3.1

Isidro Ortiz

Ethnic Studies - San Diego State University

3.1
Quality
2.9
Difficulty
47%
Would Retake
122
Reviews
3.1
Quality
2.9
Difficulty
3.2
Helpful
3.1
Clarity

47%

Would Retake

122

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

38

4

25

3

16

2

10

1

33

What Students Say

Professor Ortiz is a great professor and all, just don't see the point of focusing one's entire lecture on facebook links, youtube videos, and non credible sources

CCS120B - 1.0 rating

Ortiz is a good quality professor

CCS301 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

44%

Textbook Required

27%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 52 grades
Most common grades:
A (25)
Not sure yet (15)
B (10)
Grade Distribution
A(29)B(11)C(6)D(0)F(1)A-/B+(5)
Based on 74 reported grades
A: 25
Not sure yet: 15
B: 10
Rather not say: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (35)
Test heavy (35)
Graded by few things (24)
EXTRA CREDIT (16)
Tough grader (15)
Lecture heavy (12)
Caring (8)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (7)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.01 avg change
Jun
Nov
Dec
Feb
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

ETHNICSTU

5.0

(1)

EHTNIC

5.0

(1)

CCS301AND303

5.0

(1)

CCS110A

5.0

(2)

CCS0120B

4.7

(9)
+8 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CCS110

4.8

IDS110

4.0

CCS303

4.0

ETHNICSTU

4.0

301

3.5

Reviews (122)
3.0
4.0
CCS110
Jan 3, 2003

too scholarly, insane, expects too much. thinks this course is a 300 level cours

4.0
4.0
CCS301
Jan 24, 2003

Too smart for his own good. Very scholarly, brace yourself, youll learn somethin

5.0
3.0
CCS301
Feb 24, 2003

Not to bad, Lots of reading, essays

4.0
3.0
CCS301
May 29, 2003

A lot of reading. Do extra credit assignment helps in getting a good grade.

4.0
4.0
IDS110
Oct 8, 2003

Class was treated as if it was upper division, LOTS of writing. You actually learn with this professor. Go to his office hours, that gives you points with him.I've never worked so hard for a B.

5.0
2.0
CCS301
Nov 5, 2003

Easy class great teacher.Subject of lectures can be BORING however he sves it by getting the class involved.Hardcore Chicano and a very nice teacher.Books are kind of boring and the essay Five Faces of Oppression never gets to the point.

2.0
4.0
CCS303
Dec 23, 2003

Too many books! Keep up with the reading, it's about 1 book per week, but a good teacher.

5.0
4.0
ETHNICSTU
Jul 18, 2004

One of the greatest professors i've had at State! He is a brilliant man and in my opinion needs to be president of SDSU so we can get some sense into this school. Weber should sit in his classes to learn what true leadership and knowledge is about!

5.0
3.0
EHTNIC
Sep 21, 2004

Raise the roof for Isidro. He's a genious and thats all I have to say about that.

3.0
4.0
CCS301
Dec 13, 2004

one of best teachers ever.... but a lot of work... you get out what you put in...(really!)

1.0
5.0
CCS110
Dec 15, 2004

horrible class, doenst tell you what he expects. I'm a straight A student and never in my life have i taken a worse teacher. Just avoid at all costs unless you like doign lots of hard work and not getting a decent grade for it. LIke i said i'm a straight A student and will be lucky if i get a C

1.0
5.0
301
Dec 15, 2004

the most interesting subject told in the most boring way. Wastes way too much paper on useless info that one could easily access on the web. Very knowledgeable but very very dull.

1.0
5.0
CCS110
Dec 16, 2004

you suck ortiz. worst class ever, horrible experience. Never take. Avoid at all costs.

5.0
2.0
CCS480
May 14, 2005

He is one of the most helpful and down to earth professors that i have taken here @ state. He is not so clear about what to read, but what do you expect? He doesn't baby-sit. His readings are on the course outline. His exams are easy but time-consuming. Strongly recomended. He's super cool!

5.0
4.0
CCS301
May 16, 2005

Probably the best Prof. in the entire CCS Dept. Great choice of book readings, guest speakers, take-home midterm and final. He explains all assignments over and over until you get it. Interesting class lectures. Right on Prof. Ortiz!!!

4.0
3.0
CCS480
Aug 4, 2005

very smart guy. A LOT of reading he kills a lot of trees sometimes not the funnest class. I;ve taken him 2 times got an A in one and a B in the other. to many book

4.0
3.0
CCS301
Aug 19, 2005

Knows his subject to a T. Still too many Books!! and too many handouts. Im sure there's a forrest gone cause of it. Class divided into 2 tests each worth 50%. Midterm and final, both tak home, but a little difficult. Go to class or go w/ a reliable friend cause his lectures are for the Midterms and Final.

5.0
2.0
301
Sep 2, 2005

He is very helpful,very clear, and open to questions or opinions. He is very intelligent and knows his stuff well.Two tests mideterm and final, both take home exams. Although they are take home,they are by all means not easy. There is alot of work involved(thourough explainations)8-10 pages of writing minimum. I recommend him.

5.0
3.0
CCS301
Dec 11, 2005

i dreaded the time when i would have 2 take class 4 CCS mjr but very pleasantly surprised, prob the best profe in CCS dept,learned ALOT in his class yes alot of bks and handouts but very informative and i'd rather get handouts in class than buy a add'tl reader in bkstore goes over readings in class to b sure u understand, awesome guy! recommended!

5.0
3.0
CCS301
Jan 9, 2006

A wonderful class, its the epitome of what a TRUE college course should be. The reading is very interesting and really helpful in grasping the many concepts and theories presented in class. Dr. Ortiz besides being very intelligent is also helpful and approachable. I definitely recommend this class!

5.0
3.0
CCS301AND303
Jun 17, 2006

Professor Ortiz is the best. He knows the subject. Very nice person. He is very understanding and will give you the chance to pass even if you are not doing too well...Midterm and final are take home but challanging. Made classes very interesting and fun.I would defenetly take another class with this teacher!

3.0
4.0
CCS480
Apr 18, 2007

Ortiz is a really cool teacher, although he is extremely smart and reads a lot from what he finds on the internet, then expects you to remember. Also his writing is hard to read and he writes on the board a lot. I would recomend recording and typing when taking notes. Also he allows you to redo parts of the mid term if you do not do well

4.0
2.0
CCS120A
Nov 6, 2007

He's a very smart person, and he does his best with the material that he has, which for the most part is not interesting at all. Just buy the study guide and take notes on his lectures and you'll pass with flying colors.

5.0
1.0
CCS301
Dec 18, 2007

He is the best professor at SDSU especially in the CCS department. His class is really interesting you will learn alot about opression not only against chicanos but also against other comunities.

3.0
4.0
CCS120A
Dec 29, 2008

He shows clips from youtube and other stuff at the beginning of each class (5-20 mins long) varies from South Park to music vids, etc. Write down EVERYTHING he puts on the board, youll see it on the exam. Two exams 50% each. DO THE XTRA CREDIT! They help A LOT. Read the Self Evalutaions in the study guide book. Some of the test q's are on there.

4.0
5.0
CCS301
Jan 13, 2009

He is a verysmart and helpful professor. However, his class is VERY challenging. You're grade is based on just a midterm and a final. Both are papers that are very in-depth and require a lot of work. You have a total of 8 books. If you can avoid taking this class for another one, i suggest you do so. I got a B only because i worked VERY hard.

2.0
4.0
CCS301
May 11, 2009

Very knowledgeable, but not a good teacher. Gets up in front of class and rambles, scribbling things on the board as he goes. Powerpoint would really help. Uses lots of videos, including one on Irish and Sikh immigrants, thought this was a class on Chicanos. I found it very difficult to pay attention. Take another class if you can.

3.0
4.0
CCS301
May 15, 2009

If you can, avoid taking this class.There is an unreasonable amount of reading and he lectures the whole time.

2.0
3.0
CCS301
May 18, 2009

Class is easy and attendance isn't mandatory. Ortiz's lectures are interesting but he isn't very bright. He has zero analytical ability and is completely unable to back up his arguments with evidence. Don't bother asking questions because he isn't able to answer them, he will just repeat what he said prior to your question.

2.0
3.0
CCS301
May 18, 2009

Class consisted of 2 take home exams both worth 50% of your grade. Questions on exam are loaded and he gives you no option of arguing another side. Lectures are impossible to follow. Attendance is not mandatory. I really didn't learn anything but should get a B in the class. I would avoid it if you can.

1.0
5.0
CCS301
Jan 20, 2010

NOT A GOOD TEACHER...TOO MUCH READING, AND MOVIES THAT DON'T HELP. MAKES CHICANO HISTORY BORING.BASED ON TWO EXAMS THAT GOD KNOWS WHAT THE CORRECT ANSWER IS.

2.0
5.0
CCS301
May 30, 2010

I never worked so hard for a "C" actually my first. The grade for the class is based on a midterm and final essays. I would advice choosing another class or I would advice going to his office hours and get to know him and finding out what he really wants in those essays. In class he was never clear on his requirements.

4.0
1.0
CCS120A
Dec 31, 2010

I think you have to like the subject to really get the class. Ortiz was pretty helpful in my class and the exams, which where the grade ,where very manageable. He lets you use notes on the midterm, I mean how easy is that. It's an interesting class I wouldn't avoid it.

5.0
1.0
CCS120A
Jan 31, 2011

What a fabulous , he is very knowledgeable about the subject. The class can get boring at times but it is very interesting. Best parts about the class: NO HOMEWORK, and OPEN BOOK and OPEN NOTE midterms and final! Easy class. Do all the extra credit.

5.0
1.0
CCS301
Nov 5, 2011

Very good class you eed to go to the class in order to understand. Take home Midterm and Final and he helps you out. I learned a lot very good teacher. Remember we are not in high school anymore the negative things said are lazy people not ready for a University.

5.0
1.0
CCS110A
Jan 19, 2012

Pretty easy class, if you pay attention. The videos get a little off topic , but they do demonstrate the point he might be lecturing on. Vocabulary is the biggest part of the quiz's and mid/final. If you go to class and take notes it should be an easy a.

2.0
4.0
CCS120B
May 22, 2012

He was a nice teacher and his class was fun BUT the only grades you get are the midterm and final which are hard even though they are open book. You have to memorize the three books he assigns WORD FOR WORD! Attendance is not mandatory but is crucial. Books are a MUST.

4.0
3.0
CCS301
May 27, 2012

Dr. Ortiz is extremely knowledable and experiences in the subject of CCS. I enjoyed his lectures even though they were a little long at times. He doesn't assign HW nor did he have quizes. He only gave us a midterm and final paper to write. Sounds chill but you really need to be disciplined. Passed with an A! Cool professor.

3.0
3.0
CCS120A
Dec 9, 2012

attendance & books not mandatory but crucial. easy class but u really have to take notes WORD FOR WORD and pay attention in order to do good. his notes have alot of lecture material on them & even tho they r open book (&open laptop) they r still VERY hard! study guides are just terms &not so helpful. take advantage of his extra credit! overallcool

3.0
1.0
CCS120A
Jan 4, 2013

This professor is really easy! take this class! he gives u extra credit and its an entire exam grade! only 4 exams 25 points each...class is out of 100 points and with extra credit its easy. do not have to attend class only takes roll sometimes i did not need the book easy class take it

4.0
2.0
CCS301
May 31, 2013

Great professor. Grade based off of only two papers. A midterm and a Final. There is a pretty heavy reading requirement which will enable you to answer questions on the midterm and final. Class is interesting. Consists of lectures and videos to make the topic clear. If you love reading this is the class for you! If not it should be an easy B.

4.0
1.0
CCS120B
Jul 2, 2013

Dr. Ortiz uses media to communicate his message. He's an avid user of facebook, documentaries, and other media outlets. His class is interesting and easy. Make sure to take advantage of all the extra credit opportunities and actually study for the exams because he grades based on only 2 exams!!!

3.0
4.0
CCS120B
May 19, 2015

Only 2 quizzes for the whole semester on books you are supposed to read. Show up to class, because majority of the quiz questions are from class lectures. really interesting class, i loved it.

4.0
3.0
CCS301
May 22, 2015

This class consists of only a midterm paper worth 50% and a final paper worth 50%. Both are based on lectures and readings from class. Email himvisit office to make sure you're doing okay and work with other classmates on the papers and you should do fine. He allows you to revise for a higher grade. His lectures were interesting. I got an A-.

4.0
2.0
CCS120B
Grade: A
Jun 1, 2015

I took his class before for CCS120A and already had most of the notes so reading the three books was not something that I particularly needed to do. Although if this is the first time your taking the course you need to reard the books. he only gives a midterm and final both worth 50% of the class grade. He does give extra credit, do it!

5.0
2.0
CCS301
Grade: A
Jul 18, 2015

Dr. Ortiz is a good quality professor. Very knowledgeable, understanding and ready to answer questions or clarify. Good amount of reading but should be expected if you want to learn something. Only a midterm and final paper each worth 50%. Received poor grade on midterm but he allows you to revise it. Got A- on midterm. Would definitely take again

5.0
1.0
CCS0120B
Grade: A
Aug 13, 2015

Interesting class and Ortiz does a great job of mixing text book material with relevant happenings in the country. The lectures do get boring after a while but try your best to go because he talks about extra credit. Only two tests that are open book and open note. Know your stuff though because your entire grade is based on the two tests

4.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Dec 27, 2015

Professor Ortiz is a very easy going teacher. If you show up to class you will definitely pass with an A or B. Three exams either based on lectures or book reading and one final which is not cumulative. Show up to class because he will assign extra credit opportunities and give study guides for tests.

5.0
3.0
CCS0120B
Grade: A
May 13, 2016

Profe is awesome! He teaches the California government with Chicano political activism in the side. His lectures mostly contain documentaries and online articles. He knows the content very well and teaches political activism from first hand account. There is a midterm and a Final. The Final was pretty hard tbh. Alliance 25 point extra credit helps!

3.0
3.0
CCS120A
Dec 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

very motivated to make us participate in government. we get extra credit for helping in campaigns. four tests, 2 based on books and the other 2 based on the lecture. they are open note/book.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
4.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Jan 2, 2017
Would take again

Prof Ortiz was really chill. His class can feel a bit long because it's mostly lectures but he tries to lighten it up with documentaries and other funny posts related to the topic. Easy to pass the tests as long as you take good notes & focus on study guide (open book/open note). Offers a good amount of extra credit as well! Definitely take him

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Feb 17, 2017
Wouldn't take again

U do learn a lot about government and about staying in the limelight pretending that U may become one day the only Chicano who is interested in social justice. Time to change the focus of the program and teach about the transition from his / our lower class family background to the real world of middle class professionals.

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
1.0
1.0
CCS120B
Grade: B
Apr 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Ortiz is a great professor and all, just don't see the point of focusing one's entire lecture on facebook links, youtube videos, and non credible sources. Show up to class to pass and make sure to keep your book handy for exams (open note/book).

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
1.0
CCS120B
Grade: A
Jun 23, 2017
Would take again

Finished up my the second part of CCS this semester. Professor Ortiz is awesome! Pretty easy class honestly. Clear set of guidelines, class grade only based off 4 tests. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXTRA CREDIT. And take good notes, you will be fine.

Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
EXTRA CREDIT
4.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2017
Would take again

There are 4 tests each worth 25 points each. He gives a study guide out before the test too. He offers a full tests worth of extra credit if you do five hours of volunteering. His lectures can get boring, but he always tries to make them interested. I really respect him, easy A.

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
Would take again
4.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: B
Jan 3, 2018
Would take again

You can decide to not go to his class, all you have to do is show up for the tests (4 in total). He is very lecture heavy and he has lots of notes for you to do. He allows open book and open note. You will use the two books that you required to get. You also have a lot of opportunity for extra credit. Overall though good teacher.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A+
Jan 11, 2018
Would take again

With all due respect, Profe Ortiz is the cutest thing ever. I wish he was my Grandpa. The class is out of 100 pts: 4 exams (25 pts each) & extra credit opportunity (25 pts). Do not expect to get an A in this class if you don't do the extra credit. He really tries to give meaningful lectures so please participate in class. Good luck!

Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
Tests are tough
3.0
4.0
CCS120A
Grade: B
Apr 2, 2018
Wouldn't take again

The entire class grade is based off of 4 tests. Every class is pretty much a lecture, not very interesting or engaging and watched several documentaries. Some of the tests are based off of entire books that you need to read, I would recommend actually reading them. He also offers an extra credit opportunity worth the same as one test.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
1.0
CCS120B
Grade: A-
Apr 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This was the most frustrating GE Course by far. Don't take this class. Don't take Ortiz!!! There is no structure, he doesn't use Blackboard, lectures are spent looking at his Facebook feed and listening to him read a half-credible article word for word to the class. This was the biggest pain in my ass all semester. Do the Extra Credit.

Get ready to read
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
2.0
CCS301
Grade: A+
Jan 1, 2019
Would take again

The course is largely based on videos, current events, and guest lectures. The midterm and finals were made up of short essay responses from a list you chose from. There were 5 books for the class, but not every one had to be read. He discusses everything in class. His discussions made the class interesting. Take his class to learn about Chicanos.

Inspirational
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Amazing lectures
3.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Jan 1, 2019
Would take again

Ortiz is alright. Your grade is only comprised of 4 tests (that are all open-note) plus the extra credit which is worth a full test grade, so if you do that you'll get an A. His classes just consisted of him showing us long videos and facebook posts, so they are pretty pointless. Easy A, kinda boring, but he def knows his stuff and is pretty cool.

2.0
3.0
CCS120B
Grade: B
May 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The grade includes four exams all weighing 25 pts each. You do have the opportunity of extra credit to replace a whole exam. During the lecture, Mr Isidro would talk about his Facebook posts and then lecture about things that wouldn't be on the exam. He shares a study guide with only a few examples that appear in the exams. NO ONLINE LECTURE!

5.0
3.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 7, 2020
Would take again

He was the sweetest professor ever and truly is passionate about his teachings and students. Some of his lectures were easy to follow and made the exams that we had a bit easier to do. He does give extra credit for some things, so if needed I highly recommend doing so.

Respected
Test heavy
Caring
5.0
3.0
CCS301
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2020
Would take again

So I took this class during the pandemic and he is so nice and made me not panic about this class. So nice and knowledgable! He is kinda dull w/ his lectures BUT PAY attention and jot things down bc it will be on the test! He will work with you and it easy going and just wants you to learn&understand the chicano perspective. Honestly superinspiring

Respected
Get ready to read
Inspirational
5.0
3.0
CCS0120B
Grade: A
May 13, 2021
Would take again

He was a great prof! Super knowledgeable and kind. The only graded assignments were tests; focused on the lectures or 2 different books. The books aren't necessarily needed; he provides a study guide but the test questions are pretty straight from the book so beware. The lecture tests are identical to his lectures, but he sends his notes to use.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
1.0
CCS0120B
Dec 9, 2021
Would take again

The mans a goat. Only has 4 tests. Easiest class ive taken and the lectures were good!

5.0
2.0
CCS120A
Dec 16, 2021
Would take again

Ortiz slayssss. Easy class graded by 4 tests. Join the GroupMe for his classes! His rating should be higher bc ethnic studies are interesting af.

Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2022
Would take again

The class was pretty straight forward and his lecture points & study guides were all you needed for the 4 exams. Super cool guy with lots of insight and passion for Chicanos and their community. DO BOTH HIS EXTRA CREDIT OPTIONS!! Almost a guaranteed A if you do decent on the exams. Open note, open book, open almost everything for exams. Recommend!!

Graded by few things
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
2.0
CCS120B
May 20, 2022
Would take again

If you know you know how easy this class is. Ive never shown up and I got an A on every test. Grade is based of 4 tests. JOIN THE GROUPME!

EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 4, 2022

This was the most disorganized class in my semester. For the first exam, he told us to only study lecture notes he himself would send over email. I failed the exam, despite reading those same notes. He did not use Canvas, so you could not check your grade. He only used his email as the only form of communication. I would take another course.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: C
Nov 4, 2022

By October, attendance was not being taken anymore. There were just long PBS and YouTube documentaries playing in the background. When there were no documentaries, he would lecture over notes barely useful for the first and final test. Form a study group. Don't take a night class. It's too exhausting, especially for commuters.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 4, 2022

Form a study group fast. The test questions were at least 25 on each, and all were true or false. The wording is cryptic, they are completely trick questions. One false detail will drop a score on a question. Do not bother going to class in person, he stops taking attendance after the first week. The extra credit is only worth 25% to save a grade.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 7, 2022

The textbooks were barely covered in class. Most of the 2 hours and a half classes were watching old documentaries over 15 years old. They were extremely boring. The extra credit was only to help his preferred after-school political campaigns, and local politicians that he knew in person. Only 25 full extra credit points. 1 hour = 5 points.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 10, 2022

The class was the most disorganized I have yet to take. He never bothered setting up a Canvas. Could not find my grade. The only extra credit opportunities were benefitting his political agenda. He worked for local political campaigns near Logan Heights. Call center extra credit. To get a B in his class you needed 84, anything less, 83, was a C.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 10, 2022

He gave us two textbooks, each well worth more than 400 pages each, and we barely covered each book in class. The majority of a class' duration was spent on watching unrelated documentaries. Join the GroupMe if you must, but form a sub study group out of the chat. The main chat was almost never responsive unless it was close to a test date.

Get ready to read
So many papers
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 10, 2022

The two textbooks in class were barely covered by him. You had to rely on reading the majority of the books yourself. The majority of the class was spent on obscure lecture notes, and unrelated documentaries. Attendance was said to be mandatory, but eventually halfway through the semester, less than half the class bothered coming. Join study group.

Get ready to read
So many papers
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: B-
Nov 10, 2022

The first and fourth final exams are the most difficult, because they were not covered at all by the two textbooks in class. You will have to attend class then, despite no attendance being taken towards the end of the semester. The lecture notes on the first exam were not that helpful. Failed the first exam because the notes were not sufficient.

Get ready to read
So many papers
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: C+
Nov 10, 2022

Just stay in class long enough until he is done showing his lecture notes on the projector. Make a doc and share them with a small study group. Too many people in a study group can be disorganizing. Don't bother emailing the professor, most of the time he only answered with one-word responses. "Yes" or "No".

Tough grader
So many papers
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: F
Nov 14, 2022

The worst class ever. He never uses Canvas. So you can't access your grade online. And the tests are sent by his email. The first exam was confusing, the format was confusing. The grammar's off. He only answers your questions as "yes" or "no" through his personal email. I had to fail and retake a separate class to save my grade for this.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2022

Too confusing.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 15, 2022

Study harder for the first and fourth exams they are lectures he himself made, but his notes that he shares are not enough to study. His answers are confusing. You only get 25 extra credit points. If you volunteer for an extra credit activity for five hours, you receive 25 points max. Join the GroupMe and create study groups. Share notes.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 15, 2022

This class was the worst of my first semester as an undergrad. The majority of the class was spent watching unrelated documentaries to studying exams. We spent more time watching irrelevant material on YouTube than going over the textbooks in class together. There was no organization. No canvas, no access to grades.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: C+
Nov 15, 2022

The professor was disorganized. He did not use Canvas. Most of the class was never in attendance. The material covered in most of the classes was not on the exams. The only way to pass an exam is to share notes, create a study guide of those same notes, and form a study group of at least 5, and all take an exam the same time and place.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 15, 2022

Terrible. The worst class of my semester. Too long, 2 hours and 40 minutes until 10 PM of just watching unrelated documentaries on PBS and YouTube never mentioned on the exams. No Canvas, no access to grades. The extra credit only was 25 points, I spent four hours in a call center, to get 20. The 4 tests were all true or false of 25 points each.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: C-
Nov 15, 2022

The class was awful. It was so disorganized that I spent too much time studying for this over another class, which I later failed because of the time restrictions.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 16, 2022

If you've taken this class before plz send sources for help on the exams, or post

1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 22, 2022

He takes over 8 days to grade a test. He does not use Canvas. No access to grades. The majority of the class is a documentary not mentioned in the tests. Don't come to class after finishing the first test. Come back in person to study the fourth and final exam. The textbooks are extremely long, so spend 16 days writing notes. Join GroupMe.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS110
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 22, 2022

The class was awful, boring, and too long. He should have used Canvas. The lectures he shared with us for the first test were useless. Still failed the first test. Take extra credit events. Even in a call center. The most of his class is an unrelated documentary that doesn't help to study. The GroupMe was too large and unresponsive.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 23, 2022

His lectures are just a quarter of the class, the rest of the time is on documentaries never mentioned on the tests. The textbooks are just as boring, and too long for him to cover. He didn't share enough useful notes. Just warnings to get ready. No organization. He wouldn't report our grades, so there was no canvas. We had test extensions twice.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 23, 2022

Not accessible outside of class. Always lagging for several days, more than 8 to finish grading a test. The notes he gives for tests are unrelated, write your own. And avoid his class.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: C
Nov 24, 2022

This was my worst class out of five. I didn't fail it, but this was the most disorganized. I couldn't access my grade, because he didn't bother having Canvas. If you wanted extra credit, you had to spend 5 hours on a weekend in November spreading the word about some local politician I never knew. Turned out the professor was a personal friend.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 24, 2022

Take a different professor. The lectures are too long, and the notes he gave us, when he DID give notes, out of two tests, were useless when taking a lecture test. The questions did not cover the majority of his own notes. 75% of a class was just watching an unrelated documentary. Terrible. Disorganized. Even his reviews on this site were useless.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 30, 2022

The class was too long, disorganized, and boring. He should have answered questions in class to check our grades. My worst class, even worse than an algebra course.

Get ready to read
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2022

He took too long to grade tests. Too unorganized in assigning classwork. The lectures were just an hour watching an unrelated document, and the notes he gave for the first exam did not help at all. There should have been a teachers' assistant to clarify the requirements, and the exams too.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2022
Would take again

DONT LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS, He is a sweet, kind older Hispanic male who may take a long time to grade and the lectures might be long and boring but i havent stepped foot in class since the first day and I have an A, just rely on groupme for the exams

Caring
Respected
Graded by few things
4.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2022
Would take again

Professor Ortiz is actually a good professor. Don't let the reviews scare you entirely. He usually sends his lecture notes before exams (only things graded are 4 exams so no stress abt hw) which come in clutch. I never studied and got scores of 82-88 every time. He shows interesting documentaries. The negative is that he takes a long time to grade

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
4.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2022
Would take again

Professor Ortiz is really friendly and understanding. His lectures are a bit boring sometimes but attendance isn't mandatory so you can go as you please. There are only 4 tests (25 points each) that make up your whole grade. But he also gives extra credit worth a whole test so do it. The tests are also online which makes it even less stressful.

EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2022
Would take again

The negative reviews here do not make sense to me, because Prof. Ortiz is really not bad. The class was super easy and took no time out of my busy schedule. There are only 4 exams, no homework... He is a little disorganized, sure, but he always provides resources for upcoming exams. He is kind and knowledgeable, a delight to have.

Respected
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
CCS110A
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2022
Would take again

super sweet professor, only 4 exams total. attendance isn't mandatory and he posts lectures about a week before the exams.

1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 15, 2022

This class was the most exhausting for me. The wording on the tests were confusing, each class was disorganized. he took 10 days to share test grades. He didn't use Canvas, another inconvenience. The lecture notes he would share often has spelling errors, contradicted facts in the textbook, and it took too long for him to respond to our emails.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
3.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Dec 15, 2022
Would take again

His lectures aren't the most interesting, but I think his class felt very easygoing, and not too stressful at all. Easy A if you ask me. Students will usually work together in this class so that really helps you out. Honestly, as long as you go to class you should do well.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 21, 2022
Would take again

Though the class is lecture heavy, the professor is really nice. Don't listen to the negative reviews, it's really not bad. No homework. You are graded on 4 exams (online), it's open note, and the professor sends the lecture notes days before the exam.

Caring
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
CCS120A
Grade: C
Dec 21, 2022

After two months passed in class, only less than 80% bothered showing up in person. If you're thinking of taking Ortiz's class, then form a study group in the first week of class. Don't take a test and read the GroupMe chat for help. It's chaos.

Tough grader
4.0
2.0
CCS0120B
Grade: A-
Apr 10, 2023

A little boring, but honestly a very doable class. Grade is based on 4 open notes tests with a couple extra credit opportunities. Classes consists of lectures of him reading off his points and videos/ documentaries. Just do the reading and get down the main points, he sends out his lecture points and questions for the readings which helps.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: B
Apr 18, 2023

He was cool, a nice guy but never answered emails and would make us watch 3 hour documentaries that had nothing to do with the tests. Just read the books, that's what the tests are on

Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
1.0
CCS120B
Grade: A
May 3, 2023
Would take again

Grade is based only on 4 open-note tests. As long as you know how to command F to find the answers in the materials, you'll be fine. He's also very nice :) If you need an easy A or B, I would definitely reccomend.

EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
CCS0120B
Grade: A
May 5, 2023
Would take again

Professor Ortiz is one of the nicest and easy going professors at State. His class includes a combination of both videos and lectures. He only grades 4 exams but they are open notes and he sends his notes before the exams. He is overall a sweet and caring professor. I 10/10 recommend if you're looking for an interesting and easy-going class.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Caring
5.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: B
May 10, 2023
Would take again

Great professor, some lectures can be boring but class is easy.

Inspirational
Lecture heavy
3.0
1.0
CCS120B
Grade: A
May 18, 2023
Would take again

Ortiz is very nice and passionate about the criteria. With that being said the format of the class sucks (it is all over email) and he grades so slow (the semester is over and my final grade is in and he still hasn't graded one of my exams). The class is fairly easy but boring and only graded by four exams

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
CCS120A
Grade: A-
Nov 28, 2023
Would take again

Don't let the reviews scare you he made CCS120A interesting. Although he takes a while to grade, it is super easy to pass his class. Be ready to read the books to participate in discussions and pass the tests.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
4.0
1.0
CCS120B
Grade: A
Apr 24, 2024
Would take again

We have 4 exams in total and they're all online and effortless. You submit the exam through email. He literally will only grade you through exams, there aren't assignments that we do. Will also not answer your emails. Besides that, I thought some of the lectures were interesting.

Caring
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
CCS0120B
Grade: Not sure yet
May 8, 2024
Would take again

pretty easy course load (Took 4 exam throughout the whole semester lol). Really slow grader knowing that I still have a 'N/A' on canvas and it's already the end of the semester. Sends follow up emails regarding the score you got on a exam. With that being said, everything is through email (Sending in test answers/Responses). Easy A.

3.0
2.0
CCS0120B
Grade: A
Jun 16, 2024

such an easy class but so boring. graded on 4 tests only and EVERYTHING is through email. nothing is on canvas and the tests were done through email. it's kinda weird and no one would show up to class but easy a.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2024
Would take again

Professor Ortiz is amazing, and this class is very easy. No need to buy the books unless you want to read them—I haven't opened mine! Lectures are mostly videos, and he's very kind. There were four online quizzes submitted by email (group work helps!). Overall, he's a great guy and makes the class enjoyable. Taking him again!

Caring
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A
Nov 19, 2024
Would take again

easy A all 4 exams done online sent through email, lectures are mostly videos and docs and nice guy.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
Online Savvy
5.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A-
Dec 23, 2024
Would take again

Grade based off 4 exams(25% each). Offers extra 20% in the class if you volunteer at a call center to support liberal SD candidates. exams are taken online(anywhere). Multiple choice and easy. Professor relates to chicano studies personally and is passionate about the topic. Does not use canvas, and really isn't that bad about politics. Take him.

Inspirational
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
CCS120A
Grade: B
Dec 31, 2024

The class can be a mixed bag - lectures can be dull, but the material is manageable if you stay on top of the readings. Definitely form a study group and utilize resources like Unstuckstudy to prepare for the exams. Overall, a decent course if you put in the effort.

5.0
1.0
CCS120B
Grade: A+
Feb 4, 2025
Would take again

Based on four exams that are taken online and can be taken anywhere. Extra credit is available, and lectures are informational and interesting but attendance is not mandatory. Take this class for you GE you wont regret it.

EXTRA CREDIT
Clear grading criteria
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
CCS0120B
Grade: A
May 9, 2025
Would take again

Only thing graded on are 4 online t/f/multiple choice tests, very easy. Based on lectures and the one book he assigned. Professor Ortiz is very caring and wants his students to succeed. Lots of extra credit.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
1.0
CCS120B
Grade: A
May 14, 2025

This whole class is graded on 4 test taken through email. He doesn't post grades, you have to email him and ask for them. Lectures are a combination of random google searches, facebook, articles, and maybe some class. Test are not really based too much on lectures. Assigned readings won't be discussed in class, maybe one question in test.

Graded by few things
4.0
1.0
CCS120A
Grade: A+
Dec 4, 2025
Would take again

While attendance isn't mandatory, Professor Ortiz is very insightful about Chicano Studies and cares a lot about what he does. Test-heavy, but tests are asynchronous! A lot of extra credit is offered.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
3.0
3.0
CCS120A
Grade: A-
Dec 16, 2025

I was very disengaged in his class. He is definitely passionate about what he teaches, but the way the material was presented just felt very disengaging to me. Also your only grades are the exams.

EXTRA CREDIT
Respected
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

44%

Textbook Required

27%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 52 grades
Most common grades:
A (25)
Not sure yet (15)
B (10)
Grade Distribution
A(29)B(11)C(6)D(0)F(1)A-/B+(5)
Based on 74 reported grades
A: 25
Not sure yet: 15
B: 10
Rather not say: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (35)
Test heavy (35)
Graded by few things (24)
EXTRA CREDIT (16)
Tough grader (15)
Lecture heavy (12)
Caring (8)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (7)
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Ratings by Course

ETHNICSTU

5.0

(1)

EHTNIC

5.0

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CCS301AND303

5.0

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CCS110A

5.0

(2)

CCS0120B

4.7

(9)
+8 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CCS110

4.8

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4.0

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4.0

ETHNICSTU

4.0

301

3.5

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