Derlict certainly is not the first word that comes to mind when describing the brilliant Prof. Matray. His constant professionalism is both a burden and inspiration to us all.

Very helpful in correcting writing mistakes. He sure likes to give out a lot of work.

Caustic and demanding, be it concerning the use of passive voice or performance during essay writing, Matray holds students to a high standard. He is a well-meaning teacher that genuinely wishes for his students to achieve. In discussion he gives the student just enough rope to hang themselves with.

I've learned to never split infintives, "introduce my quotes," how to use ellipses among other things... Be clear, concise, and direct.

Matray is a well-rounded professor. He knows a lot about the Korea War. He cracks me up when he talks about movie quotes. He opens my mind to different ways to analyzing information. He makes me believe that my voice is worth being heard. Thank you Mr. Matray!

Dr. Matray is an amazing professor who is willing to go the extra mile for students who show interest. He requires a lot from his studends. However, you will leave his class with more knowledge than you started with. He will teach you to write, think and understand better.

Brilliant! And also a complete A.S.S ... which is something I admire in a prof. After taking this class, I feel like I truely earned my degree. Historiography, who would have known.

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At first Matray will scare the crap out of you, but if you last the whole semester you will find he's a really friendly, supportive guy who really wants to see his students push their limits and succeed beyond their own expectations. Very effective at getting you to write better, present your arguments, read critically . . . I wish I had taken this class my first semester, because it would have enhanced my experience in my other classes tenfold. O Captain, my Captain . . . thank you so much.

He's a really great teacher and knows his stuff and hes definitely a little hard but he jsut has high expectations but hes not to tough of a grader. ewally learned a lot

Matray may seem scary at first bit hes a great teacher. The reading is optional but class attendance is important as well as note taking. All you have to do i pay attention and you'll find that he can be funny. He jsut wants the best pf his students.

Do not sign up for this if you were looking for an easy class. Granted, Matray is a very good teacher, but the "bad" thing is he expects a lot from his students. Tests are very difficult. 1 Essay question and 4 short answers (which pool from over 100 topics) make up the test. DO NOT TAKE MATRAY unless you have REAL interest in History.

Professor Matray speaks in a manner that you can understand and stay interested in throughout the entire class time. He expects a LOT from his students, and the tests/quizzes are quite difficult. Read your books carefully and you will do fine.

Great professor, great man. However, this class was intense! You write a 20-25 page paper on US foreign relations, but he kept giving assignments which took time from research. Be prepared to read and research a ton. You pretty cannot have much of a life if you take this with more than 9 other units. If you want easy, don't take Matray.

Professor Matray's class is very difficult. I spent lots of time doing homework outside of class, but I have learned a lot from it. He is not an easy grader by any means, but if some effort is given by the student, the class can be very rewarding and informative.

Very difficult course. Every History major should take a course with Matray. He will put you through hell but he will do whatever it takes to make you a better writer and student. If you want to get something useful out of your college experience, take a course with Matray.

This class is difficult. You must go to most of the classes, listen to the LONG lectures, take copious notes, and look things up to get by. However, I have learned to work very hard for my grade, and I don't disagree with Matray's teaching style. If you have questions, go to his office, he is VERY helpful outside of the classroom.

The Class is hard and it requires a lot of reading. Mr. Matray has high expectations for all of his students and pushes them to work hard, he cares A LOT about students learning and WILL help any student that goes into his office. If your up for a challenge and you appreciate teachers who genuinely care about you, this is the class for you.

I was Dr. Matray's student over 25 years ago @ NMSU - from the student comments I see he is still the same teacher today. I still remember his comments on my writing, and, yes, they were helpful and made me a better writer. If you read this - hello! from an old GRA.

He is a really great teacher. As hard as his class may be, you actually learn a LOT from his class. As long as you go to class and listen to his lectures, you can have a good idea of what is going on in the class. Reading isn't mandatory, but recommended. Great class, just study for the tests and ATTEND HIS REVIEW SESSIONS! go to his office hours!

He is a wonderful teacher! just keep up with his lectures/reading or it is easy to fall behind. i have learned a lot from his class and he is a great lecturer. this class took up a lot a time but definitely worthwhile.

Do not take this class if you don't plan to work hard, but if you do it will definitely be worth your while. I learned so much in his class and am thankful. Attendance is mandatory. You should keep up with the reading if you expect to get an A. He is really nice and helpful if you go to office hours. The people who complained are probably just lazy

This Class was hard from the get go! Matray was very clear from the beginning, there is an extensive amount of reading, and your grade shows how much you have read. his lectures were the most exciting, story telling lectures i have had the pleasure of listening too. take the class if you are a seriously dedicated student

I truly enjoyed this class. His lectures are entertaining and easy to understand. Do people forget that we are in COLLEGE?? This isn't high school anymore!! Stop being lazy and start working for your grade! Out of my five years in college, Matray challenged me unlike any other teacher. Thank you for a great semester!

If u r looking for a class in which u will actually learn the material- this one is it. He may not say exactly how u shud go about learning it but he allows u to use wutever technique works best for u to gain the knowledge. It is definitely not an easy class but it makes u appreciate that aspect because it brings forth a challenge.

I definitely took a lot away from this class. He's by far one of the finer educators at Chico State. He had great lectures and a fair way of grading. Also, the tests were all essay and really challenged you. All in all a great professor.

he makes sure u actually learn something in his section. and always willing to help a bit more durring office hours. over all truly enjoyed his class

Pretty easy. Just show up, take notes, and listen. Never had a better lecture hour. Keeps your attention by being extremely animated, he truly takes pride in his work

Matray is probably the best lecturer that you will come across. His tests are challenging and he makes you read more than the other teachers of this course but looking back it was worth it.He knows the material by heart, cares about whether you're actually learning(the only professor that knew my name this semester)and is extremely professional.

Grades hard but 50 min class went by really fast. Take lots of notes and keep up on ready. He is a funny guy who loves history! I learned A LOT in his class

One of my favorite teachers! I absolutely loved each class - I learned so much. His lectures are passionate, funny, and engaging. Just be sure to take notes quickly to keep up with his speed, I have to take my laptop. As long as you take good notes and write his assigned essays you will do good in class!

Don;t buy the book, it's 1500 pages long. You'll never read it, dont waste the money.

Lectures are lively and he is very passionate about the subject that he teaches. As long as you are a student who is willing to do your work, you will do well in this class. There is no homework, just tests, which can be intimidating, but as long as you pay attention, take notes and READ THE BOOKS you will do well. You will get the hang of it.

He's a very animated teacher that gets 50 minutes three times a week to jam as much knowledge as he can into your face-brain. He does the best he can, and on top of that, adds a theatrical quality to some parts of his lectures that make it much more interesting to watch. Do the work and try to understand the situation he's in when teaching so many.

He starts off seemingly difficult and all he does is lecture, but once the tests roll around they're fairly easy but they're only a 3-4 questions. I started off disliking him but he's a good man,he is very understanding, and will try to help you and isn't as bad as he seems at first. These other reports are exaggerated.

This was my hardest class that I have ever took, But the professor knows what he is talking about, you get what you put in, I learn alot so far. For students that are lazy, i do not recommend this class. Overall, Great Professor!

Honestly this class isn't a piece of cake but if you READ and go to class it's manageable. I absolutely love that unlike most professors he makes his students WORK for their grade not just hands them away. This may make him come off rude but its only because he really wants his students to learn and not just get through college without learning.

You WILL learn US history in this class do to the amount of studying required, his test are ridiculously hard and I feel that he does not give perfect scores; you can get an A on all his test/quiz, but it most likely won't be 100%. He uses hyperboles and raises his voice as means of entertainment which can occasionally make you laugh. Permits sleep

Dr. Matray's teaching style is engaging and adds favor to a subject that could easily by its nature be quite boring. His clear command of the material is evident and his examples and wit bring the subject to life. He is an outstanding orator and he is by far the best professor I've ever had in my five years of college.

He is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He has a genuine zeal for the subject. The man is a senior citizen who literally runs around the front of the room and jumps up and down because he gets THAT into the lectures. If you go to the class and do like a third of the readings [I recommend doing all of them] you are going to love class.

Moves very fast through lectures but if you do the readings ahead of time you won't get lost. Very good with office hours and willing to help you out if you help yourself. He's a little crazy but it's very amusing and makes everyone laugh. Be ready to work hard.

Read prior to class, it will make note taking a lot easier. If you are looking for an easy class, drop now and switch professors. Read the books for his quizzes, some questions refer to the author's opinion or explanation. Sparknotes worked for 1/3 of the quizzes. Be prepared for class, don't be lazy and you'll be fine.

This class was not easy, but Matray is an amazing professor! He expects you to pay attention, and participate in class, but he gives you everything you need to do a good job! Do not take his classes if you are trying to skate by, but if you are a serious student, you'll miss out on an amazing experience.

The first day I entered class, Mr. Matray said that "college wasn't supposed to be easy. You're here for a challenge and to get your money's worth" and honestly, he's right. This class isn't easy, but it's not excruciatingly difficult. He's a great teacher and person and very helpful. Read the books and attend the review sessions and you're fine.

!DO NOT BUY THE BOOK! you wont need it! His tests are on the significance of certain key terms in his slides. Additional background info can always be found online. Tough teacher, fast paced lectures, but super nice.

Matray is my favorite history professor! His lectures are animated, interesting, and he is always energetic. He actually wants you to succeed, but gets you to think critically and you'll leave class actually knowing history! Also, a few days before the test, he will hold this review session and give you sample questions, THAT ARE ON THE TEST!!

Really glad I decided to take his class, he's hilarious and gets super into the lectures! Not to many tests and he gives you everything that's on there, so just study. He expects you to earn your grade not just bs your way through the class. Attendance is mandatory but the lectures are interesting so that's not a problem. One of the best proffesors

Those of you who wish to enter college looking to improve who you are and what you can be, this is the professor. This is a professor who makes your degree worth putting on your wall. Part of the college experience is to gain a level of critical thinking and habits that make you a valuable asset in today's job market. Don't ever retire 2valuable

Matray is such an amazing, yet tough professor. I didn't really care for history until I took his class. He's super nice, he teaches you so much, and his lectures are always full of enthusiasm. If you're the kind of student that likes to breeze through school don't take his class because he makes you work for your grade.

Matray was my favorite professor last semester. Even though the exams were tough, he was a passionate and very enthusiastic lecturer. I loved going to his office hours because he was ALWAYS willing to help. I would recommend him! Just don't be afraid to read!

Professor Matray is always dressed nice & gives engaging lectures. At times he talk fast but he wants you to read the book before class, so you have an idea on the topic being discussed. He runs around yelling and cracking jokes, his lectures are very enjoyable! This class that will challenge your college student abilities, in a good way!

Difficulty depends on what kind of student you are. 6 tests, essay questions only! If you're good at absorbing the lectures you may not use the book much. Makes you work for it. Is hilarious and fast paced in class! Good for an early morning. Appreciates thoughtful answers, even if wrong, and class questions. Show him that you want to be there!

This man is the hardest teacher ever but I got an A so y'all should take him don't read it's useless just take some tight notes and don't ask stupid questions.

I highly recommend this professor to anyone who loves history. If you would like to sit back and do nothing this is not the professor for you. Professor Matray is tough but he does care. He will prepare you for future. Did I stress? Yes, but he made me a better writer, student, teacher and person. Thank you Professor Matray.

He is a very passionate speaker he makes funny jokes so laugh at them it makes his day. His class goes by fast so just go to them they help your grade. His slides carry little to no information so pay more attention to what he saying and write it down, he speaks kind of fast but you can always ask him to repeat. Not to many test or quizzes.

James Matray is super knowledgeable on history and everything about it. Every class consisted of a 50 minute lecture except for quiz and test days. If you show up to every class then your end of the year grade can be nothing lower than a C-, which I opted for. I would say it's not worth reading the book assigned if you show up to every lecture.

Honestly, i was so skeptical to chose him as my history professor because of the reviews he had, but to be honest i made the right chose. I understand that for a typical GE course this class is too hard and consistent of a lot of reading but its worth it. Just show up to lecture every day (ON TIME), take good notes, and STUDY. You will pass.

Professor Matray was by far one of the best professors I've ever taken a class w/. His lectures were always upbeat, animated, and incredibly interesting. He provides an outline for the lectures and if you study the key terms on the outline you will get a good grade in the class. He truly cares about his students too. Take him if you have the chance

Great Class easygoing just show up to class

Matray made the lectures totally entertaining and I feel like I have actually learned stuff about history. He expects a lot from you. There is 3 tests and 3 book quizzes. I never read the textbook only the three books he assigns as well. Go to lectures you'll be good. Even though this isn't a sit back and relax class he is worth taking!

Professor Matray gives entertaining lectures full of passion and effort on his part, while he covers US history as a chronological story. He clearly has a passion for the subject, and as long as you can absorb his lectures and take decent notes, his class is manageable and worth taking.

I have never learned more about history until I took this class. I enjoy a challenge and if you do too and are okay with actually studying, take this class. He cares about his students and often asks if we have questions and encourages meeting with him after class if we have any problems. It is a lot of reading but it's not impossible.

If you want an easy A, this isn't the class for you. His class consists of 3 reading book quizzes and 3 essay tests. I remember reading his rates and I was scared but as long as you go to every class, take good notes and STUDY, you should be fine. He's a great guy. I've learned so much in his class.

Hard but impactful class. A class youll actually learn something valuable from. A passionate and brilliant professor. Was a lot of work but you actually get the education youre paying for!

Matray's 130 course is great and if you really want to get into the nitty-gritty of history I recommend you take his course. Exams are essays that reward you heavily if you generally understand what you're talking about. Quizzes are easy, just read the books on the syllabus and you'll pass easily. Solid class and great entertaining lectures.

Hard class

Helpful and kind teacher but an extremely difficult class. Don't have to read the books to pass, but do need to go to class for lectures.

Dr. Matray is one of the few teachers that is really passionate about what he is teaching. Tough class but looking at the bright side, the only homework you have is to study a lot for the 3 final exams and 3 book quizzes. The key to passing is understanding the material and studying. Miss class.. you are going to miss a lot of information.

This will be the best prof you take at CSUC. Dr. Matray is one of the few people in your life of whom you will say that you can never repay. Look to your future, past your current schooling, and this coursework will do more for you than you can know at the moment. How do I know? Because Dr. Matray was my Master's mentor twenty years ago.

I will keep it short and to the point but basically I want to start off by saying Matray gets a lot of hate on here just for having an above average class in regards to difficulty. That being said, if you take his class and actually try not only will you pass but you will LEARN.

Matray is as tough of a grader as he is a brilliant professor. He is beyond knowledgeable and you will learn so much if you take his class. This professor should be taken by anyone majoring in history. It is a tough class but worth it.

This history class is not easy. However it was one of the most enriching classes I have ever taken. James Matray is always on time, lectures thoroughly, and has high expectations. His expectations make you a better student. He gives me hope! There is lots of reading but the books are pleasant. I recommend this class if you like history

I have had Matray a few times, and each time I am pushed to my potential. His lectures keep you interested and provide lots of information. He gives you every tool to succeed, and everytime I walk away from a Matray class, I know I EARNED my grade. He definitely can be particular but thanks to him I can cite a paper with my eyes closed.

The class is challenging, but he instills a care within your work that is priceless. You will walk away from the class being a far more competent student/writer. Do not let his professionalism diminish how personable he is; his commentary may seem harsh at times - though there is absolutely no malicious intent behind this. *Top 3 prof. @ CSU Chico*

Dr. Matray's class is challenging but worth it. He prepares students to be future historians by emphasizing plenty of reading, critical thinking, writing, and giving oral presentations in front of the class. He's always available to meet and willing to help. He's clearly passionate about his subject and cares deeply about his students.

Hist 435: The majority of content comes from lectures. Dr. Matray knows his stuff. He's very polished and keeps lectures within the allotted time. Write out all the short answers before exams and it will be easier. Attendance is necessary. One of the hardest classes I've ever taken, but I learned a lot.

Matray is tough, but his classes are worth it - you will be a better writer and reader after taking his classes. It will be worth the chaos, and his stories are fun - sometimes, he can be a little intimidating, but once you are used to him, then you will see he cares for his students. He will help you - you just have to ask. Amazing Professor.

He may seem difficult at times but that's because we are so used to skating by and receiving handouts from professors. He makes you work and he is probably one of the few professors that gave me the grade that I felt that I truly earned. You will not be able to cut corners or give excuses and expect a passing grade.