2.8
Quality4.1
Difficulty45%
Would Retake107
Reviews45%
Would Retake
107
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
21
4
20
3
20
2
17
1
29
What Students Say
“Very knowledgeable but mumbles during lectures”
AHIS356 - 1.0 rating“He's a great man and even better teacher”
AHIS456 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
25%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.48 avg changeRatings by Course
HIS355
5.0
(1)WWIIDIPLOMACY
5.0
(1)HIS634
5.0
(1)HISTHIST
5.0
(1)AHIS456
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
356
5.0
HIS
5.0
HISTORY356
5.0
GLOBALCONFLICT
5.0
HIST500
5.0
Reviews (107)
Do the reading
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Worst ever. Can't be understood, ridiculous requirements (specifies font size and line spacing for papers! What are we, 12?) A bit right wing for my tastes.
this class, in one word. stinks.... its terrible, and im trying hard not to curse lol. don't ever take this, too much reading, too much stuff put together, and way too much requirements, hes crazy as well. don't recommend this class to anyone ever!!!!!
worst professor ever
Ok this class is tough but not as bad as people say. The reading: not nesessary. Go to class and youll learn everything. Paper sucks but all straight from text in order too. Just paraphrase the whole thing.
The professor was and even stated a Liberal but his lectures told both sides. The professor is one of few with experience and knowledge of diplomacy and I recommended for those who are interested in the topic.Test are challenging but a learning experience
Worst teacher, puts a video on every class. Ton of reading atleast 30 pages from 3 text boox each, every other night. Wants specific information on tests, only essay wants miniscule detains.
Great guy!
Just being alive during WWII doesn't qualify one to teach it. He puts on the History Channel Documentary EVERY class and tests that and the reading. His "lectures" are scattered and incoherent; and often mufled by the sound of his adult diaper crunching as he paces through his incoherent memories.
boring class!!!!!!! It is an easy A. Go to class and just listen to the topics that are presented. When given potential questions for test pick 3 to 4 that have been main topics then just study those. Do exact dates and you will get an A. He is NUTS you don't have to do any reading. MOvie every day
he is a has been. no scholarly credentials, just a tough nosed old sob waiting to retire.
dude is a crazy old****. knows nothing. all he does is show videos... his TA's for the spring term are the word BJ and his wence wtf.. dont take classes with this old guy
He is a bore - it feels as though he hates teaching and would rather fail students than quit. And he has the worst TAs this spring (05) - try to avoid his classes - I love history and he is making me hate it.
one of the hardest classes Ive ever taken here at SUNY. You will be working your ass off for weeks before the test and even then its still a gamble if what you studied will be on the test. No chronology,terrible lectures, only gives you 30 minutes to take each exam and he's such an unpleasant person
Horrible class! Stay away from this professor and his awful TA's .
The only reason he got a three in helpfulness was he let me turn in a paper late, incoherent lectures, followed by an unbelievably boring video. Please retire, I emplore you.
His class is impossible but I learned more through his lectures and his videos then I have ever learned in any other history class at SUNY. He isn't bad if you go to his office hours because he knows his****. His personal accounts are interesting and I highly reccommend this class for the knowlege
It's funny reading the reviews of this guy, since I took his class in spring 2003. His TA's back then were a couple of POS. Especially the guy, what an arrogant little pig. Krosby was mean, but he did save my ass big time, when he let me retake a test I missed because his stupid TA's didn't tell me.
terriable teacher doesnt do jack**** and the tests are loaded to much reading
Ok, he's not the best lecturer, but he knows his military history. Most kids at SUNY seem used to profs allowing BS answers, but Krosby doesn't. I love all the documentaries we watched. He's a nice guy outside of the classroom too, discussing graduate school w/ me even though I'm not an advisee.
He's Filth LIKES TO TORTURE HIS STUDENTS
I felt that this man no longer has any interest in teaching; rather he enjoys taking out his frustrations on his students. I could never, and would have never approached him with questions, because he was so aloof, and he depended on his TAs to answer our questions (they were no better).
Extremely boring and unhelpful. he was bland and Tas were not much help. most people fell asleep or left early. tests difficult and unhelpful.
Can anyone really hear what hes saying when he teaches? i had him for world at war and i was thankful for those videos, at least i learned something. now i have him for global conflict and i have no idea whats going on!
easy to pass. but boring to go to class.
No Comments
His tests are not easy, but Krosby is a wealth of knowledge. He goes into a lot of detail, and is very thorough. You learn so much from him. I took two of his classes, and I highly recommend him if you are truly interested in learning the subjects.
not a a hard class. he gives the test questions before hand. just go to class even though it is SOOO boring. i got a B.. and im fine with it. let me redo my paper.. got a B-.. cant complain.
He mumbles like crazy!
Perhaps he was once a good professor, but those days are over. He is difficult to understand, completely unavailable to reach outside of class (in my experience) and in general just seems incredibly inaccessible. I would not let a friend take his courses, and you really shouldn't either.
on the first day of class he told us that most of the professors in his department could not get an A in this class, I got a B+ and i was happy, it was a intresting class but it was hard
a true jerk. has high standards for everyone but himself. never written or published anything and very boring. avoid him like the plague
prof krosby is hard to understand at first but once you start listening you understand.many videos watched. hardest part of course is book review unless you read the book.lots of reading to be done but still can get good grade if you pay attention in class.i have learning disability.very good regard to that. allowed to take oral exams if u tell him
Lots of movies (LIKE EVERYDAY) so attendance is a breeze, but too many books. He does have an accent but the man fought in WWII - I'll take his account of what happened long before I will what a textbook says - Recommend but only for those REALLY interested in the subjects
He is a verry intresting teacher, however do not take this class if you are looking for a easy A, because its not going to happin. He has many first hand expierces that are intresting and add to the readings and videos.
Lectures with movies frequently interspersed. Not a difficult class at all, if you keep up with the reading. Does have an accent, but can acclimatize easily. The only peeve I have is the lecturing before you take the 30 min test, kind of throws you. Gives you test questions before hand. Got an A, just by doing the reading.
he should do a generation a favor and retire. he lectures from old notes-- nothing new in 40 years. he never published anything. just dry, insignificant and a legend in his own mind.
good smart professor who shouldn't be teaching but researching, one of the hardest classes i have ever taken, didn't learn alot
Great Teacher, Best history class i ever took. Not an easy class but if you like the second world war than this is the best class for it.
He is a bitter old fart and I think that his eyes are actually painted on his glasses like a muppet.
Krosby has killed ANY love I had for history and I refuse to suck up and ask the questions he loves to answer. I have never had a problem with a professor and I am a senior history major with a 4.0. Going to his class is like banging your face against nails. But thats just my opinion.
If you're looking for an easy class, look elsewhere. This is an old school professor who grew up in the Scandinavian system, which blows the American education system out of the water. Hard to hear at times, but always worth listening. Only as difficult as you make it out to be. Extremely helpful in his office hours and as an academic adviser.
I was really excited to take this class, but this man really doesn't teach well. We watch old, boring movies everyday, and when we don't, he lectures. But he mumbles and speaks down into the microphone and you cannot understand what hes saying.
Learned more from him than any professor I've ever had. Incredibly supportive if you show up ready to work.
Not many people on the planet know more about WWII than my man Krosby. Boring movies sometimes, but his lectures can be interesting and helpful on tests. Gives lists of 10-17 possible test questions before test, so study 4-5 on the same area and you'll get a good grade.
No Comments
Brilliant professor. Taught what you didn't want to hear at times - especially at the graduate level. A bit monotone in his delivery, but once you get used to it he's still engaging in his lectures.
he knows more about WWII history than i thought possible. published several books about the war but not all are in english. great teacher. very helpful but makes you work. you have to know the material to pass his class. dont take a class with him if your lazy because you will fail but if you like the subject there is no one better to teach it
DO NOT TAKE A CLASS W/ THIS MAN! he does not lecture shows 30 year old documentaries every class. he has a nasty attitude, his idea of an assignment is doing a book review of the textbook. this man is the farthest thing from a professor there is no reason he should even still be employed by the school.
Sign in sheet each class where he shows some boring film or tortures you by lecturing for the full class time. Gives test questions beforehand so just prepare those and study all of them in depth and you'll do fine.
Great teacher, but class is difficult and time consuming, so if you want to take this class, be prepared to give up your social life for a semester. Unlike most history classes, you actually have to READ ALL THE BOOKS, because his tests are extremely detailed and a lot of it is based on the reading. There's a book review, too, but you learn a lot.
Excellent Professor, highly recommended, just be willing to read and go to class... it takes a few classes to get use to his voice
he's ridiculously smart, and has tons of information, but he expects you to know as much as he does. If you take his class make sure you read because he mumbles. If he doesn't lecture its movie time
One of the most difficult classes I have ever taken. With this I learned the most out of any class I have ever taken. Reading is a must to do well but if you like the subject its not bad at all. If you are interested in WWII take this class. If you are not interested in WWII don't take this class.
I'm gonna be honest, He was a very easy teacher. All his tests are essays. He gives you 12 questions - 3 of which are on the test and 1 you have to pick to write about. If you are good with Wikipedia and fill out the review sheet you'll be fine. You really don't have to read the textbook. There is a book review but you can find it online and BS
Took 2 classes with him 15 years ago and one last year. Was psyched that he was still teaching. Used to do an admittedly unfair midterm and gave you a chance for redemption. Now, he gives several quick, hard fair tests, giving you a chance to improve your technique. He loves novel ideas, especially when supported with facts.
He is awful. I am a history major with a 3.8 GPA and he's tearing me apart with B's and C's. Ridiculous expectations. Cares more about dates, statistics, and names of generals than historical context or concept. Would rather you memorize unimportant names than understand the meaning and impact of major events. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
Its a good thing that 1/3 of the students droped the class after the first test, which makes this small class even smaller. Lots of readings for the class and you will learn a lot if you do the readings. Krosby knows his stuff, but he mumbles which took me a few classes to adjust. If you want to learn, take this class.
Attendance is mandatory, but there were people who sign in for 4 or 5 people at a time. Your grade might not depend on how much of the assigned readings you've done as I've see people who didn't do any of the reading got good grades on the tests and the book report, which is a bit weird. Overall, if you like watching movies, take this class.
Teaches through readings and movies. When he did lecture, which was rare, he knew his stuff, but it was boring. Nice guy outside of class and he will go over papers with you. No matter what I couldn't get an A, I would get A-'s with no real explanation for the grade drop. This class should be more interesting than it is, but it is worth taking.
Horrible professor, all he does is show documentary movies, his tests are unfair and his book reviews are ridiculous. I do not suggest anybody takes his classes!!!
Good guy. Very interesting, movies were good too.(most of the time) If you really listen to his lectures and have some knowledge of WW2 you will realize how brilliant the guy is. In short he knows his stuff, good overall class
If you need an upper level writing intensive take this. You read a chapter (40-50pgs)of one book a week and write a 2 page book review. Only need this book too. Much better than doing multiple research papers and looking up sources. It may seem like alot at first but its spread out and isn't that bad.
Dr. Krosby is brilliant. I came into this class knowing a lot about the World at War, but wanted to learn more and I've done just that. Through his incorporation of interesting, captivating documentaries, the readings (especially David Kennedy's pulitzer-prize winner), and his lectures, I feel I know this subject in and out now. Two thumbs up!
This is an outstanding Professor; I have quoted him over the years and refer back to him readings many times.LTC JRB, Ret.
I studied under Professor Krosby for 6 years. He is a great mentor, an excellent lecturer, and a fine human being. He is more than happy to help any student. Just go visit with him, and be ready to do some work.
Krosby is horrible. He is really rude and he grades his essay tests really hard I went to his office hours because i didnt agree with his grade and he was a total jerk. He sometimes takes attendance with sucks. Also he is a horrible lecturer, he mumbles and talks to low. He is basically a miserable old man who should of retired 5 years ago.
Take Krosby's 400 level class. Not being in a huge LC allows for him to be more engaging. Take this class only if you want to learn, material is hard but he is more than fair. Dr. Krosby's class offers a chance to receive an education on par with any college in this country. We're lucky to have him at SUNY Albany
Krosby is a terrible professor. He mumbles and acts as if he is talking to himself the whole time so you can't hear a single word he says. Attendance is taken at every class and effects your grade. The essays are ridiculous because he gives you 20 questions ahead of time and chooses only 3 in which you chose one to write about. Worst history class.
He's a great man and even better teacher. If you put the effort in he is more than willing to be fair. Krosby rules. If you don't like Krosby you suck.
I was in several of his courses during the mid-1970's and he is an outstanding professor.
Great professor with an immense knowledge, but he is very hard, he grades hard, he makes you read tons and tons (between 100 and 150 pages of four different books per class, 2 classes a week) but if you are passionate about the subject and really want to learn and already have good basic knowledge of WWII, you should definitely take it!
insane amounts of reading for a 100 level class, most monotone and boring professor ive ever had and will put you to sleep. Grading is ridiculous and his test questions are on the most minute details . DONT TAKE
If I wanted to read books about World War II, I would have just done that. I learned nothing by going to class and listening to Krosby drone on about incomprehensible nonsense. Even if I had wanted to take notes, I couldn't have, because he is impossible to understand, and does not lecture in chronological order whatsoever.
If you sit in the back of the class, you might have problems to hear him. BUT, come on time, sit in the first rows and do your reading always and you will learn SO MUCH! Krosby is full of knowledge and if you have a basic understanding of WW2, you will learn a lot. Don´t take the class, if you don´t like history or reading books.
Dr. Krosby is a wonderful Professor if you're are serious about your studies. I studied with him for 3 years and owe him a great debt. He taught me how to analyze on a deeper level. Is he tough? Absolutely. But you will have an educational experience on par with anything this country has to offer.
Wealth of knowledge but can be difficult to understand at times. Always quoting from Wikipedia which can be frustrating at times. Workload isn't too bad. Readings are mandatory if you can't take notes in class for the discussion quizzes weekly. Attendance is mandatory. If you aren't interested in history, this is not the class for you at all.
Very knowledgeable but mumbles during lectures. There are 4 tests and he drops the lowest grade. He gives you 14-16 questions that would appear on one of the test but only chooses 3-4 and you pick one.
He's so boring but he's also so hot! I go to class just to see him mumble with his great voice.
People whine about this class too much. If you do the reading he assigns and show up for lectures, you'll be fine. Don't take this class if you want an easy A. He's a cool guy, though, and most people don't realize you can just shoot him and email or visit him during office hours. Just talk to him if you have a problem.
He is a very knowledgeable person, which can make the class interesting at times and when you go to talk to him he is genuinely a nice guy. However, he is difficult to understand, by how he speaks and with what he wants. It's clear what topics he focuses on the most, however if you don't answer the questions exactly how would, you won't do great.
I couldn't understand him during lectures, even when I sat up front. The content is wonderful, but the lectures are long and incomprehensible. I ended up using outside sources along with my textbook as my teachers most of the time. I would not recommend this class to anyone who needs any visual aid or remotely engaging lecturers to learn.
Great professor, nice( if you approach him) One of the coolest men I have ever spoken to. He is also loyal to you if you are to him, he will invite you to his classes and even give you LOR. He is a tough grader, you need to attend class and do the readings. WHat you put in is what you get.
Here's the rub: Smart man, but as a teacher? Not so great. He's a historian, not an educator. If you don't already know the material, steer clear; this is one of those "teach yourself" type of courses with zero involvement, and where you "just need to read the books". Also beware--the essay tests are only 30 minutes long, and he grades harshly.
He knows a lot but he's EXTREMELY TOUGH. Don't take it unless you can go into class already knowing everything.
He is tough, he expects nothing less but perfection.. BUT he is by far the best professor on campus. Ive never taken classes like his before.. he does his own research for the class. His lectures are incredibly interesting, the readings are great, and the exams are indeed based on the reading... so do the reading. Your in college, you should read
Great Knowledge, and will enlighten you with first hand accounts of WW2. Witty, nice guy, VERY tough grader.
You definitely have to put in some effort to do well in his classes. He seems very strict and monotonous at first, but he's actually a really nice guy who wants his students to succeed.
He grades very harshly and expects too much in depth knowledge of the ins and outs of WWII for an introductory class. The monotone and rambly lectures are pointless but mandatory (only allowed 5 absences). Grade is comprised of 4 tests (lowest grade is dropped) plus a paper that is worth 20% of the grade. Awful class, avoid at all costs!
Fantastic professor, very nice and approachable. His work is tough but he wants you to learn and will do anything to make sure you pass his class if you put in the effort.
This dude obsesses over dates and tiny little details. If you write that the Japanese attacked Manchuria in 1931 you've earned yourself a C. If you write that it was in September of 1931 you've got a B. To get an A you better have the exact date, September 18, 1931. I don't mind knowing important dates, but he wants exact dates for EVERYTHING.
Just follow the syllabus. His course is not an easy A, you really have to work to earn the grade. That being said he is honest and straightforward, even though I am not a History major, his class was in the top 3 of my undergraduate career. Read the syllabus and only stay in the class if you are ready to make the time commitment to finish the work
He shows a ton of videos in class. As long as you pay attention and remember dates you'll be fine, but he is a harsh grader if you don't have specifics. You don't really need to read all the articles and pages in the text book, but the WHO and WHEN is very important to him.
Krosby knows what he is talking about when it comes to WWII, but unfortunately the test expectations and amount of reading you have to do is heavy. He is very specific about dates needed to be included within your tests and if you don't use dates properly expect to fail. I took this class as an elective and was a complete mistake.
A genius but he's not the professor that you'll want if you like keep a decent GPA. He's incredibly tough and you'll have to read and watch at a rate of 2-3 hours a day's worth of material to pass.
I do believe he knows what he is talking about but teaching is not for everybody. this class was difficult for me because he does not use blackboard or any type of visuals/ technology (except videos) He just reads off a piece of paper for the whole class which made it hard to understand and absorb the info so i struggled a lot in this class.
Caring, super knowledgeable of history. Despite, his lecture style feels anchored in the college classrooms of 6 decades ago. Absolutely no visual aids, lectures consist of reading from prepared notes for whole class. Grading is simple, 4 single essay tests, study guides have 9 possible essay ?'s, test has 3, you answer 1. Not for visual learner
Krosby assigns over 200 pages of reading a week and expects you to memorize every word. He only grades on a few things, and if you don't do exactly what he wants, you don't do well. He doesn't give any good feedback or help in office hours. You might think this is easy, but save yourself and take a different class.
Prof Krosby will make you work. Despite being discouraged and annoyed at him as a teacher for well over half of the first course, I ended up taking 2 courses by him. I realised that he's there to help you and is only so tough because he's dedicated to making sure his students actually learn something from his courses. One of my favourites.
Prof Krosby seems completely uninterested in teaching. Maybe that was due to class being online. However, the level of communication was terrible. All contact was via email, all lectures were 2-5 page word documents and only graded on five things, which you could never know how he wanted. In summary, he needs to retire and leave teaching forever.
Professor Krosby is old fashioned. In his classes, you teach yourself. I was lucky enough to have an experienced colleague who was able to explain the tricks to passing: -Read topically and take notes -Get a study group via Zoom or GroupMe -Ace those tests Overall, I learned a lot about WWII from him, but (alas) it gave me kidney stones (lol).
Old school professor. We had to read 3 books over the semester for our exams and a 4th for a book review project. Every exam was assigned at 9:40am and was due in his email inbox at 10:20am, if not it is an auto fail for the test. We would not know the topic before hand, so we had to guess. Hard class but professor is very knowledgeable.
One of the best professors in SUNY Albany! I am glad that I took his class and not only did I learn a lot but also his readings were fun. He gives really good grades and the tests are fair as you can pick one question to answer out of multiple ones! He is very nice and caring. Take his class!
Prof. Krosby is unique because he actually lived through WW2 and is able to speak personally about it but unfortunately, he does not utilize this knowledge for student benefit. He relied heavily on the books and would provide some commentary but i believe this class could have been great if he had lectures. His grading is also very harsh.
Tough but knowledgeable.
Professor Krosby is a tough grader, you will work for your A if you want one from him. But this course is interesting and by making you work for it, you actually learn the topic better than you otherwise would.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
83%
Textbook Required
25%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.48 avg changeRatings by Course
HIS355
5.0
(1)WWIIDIPLOMACY
5.0
(1)HIS634
5.0
(1)HISTHIST
5.0
(1)AHIS456
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
356
5.0
HIS
5.0
HISTORY356
5.0
GLOBALCONFLICT
5.0
HIST500
5.0