The best teacher I've had at SDSU. Funny and an excellent lecturer.

He was pretty good, the best history teacher I've had at SDSU so far.

HE'S DEFFINATELY THE BEST TEACHER IVER EVER HAD.

Best teacher by far. I don't like history, but I got a B and enjoyed the class.

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sexy in his own way, plus I learned alot

Excellent teacher, Very funny, Class is fun

Funny, interesting and kinda cute too!

Great teacher, Highly recomended. Very informative, funny and nice

He is very energetic, funny and the best history teacher I have ever had.

I loved going to class even though it was at 8am! Never missed one!

very difficult and expects a lot but good class and nice guy

A pretty hot guy!

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very energetic teacher. smart guy-expects alot of students

best history teacher EVER. great stories and impressions. intense but worth it

Very interesting lectures..Awesome teacher!

The best teacher I had all year

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overly enthusiastic at times...different perspectives learned, class was alright

Great teacher, you learn a lot and it makes you think, fun class

love his teaching style. Drama makes class intersting. Very HOT

Dr. Y is both physically and intelligently sexy!

gotta love him!

HUBBA HUBBA...what a babe...and smart, funny, animated, curiously ambiguous in lecture...keeps me interested at the end of a long day...too bad he is married...his wife is lucky :)

Cool dude. Make him laugh and you'll get an A for sure!!! Tests are essay, take good notes.

Dr. Y is a very good teacher. He teaches with enthusiasm and tests are very easy. Just pay attention in class and you'll get an A for sure. He is also very hot!!!

Dr. Y is among SDSU's best. He is inspiring, insightful, animated, and extremely well-read. Put forth the effort and the enthusiasm he requires and you will not only learn, but also enjoy doing so. Have fun!

I hope that I get to take another one of his classes soon! One of the best story-tellers in the world. Very funny guy!

His teaching style was amazing! This is the only history class that I actually enjoyed taking. He provides you with an interesting lecture and he pushes you to do a lot of critical thinking. Take him if you are actually willing to work hard and learn.

Funny, kept me away at 8 in the morning. He relates this to real life to help you understand it. I actually thought it was kinda easy and I hate history.

Dr. Y speaks in code; but the whole world speaks in code. So, show some tenacity & you can easily break his code and have a very enjoyable time. This man teaches how to think, which can be a bit more daunting than just learning facts or dates.

A good class! Not too hard and the readings are good. He presents an unbiased point of view by supplying the left and right view of Am. Hist. Take this 409 course!

I had Dr. Ysursa for Hist 106 and Hist 413 at SDSU. He is awesome. Not only did I get an A in each class, I actually learned something. I only wish I could take Dr. Ysursa for more classes, alas, I already took both the classes he teaches. Sign up!

Dr. Ysursa was a very funny teacher. He knows how to explain things clear and precisely and this was the first history class I actually enjoyed. Study his notes, know them by heart and read outside of class and you will do fine.

Take this class! The tests aren't too hard if you go to class and his lectures are fun so you shouldn't mind going. The only one of my classes I did't ditch all semester. A great teacher.

He's a very funny and entertaining guy. Tries to make history as interesting as possible. My only problem with him was his excessive use of analogies, which could get confusing sometimes.

Class isn't hard if you do the reading and go to classes. Dr Y has tons of energy which really helped me get through the once a week class. Fun and interesting. Good reading materials, gives both sides of historical events as well as current.

The only history class that I have ever somewhat enjoyed. He makes the lectures fun and relates the material to you so you understand it. Good teacher!

He's totally up front with students. His class makes you think! He might be confusing at first, but if you stick with the class & his analogies, you'll "get it"!!!

Dr. Y gives interesting lectures and is easy to talk to. He makes you think.

Dr. Y's class changed my out look on education. He has helped me to discover the way I want to teach to my students! This is the MOST valuable class I've ever taken!!! Thanks Dr Y!

ONE OF THE BEST CLASSES I HAVE HAD AT STATE. DR "Y"'S CLASS REALLY MAKES YOU THINK HARD ABOUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO US AS TEACHERS OF THE FUTURE. PURE ENTERTAINMENT (ANALOGIES AND ALL) - YOU MUST READ IN ORDER TO DO THE WORK THOUGH - NO SLOUCHE

I HAVE NERVER ENJOYED A HISTORY CLASS SO MUCH. HE ISN'T THERE TO FEED YOU THE IDEAS, YOU HAVE TO COME UP WITH IT ON YOUR OWN. IF YOU CAN'T STAND A TEACHER TALKING IN CODE, THEN DON'T TAKE THE CLASS. THE CART IS FULL, YOU HAVE TO PICK FROM THE CART.

Dr. Y is definitely the best prof i've encountered at SDSU so far. Extremely enthusiastic and animated, his lectures are interesting and make you think. It's important to attend classes, but believe me you won't mind going. Take him if you can!

By far thee best teacher at SDSU. This is the only class I will be able to remember information from im sure :) He is animated, interesting, and very helpful. I wish he taught more classes so I could take them! Thanks Dr. Y!Civilzation=organization

If there is any teacher that you must take at SDSU,it is Dr. Y. His knowledge is vast, and the lectures are amazing. Everyday I could not wait to go to his class. You learn so much - about history, about our nation, and about yourself.

Great teacher. Generally clear, uses powerpoint to guide lectures. Dont expect to slack, probably the most hard earned A- i have ever earned at state, but worth the effort. Keeps u involved, did not have to take ADD medication for this class

he teaches a lot with analogies, which i found very helpful. He allows a cheatsheet for the exams, it was a really fun class and made me enjoy history for the first time!

I hate history but...I Love Dr. Y. I've never done well in a history course but with his teaching method I got an A. Plus, the cheatsheets were so helpful.

Dr. Y is one of a kind. I wish all my teachers could make history so interesting.

This teacher is a really funny and goofy fellow. His lectures are interesting and thought-provoking. DON'T SLACK ON THE TAKE HOME PROJECT. This class in NOT an easy A, but it is definately worth the experience. He is obviously very knowledgeable and willing to help if you need help.

Dr. Y is great! You do earn YOUR grade in this class so work hard and get a good grade, if you slack, that's your own fault!

Dr. Y kept the class interesting, he is very fair with his attendance, the quizzes are easy if you just read over the book the night before, his lectures are helpful. The midterm and the final are written, which is sort of stressful but it can be done, he lets you use a cheat sheat too. I got an a-!

Dr Y is a great prof. I hated history and he brought it alive. He is very fair in his grading: I slacked on the take home essay and squeeked by on the final exam and still received a B in the class. I would recommend him to anyone.

this is a real review from a student...stop yur whinin' n' bichin'! Dr. Y is ok...he knows his s**t and if you do yur cheat sheet you'll do fine on the 2 essay exams...put some effort into the take home essay and read the short chapter the night before the quiz and you will get an A like I did.

Dr. Y is 1 of the best teachers I've ever had. He knows how to make history interesting. If you're afraid to think U wont like his class and that's probably why he gets bad reviews. Take his class if you want to learn but you have to work a little harder for an A. It's definately worth it. Thnx Dr Y

He's not the easiest teacher, but he sure is entertaining! This class actually challenges the mind, he doesnt have an easy study guide to help you follow along because he wants students to pay attention. If you're lazy, don't take this class.

Dr. Y is definitely a character and very enthusiastic about history. Really loves what he does. Hard to follow sometimes, so pay attention. Don't slack & go to class! Take the essay seriouslly & read before the quizzes. I'd tell people to take his class & to be prepared if they do. Some good times!

I recommend this class for people who can handle ambiguity. He's not straightforward, but teaches you in a creative way. He knows how he teaches and doesn't care if you don't like it. The reading isn't hard, it's interesting. Trust me you can get an A w/out doing all the reading. Cool guy, very animated!

Do the readings and take the essays seriously. Other people are commenting on his ambiguity...well, that is the f**king point. He tries to encourage his students to think for themselves using wise judgement. He just totally rocks, I learned more about my own political views than I could have ever seen outside of his class.

Dont take if u want him to tell u what to know. Class is him presenting 2 sides of each lecture topic and you pick one to agree with (however,topics dont always relate exactly to history pre-civil war like class is supposed to so take other prof. if expecting so) and DO READ the outside reading it is interesting and KEY if u want an A on the essay

this class was one of the most interesting class i have ever taken @ state.but you do lots of reading in this class.lectures are interesting if u actually pay attention and try to understand the "subtext". be sure to ask Dr. Y question if you don't understand something.

Ok all I can say is "footnote" and "more on that later." oh and "whats your llama?" Dr. Y is great. he def. tries to get you to think for yourself and does a great job showing both sides of an arguement. I didnt really like Loewens book because it dragged, not because I didnt agree with what he said. Be ready for some interesting fun and banter if

If you're interested in a teacher who wants to know your point of view on a essay and not judge you according to his, he's the man. He teaches both sides(Dem-Rep)you won't know what he is until the final. 6qizs,2essay,1caltakehomeessay.

I loved this class! Forget about memorizing facts, this class teaches you how to think! You look at how history is interpreted from the Left and from the Right, from the Liberal point of view and from the Conservative point of view (and from everywhere in between). I totally recommend this class. Don't expect to breeze through this class, though. You have to work; but the assignments are interesting and thought provoking. Trust me, it's worth it. I couldn't have passed the CSET without it.

one of the most inspiring teachers ever!!

Really liked this class! I had 8am class and I still liked to listen. I learned more in this class than I have in my whole school career, and even though my grade didn't prove it (trust me, the tests are pretty challenging), I would still recommend it because you will LEARN A LOT

my favorite teacher of all time! I am taking him again for another history class because he is so insightful. Not boring at all, excellent analogies and references to present day. Presents both sides of the story very unbiased. so enthusiastic and energetic that you'll never get bored.People who think he's hard are the people who don't go to class.

one of the most inspiring teachers i've ever had. i didn't really care about going to my other classes but he made this class interesting. i was never bored or tired. his style is more of a worldly understanding of how everything comes together rather than memorizing all the stupid facts. i have ALWAYS hated history but not with him as a teacher.

I loved how he told us things that no other teachers ever did. He's very balanced and funny.

very difficult but interesting class. take very very good notes and i suggest writing out the midterm and final before hand. the ca. paper sucks but dont wait till last minute to do it. quizzes are easy just skim the requiried reading. personally i loved this class but thats only if you are really passionate about wanting to be a teacher.

I'm not sure what people were talking about when they say they didn't understand his lectures. If you do the reading before class there isn't any problem. His is very enthusiastic, sometimes goofy, but always entertaining. I had fun in this class. I prefer his method of teaching over the usual regurgitation of historical facts alone.

Loved the class.I used to HATE history but this class has definitely change that! Lectures are interesting. His approach to history is unforgettable and beneficial for soon-to-be-teachers. He's made me a "history fan" haha.

He is a History teacher that teaches you not only about History, but how to think and generate your own thoughts about what you read. Fantastic class and easy if you put the time in!

I am a good student,and i wouldn't reccommend. he is NOT good for future teachers b/c he doesn't tell u the facts straight out, you have to hunt for them in the analogies he uses.You can never miss a class b/c you are way behind on notes which makes it really hard for the midterm/final(in class essays w/ 1pg notes.hard work ppl!not an easy grader

He makes you think! This class requires effort but he is very willing to help. He loves his subject and has definitely made me more of a "history fan!" I loved this class because he wants you to actually think on an issue! He clearly presents BOTH sides and does not try to force his views down your throat!

I liked this class, at first it was weird bc he does not tell you straight facts like most history classes, he wants you to think on your own, he tells you two different sides, and you have to choose. 6 quizzes, two essay tests, and one paper, not too hard, but NOT an easy A.

This is a very good class. Not a traditional history class. He is a very good teacher, and lets you know exactly what is expected. The majority of the grading is based on essays in which you write about your opinion of certain hitory topics. THis class really makes you think and understand history. He is a great professor and funny too.

Ok, History Thinking Machines--be prepared to THINK in this class. Dr. Y loves history but is also a theorist of sorts. He is a GREAT teacher, prefers students to form their own opinion and write persuasive argumentative essays for mid-term and final. Quizzes are CAKE, but a TON of reading!!! (don't try 2 read everything--it's too much!!) Got A-...

His goal is to team more then just how to memorize stuff. Reading quizes are easy if you read and group assignments are tedious but easy. There are also two exams but they are all essay format and it takes a lot of preparation but they are not graded too difficult. I learned a lot in this class

Really intelligent teacher, (kind of intimidating), but really nice and willing to help. Lecture is like watching a comedy show-very entertaining. Concepts are sometimes hard to understand, but he will help you. If you're a good writer, you will get an A. Lots of reading, but it's college-get over it.

I rarely read a thing for this class, but attended class and passed. Take good notes and you'll do fine. He allows a "cheat sheet" for the exams. The quizzes are tricky. I'm NOT a history fan AT ALL, but enjoyed this class. He's upbeat and will keep you awake. You'll either love him or hate him.

Much different than expected. A nice understanding guy, easy to pass but hard to get a good grade so try hard. If your a nitty gritty fact guy take another class, seems like the philosophies taught by Dr. Y will help me down the road

He is very funny and quirky which kept my attention in class. His main goal is to make you a History Fan so he is very enthusiastic about the subject matter. There is a LOT of reading, but it is not necessary to do all of it to get a good grade in the class.

Not your typical history class - it's not about memorizing facts & dates. Dr. Y wants students to think for themselves and examine more than one side of an argument. If you're not a history fan, you will be one by the end of this class. CA history paper is pretty easy, midterm & final are open note. Just pick a side and argue it well.

Awesome professor! He really opened my eyes to politics and history. He rocks! A lot of reading required, like all history classes. Lectures are fascinating! Kept my attention every class all semester. Take him!

I wasn't very excited to take another history class, but Dr. Y made this class so interesting. His lectures were unlike any others. He brings up very fascinating points. Great teacher! 1 midterm paper, 1 final paper and a CA paper to write. I'm glad I took him!!! He's always available for help/questions if you need him!

I loved the class. I've had the Dr. Y 2x now and I find his teaching methods keep me focused and entertained. If you go to class & take notes (like your parents are paying you to do.), read the two books required (which are actually a good read), and memorize a few small notes for the tiny quizes every other week and you will do FINE!

Very nice guy. Teaching style takes some getting used to. He's very funny and his lectures, although long, are interesting. Lets you use cheat sheet on exams, but they are essay exams. I would recommend taking him, but you must keep up with material.

Dr. Y has a passion for history but that's a good thing. He teaches in a way that is different but will open your eyes to a new perspective of history. I enjoyed the class,the take home involves time so don't procrastinate and make sure you get your quiz grade back right away, he lost a few and then didn't give us credit for it.

Not for agreement but for clarity, he is an awesome professor. He is well prepared and presents different viewpoints and lets you decide which point of view to follow. You need to attend every class and do the reading before each class. The quizes are not very difficult if you read the texts. The final paper is not hard but you need to start early!

I avoided his class until my senior year because of all these comments/what ive heard about him. BUT!! he is the best history teacher i ever had. he makes you work, but thats part of being in college!! He makes you see 2+ sides. No memorizing facts :) Start your papers early and youll be just fine. Great teacher.

Don't expect to learn history in this class- you'll be learning about history and teaching it, not the facts. You should be knowing those by now anyways. Dr. Y's teaching is fun and he is not a tough grader. The texts are quite interesting and there is always group interaction.

Dr. Y is an amazing teacher! I hated history before this class and was planning on not going since it was my only class at 8 am. Well, after the first week I was hooked on the class and never once missed a class. He is very animated and kept me interested every class for the entire time. He was amazing! Work helps your understanding & he is fair.

I don't understand how any couldn't like Dr. Y. He provides a new approach to teaching history and is a great lecturer. While I am his biggest fan, I will say he assigns way too much work; there are lots of little hoops to jump through to get an 'A'. He provides a daluge of info which, while well organized, can appear confusing and disorganized.

He's the best history professor. No need to memorize facts but he gets you thinking about why that event matters in history. The midterm and final was a bit hard since there wasn't really a clear instruction. The prompt is "the greater truth about.." He was a fun and interesting teacher. didn't get bored in his class! :]

Very demanding class. He expects a lot. Tons of work and u must think a lot, but well worth it: Not for those who like being fed information: this class is for those who want to learn to analyze and think for themselves! Dr Y is receptive to Q's and is willing to help. Interesting class, entertaining prof. Lots of different learning methods.

Great professor and class. He requires you to use your brain, which many people in my class had a problem with based on complaints I heard during our 15 minute break! He is a challenging teacher, don't get me wrong, but the class is well worth it. The info covered should be common knowledge if you watch the news and have read a US history book!

I loved Dr. Ysursa! This class was interesting and really made you think. It is not necessarily easy, but you will leave that class more informed on the world that your living in! Very cool teacher! Refreshing!

great

Dr. Y is awesome. I was afraid to take him after reading all the terrible reviews but I'm so glad I ignored them. I always hated history classes but I can honestly say that he is a true history teacher! WOW! With him, there is no such thing as memorizing. U LEARN! Essay exams are hard and very subjective. But if u go to class and take notes, A+!!

His class is a lot of work, but Ysursa makes it worth it. He teaches in a way that is applicable to life, not just memorize and spit back. Attendance is mandatory. He is vague, but for good reason; he doesn't want to spoon-feed his students. Instead he wants his students to think for themselves (what a concept!).

Do you want to actually learn something in college? If yes, take this class. Do you want to be spoon fed dates and facts that are useless? Continue taking pointless and boring normal history classes. Dr. Y is an amazing and inspirational teacher! I wish I had more history professors that even came close to his style. Truly a great experience.

I was weary when the semester first started since his teaching is very different. However, go to class, take notes, and prepare your essays and you'll be fine. I'm not a Hist fan ;) but I did receive and A, you just have to show up and work for it. Good professor, and I learned a lot with his teaching methods.

I learned so much, not only about history and political awareness, but about myself. Dr. Y is an extraordinary and passionate professor. His teaching style is exciting, entertaining, and effective. Future Teachers of America- Don't sit in the back of the class! Open your mind in this class and you will grow, I can promise you that!

Do NOT take this as a GE unless you are very interested in history or are a history major. Ysursa is a great lecturer and can hold a class' attention, but his grading can be harsh. He even warns students at the start of the semester that his class isn't just easy memorization. If you're a freshman just looking for the credit, move on.

I thought this class was great. It was challenging at times, but if you work hard and do what Dr. Y tells you to do you will get a good great. What I learned in this class impacted the way I think and learn in all my other classes. I recommend this class for a person who works hard and likes to get something out of the class besides a good grade

Enlightened education at its finest. Just as most of these post say, if you want an A, look somewhere else. If you want to learn and learn how to learn, this is the class for you. Dr. Y did an amazing job of covering 5 centuries of material. Lectures were interesting and thought provoking. Definitely opened my eyes to a world I had no clue about.

He does not teach history in a traditional way. There is a 7-8 page paper due at the end of the semester, two blue books (Midterm/Final), and 2 scantron exams (these are easy! He gives you the answers ahead of time so its all memorization). This is not an easy class! If you must take it go to class, do every assignment, and do NOT procrastinate!!

Dr. Ysursa is an AWESOME professor. His class may be a little intimidating but if you simply attend class and read you will do great. Dr. Ysursa's goal and passion is to get you to make educated decisions and I believe he does a stellar job!!!!

This class is an easy B..You have to go to class bc there is a super easy quiz every class & group meeting at the end of every class/your group takes attendance. He does make the class easy and he is extremely interesting and easy to listen to if you want to take a 2 hour class! The only thing is there is an essay but other than that I enjoyed him!

I literally chose this class as a filler course and stuck with it since he made it sound challenging. So... I went to all the lectures, got a 77% on the first written exam, then managed to pull an A- by the end of the semester and was happy as heck. Amazing teacher and funny too. Heads up: 2 written exams, one final paper, and online quizzes.

Dr. Y is probably the best teacher that I have ever had! He made history interesting and has a teaching style unlike any I have ever encountered. His lectures are insightful and if you take good note you will be very well prepared for the exams! Definitely would take this class again in a heartbeat!

He's hot. Cool Class.