class was very interesting, teacher was cool, funny, energetic. Tests were hard!

Funny guy...full of energy... great curves on the tests

Very fun class, interesting and energetic, tests were ez, good teacher

Great guy, very funny, good curves, knows the material and but hard tests

Very interesting but insane expectations for tests, which are 80% of your grade

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Very Funny and gives great study guides. Not to hard as long as you go to class

Funny, helpful, but hard exams! Lot of memorizing, lots of hot chicks in class!

Very good teacher!!! Makes oring subject interesting, very hard test but curved

the most interesting teacher i have ever had... made everything interesting!

Bring a recorder to lectures, talks very fast. Lots of reading. Fun class.

Funny teacher, not too hard if you read, test expectations pretty high (memoriz)

Awesome

His passion in his field will captivate you. Must READ to keep up with class.awesome for class/drama majors.Some of his takes can go right over you, yet is always willing to explain.essay type exams, so be prepared. I’m a CJ major & I thoroughly enj

Best teacher I've ever had, makes everything very interesting. Delightful

Tests are hard. But he tests on what he teaches. And he teaches like it matters.

this guy makes me laugh. i got a 'c' but i can still say that im happy i got to see this guy in action..HE's WILD!

Wonderful teacher is very interesting and makes you learn. If you are interested in Classics take him, even if you aren't.

Awesome latin teacher, knows his stuff and even pretends to be a student if noone asks the right questions.

"Knows his stuff"

he really knows his stuff, a very funny and helpful teacher. a wonderful experience!!

This guy has more energy than God. The class is non-stop comedy and sarcasm from the first day. Makes the excruciatingly boring study of Latin tolerable, if not (dare I say) fun.

Professor Smith is the king of digression, but there's a brilliant method to his absolute madness. He's one of the few truly skilled teachers on campus. Don't take Smith unless really want to learn things that will enrich your life forever.

Joe is the best teacher ever! -Nikki

He is simply the best!! He has mastered the uncanny method of making learning fun. Latin is fun, latin is good. In no time you too will be singing in Latin (yes, we've done that in class). For a real college education, take Joe.

I wish this guy taught all of my classes every year. Thanks for another great semester Joe! You rock!!!

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Sonny is pissed. Daddy is dead. Jesus is Lord. Master those three things and you'll have a wonderful time with Joe! Energetic. No shoes=lotsa learning. Masks. Big Leather Dongs. Knows his stuff-so read it all at least twice! Take him before you die!

Awesome!!!MUST take!took him for a class i didn't need just because he's so fun!his papers make u think a lil', but if u ask for help he practically tells u what to write!hard to get an A+, but it's great just being in his class,should get at least a C.

Trump Tower sits on top of the perfect subjunctive at the intersection of Past Ave and Future Street. That, like everything else in his class, only makes sense if you take the class.

this guy can make a 2000 year old dead, ahem, immortal language interesting. the class is fun and engaging, just don't forget to study and beware of subjunctives.

The first ything you learn, Greek is hard, and it is. But he makes it interesting. Translations are fun, especially when he reads Zeus' lines with Cher's voice. Although hard, he makes it as easy as possibly. Because Greek is hard.

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Worth three semesters of Latin to get to this class? Believe it or not: yes.

Joe is the MAN! Take any course with him and i promise you will not be bored, fall asleep or plan on missing class. He's difficult, but that's what makes it interesting. And you just might get a rule named after you!!!!

excellent teacher...so energetic..Takes a hard language and simplifes it

Best teacher ever! I was fun to go to class! He motivated me alot to come. He made a hard language into a piece of cake. It's now my minor because of him!

Awesome. Completely awesome.

Another great year. And that gets a wave!

joe is the MOST awesome teacher. he is super helpful and is always willing to talk with students. i like the class soooo much i want to take another class with him. don't listen to other students he's awesome!

Joe is awesome. He teaches in a way that actually makes you think. The book is the basis, but lectures are where you learn the cool stuff. He teaches things that you won't find in the book, plus he's a great storyteller. I'm actually going to miss coming to story time each class.

you MUST go to class..but you should because it is REALLY interesting. This guy has SO much energy and makes class really fun. he is a little unorganized, but very helpful.

Very good teacher. Makes you think a lot, sometimes his lectures will seem pointless but have patience. He is ready to explain if you really don't understand it. He is lots of fun, and will make jokes all the time. I really recommend this class, it was my favorite!

A little scatter-brained, but just be patient. He's going somewhere interesting in his lectures...just trust in that. Overall great human being.

Joe is by far my favorite teacher at SDSU. (Which is ironic being that I'm a Business student). His style is a little different, and he's a bit unorganized, but don't let that deter you. He has so much valuable knowledge, and his lectures are amazing. He's a really smart guy, and an even better teacher. There's never a dull moment in his class!

Joe is amazing! Take this class! I had no interest before the class but he nearly convinced me to change majors to classics. His lectures are unorganized, but very spontaneous and fun; I wouldn't change a thing. He lets the students direct the lectures. He is passionate, and provides tons of material to help you study for tests. Grades fair.

Great class. Met one night a week. Fastest three hours of the week. Never failed to be entertaining and interesting. You become an expert in the dynasty of Augustus.

By far one of my favorite teachers at state. His class was sometimes random, but he really made you enjoy being on campus that early in the morning. Small quizes, 3 tests. . .that's it! Totally made me want to minor in classics.

I have to admit that I hated history before I took Joe's course, but after a single lecture with the guy I fell in love with it. Even if his lectures are unorganized and spontaneous at times, he still ends up teaching pretty much all of the material you need to know for the tests and he makes it fun. I found it hard not to pay attention in class.

WILL WALK INTO CLASS AND TAKE QUESTIONS FROM STUDENTS AND SPEND 10-15 MINUTES PURSUING THAT. HE'LL THEN CHANGE UP HIS LECTURE, AND THEN CHANGE HIS POWERPOINT TO SHOW YOU THE MATERIAL FROM HIS TANGENTS. IT'S COOL AND SPONTANEOUS AND GETS YOU INVOLVED.

Captivating and even explicit lectures. He probably only got to talk about a very small fraction of what he wanted to in each myth. We had 4 books and a lot of reading was assigned and I was thrilled to read all of it. outstanding professor

Wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. You will love him, you will love any class you take with him, and you should definately switch your major to Classics/Humanities!!

Best Professor I have ever had! His lectures are super interesting, he does always have sexual representations about myths so be open minded. It really does all make sense in the bigger picture. His lectures are scattered and never stays on schedule but it's fun, passionate and totally worth it. Readings are fun and he likes participation.

Really funny and his class is interesting. 2 midterms and a final that's not cumulative. Most of stuff is covered in lecture, so try not to miss too much. No HW, although he wants you to read (which I did not). Not a very hard class, but questions on midterms and final can betricky sometimes. Definitely take him, you'll enjoy any of his classes.

OMG so much fun!!! Joe is definitely one of the best professors at SDSU. He is extrememly entertaining (he usually seems like he's had too much caffine) and he makes Classics so interesting! Easy A and a very fun class.

Mythology was a great class! If you are looking for an easy A in humanities, this is not the class for you. Tests are fill in the blank with no word bank. Go to class and take notes and you will be fine! Excellent professor, definitely take if looking to learn!

I say THAT this class was great.

He doesn't take attendance. But you've got to go to class. Which is fine, because the lectures are great. How many lecturers do you know who want to end each class with a "cliff hanger" (like you're not going to come back next time. LOL)

You've got to go to class and take good notes, you've got to do the reading, and tests are NOT multiple choice. If you're looking for an easy A, you should shop around. But if you like mythology, this is a great class.

Yeah, he's funny and incredibly nice too. But that doesn't mean he's easy. I just showed up for class, took good notes, listened to directions and did great. You get the grade you deserve.

One of my favorite classes I've taken so far. He's very enthusiastic about his subject but can be somewhat unorganized. His questions come from his lectures but it is very helpful to read the books. I recommend this class to anyone interested in the subject.

Thanks, Joe! You're the best! ;)

I'm not even in a Joe class this semester, but have taken many in the past and just want to say, "Yes!" take this class, whatever it is. Also, give the guy another chili-pepper, will ya?!

I am in his class and there are people who randomly show up just to watch him teach...and maybe get a chance to act. That's how good the class is.

Had very little interest in drama before this class. Now I can't wait to read more of what he made us read. You feel like you can make it your own. Whatever he's teaching, take him.

He's an interesting professor, and his classes are fun. You can completely tell that classics is his world. Fun class and a great professor, I would definitely recommend this class to others.

Great teacher, loves what he does and exoteric. Midterms/finals are very detail orientated but will work with you on everything! YOU MUST READ, are have an extremely great memory. The only problem with this teacher is he's usually late coming to class, never can focus on one point (tells funny stories during class), and goes over time frequently.

Smith's class is very dynamic and energetic...at least he is. He doesn't bite whenever a student asks questions. While he does keep your attention as he reenacts Brad Pitt from Troy, he's not really on top of his stuff. I suggest you remember what he points out in readings and you should be fine for the midterm/final.

If you've got a bucket list, write on it: "Take class with Joe."

he's super funny, nice, and approachable, his class is hilarious and i honestly do not mind getting to class. mythology is a lot of fun and if u need your GE's done, go for it!

I would be much more interested if he didn't "waste" so much time. 2/3 of the course was on Greek and Roman myths, when I was hoping to learn about other countries. He was always spends more time on a subject than he says he will. You have to go to class and pay attention the whole time or you'll miss something.

Joe's awesome. Very laid back, approachable and funny prof.GO TO CLASS since exams are based on his lectures. He posts powerpoints on bb but theyre just pics & words= make no sense unless you go to class. 3 Fill in the blank exams,& multiple quizzes you can takemany times Pretty easy and fun class, TAKE GOOD NOTES, study,& youll get an A like me(:

Awesome class. Awesome dude.

Great class on mythology that covers pre-historic humans all the way to the future. The stories are great and entertaining. And not a difficult class at all if you're a half decent student.

An amazing professor. All you really need to do is attend lecture. And it isn't boring either. Who doesn't want to learn about mythology? He's fun and entertaining. Best class of the semester.

AMAZING CLASS AND AMAZING PROFESSOR!! One of the few classes that I have not fallen asleep in. All the lectures are very interesting and the professor is very passionate about the subject. Each lecture will give you a good laugh! Attendance is mandatory, as you will miss a lot of valuable information but I highly recommend this course!

Joe is an amazing professor! The course was pretty challenging in the sense that all three of his tests were fill in the blank, but if you go to every class and pay attention you will have no problem with them at all. His lectures are very entertaining, he's a passionate teacher, and keeps his students engaged. My favorite class this semester!

Joe is such an amazing teacher. This Mythology class would have been interesting regardless, but he definitely made it extra awesome. The class is basically just him telling stories the whole time which he does in the most entertaining way I've ever seen.He is enthusiastic and on edge mad, but brilliant.Tests weren't too hard, just listen in class!

His lectures are so interesting. If you only go to class and take notes, you will have everything that is on the test. He can get a bit crazy sometimes, but those crazy moments help you remember his lesson better. And the homeworks take like 5 mins and are self explanatory. Take him!

Joe is the best professor not in my major I have had at State so far. He is so much fun and makes the subjects memorable. I didn't open my text book much, just to see spelling. His tests may seem really hard because they are fill in the blank but they are really easy. I finished most of mine in 35min without studying. Just go to class even Fridays!

This my favorite class at state so far. Joe is such an awesome teacher. Class is basically just him telling stories, so all you have to do is take notes. He also puts his power points online, so if you do miss class it's not that big of a deal. Not to mention the tests aren't too hard, and are relevant to the lecture. Joe is the best.

This is one of my favorite classes! He's so passionate and funny he makes class really entertaining. You have to attend each lecture but if you do and pay attention you should be fine on tests. They weren't cumulative which was a plus and they were pretty straight forward. I recommend this class!

Great course, great professor. He podcasts on Friday instead of holding lecture. Take notes on the podcasts, too.

Joe is an interesting guy, but he definitely makes the lectures very interesting. His style of teaching made me look forward to attending his class. I would recommend taking this class if you are good at memorizing names and events though because his tests are short answer.

Joe is an interesting guy, but he always made the class upbeat and humorous. I always looked forward to attending his class. However, all three of his tests are short answer, so if you aren't good at memorizing names and places then don't take it. Otherwise, I definitely recommend him for your humanities requirement.

Great guy, makes the class fun and isn't too hard. If you take it ass/fail it'll be the easiest and funnest class ever. not too hard to get a B regardless

Awesome professor. Easy class, you just have to half-pay attention to his stories every lecture (which are actually very interesting). Tests consist of of short answer facts straight from the stories he tells. Easy. Not much use for the book except for online quizzes (straight from the book). Other than that, come to class and enjoy!

He lets you take the quizzes as many times as you want, no excuse not to get full credit in homework. Some extra credit offered. Go to the lectures because it will be on the midterms and final, the midterms and final aren't cumulative. Memorize the names and you should be good.

When it comes to online quizzes, he let's you take them as many times, and most of the quizzes tell you where in the book the answer is. The midterms are about 98% of his lectures, so don't miss! He really gets into his stories. Offers easy extra credit too

Lectures the whole time. But always about interesting things that get you into the reading. He puts up really easy reading quizzes online. Fridays are podcasts. Would rather come to class, cause more fun. Take him.

The quizzes online can be taken as many times as you want and his class is easy if you ACTUALLY GO. The people below saying that his class was difficult were probably not paying attention. You actually have to listen to him and read the book. His tests are completely relevant to the readings and the lectures and they weren't difficult at all.

No textbook, but several books from which you are required to read parts. Online quizzes and assignments are easy if you do the reading. Exams aren't multiple choice, but they aren't too difficult with effort. He is an entertaining and good professor.

Go to class. Take good notes. Study your notes. Get a great grade. Then laugh at the half of the class that can't understand how college works. Laugh harder at the clowns who think they're A students because they've never taken a class where they're expected to know anything. As Joe says, attendance is NOT mandatory, but it's essential.

Entertaining lectures, he's a funny guy (sorta weird). You ought to go to lecture and take notes. Really tough tests, but nice curves. His tests consist of what's covered in lecture in addition to weekly podcasts and whatever novel you're reading on the side-- study! Do the reading. I would really recommend this class cause Joe is hilarious!

Joe is such a great professor! He is so funny which makes the lectures enjoable. He is also very passionate about this subject. You have 3 tests,all free response , but not cumulative The tests aren't that hard if you take notes on lectures and podcasts. There is also reading quizzes you can take until you get all the answers right.

Do not miss any podcasts and the blackboard quizzes are your friend.

Large lecture, never takes attendance, but you're stupid if you don't go. Fridays are "podcast land" which you can watch anytime you want. Bb reading quizzes are re-takeable till your grade is 100%. Lectures are fun and it's mythology! Take him.

I am currently taking this class.. If you attend lectures(I would because he is an amazing professor!), study and WATCH THE LECTURES. WATCH THE ONLINE LECTURES, THIS IS SO CRUCIAL. He takes many test questions from the podcasts. Also, go to the study sessions.. you'll drag yourself there but when you get your grade back, you will be so satisfied.

Joe is the best!! His class is so interesting and he's really funny! It gets kind of confusing in the last section but overall it was really easy and if you just watch the podcasts and take the blackboard quizzes(which you can take as many times as you want until you get 100%) then you'll do great! take this class!!

My test grades went up after the first midterm because I learned you have to attend lecture (and listen to Friday podcasts) to follow the class. Fun class, great topics.

Joe was a great professor! He's really passionate about his lectures and is really entertaining to listen to. HOWEVER, don't skip class and don't skip his online lectures! There aren't any real textbooks so must of the information you will get is through word of mouth! Great course!

It's a great class. It's not really about world mythology. It's about how mythology shapes the world. As Joe says: a myth is a narrative that organizes reality. Reality is full of sex, too. Take it, you'll like it.

Joe was really cool, and a pretty nice guy. He'll tell you to call him Joe. The class has a lot of different stuff to read, and his tests are harder because they're not multiple choice. But he's a nice guy. I had a problem where I came late to a final and he let me take it in his office. You need to get a few books. And he gives some grade padding

Joe is a great teacher who involves the class in his lectures and has conversations rather than just telling you the information. Taking notes in class is helpful but its hard to figure out what the important part of the lecture is considering he talks to you about so many interesting things. Overall though this was a great class.

Entertaining and funny professor. If you like mythology take this class

The tests are kind of hard because they are all fill in blank, but if you go to class, read the books, and listen to the podcasts, you will get an A. You just have to know the material. He curves them though, and offers extra credit. I would recommend taking notes directly onto the powerpoint slides. Very interesting and passionate guy.

Fun lectures, hard tests. But his tests are only hard if you aren't paying attention to what he's teaching. Sit down in front. It's easier to say focused. Joe never takes attendance (but he's never on time, either), never makes fun of students for asking questions. Go to class, take good notes, get an A.

His summer class was all podcasts and quizzes at Bb. Everything was available online 24-7. You could work on the class anytime you wanted. Retake quizzes multiple times, and then see the same questions show up on the tests. Totally dealable. Got an A.

he is very funny in a dumb way. its all lecture, very little use of the book, just for some quizzes. very lenient on exams. lots of talk about vags.

Joe makes learning the material really entertaining. He can be very scattered about how he delivers the material, but lectures plus small readings make the content clear. Homework is online and you can take it as many times until you get an A. Tests are straightforward, uses mostly material from lecture. Podcasts can be boring.

You really should not graduate until you have taken at least one class with Joe. His classes are supposed to be about the classical world, but they are about so much more than that. Never boring, even when he warns you that this is going to be boring.

He's a good professor, very knowledgeable. Friendly, super chill, understanding. He goes off on a lot of tangents. Latin itself is hard, but his class is not. If you put in effort and listen to him when he's actually going over the material you will pass. I'd take him again 100%.

Come to class and you will pass. To get an A, you will likely won't have to read the entirety of the assigned novels, but you will have to have read large portions of them. His online material can help you get good test scores without reading

Literally took this as an online class over summer.. It was so simple I just had to not fall asleep during his lectures. There are 24 quizzes you can take multiple times until you get 100% on all of them and there were 2 midterms and a final. You could take the first midterm 3 times, and the second midterm and the final twice.

Joe really cares about his students. He remembers your name and makes you feel important. I took him for Latin and he made it such a fun experience. I would reccomend him heavily! He made class so fun for me.

Very nice, very interesting, very manageable.

Joe is a great guy and very passionate about what he teaches. His tests for HUM 140 were free response, but not hard if you attend class and take notes. If you don't, you'll be screwed. In general, the class was fun and a very easy and enjoyable GE.

Joe tells the myths in an AMAZING way. He is super friendly and entertaining. Going to lecture and listening to the podcasts definitely helps to understand the myths and learn all of the characters. The exams are easy if you pay attention in class and know the myths! Weekly online quizzes (can retake until you get 100%) and 4 exams.

Storytime for credit! Myth 140 gives you myths from the Romans and Celts and Norse and Germans. Go to class twice a week, go to "podcast land" on weekends. It's all very interesting. Joe goes out of his way to make sure the material in interesting and understandable.

Fun from start to finish. Except for the part about Horace fighting in the army with Brutus and losing everything (oops! spoiler alert!) Thank you, Joe!

OMG So much fun. Take him!

Not the class to take if you're just looking for someone to read the powerpoint to you. You have to come to class and take notes on the lectures. Like Joe says in class: if you're txting while you're driving, you only think you're driving. If you're on line while you're in class, you only think you're in class. Easy A if you pay attention.

I took this course over the summer, and it was extremely easy. I basically just had to do the workbook and the quiz questions were directly from the workbook, and I could take the quizzes as many times as I needed until I got 100%. I honestly didn't read the book or watch any of his online lecture videos. Super easy class, would highly recommend!

I never watched lectures or videos. You need the books for the quizzes (pretty easy!). This class is ONLY quizzes. You have like 3/4 a week, but you can take them as many time as possible to get 100%. It's helpful to have people put answers all on a google spreadsheet from quizzes because the exams are all repeat questions from quizzes.

Very straight forward online class. Do your quizzes every week -- he gives you lots of time to do each quiz and let's you keep taking quizzes till they're all 100%. And then take 5 exams which basically reuse quiz questions. Do the "work," get an A.

Took it last summer. Very good online class: workbook assignments that are hunt and find. Easy and fun. Take it.

One of the easiest classes I've ever taken. A few sets of quizzes due every week, and you can keep taking til you get 100%. Most of the quiz questions are on quizlet, except for the last unit. Book is very useful, especially for questions you can't find on quizlet. No need to watch lecture videos, just make sure to keep up with the homework!

Joe is by far one of my favorite professors at State! His Latin classes were so engaging and fun that I decided to take a classics minor. He's really an incredible professor, I couldn't recommend his classes enough!

Joe is hilarious which makes learning the subject far easier. Really enjoyed how he conducted his online class and am happy to continue learning Latin despite not having a prior interest.

Joe is without a doubt my favorite professor. I have/had him for 101L, 101G, 202L, and 202G. He's very passionate about what he teaches, tries his best to make it fun, and is incredibly kind. However, his classes are a LOT of work. Quizzes at least 5 days a week, and hours of lectures. But if you have an interest in the subject, Joe's your guy!

Just do the work and you'll do great. He makes learning Latin fun and ties the language into common, everyday words. He's knowledgeable and very understanding.

Joe's Latin 1 class is by far the best class I have taken fall semester. Joe makes all the material easy to digest while keeping the class engaged. In person tests are written but Joe ensures that everybody is prepared to ace them; Online tests are on translation of passages from our reading and give ample time to complete.

Best GE class ever. If you need to take a GE, take CLAS101G. His tests consist of translating Greek stories but DONT FEAR! If you're really good at memorizing (or learning a different language..), this is the class for you. Even if you're bad at both, just put in the effort! Joe is the best. Thank you, Joe.

The test are based off the language and you have to translate. The professor is caring and understanding if you cant take test or isnt ready though (if you let him know) but pretty much test is what your grade bases off of. Amazing professor! Very time consuming class though

Joe is such an amazing professor, and his lectures are super engaging. Try to go to class as much as possible and you should do well.

One of the best professors I've had. He is fair to all of his students, and really gets you to learn the content. He is also funny and a fun person to be around. The work might be difficult at first but he lets you know what he expects from you and you will continuously get better at learning how to study for his assignments.

Joe is the best professor I've ever had at State. He is very passionate and cares about the students; as long as you come to class, he makes it impossible to fail. Lots of energy and very engaging during lecture, if you get the opportunity to take his class DO IT!!!!

Very accessible during office hours, responds to emails quickly, assignments were easy, and tests were easy. He has "pop quizzes", which means he will tell you about them at least a week in advance and go through the exact problems. This is still a language class, which is difficult, but Joe makes it so easy to learn. Highly Recommend!