If you want to transfer to UCLA she is the best.

5-10 page essays for test, and expects a lot, but prepares you for real college.

Really good at keeping up wat she wanna teach, but expect a lot of readings.....

i would take her again. she definitely prepares you for the 4 year college. i think her grading is fair. i really learned a lot. there is definitely a lot of work. the lazy need not apply!!

good teacher, class will definitely challenge you. i barely did anywork and still managed a B...but i was lucky. dont take if you want an easy A

Class seems easy at first, but lots of reading and lots of work. Great lectures, but definitely a liberal spin to them. If you are prepared to work AND LEARN, take her, you will be happy you did. If you want an easy A, then shes not for you.

She sets the bar high and rewards those who step up to the challenge. Class material is great and she presents it well. Kawaguchi rocks but if you don't want to be pushed you won't appreciate her. Only transfer minded students should take her class.

People who are lazy and want an easy grade do not take this class. She is very good and tells the truth. Yes, the class is very hard to pass, but it will make you use your brain and exercise it a little.

Expect to do over 1,000 pages of reading and write approximately 50 pages worth of essays and question answering. Kawaguchi implements tough grading practices. However, if you are not an academic **** you will learn and grow as a student exponentially.

2 Term Papers, No multiple choice exams, so much reading and she's a hard grader. This is not a class where you get an easy A, I don't think anyone even got an A

I took her class for winter. It was easy. Just a lot of reading. 3 exams, is you read and do the work you can easyly get a B!! She makes lectures interesting!

She's demanding,has unrealistic grading expectations and fails to realize that its a GE course. Her lecture are informative and enjoyable but aren't in synch with the papers. Bottom line take the class with someone else, no hope for an A. She's brutal. Average grade on essay's D.

Wonderful class, great material. Kawaguchi is always prepared and gives great lectures. You'll learn a lot. Be prepared to do college level writing, and do all the reading. She's fair but demanding. Highly recommend.

I loved her class, it was very educational, afterall that's why you're in school. Her essays are tough, you have to have at least taken eng. 1 to do ok. I got a B in the class and worked my ass off. If you want to take it just for IGETC requirements, I reccomend you think twice. Overall really great class.

I GOT B in short semester very interesting if you love history I recomand her for HISTORY MAJORS ONLY IF YOU DO NOT KNOW/LIKE history DO NOT TAKE HER she is hard

Dr. Kawaguchi is an excellent teacher. However, she is VERY hard. She teaches as if it were UCLA not SMC. LOTS of essay writing. Expect to write 3 essay questions at midterm and final, plus two full papers. Only take her if you really love history and love to write essays. She is the department head, and teaches a specialized class, for a reason.

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professor is very well qualified

Excellent teacher. Really knows her stuff and throws in occasional jokes to wake people up. But don't take her if you are just another lazy college student. LOTS of work, essays for midterms and final.

she sounds likt gilbert godfree...seriously. shes a good teacher and reading the material helps. at times it might seem like shes pulling it out of her ass but she knows her materials.

she is a hard grader but a good teacher overall. class is a lot of work.

I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I enrolled in the class. Had I read these reviews I probably wouldn't have taken it, but now that I did, I'm grateful. She is a hard teacher, but it isn't an impossible course. The workload is stifling at times, but I walked away actually learning something valuable. This is a socially important course.

She's really hard. I did not know if I was going to get a great grade in the class. She's a great teacher and I learned a lot of interesting things from her lectures. She really gets you prepared for a 4 year University. If you read the text and do the homework you will pass with a good grade. You get to use the text on the tests. Remember to inclu

TAKE HER IF YOU ARE A HISTORY MAJOR! You actually walk away smarter. The workload is insane and she's insane-but in a good way. I wouldn't take her if you haven't completed your english requirements. She's a fantastic teacher but A students get Bs even Cs. I earned a B. I knew what she wanted but other classes, work, a life got in the way.

Yes, this class is difficult! Yes, the reading in considerable! Yes the workload is sometimes overwhelming, but Yes you can do it! I got an A taking four classes,and working full time. This professor cares about your academic success.

She's a good teacher, she knows what she's talking about and her lessons are interesting most of the time. But don't take her class unless you're prepared to study like mad. I got an A but I seriously had to spend hours every day studying. The reading exercises (10 of them) took forever to complete.

Dr. K is an amazing teacher.You walk away with a lot of knowledge. Class is taking notes the entire class everyday.You must buy the 3 books, you have to study and show up.Shes straight forward and helpful. Grading is rigorous and assignments are tedious.The midterm and final require days of preparation. If you get A's dont be surprised ifyouget a C

THIS CLASS IS HARD!!, the work takes forever to finish, the midterm was alright, but the final was tough, prepare to read alot and type alot

History according to her is not based on simple regurgitation of facts and dates, but more on critical thinking! Very knowledge about the subject, however her lectures and Power Points don't always correlate with the study guides used for the tests. A lot of reading, and reading exercises are mostly critical thinking questions, so you learn more.

Kawaguchi was extremely helpful. opened my eyes to a lot of facts i was unaware of. it is true the class requires tremendous dedication but if youre a history major, as am i, it pays off.

Opened my eyes to REAL American History, some call it "liberal", but she doesn't sugarcoat Native American annihilation with terms like 'Manifest Destiny', it took me my entire public school education until I got the real truth and this is coming from a 'white'/'Caucasian' American.

Worth the effort. Great lectures, high reliance on primary source material, and extremely helpful. Would take her again if she taught the next level of American History.

LOTS OF PAPERS TO WRITE!!! Basically all the papers are based on the readings that are assigned. I really didn't do much reading, all I did was pay attention in class and that was good enough for me. If you like writing papers take this class. She is extremely helpful if you go to her office hours. It was stressful for me to get all papers in!!

I took her class for winter.She teaches very well! You have a lot of reading to do, but you can use all your hmwk on the midterm and final! a 17 week class condensed into 6 weeks, and you can still get a really good grade. Reading + Hmwk = Passing. (you have to read b/c she requires you to show evidence/quotes/proof of reading in midterms and final

Great Professor organized enjoys teaching and discussing topics. Very knowledgeable would not recommend class to anyone who has not completed Eng1 as writing integral component to the class, enjoyed thoroughly.

Professor Kawaguchi is very nice and quite funny. However, I found her to be extremely critical of assignments. It's as if she expects you to have a doctorate in History and forgets that you're there to learn. She does give feedback after she practically rips you a new one! There are no exams but three papers and her expectations are high!

VERY PLEASANT LADY+COMPETENT TEACHER!WE NEED MORE TEACHERS LIKE HER!I TOOK ONLINE CLASS, MAKE SURE YOU DO YOUR THREADS-THIS IS WHAT WILL BUMP YOUR GRADE UP!A BIT HARD TO DO THE PAPERS DUE TO TAKING ONLINE CLASS,BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS COME TO GROUND CLASS AND LEARN A LOT.OVERALL GREAT TEACHER AND INTERESTING CLASS...

Those coming into this class expecting to be spoon-fed history will be disappointed. Those coming in with an open mind and a willingness to do the basics will find this subject both fascinating and rewarding. Kawaguchi brings passion, a clever sense of humor and is more than fair. Do the work, ask questions and don't be afraid to ask for help!

This is a hard and extremely challenging class. There were times when I didn?t think I was going to make it through. Only take this class if you have to take it to graduate, otherwise avoid at all cost.

Yeah this class is hard, and there are a lot of assignments to complete, but she does tell you this the first day of class. This class really teaches you history, and if you are not willing to put a lot of time into this class, dont bother adding.

This is not an easy class, but it is full of interesting information and you will most definitely improve your writing and research skills. If you are not interested in history and writing, do not take it. This will not be an easy A, but definitely worth while for history lovers.

Hard, but an amazing professor!

By far the best teacher I've had at SMC besides one other English teacher. I have never been so interested in a class before. She really helps you understand what you're studying. I used to hate history because I am terrible at it but this class I love. I'd take it again if I could. Fabulous professor. Take this class ignore all comments. Take this class.

VERY time consuming. Be prepared for 3-6 page homework assignments each weak that must be VERY precise. Really good professor but extremely specific when it comes to grading.

If you have no other classes, go ahead. She requires 4 books and over 100 pages of reading per week. Reading assignments are long and not worth many points either. Overall a good professor but can be condescending and rude at times. Be warned, this class leaves VERY little time for a full-semester schedule.

I DO NOT recommend taking this "required" GE course if you can avoid it, especially during shorter semesters. A ton of redundant reading, extensive homework, sarcastic political undertones throughout her lectures. She knows the vast majority NEED to take her class to get a degree, and seems to enjoy making it as painful as possible. THUMBS DOWN!

Dr.K knows her stuff so if you come in thinking you'll BS your way out, then this is not the class for you. If you don't have high expectation for your self and are OK with the idea of having a mediocre job then this is not the class for you. If your want to be top notch and know how to do college work THIS IS THE class for you'll get stronger.

Beware!!! If history is not your best subject just take an easier professor with less work

If you love History, take this class. Other than that, this class requires a lot of work. Homework assignments are given every two weeks, and is difficult to even get a B on them. She is a nice proffesor, but this class is just so much work. If you take this class, be prepared to make the books your best friend.

Extremely hard class -- that being said, it was the highlight of my summer. If you plan to transfer to a four year then this will not only provide interesting information but a preparation for what lays ahead. She is very approachable, in office hours. This class gave me the confidence to continue and push harder.

The Prof. covers hist from Columbus to the present: there are three books: they are used to write a total of 10 reports. Sometimes the reading assignments are a bit confusing, so ask if you need to. Lots of hard work, but facinating subject. If you've a heavy schedual/don't like reading/writing, take another class. I enjoyed the class.

Best class I have ever taken in my life! Prepared me well for other history classes and anything that requires a lot of writing or critical thinking. You will have to work hard and visit Dr. K during office hours if you want a good grade, but it is worth it. If you can't get a good grade in this class, you can forget transferring to a university.

Super hard, don't take this class you first semester, goes for both international and national students. You use all of the materials she gives you plus your notes from every class so you feel like you can't miss one class. But I have never learned so much in so little time before! My proudest C I have ever gotten! Go DR. K.

You need to buy the book, it will hep you on your journey, or at least facilitate it.

Yes, you actually have to earn an A...

great professor wish all the history professors were like her.

She is a goo lecturer, she knows her stuff. She raises good arguments. However its one man show. For that semester it was my least interactive class. She didn't create the platform to know your classmates. Assignments (essays) due every week, and they had to be referenced. No referencing you are extremely lucky to get a C.

The class was very interesting I learned a lot. Be careful not to miss any homework assignments as they are worth a large portion of your grade.

This is not an easy course. She has expectations for the homework that you MUST meet. College level course, she is funny, and cares about the topic which makes it tolerable. Get ready to WORK for your grade.

I was very skeptical about taking her class based on the reviews on how much work she gives out. I'm so glad I did because it was well worth it. People write bad reviews who apparently don't like homework. Apply yourself and do the reading because then outlines will be easy & helpful for the midterms. This class will definitely prepare you.

Okay lets begin. I don't understand all the hate on here. She is an amazing professor who teaches history very thoroughly. Yes she is hard, yes theres a lot of homework, and yes she makes you work for it. But realize that life is hard and nothing is meant to be easy. Be detailed, do the work, and do the readings. It will be better in the longterm

She expects you to work hard for your grade. Don't skip class, do your homework, keep up with readings, participate in class and you'll be just fine. She's a great teacher who explains things very well. Would definitely recommend.

Professor Kawaguchi is an amazing person, passionate. Yes her class is hard work, but you have to work for grade. I went in thinking positive and ready to learn. Honestly that's what is needed. I would definitely take her class again.

she grades so hard, i work my butt off for an A-. the homework takes me hours to do, but her lectures are great. if you like a challenge, take this class.

I got A +. How to succeed Read everything that is required, Do all hw and not just the min 2 pages - I wrote 5-10 pages, Complete all extra credit tasks, Participate in class discussions, Ask questions about hw 10 times if needed until you get it - she loved it. I got into a top law school and she helped me prepare for it. Forever grateful

The most important class I've taken. Well-chosen content + interesting lectures. In Scholars we had 5 outlines w/mini essays which we then could use on our midterm in-class essay; another essay; and a research paper (outline, source list, rough draft and final draft each graded). ALL are graded w/a high standard - I got C's when I usually get A's.

Professor Kawaguchi is an amazing professor who is passionate about the subject of history. She is a tough grader but if you are willing to do the extra credit assignments and reach out to her if you're struggling then you'll be able to pass this class easily. Lots of homework but I'd rather do that then have quizzes and tests.

One of the hardest classes I have ever taken but definitely transformed me as a student because I developed strong writing skills, a passion for the environment that I didn't know existed, and grew a better work ethic. This is way more work than 3units and you read A LOT. She is very nice, but is tough on you but for the betterment of yourself!

I've long moved on from SMC, graduating UCLA + UCLA Law, but what I learned from Prof. Kawaguchi -- about history, how world around me works, how to study, analyze + learn, + about myself -- helped me immeasurably in my path. I had a good grounding for other upper classes (even in other fields). UCLA was smooth b/c of her. Invest in yourself.