He is a great teacher. The students in our class are just not as bright as they should be. You are supposed to read a lot in college and it is supposed to be hard.

Hey people, this is college, not grade school! I can't believe all of the whining about having to read a lot for a college course. How else is one supposed to learn?? Some of you morons should be in trade school; you will never graduate from co

he is NOT a bad teacher. he does give loads of homework to read but it is college. nice guy, he will work with you if you have any problems with the work or when the work is due. he does lecture the whole time but if you ask questions you'll understand.

He's a great guy. Very nice and helpful. It is very hard to fail or get a D in this class.

Course is a lot of work in comparison with other Liberal Study classes...however, if you work hard it's easy to get an A.

I did the work, learned something and have an A in the class going into the final. He expects us to learn and is always available through internet.

Finally someone who challenges me at IUP. This is a real college course! Many complain. 2 much reading! No multiple choice! Tell me the questions on the tests! His lectures are NOT boring. If you want 2 learn to write adn think take Arpaia.

He's an excellent professor who truly wants his students to learn and to work for their grade. I am expecting an A. The majority of his students do well. If it were up to me 85% of my peers would get F's because they are idiots who don't belong in college

This class is a real college course. I don't like to study history, but at least I LEARNED something, unlike other courses I've taken... So buckle up for the ride and experience what a real college course is supposed to be like.

Quite possibly the most knowledge filled person I have ever encountered. This is a REAL college class where work is expected, and you are treated like actual college students. The absolute BEST history professor at IUP. If you want to learn, take him.

He tells you each class what you're supposed to get out of the lecture.. and he delivers. He wants you to learn and you do if you work at it. Too bad not more profs are like this him. I'm not learning much in my other courses.

Cut the guy some slack, History is not the most exciting topic for us non History majors. He was willing to help you and his honesty policy is excellent. Plus he helps you get all the points you need in homework. He certaintly lectures a whole lot.

He outlines lectures and asks and answers questions so U understand. U can even ask questions anonimously on his website! So many whiners don't do the work or want profs to do it for them. I found his course hard by fair. He means business and U learn!

I hate history but he made this class interesting!He knows what he's talking about. Keep up with the work and you'll do fine.

i really worked my tail off in this class but boy did i learn alot...anyone who wants an easy a skip this prof. but if you really want to get something out of your time take this course with him, loved the class.

The greatest BLSCI director. One of the few visionaries you'll ever meet. Do what he says, and you'll learn. You'll miss him one day, too.

He makes you work and insists you learn something. If you want an esay A, avoid him. You can get a decent grade without having to do much with the other history profs. Avoid him and you'll have an easy semester. Who really CARES about history anyway?

Do the work and show up for class, and you will get an A. Anyone who does not do well in any of his courses is a stone cold idiot.

Very nice, willing to help, intelligent in his field. However, non history buffs, or even people who are slightly interested in the topic, will find his class incredibly hard. Class requires a VERY high work ethic, ridiculous tests, and Internet posting assignments. Don't take if you want an easy A.

This class is not for non-history majors! While learning about the 20th century may sound interesting, you will quickly find that with Dr. Arpaia, it is not! His lectures seem to drag on, and his tests are insanely hard. However, he is a very nice man, and is willing to help his students when he can

If your lucky to get into this class, you'll learn a lot. Your expected to work, of course. I can't see why some people rag on the prof. He's super accomodating and honest. If you don't know anything you won't get a good grade. So what's wrong with that?

Excellent Class. Great Reading List. Fun portals from the literature to the political events in the (very clear and organized) lectures. Very few courses at IUP are geared for grad students, this one was set up for both g & u, with good use of Webct. Had fun, learned much, worked hard.

Ok, so hes really nice. But dont be fooled. He is to much work. You HAVE to read and DO work each week just to get a C. He should give extra credit for going to football games like other history profs. Lighten up, man! No one wants to learn history. Its stupid. Just give us our A. We paid for it!

Dont be over influenced by what you read about Dr. A on here...He's a great guy. Hist 195 is a little intense, yes, but he convinced me to be a History major through is exceptional teaching methods. I liked him so much that I took him again, so dont be scared of a little hard work!

OH PLEASE!!! People this is college not High School. I don't know what classes you are talking about that drop almost half before the class is done that is so exaggerated. Half your grade is discussions, and homework! There is no reason why you can't do well in the class with effort!! I got a 98%

You people crack me up. If you cannot do well in Paul's class, then there is little hope for your future at IUP. Just drop out at work at Wendys or something because you are the type of person that cannot think for yourself and need a manager to tell you how and when to do everything. "Would you like fries with that?" Here's a tip for you: STUDY!!!

Don't NOT take Dr. Arpaia based on the opinions shown here.. I agree with whoever said if you can't pass this class, drop out and get a job at Wendy's, if you can even handle that. Not only is the class not difficult, Dr. Arpaia goes out of his way to help you and is actually quite a nice guy. He's funny too if you don't mind cheesy humor.

It's a pretty hard class, if you're lazy asses. All he asks is that you do the work. I think Dr. Arpaia is a good teacher and he's pretty damn clear on everything he says and makes things a heck of a lot easier to understand than the text book. You're in colleg now, toughen up. This isn't a candy course, but it won't kill you.

People on this site seem to think that college is something that they need to do to get out of working at Wendy's and nothing else. If you want to actually LEARN SOMETHING then I recommend taking Arpaia who has the knowledge to challenge you. Sure, his workload is pretty strenous to evn the best students, but it gets you ready for life, not Wendy's

He's a very nice guy (maybe a bit arrogant at times) but he's great to talk to. His workload is hard, but this is COLLEGE people. He gives a lot of freebies too and helps you out in any way he can! All you have to do is the work and he helps you out alot. If you're not a pansy, take him. If you are a pansy, don't go to college.

Excellent teacher... basically if you take excellent notes on all leactures, you should get in A... tests were all eassay (go to class! he breaks it down!)

Demanding but fair. He knows a hell of a lot and is willing to teach. I never knew nationalism could be so interesting. Read more for this class than any other at IUP. He's awfully nice, but doesn't accept BS. Downside is lots of reading and writing. But at least I learned something for a change. Best prof in the department.

He's very clear and fair with students. If you do all your work and study, you'll be fine. I learned more from him than most profs.

As long as you go to class and take notes it is a great class. I knew nothing about History and he really made it so interesting and made you want to know more and do well. Very understanding and easy going, great professor!

The class was a lot of work. But, it was rewarding. Arpaia has high expectations. It is no insult to expect Ivy League work for state school students. You'll thank him for the compliment when its all over!

With Arpaia, YOU WILL WORK.Seven required texts, journal entries of 1,000 words per week, two large papers.He is one of the most passionate and articulate professors I have ever met, a true historian. He is very nice/friendly, and will do anything he can to assist you. BUT, you MUST DO THE WORK, and do it WELL. He expects no less than the best.

He is such a good guy. I enjoy going to his classes. Sometimes i fall alseep. But i do that in every class. If u do the work its easy. He uses WEB CT all the time. You have write 2 essays a week. But he grades them easy. Exams are ok. If u dont study ur screwed.

Very Very tough, but if you are a history major he does the best job of offering feed back on papers that you will absolutely need for future writing. A lot of reading and a LOT of writing, be prepared to work. A lot of my classmates didn't like him, outside of classroom not a bad guy.

I liked his lectures, but I If you hate writing, this isn't the professor you want. He made us write 2 essays a week. His tests are hard as hell too. I don't know anyone who actually passed his first 2 tests, but he told us that there were people geting 90% somtimes... but that was probably only 1 or 2 people.

He's awesome!

Amazing Professor! He really wants you to succeed. Uses WebCT; long readings but easy grading on essays, do what he wants and you will pass. Homework is a huge part of the class, 50% of grade (including project) I would definately rec. to anyone. Tests are hard and make you think tho... Mandatory Attendance... Lots of help given tho!!

If you like things Italian this is your course. I took it without any special interest and loved it. He had us read novels that were fun; other readings good. Essay and ID tests were difficult; 2 papers commented on and we could re-write. Don't miss dinner at his house. He's a great cook.

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Very helpful professor. He's mono tone and hard to pay attention to for classes over an hour. LOTS of writing and notes but class participation on WebCT is super easy. Tests are difficult, be prepared to study a lot! He's helpful, nice and passionate about history.

He's really mono tone so it's hard to pay attention. Tests are pretty straight forward. Class is boring but, he's not bad overall.

I think he's a robot. He speaks without blinking or breathing. However, he's extremely smart and well informed, loves history. The class is pretty hard, tons of reading, writing, and the tests are ridiculous. But, if you really put forth the effort, he'll pass you with at least a B

Good teacher, but class was real hard. Every night had an online assignment, but they werent too difficult, tests were insanely hard, but if you study hard there easy. He loves teaching history.

This guy knows his stuff! Very easy to understand. He talks all class but if you listen you will he explains it over and over again in a different way so it sticks in your head. There is no text book it's all online. All you have to do is right essay or 10 sentence paragraph there are 10 of them and there mad easy! TAKE HIM! IT'S AN EASY CLASS!!!

He is a really nice guy and really cares about his students doing well. He is the only professior I have had that takes extra time for review sessions, slows down when needed and always is willing to meet with you outside of class! Great teacher, but be at every class they are hard to miss bc its all lecture and take good notes,expectations IMP!!

Very nice guy. Loves to teach and loves history. Understands that some people don't test well. he made it so that you can bomb every test but as long as you come to class and do all the other work you were guaranteed a C. he is very easy to contact. Tests are kind of difficult and you have to listen to everything he says in class and write it down.

Lectures the entire period, does use the viewer to outline the notes, but he'll only write a few words down then talk for ten minutes. If you do the work, you can get out of the class with a decent grade. Tests are difficult, but as stated previously - show up and do the work and you'll get through.

This class was easy. Exams were kind of rough, but if you take good notes and read the textbook you should do fine. If you dont like a teacher that lectures (non-stop) dont take him. He tries to be funny and make the class interesting.

This class is so easy. I went maybe 10 times all semester, and got a B. All he does is talk. It's pretty boring, but worth it for the easy A.

Nice guy and extremely helpful. Classes are a bit boring if historys not your thing. He expects you to take notes but doesn't give printed versions. You have to listen and tests are not easy. Still do the work and you'll learn something and get a decent grade.

Dr. Arpaia is easy going likes 2 joke around. He doesnt require a text thinks its ridiculous 2 spend that much money when u can get info needed for free from the net,he does pass around an attendence sheet u can miss up to 3 classes before it effects your grade. he says "he gets paid no matter what its up 2 u 2 want 2 learn."i liked his class a lot

All we did was write essays and papers. Did not learn much about history. Tends to treat you like you are in fifth grade and have never heard of a library or research. But no book and cancels class frequently.

Dr. Arpaia is awesome and his class is so easy. I failed history freshman year but now i have an easy A. No real exams, we just type a couple essays that we get to choose the topics, its like an english class he helps you write A papers.. def. take it

He was pretty easy. Had us write lots of papers. His final was pretty tough. He's a nice guy. Gave me a break when my grandma died. None of my other teachers did that.

If you suck at history and want an easy A, he is the guy for you. All you do is write essays and he helps you every step of the way. He grades very easily and is always willing to help. If you have any choice, take him.

arpaia is an awesome teacher, he's really laid back and a teacher you can feel comfortable around. few tests, mostly papers (but he gives you a lot of time to finish them). hes extremely helpful and knows when to cancel classes when they're pointless to come. favorite teacher this semester, i'd definitely recommend him!

I had him this past fall and got an A. We had one test, which was the multiple choice and true and false final which consisted of material we learned the last two weeks of classes, it was easy. We wrote 5 papers in the semester, none longer than 4 pages. I hate writing papers, but found these ones pretty easy. He is a great easy going professor.

Dr. Arpaia is my favorite teacher at IUP. He knows so much about his field, and you can tell he loves History. The class was pretty easy. We wrote two papers, each 10 pgs. There were two tests: the first was very challenging, the second was much easier. I spoke to him many times outside of class to just talk about stuff. He's a great guy. Take him!

I had a class from Dr Arpaia some five years ago. Now I teach Undergraduate History and Philosophy and am here to finally say, "Dude, if you are interested in the life of the mind you would be crazy to miss an opportunity to take his class!" He is a scholar, a teacher, and a kind and generous person. Don't miss out on his classes while you are here

to be honest he is a very nice professor and really cares about his students and their grades. if you are a person that don't like history but need a good grade take his class. all his exams and quiz are about his in class lectures and the best part HE REQUIRE NO BOOK!!!

online quizzes associated with the text book were very helpful..almost all tests were based off of them..AWESOME PROF, one time he even offered for me to skip the exam and take it with him bc I was having problems understanding the chapter! Info is hard but he's awesome @ explaining TAKE HIM!

Really helpful and FUNNY! Kind of hyperactive and lots of ums but its refreshing to know he's just a dude like the rest of us.

Good Professor and awesome guy. no quizzes no tests. just mid term and final and a couple homeworks. but the class was easy and he was fun. must read books for sure though.

Great teacher, full of knowledge, will always help. However, if you aren't a good note taker, miss class frequently, and don't read the outside course material, you will fail.

Everything you want to know about antisemitism and more. The part on the Nazis was frightening. Gives questions and expect you to know them, no if's and's or but'. Always helpful and nicest prof at IUP. Nice but not easy. Exams are tough. But fair.

Great professor, if you need help he's willing to help, just be honest and he really helped me save my grade, read the book and don't slack. If he sees that you are trying he'll help you achieve what you're aiming for.

As a double major in Physics and Biochemistry, it seems that this course is one of my most difficult courses this semester. Class is interesting, but material is enormously time consuming. Dr. Arpaia is a nice, friendly professor, but exams seem to extremely detail oriented which compares to some of my biochem courses. Not a great lib study class

Very interesting class, however it was very heavy on the readings and the tests had unclear wording. I would not suggest taking this class if you are in a major with a heavy work load. That being said, he is an awesome professor if you are a History major.

Very hard to get an A on the tests, unless you're just really good at history. I put a lot of time and work into the class, and still only pull out B's. The points in the class are only exams, so if you want an easy A, this is not the class to take. Arpaia is willing to help you, though. He wants people to email questions and visit office hours.

Dr. Arpaia is a good guy. He truthfully means well. He does everything he can to help students pass the exams, even if it means rescheduling for a time convenient to you. However, this class is not an easy A. If you take good notes and apply the notes to the book though, you will succeed. Awesome class, I recommend if you don't mind the workload.

Dr. Arpaia is the best professor I've had thus far in my college career. He cares a lot about the students & does everything he can to ensure you receive a good grade by understanding the material. He won't just give you answers, but if you show that you put in the work, he will. Also showed much enthusiasm in the topic, which made it interesting

This is a professor who cares about the students not just as a career but as a good person should very helpful and available does not speak down to you or make you feel as you are unworthy of his time would take his courses again and again

Dr. Arpaia is by far my favorite professor here at IUP so far. For my HIST 198 class he took a "learn it yourself" approach in teaching. He gave me everything I needed to pass the class and I did so with flying colors. In short, show up to class for the documentaries and do the readings, you'll do fine.

He is the best professor ever, he knows how to teach and take your attention in the class. He makes you interested in the material and love to learn bout it

Very brilliant man and is very enthusiastic about what he teaches. However you don't get a lot of grades in his class so make them count. He requires u to write 2 essays each week which are not exactly easy. He covers a huge amount of material and gives no review guide for exams so good luck studying. Fair teacher but not the easiest by far...

I received an 18% on my first test and still got an A in the course. Be sure to go to office hours and make your face known. Loves his job and just want to teach you.

I really enjoyed his class. Rather if you did good on test or not, he doesn't let you down he really wants to help. The test & homework matter the most! Make sure you show up & participate in class, you'll have a more understanding of one another.

Good professor. Knows his stuff really well. Easy class if you take good notes, read the books, and study hard. Even with four books, he makes it relatively easy to write the papers. Tests are challenging if you don't study.

can only miss two classes without penalty, there are homework assignments almost every class night due the next class. you use the book. the homework is very long and often takes a while. this class was difficult and you do have to put in work for the grade you want. he is a funny and lively professor over all but lectures are very boring

I love him but i failed :(