3.2
Quality2.9
Difficulty43%
Would Retake88
Reviews43%
Would Retake
88
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
28
4
14
3
15
2
19
1
12
What Students Say
“He is a very nice guy and absolutely hilarious, but not a great instructor”
REL202 - 3.0 rating“Reading at least 50 pages for homework every class”
REL205 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
98%
Textbook Required
20%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.14 avg changeRatings by Course
REL405
5.0
(1)REL330
5.0
(2)ASB394
5.0
(1)REL294
4.0
(4)REL394
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
REL287
5.0
REL100
3.5
REL201
3.2
REL294
3.0
REL205
3.0
Reviews (88)
good professor and very interesting class. keep up with the readings and you will do just fine. easy A if you read
Hmm...well there is a lot of dense, boring reading that you don't really need to do. I read the entire book and got a C, while someone who didn't read it got an A+. Hmm....Tests are generally pretty easy but I recommend not reading until the day before the test, the information doesn't stick long. Short version, lectures rock readings suck!
fun interesting lectures, but DON'T disagree with him because he'll tell you you're wrong, he's right and all the reasons why.(too full of himself)I only read 1 of the 4 books for class and passed the class with a B+.attendance is REALLY important.take it for an easy grade, but not if you actually want to learn about the subject.
This class was the biggest waste of time. The information learned is useless and the professor was caught giving false information several times. His lectures don't relate to the readings or the exams. Although an easy A, it wasn't worth the frustration and annoyance of attending class.
Best teacher/class I had this semester. There is a ton of reading to do, and it is hard to bs if you don't do it. Class was enjoyable and I learned a lot. He is a must take if you have any interest in religion courses. A good grade is easy enough if you put the work in.
Lecture material is interesting, however exams have nothing to do with what he discusses in class. Exams are full of useless trivia which is how he determines whether you read the books. Expect to do A LOT of reading.
Looking to be spoon fed often unsubstantiated (not always) propaganda? This is the class for you! No definable structure to the course or grading, lectures are one sided and filled with rants of profs personal life, and attendance is mandatory as he takes role. But at least all the grading is qualitative and subjective; oh wait, thats a bad thing.
Miguel is awesome. Really. He is funny and he knows what he is talking about. The tests are a joke. Weird, important, and bizarre facts from the reading will show up most. There will be other random nonsense. Listen to what he says in class. That will be extra credit. Very interesting. Very fun. Take the class. And spell magick like so :)
Possibly the best teacher I've ever had at ASU. It's a class for expanding your outlook on religion, sex, science, and history as you might view it. If you're a prude, or find conversations questioning your religion unbearable, don't take his class. Incredibly easy if you do the reading. Good GPA booster. Miguel is a wonderful professor.
My third class with this professor both previous grades were A's and upper division. Had a 100% going into the final paper and presentation ended up with a B. I made the mistake of addressing something he didn't agree with (even though I didn't either in my work) and this was too much for him. Tons of reading, kiss up to him and never disagree.
Mayan background and knows his stuff. It was a pleasure to have an instructor still passionate about his work. It shows and it can be contagious. Very open minded and speaks his mind. A refreshing change from the every day.
Great prof, only quizzes you on the oddities from the books you read to ensure you read them. Wants you to be in class though. But he is always interesting.
great teacher! he knows what he is talking about. just read all the material he gives you and the tests are cake!
Miguel is a fun and laid back professor. However, you have to come to class and read the books to do well on the exams. He asks super easy questions on the exams because he just wants to know that you are reading the material. So ask lots of questions and you will learn a lot from Miguel as he challenges you to see things differently.
He's really laid back and is funny as hell
Great, knowledgeable professor. Very honest, fun, normal guy. You will learn what the topic intends, and more. Tests are simple if you read the material (which is already interesting!) Definitely would recommend this class/professor!
ALOT of reading, unclean expectations! Make sure you tell him thank you if he gives you a day extension on a holiday or he'll never do that again! He's so sensitive
Miguel is the worst instructor I’ve EVER had; however, if you kiss up to him, you’re golden.If you’re in his class, be prepared to hear that your post don’t make sense and to not think (although this is “a thinking class”) about the material; instead , regurgitate it. Miguel is hands down the WORST instructor I’ve ever had.
Miguel was the BEST and truly cared for the students who put in the effort. He offered an insane amount of EC & was extremely understanding.LOT of reading, bt his lecture videos explain almost every page that's assigned.Tests are a breeze IF you read & the questions are word for word from the readings-not factual bt weird,funny making sure you read
Amazing teacher who cares that we are learning and not just memorizing specific facts. Discussion post and a short quiz for each module. The quizzes are not facts to remember but weird or funny things from the reading to make sure you actually reading. Offers insane amount of EC and cares for students who put in the effort.
This man gets very defensive if you ask him anything. I don't think he's a good instructor. His entire 'ONLINE' class was lecture listening to him read out of a textbook. Expect 300 pages a week and 5 hrs of lecture a week of listening to him read. He is unclear on what he wants out of his posts, and will change his mind as the semester goes on.
Hilarious teacher and FAIR. Do the readings as he says, show up and pay attention and you will pass the class, simple as that. Bombed the first test because I didn't read as closely as I should. Read all the material for the second exam and got an A+. As long as you read you will do fine. Aside from that, he is a very chill teacher who cares.
He's big on reading and lectures are a must. He does take attendance, and you do need to buy the books probably. That's the downside. The upside is that the lectures are interesting & engaging, and you can skim the reading and the lectures will cover what'll actually be on the tests. He also likes online exams, if that sweetens the pot for anyone.
Class is easy enough, just do the readings and come to class every week. He tests on fun facts from the readings and gives a ton of extra credit, no essays. The class material was not that great, he spends a lot more time ranting about anthropologists and his relatives than actually teaching anything.
I did not learn anything from Miguel. All he did was read out of books, nothing that I learned came from Miguel himself, just from the many books that he just read aloud to us. He is a very nice guy and absolutely hilarious, but not a great instructor.
If you can't keep up with about 120 pages of reading a week or about 60 pages before class don't take this class. He tests on the oddities not the content which is easy to remember. He's a great guy and lectures are very interesting.
miss some classes?, you will pay for it when you take the test!! He outlines the readings based on its importance for the test, be a good listener to whatever what he says. If he says something, than "I wonder why" be sure it will be on the test!
Smart guy, awful teacher. Basically just assigns you an absurd amount of reading (like 50-60 pages) to do before every class, then goes over random portions of the reading during class. The only graded material is 4 exams where he'll ask you completely random questions from throughout the thousands of reading pages you're assigned.
Easy A. If you miss more than 3 classes unexcused, you get 10% docked off of your grade. All the class consists of are reading and 4 tests and there are 10 extra credit questions per test. Honestly, as long as you skim the reading you will be fine. The whole class though is him reading from the book, so it is mainly self taught.
The class was fairly easy but he assigns an insane amount of reading every class period. If you don't read there is no way you will pass. He skims the ready during class but never truly tells you what will be on the exam. The only thing he grades for the entire semester is 4 exams so if you don't do well on the exams you will not pass.
Classes are based around the assigned readings. Only 4 exams based on the readings, no papers to write which is nice. When giving lectures, he just skims through the readings and talks about certain aspects of said readings. Overall, if you do the readings and review them before the test, the class is an easy A. Offers lots of extra credit on tests
Magick, Religion, and Science was a great class with very interesting lectures. This professor is very knowledgable. He went over our readings and answered our questions. As long as you attend class, do the readings beforehand, and study for the exams, you should be okay. He also has "extra credit" questions on the exam. No reason for you to fail.
Reading at least 50 pages for homework every class. given 4 exams and no final, each exam is on a different book and series of reading packets. ALOT OF WORK! In class he goes over the material and says things he thinks are important and what he says often comes up on the tests but usually you need to read to get a full understanding but I don't
LOTS OF READING. All this class is, is reading. There are 4 tests, no final, all multiple choice and have extra credit options. Easy A if you just read but you only get 3 absences in the class and let me just say I have never been more bored for an hour and 15 minutes in my life. It is the most boring class ever no cap
REL 202 was actually the worst class I have ever taken, my test grades were changed and dropped points over a month after taking the tests. The most boring class I have ever sat through and the questions on the tests have little to nothing to do with the overall topic of the readings. Just do not take this class please save yourself.
This was by far the worst class I have taken in all of my academic career. He assigns well over 100 pages of reading per week, and tests on obscure oddities and not the course content. The lectures arent even lectures, he just goes over what you read, you think this would be helpful but its actually mind numbingly boring. DONT TAKE THIS CLASS!!!!
Miguel is a nice guy, but his lectures are terrible to sit through and he just goes through the readings. The class is graded off 4 exams (20 pts. each) and 20 pts. for attendance. Easily 100+ pages of reading per week and the readings were all over the place and he tests you over bits and pieces of it. It stinks and will kill your GPA.
Don't take his class if you do not like reading. The entire class is centered around 4 books and they are not graded on comprehension, but oddities. There are only 5 grades total: 4 tests and attendance. If you do not show up to class it will screw you over in the end. His lectures might put you to sleep if you find the readings terribly boring.
Do not take this class if you hate reading. This entire class is based on 4 books and attendance. He does give extra credit if you read ahead but don't expect to pass if you don't do the readings. His lectures were so boring I would fall asleep and never wanted to go to class. This class is a religion class but we read Star Trek and ghost stories.
In summary, this class is him assigning chapters to read then he picks small, anecdotal things to test you on. All you do in class is go over the reading and he tells you exactly what is on the exam. Very easy class, just do the reading :) also he is very very funny.
Miguel is an amazing prof! If you like history and want to broaden your knowledge of random facts, take this class! However, it is extremely heavy on reading, but if you pay attention to his lectures and at least skim the texts and make note of what he says (he will tell you what is on the exam) you will pass!
He is a great teacher! He makes funny jokes and I love seeing him as my teacher. However, there is a lot of reading in this class and it is difficult to get a good grade if you do not do the reading. If you are genuinely interested in the course I would recommend it, however if you are not up for reading and attending class, this isn't for you!
This class is pretty easy and you dont even really need to read that much like everyone says. Everyday in class he goes over the readings and tells you what hes gonna ask on his tests. If you dont get an A in this class youre just brain dead lol.
We read 4 boring books and during class he would talk about them. Incredibly INCREDIBLY boring but an easy A. I wasn't even consistent about doing the reading like halfway through but the tests aren't bad. I just hated his teaching style of discussing the readings and then read more and rinse and repeat. Probably other classes for an easy A.
So many books and packets between each test. His lectures are a little drawn out but as long as you show up and listen to his lectures as well as read you should be good! Test grades started to drop months after taking the test which I didn't understand so be careful. Other than that, lots of notes, and lots of extra credit on tests.
I'm not gonna lie it gets boring sometimes but I wouldn't say any more or less boring than a usual class & sometimes its honestly entertaining. I would say for 3 credits it is definitely worth it considering he lets you know what will be on test. Maybe you just have to be a specific type of person to enjoy it but its not a bad option at all.
Miguel was a good professor! This class was definitely reading heavy, so you have to read in order to do good on exams (he even tells you specific things that will be on exams). There were 4 exams, they all have extra credit questions. Overall, this class was a good pick but DO NOT take this course if you arent going to read the material.
I took the class online, which made lectures harder to stay tuned in to, but also meant you could use the books for the tests. He tells you during class many of the things he's going to ask about on the test, and he asks about the most interesting parts of the reading. I enjoyed some of the books more than others, but overall really liked the class
We read 4 books during the whole semester. During lectures, the Professor would talk about them. There are only 4 grades total which are the exams. Overall super boring and draining lectures. Easy A but I don't recommend this professor.
Although you have to read a lot for this class, the readings and lectures are enjoyable. This professor is knowledgeable, real, and very respected among students. Do the readings, mark anecdotal parts in the readings, take notes in class, and you'll get an A. One of the most intriguing classes I've taken at ASU.
This class was my all time favorite in my first semester. The professor is bold in what he says in class & keeps the class interesting. If you get offended easily, don't take the class. Read 4 books all semester & the exams are about the weirdest things in the book, so do the readings! Pretty easy class if you pay attention and it's very enjoyable!
This was a good class. There are 4 books and in class you listen to the professor talk about them. During class lectures he will give out many test answers. The professor is funny and bold, just don't choose this class if you get offended easily. Only 5 grades, 4 tests and 1 attendance grade. You MUST do the readings to get a solid grade on tests.
Interesting class and probably the easiest tests you'll ever take as long as you pay attention in the lectures. Will literally give out most of the test answers during the lecture, all you have to do is write them down. Keeps you engaged during lectures by joking around a bunch.
If you want to spend all your time reading then take this class. The tests were so annoying because it'll ask you the most random things and the tests aren't about your understanding or comprehension of the readings. Don't really talk about religion that much or pop culture so I would recommend another actually interesting class.
I've never taken a professor like this. Reading outside of class is honestly not necessary, but is good if you want some extra comprehension. He literally tells you what will be on every exam and makes it easy to pass. Lectures feel like listening to an audio book with commentary and the occasional youtube video.
Prof. Aguilera scares me and I mean this in the best way. He is witty, funny, charming, and assigns SO MUCH READING. Also, class is mandatory to attend- however, if you attend and at least skim the books, it's really hard to mess up his course. I ended up scoring WELL above 100 due to the ample extra credit, and all grades are attendance and tests!
He was funny and entertaining but I didn't like the way his class was set up. He spends the entire class basically rereading the parts of the texts. The tests are all on the readings too, but he'll pick random facts to test you on, rather than the actual important parts. You basically have to memorize the books in order to get some of these right
He's a funny guy. No homework or quizzes just tests. Make sure you buy the books early so you don't get behind.
Miguel is a really funny guy but my god this class was a pain. Lectures are long and boring and consist of either him going over a reading, watching a random video, or him talking about his step sister; none of it was interesting to me. Just take note of what he says will be on the test and study those. Class isn't too difficult just tedious.
Only grades are 4 exams, must do good on all but he offers EC. I really liked the professor, he's funny, but the class itself and material is very time consuming. He tells you exactly what to look for in the readings which will be on the exams. Attendance mandatory, if you don't like reading I'd suggest finding a different class.
Miguel is one of my favorite Profs at ASU. It is hard to describe him but he is an extremely complex and interesting person. You have to teach yourself the material by doing the readings every week and highlighting 'strange' things- the tests are based off of these. In class he goes over the readings and literally tells you what will be on the test
long and time-consuming class, 80% of your grade will be based on 4 books that you have to read.
He is a really funny person, however I was always lost in this class. The books were interesting but we didn't talk that much about religion I felt like. A ton of reading. If you go to class and take note of all of the things he points out in the books, you should be good on the tests. I liked him but not this class.
In my 3 years going to ASU I have never had a worse teacher. You will read and read and read and never do anything else. No discussion surrounding the reading just a boring and mind-numbing hour and fifteen minute lecture (he sets a timer!) While the 4 tests are fairly easy we barely talked about religion! Save your time and money!
Miguel's tests are so odd because he asks random questions about his family or anecdotes he has mentioned during lectures. The class is also hardly about religion and more about random concepts that seem to interest the teacher. I thought I would be learning about different religions in the world, instead, it was heavily focused on Christianity.
Miguel was such a character and so funny. You will definitely be entertained. Grades depend on attendance and four test for each book you read throughout the semester. You have to pay a lot of attention because you get lost very easily. A LOT of reading so be prepared.
there are 4 absences allowed - I totaled my car, was unable to come in and he failed me even though I had a legitimate excuse (I emailed him). his lectures felt biased - he would make derogatory statements towards different races and religions. For a class that is supposed to be progressive and to spread info about religion, it was very biased.
This guy is a good person but not a very good teacher. However, loads of extra credit questions on exams. Prof loves talking about naughty stuff. TA is really annoying and is always watching you like a hawk. Take this class for some laughter.
Would avoid this professor at all costs. This class could not be further from learning about religion and culture. Spends the entire class reading from four books and going off topic about his personal life. Tests will also include his off topics rants about personal life. Not to mention that he requires us grown adults to sit in a seating chart.
Miguel is very funny, has many stories to tell, and is very educated. I would not recommend his classes though because you read four books over the course of the semester and test on them. Thats it. The only grades are attendance and exams. He also has a seating chart and does not allow any use of electronics. The course isn't even about religion?
pros: -EC cons: -assigned seating -no electrons -LOTS of reading -obscure test questions -will probably be offended by something he says -this class has absolutely nothing to do with religion -test grades are the only grades -random personal life tangents that will appear on the test -mandatory attendance -TA's uncomfortably stare at you
professor aguilera is a super interesting dude and he has a lot of fun stories but the course material itself tends to be pretty dull. Additionally theres only 4 test grades and a attendance grade that is pretty strict. However as long as you show up and pay decent attention it'll be hard to not pass
I really enjoyed his course! It was interesting to me, though I wouldn't recommend it if you don't find the subjects interesting. But, if you do, it is one of the best classes I have ever taken! Miguel is so knowledgable about his field of study and is so fascinating to listen to. He's also very open to questions and encourages different thinking.
Avoid this prof at all costs for this class. Exams = 20% (4 each), attendance = 20%. Exam questions consist of anecdotes from his personal life, words read aloud (sometimes he'll js say the page), and movie clips in class (he'll try to gatekeep the clips if you ask him). Using electronics penalizes your grade, and you have to buy ur own scantron.
Do not take this class unless you enjoy reading about completely random things. There are 4 books for this class that you are required to buy, along with 4 required scantrons to buy at the bookstore. Attendance is mandatory and your grade is made up of ONLY your attendance grade and the four exams. He also does not allow the use of electronics.
Professor Aguilera gave engaging lectures but the class is reading heavy. Without reading, you will fail. He tends to ramble about irrelevant things during class but they're typically funny. Grade depends on 4 exams and attendance so DON'T miss class or SKIP the exams, that's a guaranteed low grade. He's a genuine guy but I wouldn't do it again.
I enjoyed going to this class as the topics and professor were interesting. The exams have lots of extra credit. However, questions are very obscure and you need to attend class and have the books to pass.
Very fun professor, always made class entertaining and would tell stories that were very interesting to hear. Must get the books for the class.We read 4 books, had 4 exams,1 exam per book that's all besides attendance thats graded. The exams are multiple choice and around 40-55 questions. There are many questions of extra credit on the exams
If you fall asleep in class say goodbye to your grade. There is onlt 4 tests throughout the entire class. nothing else. The test questions literally have nothing to do with the premsie of the readings. He puts random weird facts from the readins into the tests. One of questions was about Mary's breast milk or other body parts of religious figures.
Do not take this class unless its mandatory. If you're not a good test taker do not take this class, the class is composed of exams only. If you miss 3 days of class (he will know there is assigned seating), he drops your grade. Also no technology is allowed during lecture, and if you're on ur phone he drops ur grade (assigned seating). Goodluck!
Aguilera has a seating chart for all of his classes and has a very unique (politically incorrect) sense of humor that can be hard to learn with. Also if you don't like the topic of the books in the class then you will be super bored in class. Graded on literally only 5 exams and class attendance. + or - grades as well.
I seriously could not stand having this professor. The course material discussed in class seemed. to do very little with what you'd think you would be “learning” in class. The TA's in his classroom are creepy and he has them take notes on when you leave the bathroom or check your phone. These notes can affect your grade which is quite ridiculous.
Course lacked focus on religious studies; lectures often included inappropriate jokes & personal tangents. The all-male class & suggestive remarks created discomfort. Tests were poorly aligned with material. Arbitrary grading. These penalties felt more like an exercise in control than a reflection of academic performance. Such as seating/restroom.
Attendance is mandatory in this class to succeed on the exams, which is your entire grade. In terms of the class itself, I found the professor to be funny and interesting about the subjects he talks about. I can understand how some students can get offended by his content. Come to the class with an open mind.
Required students to read 4 textbooks, and attendance was mandatory. Plus, you couldn't use electronic devices (i.e. laptops) in class, and gave plenty of reading materials. Other than that, they gave a lot of extra credit points if you paid attention. Gave hilarious anecdotes and stories, and was overall a very chill dude. Would take again.
Wouldn't take REL 202 again but would consider taking a different class. Overall, he's chill and his anecdotes are somewhat funny. That being said, the class is very reading heavy, topics are kind of random and your grade consist only of the test, which were nearly impossible if you don't read the assigned books completely and go to every class.
Do not take this class if you plan on skipping it all the time. even though attendance isn't graded you MUST go. if you take notes and listen he will litterally give you the questions and answers that will be on every test. a lot of people failed because they didnt try and didnt take notes. i really enjoyed him and his class. TAKE IT!!!!
There is so much reading, the whole class is just reading and him talking about personal experiences. I have adhd and had such a hard time focusing sometimes after 20 minutes of straight reading. He is very old school: no electronics, scantron for exams, attendance mandatory. Also the tests are only what matter in the grade book and attendance.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
98%
Textbook Required
20%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.14 avg changeRatings by Course
REL405
5.0
(1)REL330
5.0
(2)ASB394
5.0
(1)REL294
4.0
(4)REL394
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
REL287
5.0
REL100
3.5
REL201
3.2
REL294
3.0
REL205
3.0