I meant that he is a good teacher, but the subject is hard.

good teaching style but sometimes he got caught up in his own world. the mini-test were not that hard but the midterm and the final were kinda crazy.

Good teacher. Presents the material well, but his midterms and final are extremely difficult. A good deal of reading as well. Only problem is he is far too picky on essays. Focused more on writing skill than understanding the material. This hurt the grades of some of his top students without reason.

Very difficult teacher and demands a lot. However, you got a ton of information from him. If you can keep up with the pace and not fall behind, you'll have an awesome time.

Good teacher, nice guy, but hard class. You better be prepared to work!

took this last semester...if ur not on top of it...ur dead...not that hard....expect for his two tests...i did bad on one and great on the other....just study each test 1-2 weeks before....the guide he gives does help.... besides that it was a fun classe

You work hard, but it's worth with the amount of information you learn.

Entertaining and informative lectures; the tests aren't that hard, but you MUST read the assigned texts if you want to do well on the essays.

Best professor I've had at Sac State. Interesting, funny, informative, and he knows his subject matter. The final and midterm are hard, but if you study you should be fine. Take his class!

He is a very knowledgeable teacher. I have to agree with everyone else though. His midterm and final are pretty rough. But if you enjoy the subject, studying for it shouldn't be an issue.

You will read 5 books and have a test one 1 book. He has 2 exams with 1 essay. The class is very difficult because of so much reading you'll have to do. If you don't like reading and writing essays, do not take his class.

He emphasizes alot of his words. The teacher is funny and nice. In order to get a good grade just make sure to attend his lectures and take good notes (he doesnt use a textbook)! Exams are difficult if you dont know the information. Be prepared on exams and know ALL the information!

alot of note taking but class was overall not too bad. knows his subject very well. he tries to keep it intersting. take his class!

Essay papers were graded a bit too hard IMO(my writing intensive course was 100x easier). I really love this subject so the papers were a downer. Requires several literature books. Text not needed unless (I used it b/c if you miss a word hes says, youre screwed). Lots of note-taking,pay attention! he is funny at times. Exams difficult b/c of essays

He definitely challenges the students, which can be good. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field. He assigns outside books to read, 4 in my class. Had difficulty keeping up with all the reading. Witty sense of humor though. To pass his classes you need to be there.

Awesome teacher, great stories, and good sense of humour in his lectures. It is challenging, but as long as you go to class and do the reading and study guide you'll be fine.

Dym is one of the best teachers ive had.. his material is interesting and he does a very good job of explaining exactly what he puts on the tests. his quizzes are helpful too along with the reading. take him!

This course is an extremely challenging course, but the professor makes it interesting and worthwhile. Attendance isn't mandatory, but all of his exams are based on lecture, so in a way, it kind of is. A lot of reading is done with supplementary literature, all of which were interesting and educational. I highly recommend this class and this prof.

Wonderful teacher. He's organized, no surpises on tests and interesting material. He does expect a lot out of you as it is difficult to get an A on essay assignments. Definitely attend class even though he does not take roll otherwise, you'll find yourself way behind. Lectures are very crucial.

I would definitely recommend him! His lectures are interesting, but you should attend them! If you don't you'll find yourself behind. His essay tests are hard so you really have to know your stuff. He also has quizzes weekly.

he was awesome. i crammed for every test...but that's my fault and i still got a B+ easily. It was a lot of information to take in but it was all interesting. I really enjoyed doing the journal assignments the most- and article with anything to do with asia and write about it. EASY points

this guy was tight! i liked him a lot... he showed me some really good films that i recommended to other people. take him!

Professor Dym is one of the rare few teachers who knows how to make his class relevant, informative, and funny. He's a little tough on the grading, but if you're willing to put forth the effort to learn, you'll learn more from his classes than you would have thought possible. Highly recommended!

He was really interesting in my opinion and his tests weren't that bad if you actually studied. The only thing I hated was the first book we read, Train to Pakistan.

Was so not expecting this class to be fun, but prof. Dym made it really interesting. Opened my eyes. If you attend class and take notes,read the novels, and study for clicker quizzes you will pass. Take this professor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He is amazing! I had previously taken the class with a different professor and dropped it because of how horrible it was. But Dym makes his class so much fun. He's a bit spazzy and makes a lot of jokes, all while teaching you everything you need to know to pass the tests. Clicker quizzes are hard, study your notes every day before class to pass.

Prof Dym is one of the best professors I have ever had at Sac State. I've had him pretty much 4 years in a row. He really made it fun and interesting. He's a little book happy: assigning about 7-14 books per semester. As long as you read, it's fairly simple to pass the class.

Dym was an excellent professor. He knew his information and helped answer questions any of the students had. I really enjoyed his class. You have to study if you want to pass his class. Remember to do the weekly news articles and read all the books!

the 4 books are relatively interesting. if you read the books, you'll understand the material better. you have to go to class EVERYDAY or you'll fall way behind. he kept me interested, but there is a lot of info you have to retain for the midterm and final. i haven't taken the final yet, but it's relatively the same. you need to know dates + names

Great professor, makes classes interesting and entertaining. Does require quite a bit of reading for a lower division GE class, but the information presented and learned will allow you to further your knowledge of history. Overall great guy, and look forward to taking his classes in the future.

This was a really nice professor! He was very helpful during his office hours and if you showed him that you wanted to succeed then he will help you get that A in the class! The four novels we had to read were super easy to read. Everyone should be able to pass this class easily!

His midterm and final are all on the lectures, so attend class. You'll have 4 quizzes, each on a book. He has a study guide for the midterm and final each, telling you exactly what you need to know. Recommended.

First time taking Professor Dym. Great Professor! Difficult grader, but he puts a lot of work into his class and expects the same from you. The best part about his class, was his personality. Very animated and has a great sense of humor. He had me cracking up all semester. One of my top five HIST professors at Sacramento State.

I took his second class of this, and it was a lot of fun. There is a lot of reading, and he is still working on the structure of the class and tests, but he seems very understanding. I would take this class again. Do not take it if you just want to chat about manga and think it will be easy, it is work, but it is worth it.Read everything!

Gives you a clear outline of what he expects out of you for the class. He does grade hard on papers, but it isn't impossible to get an A either. If you show up to his office hours with questions on how to be a stronger writer he will try to give you some pointers. All of his classes do require a fair amount of reading, but none are "hard" reads.

The novels he makes you read are very interesting and a fast read. I suggest to take notes while reading because his quiz ask for tiny details as what the characters had to eat/drink. IDK why he bothers to ask that. Other than that, the only book you will hate is Kusamakura. It was sooo boring. Also, there are 3 compare and contrast essays. EASY.

Great professor, but you HAVE to read the novels or you will fail!

Hard Class but fun proff, he ALWAYS keeps it interesting with jokes. Its ALOT of info so you have to attend lecture though he doesnt take attendance. There are 4 book quizzes+midterm+final. GREAT books tho, study hard+youll pass fine, THIS IS NOT AN EASY A. Had I not missed a book quiz Id probly have an A. Record lecture and take notes, it helps :)

Very enthusiastic about the subject (I took Asian Civ). The material gets overwhelming, so going to class is a MUST, as is reading the assigned novels. The book quizzes aren't hard but you also can't SparkNotes your way into a passing grade. Key to a good grade in this class is keep up. Do the current events, read the novels, study lecture notes!

Challenging but a very fun and interesting class. Just get perfect scores on your current events, pass the book quizzes, and score decent/high on the exams and you should be fine. Once you experience how his exam is, you'll want to work hard on the last exam (which if you study diligently you'll ace.) My fav class so far at Sac State tbh.

Took him last semester for HIST-146B. Really great professor. He's filled with a wealth of knowledge about Asia, especially Japan. He is a naturally caring person, and always encourages his students to do their best. Also brings in different scholarship opportunities to class. Dym is the best professor I've had at Sac State so far. Will take again.

great teacher, fun class. very interesting lectures

Great professor! His lectures are both informative and funny, but his grading is tough. He demands only the best out of his students. He rarely gives out extra credit, but when he does, TAKE IT!!! It might save your grade (as it did for me).

Professor Dym is one of my favorite professor's at SAC State. He is an accomplished professor who cares about his students intellectual understanding about the topics he is teaching. He does grade hard but he explains everything in detail so that a student can ask for help if needed.

Prof Dym is an awesome lecturer. He explains things in a very interesting and sometimes funny way. He speaks very fast, I recommend recording his lectures if you aren't a fast writer. His tests are pretty hard, study thoroughly and you'll get a decent grade. I recommend you have an interest in Asian culture to take his class. Overall awesome prof.

If you're looking for an easy A then this course is not for YOU! 1. there are a total of 5 novels that are required to read and he does quiz you on them and you cannot miss those days, NO EXCEPTION 2. he talks & lectures super fast, so be prepared to write super fast or record him. But fear not because as long as you read and listen you'll pass!

Professor Dym sets pretty high standards for his students. His lectures can be a little confusing at times as he goes on tangents now and again, but he is very funny and keeps the lecture interesting. He is always available for questions during his office hours. Do not skip class. Definitely not an easy A.

Funny awkward white guy lol. The only hw was to summarize articles at least 10x during the semester (you can choose when/ what weeks you want to submit them) A midterm, final (not cumulative), &5 book quizzes. Book quizzes were easy for me bc I could read the novels quickly& still comprehend. However, if reading is not ur strong suit, good luck...

Dym is honestly one of my favorite lecturers from Sac State. The material and side stories he tells are very interesting and relevant. I earned an A on the final and midterm but did horribly on the book quizzes SO PLEASE READ READ READ!!!

My favorite teacher and an extremely easy class. I forgot to study for the midterm and still passed with an A. Offers plenty of extra credit opportunities. The quizzes are easy if you read the book and he even took off the lowest score AND gave a bonus for passing all of them. I never buy his textbooks, only the literature books for quizzes.

Do not miss his classes. Also pay attention, he might say one thing that is not on the Powerpoint and it will be on the exam / quiz.

The format of his class is clear. 10 small journals. 5 book quizzes. one midterm & one final. BEWARE though. His format of an exam is way different. 25 matching. 1 essay. 5 term definitions of the 5 W's. Very blunt but passionate about asian civ. I don't recommend on taking it if you're a bad test taker like myself. thumbs down on exam format.

Expect a lot of work. Lots of books to read from him but they are very entertaining and interesting. Exams are hard but the study guide can help A LOT! He is passionate about Asian Civilizations and it shows through his teaching. He makes jokes once in awhile and I love it! Great professor. Would recommend.

VERY DIFFICULT. SS lead the discussion every week, expect to participate and come every time or you will not do good. Offers a B- agreement, MEET THIS. It is a book, 3 pg essay, and class discussion lead by SS every week plus a movie day. You learn A TON but it is difficult. Some of the books were... dense, large, and boring but informative.

Overall, he is a great professor. He knows what he is talking about. He lecture in details so make sure you attend class and listen to his lectures. In this class we mostly read chapter books and did current event commentaries, those make up grades along with midterm and final.

Taken 3 classes. Very hard grader, fantastic lecturer. You really cannot miss lectures! Doesn't hand out A's usually, but he's always open to help you outside of class. Really no-nonsense, but wants his students to succeed. Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he teaches. I really enjoy his classes. You MUST be ready to put in effort.

He's impressive based on his views on American ignorance, especially when it comes to Asian history and it's influence on the west, but he's not the nicest professor you'll have. A little hard to approach if you're a 1st yr. If you're really into Asian studies/Ethnic studies/Asian history, you'll do fine.

Dr. Dym is a hard professor to take. He's very professional, very serious, and a little awkward, especially at the beginning of the semester. I've taken a few classes with him now because he really challenges me and pushes me to really learn the material. Tough grader but a great teacher. Lots of reading. Attendance isn't required but don't skip.

I always look for a good history class to take and this was an amazing choice. Such an engaging prof. really hilarious and ironic. Breaks the material down to the core and I have found out so many new things not even related to the subject in his class. The only thing is you have to read the books he assigns and the quizzes can be tricky.

This class is Ge Ge Ge. By that I mean it's spooky. And by that I mean you will be spooked when you find out how much work goes into a History of Manga class. Definitely the hardest Dym class there is at CSUS. NOT an easy A.

Interesting class. This professor makes the lectures fun and provides an electronic outline accessible throughout the semester. Coming to class is very important because his tests are based on his lectures and resemble the studyguides. Must read all novels to pass book quizzes (3/6 extra credit). 10 Current Event Commentaries throughout semester.

He is the hardest professor i have ever taken, like went to his class right after being at the hospital then home. However, he is also the most amazing Professor i encountered at school. Knows what he is doing, is clear on what he wants and is there for you if you need him. BE Prepared to work

This class is not an easy A, but Dym is a very amazing professor! Make sure to come to class everyday as he does use Tophat to take attendance. There are 4 book w/ quizzes for each, but he only take the 2 best scores and you get extra credit for passing the other two. His midterm and finals are VERY hard. Make sure to study ahead of time!

Amazing professor. Very upfront and challenging but the experience is very much worth it. He doesn't have an attendance policy but the content is important and challenging enough as an incentive to come to class everyday. He fits a ton of information in his lecture which are easy to follow. Just come to class and you'll be ready to pass

Attendance isn't mandatory, but there's a quiz u take on tophat every class. U have to go to the lectures in order to get the information. He gives study guides, but his tests are based on his lectures. 4 book quizzes, 2 counted. 2 tests with matching, ID's, essay. Go to the review sessions, it helps. Material's interesting, professor is chill

I really enjoyed his class. The lectures were interesting. But I can't stress this enough, read the books. Those book quizzes will save you from your midterm and final grades in case you do badly on them. The exams are difficult so I recommend making a quizlet for the terms based on the power points he has on canvas. But yeah, study for the exams!

Make sure to take good notes especially on the videos because the exams can get very specific and is heavily lecture based. He drops the two lowest quiz scores, but beware because all of them are out of 20 and if you miss 8, he will give you a 0 on the quiz. Don't have to buy any manga, just look online. Not easy but it was still a fun class.

Professor Dym is one of my favorite professors! His lectures are interesting and he always throws in a few jokes here and there. He assigns us to read 4 books (quizzed on), midterm, final term, and do 10 current events. No trick questions on the quizzes or tests. Just do the reading and the work, you will certainly pass.

Professor Dym knows his subject well but he expects his students to possess the same enthusiasm and depth of knowledge. I took this course simply because it was the only GE course available that fit my schedule and it ended up being the hardest course I have taken.

Extremely in depth lectures. I loved them but I can't imagine anyone without an Asian Studies major to take this class. He had four novels to read and tested you on them as well as tested you on lecture based info. Really hard midterm&final- (where, who, what, when, why, how) write in + essay + mult choice format tests. Interesting as heck though.

We watched films and discussed it instead of doing exams which I thought was great, the films were very interesting and the discussions were easy. We also did a read weekly Asian news and write about it which is very straightforward. The only very annoying thing was the book quiz, about 25 questions due in 11 minutes at the beginning of class time!

Since everything was online, we did not have a midterm or a final for this class. Synchronous, in-depth lectures occurred every two weeks. Difficult part of this class was the book readings - fairly long novels and there were 4 25 question quizzes. He was always available for office hours and grading was fast & clear.

I love Professor Dym and he's of my favorite profs in History department. I'm biased as a history major, but he is SO knowledgeable about Japanese history and he was a great moderator in the history senior seminar about the atomic bomb. I am sure all of us fellow history buffs appreciate his expertise and how passionate he is about Japan

Very knowledgeable about the subject and funny. Lectures are decently paced and is willing to take questions often. Makes all slides available and is willing to help with the papers assigned. Gives study guides for midterm and final. Most important of all: no pointless or obnoxious busy work like worksheets or discussion posts.

Prof. Dym is very passionate about history especially this class as it is the history of manga. His lectures are entertaining. The notes are on Canvas and he's approachable after class and his office hours. Can be dry at times and will repeat things a lot. There's an assignment involving making your own manga. Class is fun, the classmates are not.

Professor Dym's very passionate and knowledgeable about the works overall making it fun as long as you pay attention. Very straightforward. Material is clear. Midterm, final, and creating own manga assignment. 14 quizzes, 2 lowest dropped. Classmates weren't fun as some didn't respect the professor, caring only about grades and not the content.

He makes his syllabus and rules clear. He provides a very informative study guide. He posts his outline on Canvas. He is straight forward with what he expects of you. The course is highly terminology based, so expect to take copious notes.

I absolutely loved this course, but be ready to read. He introduces you to so many genres and you can tell he's really passionate for what he teaches. The project we had to do was indeed tough but it was a lot of fun to work on. Do not wait until the last minute to do the project.

I took Professor Dym in Fall of 2023 and hindsight is funny. I didn't initially care for being graded on so few assignments and he did assign a good amount of work. However, after completing his class, I really admire how he instructed and that he genuinely cares about students LEARNING. Dr. Dym is not an easy "A", and he will challenge you!

Very easy class, you watch the assigned anime for the week and you write a discussion post about it. Grading is hard but the criteria is there so make sure to follow it. Professor Dym is great, make sure you attend class, you'll have a blast.

This manga class was really fun to take but this isn't the 'for fun' class I thought it would be because this professor actually wants you to learn and appreciate manga by the end of the semester. The midterm is no joke, make sure to study hard and attend lectures if you take this class.

This is an awesome course and if you like manga or anime its a great way to get a historical overview. This was a fun class would definitely take another course with him.

He is a passionate educator about Japanese culture and history. You need to read and write an essay about 2/3 books he assigns. Harsh grader, but his critiques help you notice what you had missed in the reading. I like the pictures in his lectures because he took them when he went on his trips to Japan.

Professor Dym's class is not for the faint of heart - it's challenging, with high expectations. But if you engage with the material and use helpful study tools like Unstuck ai, you can succeed and gain valuable insights.

Professor Dym is pretty chill and he is a good lecturer. Throughout the semester, you will have to read 4 novels and do a quiz on each of them, and do 10 current event commentaries, which are rather easy. The midterm and final exam are super challenging, but he does give a study guide a couple weeks in advance.

I had a very rough time in Professor Dym's classes but I don't regret it in any capacity. I initially saw him as a bit of an ass but I learned quickly he just expects more from his students and will not be nice about dumb questions regarding his syllabus. Read the books, take time on the studying, enjoy his class. You'll be fine don't disappoint.

If you're taking this for the upper humanities GE, I recommend taking another class. His midterm is tough and there's a lot of reading required. The final is easier in comparison, but it's a fun class and he's a great professor!

Professor Dym is amazing and wants his students to succeed. He is very clear from the beginning of the course that this is a serious class and not an easy A for anime lovers. He is clear with what he wants in his syllabus and rubrics. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS! it's so helpful, he gives great insight. Procrastinate on readings and you will fail.

While Professor Dym is a "hard" professor, you take one to two book quizzes a week and have a "tough" midterm/final, his class was the highlight of my semester. What you learn during his lectures is important for the midterm, so take notes on his words- not slides! He will help you with any questions as long as you just ask/ go to office hours.