Treats students with respect and has a great sense of humor

Cool guy; chooses great text; reinvents course material; keep up w/reading

outstanding!!

hard but gooood

He's hard, but you learn so much...especially Hist. 410, 445

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Easy class if you are a good writer. Have to do all of the reading.

The class is awesome and much is learned from the lectures. The exams (essay questions) seem easy but are graded kinda rough. Unfortunately, most of the information given in class is fun to learn but not as much is included in the exams unfortunately.

Challenging course, but I learned a lot. He is a very intelligent and good-looking older man. I would recommend his classes to anyone. You have to work hard though.

Too much reading & then we weren't even tested on it! Very frustrating. Class was kind of boring & he ALWAYS kept us the entire time. overall not horrible but I will never take him again.

lots and lots and lots of readings... nice guy. attend class- you'll be fine!

he is not a hard teacher- JUST PARTICIPATE! you should def get a B if you put a lil effort towards the work. Just do as he asks and you'll be fine... if u need help, ask hiM! he is willing to help you out. dont' let these other blurbs scare u

challenging course, but you learn a lot. can get away w/ only doing half the readings- just participate! partic is 25% of your grade.grades fairly if you follow his criteria.no tests! 1 research paper, a webpage project,teaching unit,&textbook analysis

good professor, pretty easy and helpful. No tests, just essays, they are easy. Went to class most of the time and got an A.

took his 445 as well, but this class is totally different. u must work for his class, much reading, participation. projects are big but teach you alot. got a B+ a fair grader & great guy, dont be scared you will LEARN a lot, dont take if not needed

interesting class, but he seems to trudge on a bit too long on some subjects - market revolution ~ anyone? anyone? relatively tough grader. GO TO CLASS - is only way to do well.

He is one of my favorite teachers at State. Very interesting and easy to talk to. You have to do things his way though on the papers. He is very helpful though if you have any questions at all.

I have learned a lot in Putman's class this semester. I was kind of scared to take him at the beginning because I heard he was hard, but he really isn't that bad. If you read at least some of the readings (and there is a lot), participate and show up to class it won't be too bad.

great class! a lot of readings but interesting and relate to lectures. tests are essay exams either take home or in class. attendance is cruicial to take good notes and do well on the exams. the class is really interesting and you learn a lot about cali!

Tough but fair grader. Interesting cousre, you MUST DO READING and attend class to pass. Willing to help if you have questions.

I've had him before, same drill as last time. Good teacher, but is gonna give you a lot of work. Demands good essays, participation and reading. Nothing a upper level college student can't handle.

I really enjoyed the class. He brings up obscure facts that helps keep the class interesting. However, he is a tough grader on papers (but easier on in class essays). Very little class participation but brings in interesting outside resources to supplement (like WWII disney cartoons).

Dr. Putman made this class infinately fascinating. Learned a lot. A LOT of reading, but all interesting and pertinent. Putman is organized and provides more than enough info to get you an "A" if you read, attend class, and write well. He expects college level writing...go figure. Take him if you want to actually learn something while at school.

This class was very interesting, he uses music, cartoons and movies to get your attention. There is a LOT of reading, but nothing too bad. He grades hard on papers, and make sure not to skip class, you will regret it when test time comes.

Lectures so fast it was hard to take notes. Prances around like a spastic meat puppet. There was no text but an incredible amount of required reading. He is preoccupied with the 60s. Tests were all essay. Take home tests were basically another term paper. The term paper was brutal. He grades very hard and has a liberal bias but not extreme.

Best professor ever taken at State....difficult heavy load but very interesting if you enjoy history...do the readings, not only do they extremely help w/ tests, but he will question you for input during class!!!!! Very hot guy, and knows his material.

Professor Putman is a wonderful teacher. Everything is very clear and interesting. The tests and paper seem hard, but he is a pretty easy grader. He is also kind of funny, in a dry sort of way

This class was interesting starting with the 60s, before that it was boring. Very hard work load, don't take over summer. Books are long (atleast 200 pgs) and boring, papers are hard, and the lectures are long and fast pace. Eventhough, I really liked this class. Good teacher and knows his stuff

Excellent! Everyone should take him!

hot. he is intelligent and cute. he uses all sorts of media in order to get the point across. the papers are well planned out. just go to class everyday and take notes. read the books. he does the work for you when it comes to the papers.

Dude, this guy is awesome! He's a total trekkie, but awesome anyway. The lectures aren't boring at all, they're pretty cool. Powerpoints and lectures are easy to understand, just pay attention. Readings SEEM interesting (still haven't got into them yet =/).

His lectures are very interesting but you have to read and do the 3 essays in order to get a good grade. He is a very harsh grader, but overall his class is worthwhile.

I loved this class and would love to take another class from him. He makes history insteresting and worth learning. I would reccommend him to ANY of my friends, so take him if you can!!

Interesting lectures with well integrated media. Average amount of writing assignments. Average amount of reading assignments. Tough grader but reasonable. My first assignment was a low B and by the end I was getting A's. Learn what he wants from you for the papers and give it to him, then you're set.

He is not a regular history teacher! He wants you to think and learn. I enjoyed this class! Remember to keep up on the readings or you won't do well.

He's the best at State! Class was interesting and walk out with tons of historical knowledge, which rarely occurs. Not easy material....but watching him lecture is enjoyable as well!

If there's one class that is easy, then it's HIST 410. It's starts as a cake walk but it can go both ways.

Cool class, but tough prof. He knows his stuff and is pretty straight forward in his lectures. 2 Papers(Mid-term&final-no tests)& 1 Research Paper. Strict grader, BUT...I learned so much from him and he made the American West very interesting. Take him if you have time to devote to this class - no text book, but lots of books and articles to read

A Lot of reading, a lot of writing, a lot of discussion. IT'S HISTORY! GET USED TO IT!

GREAT CLASS, BUT HARD TEACHER.

I had him twice in a semester, which was double the fun, but also double the work. his lectures are amazing, he uses relevant music and video as stimulation. only recommend to hard workers who really want to learn though.

Full of himself. Avoid if possible. Although he is very knowledgable. And he is always ready to help.

Don't listen to the others. Prof is not full of himself, he is very nice, funny, and helpful. He is also very organized with his lectures and clear in his explanations. Makes class interesting with powerpoint lectures, video and music clips and class discussion. Tests are all essay, but you will do well if you attend class. I got an A.

This class wasn't so bad...he is a great professor, not full of himself at all. Read the readings and it should help. I didn't go to many of the classes and still got an A-. But, lectures are pretty interesting, so if you go you wont be bored. I would take him again.

There are challenging hard profs & nitpicky hard profs, he's the latter. The materials are easy to understand, but he expects you to regurgitate EVERY EXACT details into his exams. His questions are so vague that everyone has a different way of approaching, but if its not HIS way, its bad. His lectures are excellent though & the readings are great.

I really enjoyed the class, the lectures and readings were not boring at all. His test questions are kind of misleading and not very helpful in actually answering it. Bad tests, great teacher, I know that sounds weird, but it is true. Always available to help

HE is hard but his 410 class is very easy

Amazing Professor!!! Knows his stuff and lectures are very interesting. As long as you go to class and take good notes you'll do fine. However he is still very tough so stay on top of readings and go to class. Also recommend him for Hist. 445. Best Prof. ever!!!

Prof. Putman's lectures were great, never boring at all considering it's history! He showed many movie clips and music that are relevant to the topic, which was alwyas fun. He, however, expects you to include every single detail on the midterms (2 of them) and paper and final. I would take him again, If I can! Take him if you wanna learn history!

dr. putman is definitely the most challenging teacher that i've taken in sdsu. he's also a great lecturer and a smart person as well. must be an extremely excellent writer to do superb in the course. take very copious notes cuz he looks for that when it comes to papers and exams.

This class will give you a well rounded history of California. Attendance was not required, but I would strongly recommend. Lots of reading required and papers due, need to make reference to class notes. Overall, I enjoyed this class, lots of note taking in class is recommended.

nice enough guy, really knows a lot about history. class can be boring at times, but definitely bearable. really good notes are a must. papers must be very well written and include a lot of detail. also, doing all of the outside reading is essential, it is hardly ever referenced in class. be sure you're willing to put in the work for this class.

sweet

lectures the whole time, make sure you take good detailed notes! attendance isn't necessary but i think it helps if you go. grade's based on 2 midterms, research paper & final. kinda boring class but not that bad. pretty tough grader when it comes to the writing on the essays. his website is really helpful.

make sure you read the novels he assigns because there will be prompt questions based on them. the history textbook itself is useless, don't waste money buying it.

You don't need the history book but be sure to go to class and take DETAILED notes. It's probably the only way you'll be able to complete the questions on the study guide. Also, for tests he gives study guides and the question is usually straight from the study guide.

He's a great teacher. He plays music before the lectures which I thought was cool. The books he had us read were cool and not boring. If you love history take his class.

Great Class and a great teacher, but be prepared to work. Hardest class I have ever taken, he spends a lot of time preparing his lectures with videos, music and comedy clips. However, he expects the same from his students. I would take this guy again anytime even with all the hard work

I just started taking his summer course. He is so cool! He has a great personality and he teaches very well. I have learned a lot so far. He is one of my best professors. The class is from 10-11:40 MTWTH but somehow the time goes by rather quickly. I would totally take this guy again.

I was scared by all the mean comments, but there was not much truth to them. Sure, his class is not a piece of cake and you need to be a good writer and be in class every day and take a lot of notes. But- it's not high school anymore, people! Prof. Putman is very helpful and his class is very interesting, especially since he uses music&videoclips.

You will need to take notes like crazy, his tests are pure lecture. I recommend bringing a lap top. He is a stickler on sources for your term paper. I got a D+ on The Beatles paper just because I was missing a few sources (he said it was an A or B paper). He's a good guy though. There is also a take home midterm

Although I did poorly in this class, I enjoyed the material immensely. Professor Putman's lectures are extremely informative and his use of Powerpoint helps bring the history alive. As other comments have alluded to, be prepared to take a copious amount of notes. Study very hard before each midterm! I would definitely take another class with him.

Surprised at the negative comments. He is a great source of information on the classes he teaches. Very specific on what he wants you to take away from the course and expects those same things on papers and exams. He is a complete professional and what a History teacher should be in this student's opinion. I am taking him again right now.

I loved this class. The information is very interesting and his lectures are interesting as well. Everything he teaches is relevant and important. Awesome Class

Professor Putman is one of my favorite professors at SDSU. He really knows what he's talking about, and he's really clear on everything. I never felt like there was a dull moment in class, but then again, I do like History. He's a great professor to have if you have an interest in history, and you're a good writer.

my favorite class by far. powerpoint notes are posted online but he goes into more detail in class. two midterms and one final. i didnt do most of the reading but still did well in the class. he's great.

He is extremely clear! Midterms are in-class essays and he basically gives you the prompts before the test. One BIG research paper, but it's not bad. He puts a subtle liberal spin on things, but overall I really enjoyed his class. Easy A if you put in effort! Bring a laptop and don't buy the book.

Extremely well organized and interesting! He was very relevant and books used thought-provoking and FUN! I would take any class this professor teaches!

The class wasn't a cakewalk but wasnt super hard either. I missed a good amount of classes and got a couple low grades on big tests and ended up passing with a B. Take notes during lecture, thats what he references most, and do well on the big paper at the end and youll be fine.

Grades hard on papers and exams. Expect to be quizzed on readings every week. Star Trek class was interesting in showing episodes once a week.

I don't understand why people are saying Dr. Putman is a hard grader. We are in college, not elementary school. I got Bs on the midterms and an A on my research paper so he's not that hard of a grader. I would recommend taking a class with Dr Putman, though if are conservative in your political beliefs, you might want to reconsider.

Prof really knows his stuff,great to learn from, makes history interesting. however i agree he grades very hard, if you miss one act or event, that is a huge deal and will get graded harshly. need to take notes in class til your hand hurts. no need to read the books. he is very helpful though if u need to ask anything. overall fantastic prof!

Bottom line he is hard. I got an A, but i also get A's in every class and subject. Getting a C not so hard. His classes are cool and he is not a miserable guy like most of the professors. He is helpful and non elitist, I think he is a SD native so hes pretty cool and not as full of himself as someothers.

attendance is mantatory! if u miss class u will suffer in tests. He is a hard grader its kind of what he wants to c on the papers his opinion on ur paper gives u an A! He is very caring toward his students knows a lot about the subject. Dont need to read books just lecture

So he is very clear when teaching and very interested in what he is teaching. He grades really hard, I get A's on my RWS papers but I got an F on his. There are 2 midterms, 1final, & random reading quizzes. I feel like he expects too much out of te studens. He doesnt remind you about the online assignments either. If you want to pass GO TO CLASS

Seems like it should be an easy class, but he is a tough grader. I've never had problems writing papers before this class and got a 10 on the WPA, but I am struggling for B's on his papers. I think he expects too much from a lower division GE course. Go to class in order to do well. Dont need books, but print his slides and take notes.

Amazing teacher...dont understand why people are complaining...this is college. He is super interesting and very clear in his expectations!GREAT GUY you will learn a lot!

Seems like it should be an easy class, but he is a tough grader. I've never had problems writing papers before this class and got a 10 on the WPA, but I am struggling for B's on his papers. I think he expects too much from a lower division GE course. Go to class in order to do well. Dont need books, but print his slides and take notes

Putman is a solid professor who is there to help his students. If you want a good grade, go to his office hours for help and that will prepare you for the tests better then reading the book. His powerpoints are practically the correct answer on the midterm. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS FOR CLARITY! IT PAYS OFF!

On the first day of class he will spell out how to do well in the class. He is tough, and expects much from his students, but it can be done. Take good notes, follow his train of thought . The midterm/final exams are drawn from his lectures. If you want to do well then simply follow his directions. He is tough on grading, but he is fair.

star trek class. got a c and i was an A/B student. probably the hardest grader i've ever encountered. cool guy, but not on paper. just avoid at all costs. really self-righteous when it comes to history.

The best class I have ever taken hands down. I was not into Star Trek before but it changed my life. Class is hard, but rewarding. Do not take if you are not willing to put in the work. He demands a lot, but I got more out of this class than any other in my college career.

LOVED Putman. Made class interesting. If you actually pay attention and take AMAZING notes in class, you don't need the books. It wasn't the easiest A, but he made a boring subject the most interesting and informative class I've taken at state. Take notes of the details he is saying that aren't on the ppt slides, that's what he looks for on exams.

Really great professor. Makes history interesting and relevant for present and future times. Easy to take really great notes and to show demonstration of knowledge on exams. Take home essay is doable (I got 100/100). I recommend taking this course if you need it for institutions.

Putman is a good professor, and his lectures are interesting because he is passionate about the subject. Take notes on what he says in lectures and regurgitate it all on the essay exams and you'll do fine. Getting an A on exams are difficult, but possible.

Putman is as sharp as they come, as are his lectures. If you take the writing assignments seriously by going to his office hours and asking questions, your hard work will pay off. However, he will not give you an 'A' for effort. Your work must be of high quality and he is very clear about his standards from the beginning of the semester. Excellent.

Great teacher. Recommend to take this class if you are interested in history from different point of views

His lectures were very entertaining and informative. His two midterms and final are essay format. He asks for a lot of precision so make sure you prepare and don't leave anything out no matter how unimportant you think it may be. Not an easy A and you have to put in effort, but doing well is not impossible.

Putman has VERY high standards. He expects a lot from his students but he gives you the tools to do so. He's a very tough grader and definitely makes you work for every point. This was one of the hardest classes I've taken but I learned so much from him. Excellent teacher. But be prepared to work.

Taking notes on a laptop recommended, so u could type all his ideas or add to the PowerPoints. Class is important; his ppts have basic bullet points that he'll explain fully. the main ideas he discusses in class are what you need to write about for the essay midtermsfinal. Honestly pay attention, prewrite the essay Q's beforehand, and u'll be good

Star Trek is not my thing, but the class was excellent. Be ware that he does mean it when he tells you to regurgitate the history that he presented. If you go off on a tangent, you will get a bad grade. I got an 'A' in the class.

Great lectures. If you actually want to learn history, this is the professor for you. His lectures are clear and easy to understand. Midterm and a Final, both on blue books and are easy if you listened in lecture. Go to class, cause you're not going to read on your own.

Go to lecture, take SPLENDID notes. To get an A, memorize 4 essays for midterm/final, read book assignments (quiz grade 2x/week) and do the weekly inquisitive before the deadline. It's a tough class, but Putman knows his stuff and his feedback is top-notch. I didn't see how much work I needed to put in until after midterms, hence the B.

Not an easy class by any means, but wasn't overly difficult, even if you aren't a history major. If you need this class, you won't go wrong taking it with Putman. I put in minimal effort and got a B, if you want an A, he provides you the path to get there.

He's a simple professor. Took him during the Summer so I'm not sure if that had anything to do with how the course went. He required a research paper, midterm, and final exam only. Gave reading quizzes but they weren't hard, only to see if you've read. He touched based on all CA History, which was very interesting&fun to learn about. I recommend!

Have him proofread your drafts, it makes all the difference.

I took professor Putman for California history and his content was very interesting. He is a very tough grader but fair overall. His lectures are filled with a lot of information but it's interesting. Pretty difficult class overall though and you need to listen to his lectures carefully in order to pass.