is not easy, but it is worth taking and really interesting. It was completely different from any other history class I've ever taken. H. is a great teacher and encourages you to come see him if you are having any difficulties. It's a hard GenEd, but you'll be glad you took it in the end.

His tests are really hard. He is very opinionated and interesting. I enjoy the lectures though the discussions get depressing. Take him if you want to learn different viewpoints on the major historical events and time periods.

H is really fun and informative. Class is discussion based and while it can be a bit redundant at times, is a good class overall that I've learned a lot in. 3 papers and lesson plans due, one class presentation, and one lesson plan to do with class. Class is just really long and some nights seem longer than others. H is awesome though!

I loved him! He was so interesting and kept lectures an discussions fun. He is a hard grader, but it will help you out in the long run. Putting in a little extra effort won't kill you.

Gelfand is really interesting and funny! His lectures are clear but taking notes can be a little difficult because so much important information is being discussed all at once. He's a hard grader and I failed my first exam because I wasn't sure what to expect of it. If you take him, you might want to ask him about what he's looking for on exams.

"Death sentence" Dramatic. His class is hard, but he's super passionate and funny so it makes you more interested. This is one of those classes that might lower your GPA a little, but you should really take it. I hate history and I hate getting Cs, so that's saying a lot that coming from me.

Very interesting teacher who makes the material fun and has a lot of interesting comments and jokes. Discussion once a week with lecture twice. Discussion is easy as long as you talk some and it can be fun. Tests are very hard and he grades very tough on the essay exams. Good teacher though

He's an awesome guy with great stories and he's been everywhere. Kind of crazy on his viewpoints but I think he knows it, tough grader but all he wants is for you to be clear and precise. FUN class and it can be an easy class

H. is a great professor!Although the exams can be hard, I have learned more in this class than any class at JMU. He really knows his stuff, and will answer your questions. Discussion section with class 2x a week. Discussions are great&are very fun. He really encourages you to think.You have to study,read,&go to class to do well.Take H's class!

H. is a great professor! Entering this class, history did not interest me at all and now I enjoy it. His lectures were always entertaining and never boring. He is a hard grader, but I am happy I took this class.

H is a great teacher... he is extremely intelligent and he knows his stuff... he keeps class interesting and if you can get him as your discussion leader definitely go for it... My favorite class at JMU yet... His tests are hard and they take time with studying and a lot of time, but i learned more in this class than ever before. Great guy too!

Before H's class, I already loved history. Taking his class proved my love of the subject. Sure, his tests are hard and require studying. He's kind of crazy, but he's really intelligent and knows the subject really well. If you have the opportunity to have him for discussion, you will have a blast! H is probably my favorite professor I've had here.

While this was my hardest class this semester, and the one in which I will be getting the lowest grade, it was also one of my favourites. H is a really hard grader, but he knows the topic so well, and the lectures are so intresting (and hilarious). If you want an easy A, don't take this class. If you actually want to *learn* U.S. History, take it!

I've never had someone teach me with such passion and interest to a subject, it made me WANT to go to class. He's such a smart professor, but a really hard grader. I would take his class over in a heart beat. The only thing I would watch out for is his pet monkey that he brings to class, that can be kind of distracting.

I absolutely loved this class! It's not easy and you can get by without reading the books assigned for discussion. Overall, he has so much passion for history that it made me want to go to class. I learned so much about history that I didn't already know. Such a good class. I would definitely recommend him!

AWESOME professor! Longboards to class. He is really passionate about the material, and also takes the time to actually get to know his students. Our class was really laid back and had a great time. Assignments are expected to be excellent and require a lot of work, but he is really helpful if you ask. LOVED this class!

You really need to bust your ass to do well, but you will learn so so so much. I got a C but it doesnt reflect the amount of information i learned. If you are willing to work, take the class; i dont regret it at all. Attendance is mandatory but you need to go to do well, but its so much fun and so interesting you wont want to skip.

H. actually cares about the subject. He isnt one of those teachers that you want to scream at for being "better than you" hes cool and wants to know you. I got an A in the class, after getting a D on my first test, and there are only 3. He wants to see you improve. THIS IS THE BEST CLASS AT JMU.

This class was awesome but H is a nightmare. He is addicted to calcium, forced everyone to eat at E-Hall and made us drink blue drink. He stressed me out so much that I developed a cestoda! H made me memorize all of Howard Zinn but ultimately I learned so much from him that I now know everything about Good Will Hunting.

Should be a mandatory professor for all students at JMU. Never have I learned as much in a single class. Go to class and take notes and you will get an A. The only class I've ever taken where lectures were consistently entertaining and informative. Without a doubt the best professor I've ever had.

Honestly the most entertaining lectures I've ever been to. But seriously, take notes and actually go to class, the class is only hard if you don't. He doesn't give study guides but otherwise it's a class TOTALLY worth taking!

This is the first semester H has taught this class so we're all learning together. He's very honest and his class is always very entertaining and based on intelligent discussion. Participation is a major part of your grade. If you don't do the readings he won't be afraid to fail you. So do the readings and you'll be fine.

Out of any professor you've ever had...H will be the funniest, the hippest, the coolest, the most blunt, the most fascinating, the most opinionated, the most vegan, the most sarcastic, and the best skateboarder.. He has a way of getting into your head and helping you see the world in a whole new way. Its deeply profound as well as strange. He rocks

He was a very good teacher for this subject. Definitely gave a new perspective of history and kept it interesting. It wasn't an easy class, but as long as you attend class and pay attention you should do fine. This class along with H is an experience all together and I don't regret taking it. I would recommend H. as a professor.

H is a great professor definelty take him if you are willing to do the readings and want to learn alot. If you follow the syllabus like his writting style guide and participate you will probally get an A. You will never know what to expect each class which is awesome. Everyday is new and exciting when H is the professor.

If you really want my honest opinion, H. is a great teacher. He is VERY knowledgeable and knows exactly what he's talking about. He makes history class interesting as I have learned so much in there. However, he is probably the toughest grader I have ever had. He honestly wants answers that are PRECISELY on point on his essay response tests.

H is one of the most intelligent people I have ever met in my entire life.

H. is super smart and you learn ALOT by taking his class. It's discussion based and if you don't show up that will effect your grade and you have to DO THE READINGS! there will be quizzes almost everyday. There is a lot of reading and If you are shy i would advise not taking this but he is over all a really cool guy

H is super awesome! The class is discussion based so you get to hear what people have to say about issues. There are a lot of readings and quizzes and short essays... but not that bad! Also visit his office hours he's mad cool and loves to hear what you have to say! Be postive though he hates negativity. All about vibes, literally.

Yes H is blunt, opinionated, and tough with grading. Here's the thing, as long as you aren't slacking off, do what he tells you to do, and participate in class, you will be fine. He expects you to think critically. The people who hate H are slackers, close-minded people, or both. It's challenging, but you will become a better writer for it.

An incredible dude. Consistently inspired me to live a better life.

Honestly wasn't an easy class, but the lectures were so interesting and gave a new and amazing perspective on US history which can usually be very dull. Go to class, do the readings, and participate and you should be fine. Also work hard on the film project!

He's the man but his class it tricky. Be ready to read and take pop quizzes.

H's Lectures are amazing! Very interesting! Lots of books to read but they are all pretty decent. All and all, great class

I can honestly say that H is single handedly the best professor I have ever had, and probably will ever have!! His lectures are fantastic and he cares a lot about his students! If you do not take H, you are the one missing out! Yes, it is a lot of reading but you really learn from his class; it is a must take!!!

H. is the most inspirational, knowledgeable and caring professor I have ever had. He will push you to your limit, never fail to entertain you with his lectures and make sure that you are well-versed in a variety of topics. He was a major influence on my education and if you are attentive and hard-working, there is no reason to not get an A.

I look forward to his class. H. is a scary guy when you first experience him but he wants you to succeed even though he is intimidating. His course is a lot of reading and if you don't read, you wont be able to participate or take the quizzes, which is your whole grade. Don't go to class if you didn't read. No midterm. Final essay.

H genuinely cares about everyone. Yes he is a tough grader but he was by far my favorite teacher. Go to his office hours. Get to know him, he's a cool guy and just wants to get to know you and help. His door is always open. I hated history until I took this class.. Viva

H is by far one of my top teachers ive had in my life. The first week i was convinced i was going to drop the class, i thought he was a jerk. By the end of the year i got to know him, and discover things about myself i never would have. Be ready to read, and participate, but take him he is AMAZING!!!

H is one of the most kindhearted professors you will meet. He is very knowledgeable about many topics and really gets the students to engage in conversation. Everything in his class has a purpose, and if you engage yourself and try you will come out of this class a new person with a great connection in H. It gets better after the first 2 weeks.

His class was very interesting, he made you actually know what you were reading about. He can be very sarcastic sometimes, but he is also very funny. It was a great class to be in, and I would take it again.

H is by far the most knowledgeable, inspirational and intimidating professors I've ever had. His quizzes and readings are set up to create more well rounded and free thinking students. He can be very scary at first, but it doesn't take long to get used to. I came out of this class a much better person than before and would highly suggest taking it.

IF YOU EVER DO A PRESENTATION FOR THIS CLASS USE PREZI OR YOU WILL FAIL. If you make a regular powerpoint it's an automatic fail. One time someone used google slides and he vomited. It also helps if you play some kind of music to set the mood- maybe Lil Wayne or Nicki Minaj? Use as many crazy transitions as you can because he likes to watch them!!!

For the "Helpfulness" section a 3 means "if you ask for help, it's there", which is exactly what this and every other college class should be. You shouldnt expect a teacher to approach you if youre messing up. Similarly, "Easiness" is a 2 because that means "Makes you work for it"not a bad thing. #thisiscollege #justtaketheclass

If you're looking for an easy A, don't take this class. If you want to be challenged, work hard, and grow as a student and as a person I highly recommend taking H's class. You have to read, participate, and actually try, but you should be doing that anyway. Yeah he's tough, but he prepares you for the rest of college and makes you a better student.

If you actually plan on succeeding in both college and life take H. It wont be easy, he is not afraid to give out poor grades if it's reflected in your work. He is also not afraid of offending you, and trust me in the long run it's a good thing. Advice: READ ALL OF THE ARTICLES, and if you are going to speak up be ready to back it up with facts.

Dude is a beast! I'm not a history major, but he makes me want to be. Fantastic lectures and uber friendly. If you get the chance take this guy.

Professor H is awesome, I would definitely take his HIST 150 class. It is an easy A if you read the material and come to class prepared.

Professor H is a very interesting man. For the first few weeks, you will be terrified of him. However, as you get to know him and your classmates better over the semester it really becomes an amazing class. H is very smart and has a brutal honesty and bizarre sense of humor. This class built me into a stronger student and person. Also, Participate!

H comes off as a little rough at first, but turned out to be one of my favorite professors/classes. Interesting discussions, relevant topics, helpful feedback, and overall very thought-provoking. Be prepared to work for your grade. Aside from readings, little to no homework. Read the articles, come to class, and PARTICIPATE, you'll do fine.

Crazy weird vegan guy who only text you after like 1am but it's cool. Pretty sure his legal name is literally just the letter H and a period, I wonder if it stands for something. We met when he accused me of using cocaine at the gym, and ever since then I can't get rid of this dude who wears finger shoes to UREC. Coolest prof in the game. 100%

Absolutely amazing class. H is a great prof but he doesn't put up with BS. Read and come to class ready to participate. Come with an open mind because he will challenge your ideas and opinions but I think it makes you a better student. If you want an easy class don't bother but if you are willing to work and be challenged then I 100% recommend.

H was a great professor with engaging . The readings are difficult sometimes, but you will absolutely learn a lot.

I honestly started off the semester not liking him at all, but he definitely grows on you once you get used to him. By the end of the semester I actually really enjoyed his class! In terms of work, there's a pretty good amount. We had lots of reading every night, but if you put in lots of effort and participate every day you will learn tons!

H terrified me at first but it's all an act and I promise deep down he's a great person. There is a LOT of reading and you actually have to work for your grade, but you also truly LEARN. I highly recommend going to office hours cause his office is fascinating, he has a lot of great stories, and it never hurts to get on his good side.

Gelfan is freaking hilarious. If you read everything, do the photography project and share your opinions in class, you will do well. He is easily my favorite professor and I love going to his class. He will make you contemplate things you would have never considered before. If you have an open mind walking in you will love his class too.

Pretty funny dude but he does have a lot of readings for the class. The class can get off topic easily but some how still manage to go full circle and can result to what you were supposed to be talking. Some of the funniest things can happen in this class, like he will "yell" at you if you spill a smoothie in the room.

Real heck of a dude

H. definitely terrified me at first and I will be honest, I called my mom crying after one of my first classes with him, but so long as you stick with him (literally half the class dropped after the first week) and participate, he will respect you. I learned a lot of useful information and the class was not extremely difficult, you get used to it

H is incredibly frightening at first but make it through the first week and you will learn to love his style of teaching. Attendance is not mandatory but if you miss more than 3 classes your grade will suffer greatly as it is a discussion heavy class. Overall, you will learn more than you ever expected to learn

Dr. Howard Gelfand is a cool guy his classes are always fun but you have to read and participate if you want to succeed in his class. The class discussions are interesting, there is not much homework, and there are no tests except for the final. 10/10 would do coke in his class again.

He is one of the most sarcastic professor I ever had. You will hate him in the beginning, but after you will start to understand and like his personality. You have to READ for every class. Sometimes it is too much. Participate in a class or you wont pass. He gives alot of pop quizzes, so attendance is mandatory. He loves CANADA, so learn some fact

Hahaha. Oh H. At first he really scared me because of how straightforward and condescending he was, but he really grew on me. He has so much knowledge about the topic its crazy. He really makes you stop and think about what you're learning. No tests, but sometimes he'll do pop quizzes on the readings (which are long). I looked forward to class!

Highly recommend! He makes lazy ppl want to learn; that's a skill! Bad reviews are from students who dropped the class before they got to know him. Comes off intimidating the first week but he is not! STICK WITH IT! Cares about getting students to think critically is extremely well educated in every topic we discussed; every class was intriguing.

Professor Gelfand is a solid choice for when it comes to any class. While at first it seems like it might be a lot, breaking down the readings made it a pretty easy class. As long as you show up, are prepared, speak in a class (a sentence or two), and do your work on time, you can get an A. He's eccentric but you learn so much in this class.

H is the most interesting person you will ever meet. He wears sandals in the dead of winter, has a faux hawk, and tells the most incredible stories. His class was the most important class I have ever taken in my entire lifetime. He taught me how to look at things through different perspectives and opened my eyes to real world issues going on today.

Best professor ive ever had

Realest alive. Extremely cool, intelligent, and interesting dude who genuinely cares about his students and makes an effort to get to know them. Snowflakes on this site are crying bc he makes his political affiliations known and encourages healthy discussion. Best professor I've ever had

Took H for the second time after I told myself Freshman year I never wanted to see his face again. I loved this class. Such an interesting person with great stories. Makes you think harder than you will for most other classes. Will challenge you if you say something uneducated/misinformed. Kind of an abrasive personality but you learn to love it.

A lot of pre class reading and you need to be sure you take notes. Hilarious guy and he tells lots of stories that make it interesting but if you want an easy A, I wouldn't recommend. You need to participate and show up to class. He likes to play devil's advocate and make the lectures more interesting online.

I took professor Gelfand for a gened, but would 100% take his class again. There are only four assignments, three papers on varying books or events and one final cumulative essay. He is a little abrasive at first and will correct you without being polite, but he knows his stuff and is hilarious in class.

His reviews are so controversial but I actually loved him. All that you have to do is genuinely read and annotate the homework because that's the ENTIRE class. If he catches the class not doing the work he'll get mad, but otherwise he's an amazing professor that really knows what he's talking about.

Gelfand is one of the few professors at JMU that will give it to you straight. He's honest in his opinions- he won't spoon feed you information or your grade but you'll 1000% learn something new every class. His grading criteria is clear, and if you follow directions on a few super short, easy papers and talk in class you'll get an A.

Dr. Gelfand always had interesting discussions; I learned a lot in the course about subjects that I had little knowledge about prior to the course. Dr. Gelfand could come off as abrasive, but he responded to emails quickly and enjoyed talking to students outside of class. He was a hard essay grader, BUT he gave very thorough, useful feedback.

Professor Gelfand is easily the funniest and chillest professor I've had, however, you don't want to say something stupid in his class because he'll clap back x10. The only negative is he's a tough grader and you have to to set aside a few hours before each class which is typical. The person who said he told students to dance and have sex is lying

He's not as bad as everyone says. Most people who rate him poorly likely didn't participate. Very reading heavy though, make take a few days to prepare notes. Only had "bad days" when nobody spoke in class. Yeah he's "opinionated" but it's usually reasonable.

He encourages discussion, so speak up & stay on top of readings!! (they're actually interesting). His humor is extremely sarcastic, but I honestly found it refreshing and hilarious. You will learn A LOT as he's very knowledgable. Just always be thorough AND insightful. (In class discussions, 1 sentence pop quizzes, & 3 papers) make up the grade

All you need to do is do the readings and watch the videos assigned before class, attend class, and participate in class discussions to do well. I would highly recommend.

Professor Gelfand at first glance would seem like an annoying teacher as seen in his ratings. But if you are active and participating in his class you will soon notice he is one of the best professors you will take. The way he conducts class makes his students think and he is very authentic. If u want an engaging good class please take him.

I loved Gelfand I am not a great student to begin with but just do the readings/participating got me an A. the 3 essays are easy just write your own words and do proper research. his humor isn't for everyone but has the best intentions. picks readings that will interest the students and if u r struggling meet with him. genuinely a sweet professor.

Dr. Gelfand is my favorite professor I've had at JMU. I took AMST 200 with him and am currently taking his HON 300 class. We always have such meaningful discussions about past historical events and how they are tied to current day events and politics. The readings/essays are thought provoking; the essays are difficult, but he gives great feedback.

This class was literally the last one available for my schedule, but it wasn't as bad as the reviews make it out to be. The lectures are conversations based on the readings in the syllabus. The only assignments are 3 essays and about 7 pop quizzes. The final essay took a lot of time so be sure to give yourself at least two weeks to write it!!

He is genuinely my favorite professor I've ever had and I get sad when his class is over because his lectures are incredibly engaging. He is a little bit tough during lecture when you answer questions wrong but that's only because he asks straight forward questions and expects you to be doing the readings and such to have the answers. Participate!!

He is a very tough grader but go to his office hours it will definitely help your grade. PARTICPATE PARTICPATE, it's worth 30%. If that makes you anxious, find a different class because you don't want to have a C when it could've been a B+. You'll have to read multiple materials for each class meeting; some are interesting others aren't.