3.0
Quality2.6
Difficulty40%
Would Retake86
Reviews40%
Would Retake
86
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
24
4
17
3
11
2
12
1
22
What Students Say
“if you copy word by word his book you will have an A and don't be afraid of plagiarizing him he loves hearing his own idea”
AFRS498 - 2.0 rating“All his tests are based off of terms that HE MADE UP”
AAS319 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
54%
Textbook Required
32%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.68 avg changeRatings by Course
BLST319
5.0
(1)AFRS100
5.0
(1)AFRS498I
5.0
(1)BST110
4.7
(7)BST353I
4.7
(3)Difficulty by Course
SPEAKERATUCR
5.0
ETHST219
5.0
AFRS498
3.8
ETHC319
3.5
AFRS319
3.3
Reviews (86)
No Comments
Karenga is a nut, but hes cool. I enjoyed the class although I didnt really like what he was saying a lot of the time. He tends to promote himself and his organization a lot, but still provides insite to black studies.
No Comments
Look for a big bald guy...he's so into himself but he can be informational...when you meet him ask him what was his issue with the UCLA Fowler Museum kente cloth project?
He loves to spout his self-righteous propaganda while passing it off as important knowledge in the world of multicultural studies.
i agree with all the other comments...karenga iz a big bald guy who iz in2 him self a bit...but he iz a decent teacher...
I found Dr.Karenga's class very interesting. He is a great professor; very righteous and an excellent example for students. Great leader
Very helpfull and great leader and professor.
He's is very set in his opinions and goes on and on about things that will put you to sleep. Luckily you only have him teaching for 8 classes because of the way it is team taught. A class you shouldn't have a problem passing.
No Comments
very pro black. speaks up for his race although it will take u a second to figure out his religous beliefs. definitely a good class to take if u want a eazy A. try not to fall asleep because HE WILL CALL ON U! turn in the assignments (if any) and ur koo
i love dr. karenga! he may seem mean at first but is very friendly. his class is easy and straightforward although he may ramble on a bit! very intelligent as well
A waste of my precious time. One of the reasons why I've left Long Beach for a real academic institution. Very, very boring and long-winded about himself. Bring coffee! No factual information about African culture and history that doesn't fit into his agenda. Any idiot can pass this class.
great instructor! interesting class! make sure you go to his review sessions-- he reviews exactly what to study for the test so you can pass and maybe even get an easy A.
He was one of 4 teacher in an ethnic studies class and i dont suggest taking this class if you are white because all of americas problems will be blamed on you. Apparentl white people are the devil. For someone so against racism he sure seemed to be **** against whites. Hated the class!
Extreamly intelligent man. He knows what he is talking about and if you go to class and just liten you will pass with at least an B. If you do some reading and take notes you are sure to get an A. At times he does talk off subject, but it is always interesting info.
If you study and do the study guides you'll be ok.
Overall, this class had a good message. Although, I don't think the matieral was presented clearly. He is horrible with technology and didn't post the 20 pages of notes until after the first exam. He is very opinionated and clearly expresses it in his lectures.
No Comments
He looks like jazze pha... anyways i suggest you dont take karenga too serious. He might try to intimidate you at first but he's really not that mean. also he makes you feel like you arent"black enough"...read when he tells you to read... and study when he tells you to study. there are only four quizes that arent worth many points... do extra cred
Very intersesting class. I still think about his class 5 years ater. I learned a lot b/c it made me think about stuff from a different perspective...
No Comments
Karenga is my favorite teacher. He has been through so much in his life and he tells everything the way it is. He is funny as hell and he makes you feel good about being a minority. The only bad thing is that taking notes while he takes is hard because he doesnt slow down to let you catch. He is still the best ever
Dynamic speaker and a legend (he created Kwanzaa!)!
He makes Tupac look white...Very dynamic speaker and has more credibility for his philosophies than does Jesse Jackson...Very down to earth, and truthful speaker...He speaks of ethnic pride, not just black pride...He is the Kwanzaa man...He came to class one day....people weres till talking when he started...As soon as he said, "...during my interview on CNN last night...," everybody shut up and found out he created Kwanzaa...Stand Tall, say it all...Say it loud, and say it proud!...
Karenga still a slave of his brain. Gandhi & King Jr. told the truth without being militant and they gain many people from all over. Karengam may be really educated, but he projects the opposite. He says he is no ****, but he is & he talks really bad about Mexicans & Whites. He is really hurt at them. He is putting African students against Mexica
this professor is a comlpete idiot, he had a perspective on certain views and believes that there is no other way. he is A CONVICTED TORTURER he is a **** that desrves no respect because that is the last thing he has for any race other thn his own. He has issues that need to be viewed and helped because he is living in his own world.
This professor is very militant, he's for his race. You need to come to this class everyday to take notes from his lecture, because all of your tests are essay writing and the book doesn't cover everything he talks about. Karenga is a good teacher.
He was ok... But he didn't really teach us much about the university. We always ended up talking about rights and equality for minorities and women. Over all the class was bearable.
319 was one of the best classes I've taken here at CSULB. It's taught jointly by 4 professors, but Dr. Karenga was the best. He's a great speaker and always keeps the class captivated. There are no assignments, just 2 midterms + final (multiple choice), one short essay on the 1st midterm. Offers extra credit, a cultural reflective paper 2 pager.
Great and Interesting teacher. A true challenge to the scholarly mind. He is a fantastic one of a kind teacher. His class may be really hard for some people if they refuse to accept his thinking, but anyone can learn a great deal about life from his class.
great teacher! tries not to get political and/or religious and focuses on bringing people together through ethical reasoning. really gets you motivated and excited. alot of interesting concepts. tests are essays but he usually lets you use your notes and the book. how easy is that? plus a paper 3-5pgs. a snap. overall really enjoyable.
This is a joke that CSULB allows this man to teach, he was imprisoned for torturing 2 women for days.? Google him and look him up he was in PRISON for this. I am appauled that they let him teach! Horrible. Hope this gets around!
When I found out he created Kwanzaa I decided to enroll in the class. He is a great speaker and I learned a lot about another culture's perspective and experience. My fellow white people who were offended obviously weren't listening.
he really wants to teach u about everything.he might be a little bit intimidating, but NO!VERY FRIENDLY! he always wants to talk to his students and answer any question.he also gives u tips about life,culture.u wont fall asleep at all bc its so interesting along with his humor!people really need to face a professor like him least once!Ilovehisclass
If you are any ethnicity but African American dont take this class! All he talks about is how white ppl are horrible oppressors. He created Kwanzaa and thinks he God b/c of it. Google him he was in PRISON for five years! If you are white you will be chastized. Worst professor I have ever had. The class is easy as long as you say you hate white ppl
I took Religion of African people. His class is no kind of hard. First test was multiple choice in class and a take home essay. Second we got to use a book. The third he threw out bc everyone did bad, the next he gave me extra credit bc i did bad (after i asked for it) and the final we were well prepared for. Take his class. Easy & very informative
Google his name and read his background... I looked him up after I took the class and regret even listning to the mans opinions. Besides his constant complaints about our country he was late for class, tests, and ridiculed students opinions in class.
Lame.
this guy is famous for inviting Quanza. no joke. he's a cool guy and his lectures are funny. the only thing is that he is hard to understand because he mumbles. i took him for capstone with 3 other prof. all 4 prof. combine the test for each ethnicity and his section was one of the easiest. overall, interesting teacher, hard to understand.
Very opinionated, referred to his own textbook and quoted himself. has a talks about violence as a means to get things done. Will call you out in front of the whole class if you have a different opinion than his.
Look up Ron Everett, this is Professor Karenga. If you are white, don't take this class. He tortured two women. How can he still teach at CSULB?
He is hilarious and informative. If you're white and don't want to admit that there are advantages to being white than do not take this class. Ethnic classes often discuss white privelege.
I took his Introduction to African American studies class as a freshman and it was AMAZING!It was the only class out of all my GE and major classes that I looked forward to the most.For once I can truly appreciate apply this relevant education (one of his terms) to real life. He cares about you more about understanding the material than the grade.
Worst professor on the history of the planet! Grades assignments unfairly and was hardly ever there. I would not recommend this teacher even to my worst enemy. Yes he is a very distinguished scholar but a horrible teacher. He only gives A's to the people who share the same beliefs as him and quote him word for word in their exams.
Dr. Karenga is a wonderful teacher. Despite some of the comments made by none black students, Dr. Karenga is fair and does NOT humiliate anyone in class. If you're interested in learning about humanity in general, African or American history from a none Eurocentric view point. Take him, he's worth it. You will learn tonssss from him :)
He is a nice person and he tries to help everyone with every assignment. I took him for African Religion and it does get a bit tense, but that is the purpose of the course! His tests are essays and mostly you can use the book until the last 2 tests. Take him he is comical and enlightening.
i dont understand why there are any negative comments about him he is such an amazing teacher. his class is the only class i look foward to attending his class
Very nice person... you will learn a lot. strongly recommended...
if you copy word by word his book you will have an A and don't be afraid of plagiarizing him he loves hearing his own idea. I got 2 D for my 2 first essays and when he told why don't you write like I write. I copied him and I got an A for my final grade. overall he is a nice guy. he just want you to be interested in his ideas.
if you copy word by word his book you will have an A and don't be afraid of plagiarizing him he loves hearing his own idea. overall he is a nice guy. he just want you to be interested in his ideas. Boring but easy
Great class, completely unexpected! I enrolled after the first week and was surprised at how interesting the class was. Great professor. Explains subject well. He just wants everyone to do well. He does not force anyone to have his opinions, he respects others.
Likes discussion, unless you disagree with him. Easy class, reviews EVERYTHING that will be on the exams before you take it. For essays, literally write his own words and he is happy. Easy A, ok class.
GREAT teacher. you do not need to be black to take this class. He is very knowledgable and passionate which is great
Very knowledgeable and inspiring teacher. Also very easy going. Can be picky about the way class is run, but what you learn is worth working with it. Most of the test are essay test so if you don't mind that I would definitely take him. Especially since he prepares you well by giving you all the answers. Just write them down like he said it.
This is a writing intensive course so expect to write many papers. Class was only interesting when everyone participated and in this class only about 3 people did. He wrote the book you have to read so beware criticizing it. The material was interesting but I wish that he would use different teaching methods other than lecture. Lots of extra credit
He is very knowledgeable, but doesn't always practice what he preaches. Loves to talk off topic and doesn't get through all of the slides. Review sessions for the exams are most important. Buy the big scantrons, even though there is only one essay question on the first exam. 3 exams.. oh yeah, they don't tell you it's taught by 3 other teachers
Let me start, THERE ARE THREE OTHER TEACHERS FOR THIS COURSE. Had no idea, it was a shock. All 319's are for this course (CHLS, AIS, ect.). So a lot of work & studying. Class was very interesting and eye opening. Dr. Karenga is very inspiring and a distinguished scholar. He is so wise and invented Kwanzaa! How cool! class is based on only 3 exams:(
There are a total of 4 professors for this class. They all take turn lecturing through out the semester and you will be expected to know all the content on the 3 exams. Dr. Karenga did give somewhat interesting lectures and his portion of the multiple choice questions were clear on the exams, but he grades way too harshly on essays.
Dr. Karenga knows his stuff! He speaks from research he's done and i really enjoy that about the class thus far. Excited to see where he goes with it.
Be prepared for an incredibly biased lecture. He preaches that he is for all people but then puts down those who are white or Christian. Look up his criminal record, I am shocked that CSULB allows him to be the department chair.
All his tests are based off of terms that HE MADE UP. His lectures are not based off of real history, its all his opionon.
Combined class. Of the 4 sections, his was the worst. Seems intent on taking credit the entirety of black progress. All readings are by him, and are dry, theoretical, and devoid of real examples. Gets sidetracked into discussions and skips half the test material. I agree with his views, but it doesnt make him a good teacher. Easy but slow grader.
Brilliant professor. Powerful speaker with incredibly powerful dialogue on the history of African people in the United States. Only lectures with three exams throughout the semester.
Go to every class because he gives you the answers to the tests. The tests are the only things he grades. Also do the extra credit paper, it moves your grade up five percent. Be prepared to read, he wants class participation. On test days ask to work in groups, hell let you if you ask. Easy A, and you learn a lot.
Took his class&hated EVERYTHING. In a class w/1 hour of lecture, he gets distracted w/ side convos completely irrelevant to the power point and material on the exams. He doesnt time manage well and skips most the lecture all together&says he will post up the power points to beach board but DOESNT. 3 exams Total GRADE&he doesnt post grades
The 319 courses are all taught together by four professors. During lectures, he was very interesting and had so much to share. However, he never responded to my emails, so good luck getting ahold of him. Professor Karenga is great during lectures, but this course is like taking four classes at once, so beware.
Dr. Karenga is a great professor. class consists of 4 exams and 1 final. no homework at all. Has an extra credit opportunity. before exams he goes over the test and gives us answers so its best for you to take notes. Easy A. Highly recommend him.
Not a great professor, ends zoom meetings 10 minutes in when he feels like no one is participating. Rarely gives information, cancels class an hour after its original time and a very slow grader. Was gone for weeks and did not give any information about exam that was supposed to happen the week he was gone until after he came back.
I took this class without knowing it was a combined class with a total of 4 professors! Dr. Karenga has inspiring lectures & discussions once you ask him questions. He is very understanding & test is straight from his study guides which he would give answers to during reviews! Class in a whole with 4 professors worked well together!
Your grade consists of 3 exams (all worth the same), and an extra credit paper (will increase grade by 3-5%). The professor is a nightmare, he ends class if no one talks and also vanished for about 2-3 weeks without any reason why. Class is an easy pass (if online.)
There are no assignments, no projects, no papers, just a whole lot of readings and long lectures. If you don't take notes during lectures and while reading the assigned readings you won't pass. He is a great professor with great energy, he's passionate about this topic but beware your grade will be the average of 3 exams and nothing else.
The class wasn't too bad if you actually paid attention to the lectures. What makes the tests difficult is how specific they are to the readings, like word-for-word answers. We were only graded on three tests. Participation only matters if you don't want him to be mad. Oh also, he like dipped for three weeks with very little communication on why.
Very inspirational and passionate about his class. He taught alongside 3 other professors for this class. Prepare to read. Class heavily (and ONLY) based on 3 exams with extra credit opportunities. Listen, take notes, and study for the exams. He is a great professor, but getting an A in the class is unrealistic.
This was 1 of the 4 professors who taught this 4 section class. Though not my professor, he was very influential and his lectures were very empowering. Simply open your mind and witness how powerful this professor is. Take serious notes and read the readings and fill out the study guides. You only have 3 exams and a few extra credit points.
this class was combined with asian and Indian American studies as well as chicano studies which I didnt know beforehand. our grades are based on 3 total exams, no assignments. I was very overwhelmed with all the reading assigned from all 4 professors as well as the lectures. overall disappointed in this class wish it went better :(
His class is solely graded on tests. They were all written exams about a page long. He gave a study guide so I would type out the essay beforehand. He did not post any of the slides from the lecture. so take photos. he had lots of readings required, I did not read and still did well.
Wish I would have known his criminal record and history of abusing and torturing women before taking this class. With CSULBS talk of safety and security I find it surprising he is still working
Your grade is only based on 4 essay exams. He listed 3 of them are take at home and the final is only to be completed during class time, he didn't do that, all of them were timed during class hrs. He does not post the slides so make sure to take pictures. It is hard to get him to respond to emails, can be days or no at all. It doesn't give feedback
Professor Karenga sorry *Dr Karenga - is knowledgeable but strict. There are only 4 timed essay exams during class, and cameras are mandatory—if you don't turn it on, you're kicked out. He doesn't share PowerPoints, so record lectures or take pictures. If you follow his exam prep, you'll do well, but it's a challenging class. You've been warned lol
In 1971, he was convicted of felony assault, torture, and false imprisonment of women. He denied involvement and claimed the prosecution was political in nature. Karenga was imprisoned in California Men's Colony until he received parole in 1975. LOOK IT UP!
My 3rd course with this professor. Honestly he's too old to be teaching still he needs tk retire. I've dropped all 3 courses I've had him in, class is online and boring and he expects to much with little to no teaching going on. 0/10 wouldn't recommend him at all prolong his courses as long as you can
Worst mistake was taking him my last semester of school. He is one of the toughest graders. His lectures are confusing. He provides no feedback. Do not take his course. He's also extremely opinionated and if you disagree, he doesn't like that. I would not recommend him at all.
I took an ethic studies class that was combined with 4 professors that took turns lecturing each week. Dr. Karenga moved our IN PERSON class to online every single time it was his turn with no notice (literally minutes before class after we drove to campus). His lectures are HEAVILY influenced by his opinion. No assignments, strictly exams.
I did bad on my first paper and received an F, and he told me if I redid the paper then I could improve my grade. I stayed up all night redoing it, finding reliable sources, etc, just for my emails to be ignored when I was done and for my paper to never be graded. I ended with a C, whereas I had As in all my other classes. Hard work gone to waste
DO NOT TAKE!!! The class is based off 3 exams and I missed 1 because I had Covid and was in the hospital. He said I could make it up then he ghosted me for the rest of the semester and gave me an incomplete. It's been a semester and I'm still chasing him down to retake the exam. DPMO!!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
54%
Textbook Required
32%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.68 avg changeRatings by Course
BLST319
5.0
(1)AFRS100
5.0
(1)AFRS498I
5.0
(1)BST110
4.7
(7)BST353I
4.7
(3)Difficulty by Course
SPEAKERATUCR
5.0
ETHST219
5.0
AFRS498
3.8
ETHC319
3.5
AFRS319
3.3