i didn't read the book. just go to class. take notes. there's a 5 page research paper, a midterm and a final. interesting class.

i hate this class.

I LOVE THIS CLASS!!! The professor is very candid and his lectures compliment the readings so as long as you?re reading and engaged, his perspectives are quite balanced. Make sure to read, and submit assigned reflection papers and you?ll be pleased with your grade! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

YOU WILL LOVE THIS CLASS! Prof. will come through for you! You will enjoy his lectures if you?re open minded and read. Unlike the previous posting, it?s clear that ?Hispanics? who ?BS? on their essays and choose not to relate or perhaps cannot relate to working class people in general would have a disliking of the topics covered in class.

GREAT CLASS! Class material was very interesting. Cruz conducts his class in a very easy going manner.

Very interesting class and stimulating class. Professor ties in historical examples and ties them in to present day issues which makes the class that much more intriguing. Fair grader, do the assigned readings, speak to him during office hours, and review the study guide and you?ll ace the exams!

His lectures can be interesting, but will not like you if you go against his opinion. Their is a lot of work to do in his class. A lot of reading and writing. His midterm was okay, but his final was ridiculous had nothing to do with his lectures.

Do yourself a favor and do not take him.....he gives long study guides which aren't helpful. He puts you on the spot at times if you don't participate. He's very strict on absences....a lot of reading and homework.

if you dont do your work or your readings you are not going to like his class. He is strict but gives you plenty of opportunities for extra credit. Make sure you participate in class. Cruz is cool and actually cares for your education. He plays his oldies before class starts,I learned so much from him. Thanks Cruz!

Lectures on reading given for each week. Sometimes interesting sometimes not. Attendance mandatory. Lots of reading - 3 books. Reflections papers on readings sometimes assigned. Midterm included an essay. Research Paper in lieu of final. E.C: attending events+reflection papers on them.keep up with readings, Don't put it off and youll do fine.

I like Cruz. I guess he's a little more traditional when it comes to his lectures, but it's okay. If you enjoy this subject you will like this class. I'm a CTVA major but I still found this course interesting. Do your papers, study for the midterm, show up and you should do fine. Oh, and pay attention to what he says to do for the homework.

This professor is a conundrum. He acts arrogant at times, but overall he has vast knowledge and cares for students that show initiative. My reccomenations: attend every class, participate, do extra credit, studygroups for exams, and visit his office in SM. Most importantly ALWAYS ASK when in doubt. Lots of reading and lectures are dense.

This professor is very rude at times, he loves to indirectly insult his students. He is very knowledgeable about what he is teaching. His lectures and reading contain a lot of information, TAKE GOOD NOTES. Homework are not too difficult but definitely challenging. He includes too many personal opinions, my opinion, LOOK FOR ANOTHER PROFESSOR!

Cruz is a CHILL prof. knows his stuff and really cares about his students. If you get a chance, speak to him during office hours. Best of all, it’s an EASY “A.” Cruz Rocks!!!

If you want to know about gangs then this is the Instructor. Trust. He's one of the best !

Professor Cruz is a very passionate about what he teaches. By the end of the semester, he leaves absolutely no doubt. There is a lot of information to cover, but by the end of the semester it all comes together. If you put in the effort, you will receive a good grade. My effort A

It's not an easy A class, and Cruz isn't you're everyday professor but he's really cool. He's strict but he's very clear on what he wants and is more than willing to help out. He looks for participation and those who really read to engage in the weekly topics. He knows what he's talking about. I can honestly say one of the best I've taken.

Professor Cruz assigns readings throughout the week that helps you with the exams. Reading is essential to passing his class. Just show up do the readings and do not procrastinate on his research paper. Overall all a very helpful professor who is clear on expectations. He brings in guest speakers and takes class trips that are engaging.

He is an excellent professor. At first, it seems hard but once you get the hang of it you'll be good. He picks on students but only because he wants to get to know you. He is very understanding and loves what he does. Don't miss class because he will put you on the spot. Overall, take some time and get to know him, you won't regret it.

He had organized lectures and a clear grading system. Gives a written midterm, final, and a research paper which are the bulk of your grade, but he provides extra credit oppurtunities from time to time. He also gives you study guides which are identical to the midterm and final. Show up to class and pay attention, and you will pass.

A professor that actually makes you think critically. He know his history and is engaging with his students. He's also hilarious!

If you want to learn Chicana/o history, this is the class to take. He knows his stuff and engages his students. I really enjoyed the class !

Prof. Cruz is one of those professors that will leave a positive impression on you. His lectures are on point and you'll learn a lot from him. I highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this class! Theres reflection papers, a midterm, a 6-8 page research paper and a final. He does give out study guides that are identical to your midterm and final. His lectures are long but very interesting. He gives a few extra credit opportunities. If you show up to class, take good notes, do the work, & read, you should pass.

Ive taken Prof. Cruz for two classes, CHS 445 and 245. If theres one thing that Ive learned is how to think critically. I earned As in both classes. His jokes made the class enjoyable. Complete the required readings, and reflection papers and you should be good!

At first I thought the class was going to be difficult, but I quickly became interested in the lectures. Because of Prof. Cruz's class, I also became a CHS major! He's very committed and passionate about the topics presented in class.

One of the best professors out there. He know's what he's talking about which makes his lectures very interesting. I highly recommend getting the book because you will need to write reflection papers (which are an easy A). Show up to class and the exams will be relatively easy. He gives a study guide that's exactly like the midterm.

A very thought provoking class! Had a great experience in this class. Assignments are not very difficult. I learned a lot about my own history, and history in general.

There is no reason why anyone wouldnt do well in this class. It is a very Straightforward class. Put in the work and youll have an easy A. Lots of extra credit opportunities as well.

a great teacher but goes off topic a lot.

Professor Cruz is hard to read in the beginning but passionate about his job. He expects you to have an opinion and to participate in the lecture. His lectures are long but it's very interesting. His midterm and final were all handwritten pages and vocabulary but he gives a study guide before hand and encourages students to help one another.

Great professor! Two required books. He assigns 4-6 reflection papers on a chapter of either of the two books he assigns. You have a 6-8 page research paper. A midterm and a final. A study guide is provided a week before the exams. He also offers a lot of extra credit opportunities, especially in the fall. Attendance is mandatory (a sign-in sheet).

Great professor. Opens your eyes to a lot of important issues and new perspectives. Youre going to have to work for your grade. Highly recommend this class. There are quite a few extra credit opportunities.

He's a cool guy. Gets off topic a lot and doesn't really teach. 1 midterm and 1 final (gives study guide). He assigns reflection papers, which are easy but annoying to do. He offers a lot of extra credit. Is big on attendance and no electronics. His class is boring and you don't learn much, but very easy.

Hard class for lazy reader. Doesn't use Canvas. Class is interesting but you must work for it! You MUST read. failed midterm because I did not study for ALL of it. I studied for the final and it was still slightly hard. I feel slightly confident in my grade. Hoping its a C , or B. But im unsure. Provides low EC in Santa Monica College. GO TO ALL

Great professor. The class is lecture heavy and attendance is mandatory. Assignments are reasonable if you don't wait till the last minute. Get the reading materials for this class, you will need it. Gives a study guide a week before the midterm and final (study guide is exactly like exams so study it). Overall easy, class is mainly busy work.

Hardest class I've taken. READ!! take advtge of ALL EC offered. EBOOKS WAS A LIFESAVER! you wont regret it. You can search up questions to your midterm and final. Please please get the ebook version of Occupied AMer. Study groups are a must. Google doc it all. didn't know my grade until It was posted officially. DM me for tips, jazz . call

Took him during COVID online. This professor gives lots of reading during the week about 40 pgs a week. Sometimes asks for book reflections and analysis about 800 words total, not too much. The tests have study guides clearly what he expects on midterm and final. Gives extra credit. Great personality and caring of his students. oh and take notes!!

Good professor, clear, to the point. Material provides good insight and additional knowledge of our society at large. You Learn. Thank you Prof. Cruz

I took his class in a 5 week winter session. His syllabus is clear with reading and writing assignments. Dr. Cruz is approachable and open to meet if necessary . Gives feedback on writing assignments. Get ready to learn about migration history with the selected readings. History videos are also utilized for learning. Good class!

I don't understand why Professor Cruz has a low score on rate my professor. He is the greatest professor at CSUN. He might seem like he is serious but I can see through that because he has a good heart. Take him because you will not regret it. Email him and ask for his help, he is always willing to help : )

This class is super easy and very interesting. My only issue in this class is his lack of communication. He takes forever to respond to emails and takes a while to grade. Apart from communication, I enjoyed what I learned and am actually upset I won't have to opportunity to take more Chicano studies classes.

reflection papers are the only homework

Fantastic lectures. Clear guidelines for grading. Heavy reading. Disturbing subject matter handled beautifully. Incredibly receptive to feedback.

The class is entertaining and Professor Cruz shows his passion for the subject. We are graded on only reflections & documentary analysis (excluding midterms). Do the readings and you will be fine. If any problems arise, you email him and he responds and schedules a zoom easily. C- is current grade but will most likely change as he finishes grading.

I read his ratings on here & I took him anyway. I don't regret it. His lectures weren't boring and I enrolled in university knowing full well that I was going to have to read for my classes. I got an A and I learned some history about my own ancestors. I call that a win-win. Professor, you are definitely in the right profession.

5 + 1 ec min word reflection papers spread around the semester. 2 analysis essays based on a 40ish min vids. midterm + final greenbook needed. hw + exams based on txtbk + extra readings. its seems a lot but i did everything last min (as well studying for midterm & final), passed w As & history is not my greatest skill. lectures were alright

He's passionate about the subject. There is a good amount of work and reading but its manageable. He can be a bit boring. Take notes during lectures as he does not post the slides and keep up with the reading and take notes! If you don't, studying for the final and midterm might be stressful. It's manageable and he has extra credit opportunities.

I think Professor Cruz is a fine professor! This is a mostly lecture class and he provides extra credit. There is usually a paper due every other week. The final and midterm aren't that bad as he provides a study guide with the exact questions. Just study the material and you'll be okay.

pretty light class if you study the study guide given for midterm/final (the same questions are on the final). take notes from his lectures. as someone who's weakest subject is history, this course was pretty straightforward. be prepared to be bored though since he does dread the lectures on for too long.

If you are as passionate about Chicano Studies as he is then you'll love the course. There's a lot of reading and sparse homework throughout the semester but it was worth taking the time to read each assigned text.

Prof. Cruz lectures bring historical contexts to life, connecting past events with current immigration challenges. Take notes, do the readings, and participate for a successful experience. Professor Cruz's class is an excellent opportunity to deepen your understanding of immigration history while building strong analytical skills.