Prof. Kern is at Hunter to help us understand the complicated world we live in and us students often misunderstand this :/

Extremely knowledgeable. Very helpful to students who sought her advice and helped with papers etc. Exams were challenging, as they should be....students should want to be challenged...you're not here for just a grade, you're here to learn!

she was tough but fair. she really cares about the students and is available to us. I think students who don't like her, just don't appreciate that this is college and they have to be adults.

I came to college to be challenged and kern challenges. she forces you to be an adult and dedicate yourself to the subject. learned a ton in her class, and have nothing but respect for her. those of you wanting an easy A or to float through a required element, this is the wrong class, and its about time hunter got someone with high standards.

Very clear, challenging, not a bad teacher, her tests are not easy, but if u pay attention and study, 90's are possible

Hard, but fun.... She is amazing, a great lecturer, however her exams are really hard specially the multiple-choice part. In general, one could enjoy her class if do the reading everyday. By they way, she is hot too :)

This was the most mind-opening class I have ever taken! I loved every minute--and found Professor Kern's style of teaching excellent. I also think she is a very kind and giving person. Maybe some of you don't bother to get to know her and just want easy As!

interesting class and interesting readings- her remarks in class compliment the readings-will def raise your interest level on the subject- you will learn alot and student participation is a must!

Her class is challenging but extremely interesting! She is one of the most helpful professors I have encountered and I hope to take a course with her in the future!

Although the class was challenging, I enjoyed it because the topic was really interesting. A couple of times there were class discussions that were very spirited and it made the course more interesting. This combined with the fact that Islam is a religion we are all curious about since 9/11. I really enjoyed this class.

Excellent class & topics, further enhanced by the professor. She is extremely knowledgeable in her field, and can discuss controversial topics without a bias. Highly recommend the class to anyone interested in the current state of the world & how we ended up here.

This class is very interesting, furthermore, Professor Kern is very knowledgeable about the subject, and although the class is at times difficult, the professor teaches the material in a very clear, and effective manner, making the class both interesting and enlightening. Furthermore, she is very specific about what she expects and offers much help

Excellent prof. & class. A lot of required reading, but the prof. lectures about all the important aspects, incorporates films and interesting stories to clarify concepts, and addresses controversial topics by examining all sides of the story. Stongly recommended for anyone interested in the Middle East. Read and go to class - you'll do well.

Professor Kern is professional, organized, and reasonably fair. She has extensive knowlege in her field. I for one felt I learned about world rather than just middle eastern history in her class.

A knowledgeable and open-minded professor who actually teaches you what the news and media will never say about women and politics in the Middle East. Learned a great deal in the course. May be challenging at times, but can push you to your full potential. This isn't a sit back and do nothing course, but you will definitely come out learning a lot.

Very clear, concise, thorough.

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An intellectually engaging and challenging course, and thus not for the lazy or those who groan over reading assingments. The professor is thorough and interesting in her lectures; the readings are extensive and varied; tests are difficult but fair. I learned a tremendous amount in this class. I'll take any class she offers.

If you want an easy A, don't take her class. She puts a huge emphasis on participation. Show up to class, participate in the discussion, and go to her office hours if you're having trouble. She's surprisingly understanding and helpful. Trust me, it's worth it! Anyway, if you don't want to go to class, why the hell are you in college anyway?

This was a very productive and challenging class, and one of the best I've taken at Hunter. This is a survey course, so there is a mountain of material to cover, but well worth studying. The prof. has raised my interest in the subject and clearly defines complexities throughout the course. Her tests are well written and graded fairly.

I like this professor. She is intelligent but tough. Take her classes if u want to learn the subject. Tests are difficult, but if u study, she easily gives good grades. Also u get to watch interesting films about Sufism etc.

She's very organized and knows the material well. This is a survey course, and we got through the entire textbook. If you study and work hard, you'll do fine, but it's not a guaranteed A. The tests are fair and challenging. There are three. They each include multiple choice, short passage identification, and an essay. You must participate.

Prof. Kern is an exceptionally intelligent, helpful and demanding teacher. Her class required alot of reading, and the tests were challenging, but if you do the work and come to class, you will do well. She is a very fair grader, and an amazing lecturer. The best teacher I've had at Hunter, for sure!

After taking Prof. kern class I realized my passion for history and how to link and engage it with my other interests. She is very bright, thoughtful and helpful. She knows very well how to lead you with the references. I will definitely like to work with her on different projects and have her scholar advices.

GOOD TEACHING ABILITIES

Not an easy class. I heard some students grumbling about the class being harder than they expected: boo-hoo. I found professor Kern to be a very fair grader. Her lectures are well-prepared, her tests fair and her assignments interesting. Unlike some history classes, learning dates by rote won't help as you are expected to LEARN the material.

funny, great teacher, manages the material well and is a fair grader

hey, she's the best. survey classes are hard and she organizes the material so it is managable. and she is also very accessible and helpful, if you just try and get to know her. she is also a fair grader. but you have to put in the effort

Professor is an interesting lecturer who really know the subject matter. Even though it's a large class you still feel like she is willing to speak with you. Her grading is fair -- but you need to study and take good notes to do well.

hey it's a introductory world history class. it's a lot of material. get a grip. she worked hard in the lectures and to fairly grade the exams. she gave us lots of chances to do well. she is one of the fairest teachers I have met at hunter. and how often do we get a chance to do public speaking. it was a good experience.

She most certainly is NOT a challenging teacher! I found her class surprisingly dull, considering how fascinating the study of Islamic culture is. I'd rather a tough, but INTERESTING class...

Professor Kern's lectures are engaging, concise, and straight-to-the-point. This class is quite intense, covering about 500 years of Middle Eastern History, with a lot of material to digest. However, the exams are open book, and she gives out the questions beforehand, so as long as you do the necessary readings, and prepare, then you will do fine.

The lectures of Prof. Kern were tight and very informative.

i really liked the class.

Great subject, the class was always interesting, the professor is fair and accessible, if you try. She gives more feedback than most.

Her Gender in Islam course covers tons of material which is all useful. The class was very interesting and if your seek help you will get it. There is alot of reading about 5 books and 3" of a large primary source book. midterm final and a 30 page paper keep up on the reading and you will do fine! pick a paper topic with many available sources

This class is great. If you have any interest in what is happening in the Middle East today, take this class. All of her lectures are interesting. The prof. gives out review sheets, exams are essays. If you prepare and study you will do great. She is also very accessible and gives tons of feedback, more if you ask and go to her office hours.

First fizzle in hell and then take her class.O.k. admit her lectures a lil bit intreasting, and her exams are not hard but writting and structuring what is essentially a mini historcal paper in an hour + using 3 freaking source books + a good thesis is ridiculous. Note: 90% of your final grade = 3 Exam's (Essay) Personality?Approachable yet a witch

It is a 100 survey course, it doesn't take much to do well. There is plenty of material, but the lectures give a much needed succinct summary. Just pay attention to the notes, which the professor works really hard on, and skim the textbook. Pro. Kern is definitely helpful and approachable. Keep up with the material and it is a definite A!

An effective, demanding teacher. There is a great deal of reading, an in-depth research paper in addition to a mid-term and final. The reading is interesting however; it helps to do background reading on top of it. Although her manner is reserved, she is actually very helpful in pushing you to do good work. Not a class to be taken lightly.

a class for serious students. if u want to know about the region take this class. she gives review sheets and open book exams. if u study the questions, u can get As on the exam. she is really helpful if u need it.

Highly recommended if you're seriously interested in learning the material. It's not easy... rapid pace, detailed note taking needed, must read ALL material and really attempt to comprehend the historical significance of each lesson in order to do well on the essay portion (worth 50% of each exam). Very fair teacher. Sparked my interest!

I highly recommend this class because the lectures and material are extremely interesting. I found myself being continually surprised and intrigued by the abundance of new and profound facts. The text is good as a supplementary guideline, but it is essential to attend class and engage oneself fully. The professor encourages a meaningful experience!

Great great great class if interested in the subject. A LOT of reading, but you'll come out with a very comprehensive understanding of Middle East. Very fair grader, encouraging, class for mature students since topics can be touchy. 3 open book essay exams, 1 map quiz, attendance imp, intriguing lectures. Essays are difficult if you don't read.

class is crammed with material. covers history to 1500. 4 exams so you are always studying. prof. pulls the information together into intesting broader and relevant questions. if you like world history, you will like this class. prof. is also very approachable and helpful. a 100 level class but not a easy "A". you can get it if you study.

this is a class on women in Islam. a lot of writing, essay exams. uses a lot of media. really engaging subject and the prof is willing to go the extra distance to help. highly recommended.

Professor Kern's class isn't easy but its interesting. If you go to her during her office hours she will give you advice on how to improve your grade, and its not the usual BS. She might come across stern in the beginning but if you ask for help you got it. Pay attention to the lectures because thats the test. I really recommend this professor.

prof kern is very helpful .alot of reading ,if you don't keep up it's on you.doesn't come across as approachable in class,but she is very ,just need to get over it and speak w/ her ..

one of the best classes to learn about the Middle East. gives a lot of readings and information in the lectures, but is clear about exam prep strategies. take notes and read and you'll do great. she is very approachable and really helpful.

I highly recommend this class! It is highly informative and eye opening, there will be reading but not in vain, it is truly to benefit you in your knowledge of the Middle East and for the exams. Prof. Kern is very willing to help you with your understandings and your writing technique. 3 essay exams and final, attendance and good note taking is key

I can say that this class totally blew my mind. I had really no concept of the historical foundations of the Middle East before this class, and now I have a clear appreciation of the main ideas of this subject, which is a bit complex for a semester survey, but Professor Kern does a good job summing it up.

A hard (and strict) professor but if you're willing to put in the work you'll get a lot out of it. With the current political situation as it is I personally think everyone should take this class and Kern is very good about linking the history of the Middle East with the present.

Great class - Prof Kern is very helpful, and she makes the class interesting. Tests are not too hard, just study the terms, sources, and essay questions and you will be fine. Highly recommended.

Extremely enjoyable class material mainly due to the way that professor Kern handled the material. The actual material dates back to the 1400's so as you could imagine there is alot of work needed to be put in. However, with the help of the professor the class shifts from a challenging one to an a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

The classes I took with Prof. Kern ( both Middle Eastern history sections) were very informative. She is very knowledgeable and presents all the materials clearly. The classes require you to keep up with the readings! Prof. Kern is very approachable if you have any questions.

Ok, for this Prof. you DEFINETLY need to take good notes, must. Textbook reading is not neccesary but hightly recommended. Tests are strightforward and are graded fairly. Attendence mandatory. She's a little dry in her lectures but the actual information is really COOL. Very interesting class but you gotta study! Definetly recommend.

She knows her stuff, there is no question about that and I did learn a lot. But if you have a question she can be VERY rude, you're better off asking her in her office.It like there is an on/off switch with her attitude. You MUST read, or else you will fall behind. She is a HARD grader. If you're not there, you will fall behind. This is no easy A.

Kern presents the course information like a pro. She is super knowledgeable on the subject and makes it very clear on what she expects you to know. Her lectures are very organized and full of detail so in order to do well you MUST take good notes. 2 tests and a final. there is an essay portion on each exam. work hard and it will pay off!

If u want 2 learn about the ME, take this class. It's challenging and u have to put in the work. But she is clear about how you can succeed. If u listen, u can get a good grade. she is very helpful if u ask.

This is not the class to take if you want to get an easy A. Expect to do a lot of reading and writing. Make sure you keep up with the readings- there are many! Take advantage of her office hours. Work with peers on assignments. You'll learn a great deal; I liked this class a lot despite the work and her icy attitude.

Dr. Kern is a highly intelligent professor hailing from the ivy league. By taking her course one will be able to obtain a great deal of knowledge about the development and spread of Islam as well as the rise and fall of Islamic empires. Expect to take a great deal of notes during the class. She has a very cold and nasty demeanor, otherwise good.

If your in search of a course that is challenging, insightful and accurate then this is for you. Her presentation of the ME will leave you a million times more enlightened about the region. I think she is an ideal professor and do not understand why a college student is in need of a professor who will hold their hands through everything,get real!

If you are taking a 300+ level History course IT WILL BE HARD REGARDLESS. Therefore, you can't blame the professor. You have to read, be AWAKE in class, and do the work. It won't be an easy A, but it will be a great feeling once you get it. Hard work pays off, and Kern's SUPER helpful if she knows you're serious.

I took her for modern Middle East, and my first impression of her was cold and rigid. But she is actually very nice and helpful if you are a serious student. Taking GOOD notes are imperative to do well in her class, especially near the end of the course when it's easy to lose interest or be overwhelmed by all the craziness going on the ME region.

Very straightforward, a helpful professor and if you do what you are supposed to do you will have no problems.

She is definitely tough but fair. Her notes and the primary source books are all you need; EMPHASIS on HER notes. Her notes contain everything so take good notes or pair up with other students to make sure you got every thing.

Fair. Gives essay questions beforehand. Not too much reading. It's important to attend class (each session is three hours) and take DETAILED NOTES. Her lecturing is a little dry, though; she could stand to spice things up a bit because it can get boring in a three-hour class. But I learned a lot!

I truly felt like I learned so much through the material Professor Kern provided and the lectures. I admire Professor Kern's passion for MES His. as well as respect and trust her vision for historical academia. This is a class where a non-biased perspective of Middle Eastern Culture & Hist. is made a priority. You will learn to think for yourself

I had History of Arab Israeli relations with Prof Kern. It was a very challenging class with lots of reading, complex material and extremely hard writing assignments. She grades very harshly! In the end I appreciated this. Few teachers at Hunter put as much dedication into grading student work and few have challenged me in this way. You will learn!

This professor may come off as dry/boring at first but she's very passionate about what she teaches & definitely puts work into grading student's work. Be prepared to read A LOT of complex and long articles. This class was hard but I really did learn a lot and she makes herself available for office hours if you ever need clarification on anything.

This is, by far, one of the most fulfilling classes I have ever taken. Professor Kern is very strict yet extremely knowledgeable on this topic. If you are interested in Islamic history (or have an inclination towards spirituality in general) then I would definitely recommend this. However I must warn that this lecture is not for the weak of mind.

She is a little unforgiving with people who don't give fulfilling answers during class time. She is a huge stickler about in-class participation, and you can't BS your answer. She is expecting you to think critically about the material which means you need to read REALLY CAREFULLY. Each day has so much reading! Very rarely is she satisfied!!

I loved Dr. Kern's class, she is extremely knowledgeable and provides a syllabus full of engaging readings, which you must actually read if you want to succeed in her class, not one you can BS your way through by any stretch. She gives fantastic feedback on papers that will improve your writing. I go back and read my class notes for fun, for real.

At first, she might come off as lacking empathy. While she is not the most bubbly, she has high standards for her students and does not entertain anything less than it. She won't be your best friend but she will teach you a lot. She expects you to carry your own weight. As grad students, it is helpful even if you can't see it right away.

Professor Kern's courses especially on the graduate level require excellence. If you're uninterested in reading the assigned material and constructing high-level thinking in long-form essays this class is not for you. Professor Kern meticulously grades + evaluates arguments and if you're looking for an easy-A, this isn't it. Put in the work.

This is a really great professor, if you are willing to read and work. Very smart and does not put up with any bad behavior. For serious students.