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Time ran out, we still had to cover (by ourselves) what was left on the study guide for the test.

I really liked this professor, even though I have never liked History, because he is so enthusiastic about the subject - he won't let you fall asleep as many others do. Just do the assignments and read the chapters before the class and you'll learn a lot.

Very enthusiastic, offers a strightforward view of history. He makes the subject interesting and is a very engaging lecturer.

He's a really good teacher. I wasn't interested in History before I took his class and he kept the class interesting and it made me attend class!

cool professor, i actually got interested in history because of his teaching

I really enjoyed his classes. I took each class that he taught and I wanted to major in history afetr I had taken all his calsses.

makes the subject interesting, easy class

Bethel is a very good teacher. Funny and energetic. Passionate about History, which helps. Not monotone, but very upbeat!

Easy class, made subject interesting. Enthusiastic about what he's doing.

Mr. Bethel is a really good teacher, he made this class quite interesting. Never was much of a history buff but after taking him I have a new interest. Exams and quizzes are not very difficult. Stay on top of material and you should get a good grade in this class.

This class covers 1865 to the present. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about history. A self-professed history geek. He strays some during lectures and we got behind so at the end, we were talking about the '60's. We were on our own for the rest of the material which was included on final.

I have never seen a History nerd this funny in my entire life. This guy is great. He is very good at convincing the class his passion of History is a justified one. No coffee needed for this class, he makes it fun.

good class, enthusiastic teacher who makes a boring subject interesting

Very funny dude. Nice and helpful, good tests, interesting papers to write. Also has a nice butt.

Mr. Bethel was great. You could tell he really likes History which was great for a history major like me. I was always bummed when his class was over. The tests and quizes are eazy if you pay attention. He's very nice, funny and easy to listen to.

Great teacher and great class! One of my best history courses ever and looking forward to next semesters Hist 311 with him

This teacher is the best. If you want history to be explained in a fun and interesting way, then take this teacher

Found Mr. Bethel's teaching fantastic. Had a blast in his class. Covering from the European voyages up to the Civil War, I never thought it could be so entertaining. Mr. Bethel saw to it that there was never a dull moment. Amazing teacher I highly recommend to all for Hist.

Mr. Bethel is a very cool teacher. As long as you go to class and do the assignments its an easy A. As the class progresses he actually grades ur papers easier! he made history fun so take his class!!!

very cool teacher and person. i went in hating the idea of american history, and he made a very boring subject more than tolerable. he likes short to the point essays. tests were easy if you took notes and skimmed the chapters. also very open to what is going on with his students. very active teacher on campus. i would take him again

This man is brillant! Seriously, a very cool guy. All he asks is that you turn off your phones. Very informative, and interesting. This man knows his stuff and he makes it into a big story, so you are always waiting to find out whats next. Take this teacher. Go to class, study, and pay attention. I did, and I got an A. Mr. B, you kick ass!

easy to understand and fun comment in class

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Pretty much the best teacher I've ever had. Sounds dorky, but I actually saved the notes from class for future reference. He makes sense and makes history interesting. If your more a left brained/math person like me, take this teacher, 'cause with him it doesn't matter.

Bethel's class is as exciting as a college history class can get I guess. There's no hw, just reading. You have to write like 5 short essays (easy grader) and in between you have quizzes and three exams. There are two texts and quite alot of reading to be done. His lectures are easy to listen to and easy to follow as he knows his stuff. He doesn't write clearly on the board, so it's up to you what to take notes on. Not big on historical dates. If you don't like to study while reading alot, you won't do well

Professor Bethel is one of the best professors I've had at American River College. His lectures are highly entertaining and his class is extremely informative. I would definitely recommend him to anyone taking American History.

Too cool! What a wonderful expression of history! Highly recommended by the peanut gallery!

I took this class during the summer so I ended up writing alot. I like the way he teaches - he knows everything about the subject. Made history fun...kicked me out of class for talking once (but that was my own fault)..haha hes a cool guy that makes learning fun. I'd take his calss again any day.

CHRISTOPHER (COUGH) COLOMBUS (COUGH)!!!! DOES ANYONE NOTICE HE COUGHS LIKE EVERY OTHER WORD! I COUNTED ONCE IT WAS LIKE OVER A HUNDRED. BUT HE AN ALRIGHT TEACHER!

He's a cool teacher. Not too easy, but not too hard...don't be worried if you get his class....althought that guy is right...he <u>does</u> cough every other second!

He does cough a lot... hah.. but he is SO interested in History, and as a Hist. Major, I thoroughly enjoyed his class. He assigned a fair amount of hw, but was always fair in grading and the content he expected from the students. I would definitely take him again.

This dude is actually one of the better professors I have had. Really clear on what is expected and explains the material thoroughly...no guess-work here. I would definately take him again.

bethel is very knowledgable and passionate about history, and thus gives very engaging lectures. if you dont like history classes because you think of memorizing dates and names, then take this class. we hardly ever had to rattle off trivial facts like at what time of day the treaty of paris was signed. would DEFINETELY recommend.

this is great teacher, the lectures are a must, i barely touched my books. You go to class, you pass the test.

Nice teacher. Had lots of fun. Lot's of reading and writing.

By far one of the best history teachers I have had! Easiest A I have ever gotten. Kind of a lot of writing but it's easy, I didnt even proof read half of my essays and still got A's on every single one! Highly recommended!

Very intelligent and easy to follow. I have a difficult time taking notes, but not in this class. Essays are easy, while tests are more difficult. In order to pass the tests- Pay attention to CONCEPTS of events (the why) and you'll do fine.

Mr. B is just a fabulous teacher. I wish he taught more history classes. Entertaining and passionate, and kinda goofy.

Mr. Bethel's class was my favorite this semester. He's excellent at making history interesting (and funny)! His lectures followed the book he assigned, and all his tests were on things that he covered in class. I'd definitely recommend his class to anyone.

Bethel is a really good teacher. His tests are really hard but if you go to class everyday you should do fine. He's a fun teacher

Professor Bethel is the best ever! He's got a great personality and passion for what he's teaching! & he's funny! I wish he taught more history classes. His class is cake if you show up! His exams are fair and attendence is HIGHLY suggested if you don't like reading texts. 2 short essays. 2 long essays. 3 blue book exams. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!

Like most classes, if you go to all the lectures you will be fine. Most test material is straight from lectures, which are very interesting. Would probably take another class of his just for fun!

I ussually get strait A's. This guiy had the nerve to give me a B. The 3 Exams in this class are almost impossible to get a decent grade in.Writing multiple essays in class with a time limit.

He was much harder than anyone's made him out to be. We had a paper due every two weeks and it was impossible for him to give a perfect grade to anyone in my entire class. He would write stuff like "very well written" and then mark it down a point. And don't get me started on his tests!

Great teacher but gives kinda hard tests. His class was very fun and you will learn alot. Show up everyday, take good notes, and study them and you will do well.

Bethel gives a lot of unnecessary work, so I can't recommend him. He lectures well though.

I liked Bethel even though i did not get an A. his lectures are interesting but are not always what is going to be on the test and the text books are so boring must you must read them for the test. the papers are fine and easy A's but the tests are very difficult and you must be an EXCELLENT writter, try to take someone else

I really enjoy the way he teaches, mostly lecture, but the he lectures enthusiastically and fairly comically also. He does assign a few writing assignments, 3 essays for my class, and also includes 1 or 2 essays on each exam, but if you show up for class and take good notes that show what he puts emphasis on, you'll do very well.

he leactures a lot, but pay attention he gives a study guide with question similar to test ones. fill those in as he lectures. his exams are not to bad and he grades his essay pretty easy. i have no interest into history and im doing pretty well in this class

Great class, very enthusiastic lecturer. 3 essays plus m/c and essays on tests. Take notes! Read the book! Do the study questions! and you'll do great.

If you're trying to find an easy history class, this isn't the class for you. However, if you enjoy learning about History, you will find Professor Bethel's lectures very interesting. Although I had to work hard to get an A, I really enjoyed the class!

Key to an A is just paying attention. He's one of those teachers who basicly lectures what will be on the test and he does it in a fun way that you'll remember almost ever word of his lectures. Papers and projects are a breeze the only thing I wasn't fond of is he has a few essay and short essay questions in his test.

Key to success is writing down everything he says in lecture, not just what is on the board, and reviewing it. There is a factual textbook and an essay textbook but so far I have an A and only really read the essay book because we need it to write short essays for the class. So pay attention in class and write it all down and you will succeed.

Dr. Bethel is a great teacher! He really enjoys history and loves teaching it, I really enjoyed going to this class. There is a fair amount of reading, and he assigned four essays. There were two exams, a couple of small quizzes and one large quiz and of course the final. He covers most of the material on the test and quizzes in his lectures, and g

I meant 5 for helpfulness in the previous rating, was in a hurry

He is a very organized teacher. all his lectures are off the top of his head and he writes stuff on the board. make sure you write the significance of stuff with it. you must pay attention in class to do well, can't get by with just copying stuff on the board. Test are kinda hard, for me at least. hehe

Prof. is very entertaining and a great lecturer. Must keep good notes and listen in class. Tests are on the hard side with short answers and essays. Probably the toughest class I have taken so far, but enjoyable at the same time. Only for the serious minded.

Bethel is a cool teacher. He is very passionate about history. take good notes! you can use them on QUIZZES. 3 bluebook TESTS which are difficult and inclueds an essay. 5 short essays based on book. Dont miss class or you will miss alot of information. Overall he is a good guy and is willing to help you if he sees that you are trying

He is an alright teacher. Knows his stuff, hardly writes on the board so you have to take notes on what he says. he awards note taking with pen notes quizzes, funny cause he hardly writes on the board =) gives an outline for tests plus a few essays needed for class. and a field trip of your own, really fun! hard to stay awake sometimes

Paul Bethel is a great teacher, a really nice guy and well educated. He has good lectures, explains history in his own words, doesn't go by the book which is what i like. Although his tests are difficult. Just show up to class and take good notes you'll pass his class

really great teacher. i really really recommmend him. he makes sure you understand the material and doesnt rush through things. really knows the subject well :) i definately recommend this class!!!!!

Prof Bethel is by far my favorite professor at ARC. If you enjoy learning about history, you will LOVE his class. If you pay attention to his lectures and take good notes, you'll have no problems on his tests! He likes it when you speak up and answers his questions...in other words, if you suck up to him, he'll love you forever!

Prof. Bethel is an excellent teacher. Wow! is all I have to say. His passion makes you want to actually listen and pay attention. I am not a history person. The first day, I was dreading the class but after seeing how exciting he is, made me positive. I really enjoy the class a lot. It's all about who teaches it and I thing Paul Bethel is fantasti

He is the best professor I have encountered thus far. He makes his lectures fun, interesting and relevant to today.

BEST HISTORY TEACHER EVER! cannot fail his class hes too gooodd!! i LOVED taking his class!!! u will have to do work, but you will love history after his class!

Professor Bethel is a very good teacher. His class is alot of work, reading and studying. If you do the work, you'll do well. If I can, I will take another class of his.

WOW! Be prepared to write a great deal of notes and written tests, also two 6 page papers. A good teacher - but a good deal of writing too, plus reading the book. If you like history, he knows it. If you looking for a easy "A" and History isn't you thing, might want to take someone else.

he is a great professor because of his love of the subject. he lectures alot and it can be boring at times, but the information gets through and sticks. there is a lot of reading and writing, and critical thinking in this class, but all the work pays off. he is a fair grader, and id recomend him over anybody!!

If you answer the questions on his study guide before the test, you will get a high grade on his test. Dont even have to read much from the book - just look up the answers. For essays on tests/ papers - make sure you write about a page or so longer than minimum requirement - and you will get almost a perfect score. Interesting class, good teacher!

He is very nice and helps you if you need something explained in more detail.Very funny and incredibly intelligent. Make sure to study the study guide way in advance to stay ahead, and take good notes. His lectures are important so make sure you come to class. I also think he's a silver fox cause he's so stinking smart!

Bethel is the MAN. really though he makes history really fun. I love history anyway, but I know lots don't and I could see the whole class enjoying themselves. He's also very objective and doesn't moralize or push his own agenda onto history which is probably what I appreciate the most, aside from his humor and helpfulness. Excellent teacher. Take his class.

Bethel is great! He is hilarious, he does different accents when he talks about different kings etc. I laughed a lot during his class. Pay attention and do all the reading and the exams will not be a surprise. They are challenging blue book exams, but not impossible since he gives points in other areas. He is very approachable. Take his class!

Very good teacher, he came recommended and I'm glad I took his class. The tests are on his lectures, so coming to the class makes them easier, otherwise you have to read the book. There are 4 test total, a lot of writting. Also 4 essay papers due on chapters in "The Way We Lived". There is also a field trip assingment that is a essay.

loved the class! i have such an appreciation for history now. a lot of note taking, just come to class every day! tons of writing on the test but everything is from your notes. great teacher!

BEST HISTORY TEACHER OUT THERE! All you have to do to get an A is take notes and write three two page papers. He doesn't make you memorize all the dates just wants you to get the concepts and the significance of actions. Grades fair and will answer any question. He is very funny and classes don't make me want to sleep. =]

He is a hard grader, you have to work for an A. there 3 essays on "The Way We Lived", and his tests consist of tons of writing too. I am not a history fan but his class is not too boring but lots of notes.

Bethel is AWESOME! It's great to have a teacher so enthusiastic about what they are teaching. He knows so much and loves to tell you about it.Grades a little hard on papers but ive had worse! Attendance is mandatory if you want a good grade, he goes over so much information missing one class can screw up a quiz however lowest quiz score is dropped

Bethel is a very knowledgeable teacher, no doubt. But my only suggestion to him is that he better format the exams, since he makes them in ways students can't finish. I would suggest he take a look @ Weiner's test format, and go off from there.

The easiest class ever

If you have a question, raise a hand. He can talk about history in more than one perspective to help you synchronize events. This guy can make history kind of fun.

Bethel is the best history teacher at AR! He is so passionate about his subject and answers any question you ask him. He always shares interesting information and is absolutely hilarious. If you appreciate a teacher passionate about his subject, TAKE THIS CLASS. Best GE course I've taken at ARC

A very good history professor. He explains the material very clear and is very passionate about it. He's also very funny which makes the class even more enjoyable. He grades fairly easy, so the two blue book tests aren't that hard.

Bethel is a wonderful teacher. I cannot stand history and this is the third time I've tried to take a history class. Bethel made learning it fun! And I come home and tell everyone what I learned today. He gives a study guide for his exams and goes step by step through it as he lectures to make sure he covers all the points. But you have to work.

Totally awesome professor! Very enthusiastic about his work and makes the material fun. I had always struggled with history but this professor mainly wants students to get the big picture so that really helped me.Has a random cough throughout the lecture but it doesn't affect his ability to teach. Best history professor!

Awesome teacher really passionate. his lectures may seem like he's ranting BUT it is all important! Do not just depend on the notes he writes on the board. take good notes (able to use on quizzes). He gives essay questions ahead of time for exams, study guide is useful for exams. you write 4 papers really easy! use both texts as references!

Though I loved Professor Bethel's lectures, the tests were somewhat difficult. He not only wants you to know the events, he also emphasizes significance of the event. His lectures were always interesting, his quizzes were easy since they were open notes, and his history papers were fine too; however, the tests were difficult.

Great professor! Gives very accurate guidelines in terms of what should be studied for tests. Much less emphasis on exact dates than on the timeline of events and their significance. He clearly loves history and teaches it in a way that is fun and interesting. Pay attention to guidelines for studying and paper writing. He's happy to help if needed.

His honors history class is tough. A lot of writing and mandatory reading. He's passionate about history so class is never dull. He's a nice guy and is willing to help if you ask for it.

Lectures were interesting, notes were easy to take, quizzes were easy and open notes, essays were pretty easy, exams were haaaard. I would've made a better grade were it not for my poor exam scores. If you take him, make sure you study hard for the exams.

I wish he taught HIST311! Lectures are lengthy, but CRYSTAL clear. Take good notes, you can use them on quizzes. Blue Book exams, but he hands out a study guide for the entire semester and tells you exactly what you will be tested on before each exam/quiz. Analyses papers are only a page in length. Fair, approachable, and overall great at teaching.

His class is lecture based, but he's so interested in the subject it keeps you interested as well. The tests can be difficult and he's a tough grader on essays. I would recommend his class it's challenging, but fun and you learn a lot.

Not bad. RECORD THE LECTURES!!! Trust me it will help tons!! He lectures the whole class period and dosnt write on the board or has a powerpoint setup. His lectures are clear tho and he makes history fun. He is a tough grader on essays. I would recommend attending beacon to get your essays proof read. No multiple choice on exams.

He is very clear on the subjects but goes through material REALLY fast. You need to read the book if you want to get a good grade on your exams. The exams (3) have some multiple choice, a lot of short answer paragraphs and 1-2 short essays. He (very briefly) goes through whats going to be on the exam.

Professor Paul Bethel is amazing. One of the most passionate speakers,teachers I have ever seen. A week before final, my grade is A and I wish I could take all of his classes.Highly recommend him!

He is a tough grader in the sense that he only wants to read accurate material. Fillers that may pass in other classes don't fly with this professor. If you're a good student who likes straight forward lecture/tests, you'll appreciate his style and won't waste time studying things that won't be on exams.

This is the 2nd class I've taken with Bethel and I wish I could take more. He's no BS and has GREAT lectures. You can use your notes on quizzes so attendence is mandatory. I'd recommend him to anyone. Overall great professor.

Bethel's a great teacher, kept the lecture very direct and interesting. Quizzes are open notes. Tests consist of Multiple Choice, short term and small essays. Take notes and you should be good. He does however make you do 3 essays but are relatively easy! Just quote. Highly recommend if you are planning to take U.S. History!

He's actually a pretty good teacher. I learned alot in his class at the time. You do use the textbooks that he assigns but the work that goes with them isn't very hard. The tests are pretty difficult though. Blue book tests with some multiple choice and short answer and short essay. But he is like a walking book. He knows his stuff very well.

I don't really enjoy the course material but he is a good professor. He is very knowledgeable, semi-humorous, and there is limited homework. His exams are fairly hard so studying is essential. Don't be late or make a ruckus in class as that tends to annoy him. Overall his class was a good experience and I would take him again...

He is really funny and lectures are basically whats on his tests.

Hands down the best history professor at ARC! He will have you engaged in his lecture with his witty sense of humor. This class was the highlight of my semester! Stop reading this and go take his class before he fills up!

Take this class! Professor Bethel is entertaining and makes his lectures interesting. 3 Tests, 3 Essays and 5 quizzes (the lowest score is dropped) and a few participation assignments. Straightforward and very easy to earn a passing grade.

I've never reviewed any teachers before but Bethel is the best teacher I've had at American River. He has easy to understand lectures and tells it so that it's easy to remember and keeps your attention. If he had other classes I would take them, but I've already taken both of his classes.

Took a 7:30 am class with him, but I was honestly excited to go to his class that early. 2 essays and 4 exams. Hes a tough grader. His lectures are amazing, I want to take the next history class now with him. And Hes very old-school, nothing on D2L, have to use the blue book for exams.

I would highly recommend him, his lectures are amazing hes very in to it and really knows his stuff. 2 essays, 3 exams.

I hated history my whole life, but Prof. Bethel made the subject SO interesting. I took his class at 7:30 AM and he still had my attention the whole time. I would highly recommend taking his class!

Professor Bethel has three exams, plus two essays, about five quizzes and some group work. He keeps lecturing for the entire class, but is a great at teaching American history. Would recommend, but expect to work for the good grade!

4 written blue-book exams with one essay (some multiple-choice), 3 essays for homework, 3 given quizzes, and approx. 4 assignments for class participation worth 8-15 pts. each that vary. Extra credit LIMITED! Group work involved in class. Teacher is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, funny, and fun. Available office hours! Exams are challenging.

Fantastic professor. He gets up to the front and starts talking about that weeks lesson like he's just itching to have a conversation about history with friends. The way he teaches history, is really honestly like being told an interesting story. This is how I LEARN. Not that read off a power point word for word crap. Bethel is awesome. 55

Took US History with professor Bethel. One of the best professor i have had since being here at ARC.

I hate history but Bethel made it as interesting as it could possibly be. He is kind of a tough grader but once you get the hang of what kind of answers he expects, it's easy. He doesn't write down notes fully on the board, nor does he use powerpoints often so you have to take notes off of what he says sometimes which was challenging to me.

All I can say is AMAZING! I had no care in the world for this topic prior to taking this class. He makes the 7:30AM class worthwhile; definitely keeps u awake. Clear grading criteria/grades promptly, interesting lectures. Lets u know when there will be a quiz & are open notes. Not an easy A. You need to study & come to class! Definitely recommend!

I personally chose him AGAIN & would recommend to anyone who wants an interesting lecture. A few movies, lots of maps, really brings the life back into history. Take a lot of notes, read, and study (usual) you will get an A. Tests are 80% multiple choice 20% short answers including all quizzes, midterm, and final. Fun professor!! I got an A.

Amazing professor, really makes the subject extremely tolerable and interesting. He expects a lot from his tests and in-class quizzes, but taking good notes and studying will help out in the long run.

He is very good person, he was explaining all material very clear, I think that if you have the audio recorder for the lectures that he gives, you can get an A's on the exams. He is very nice person, and never give to students uncovered material, he expects to write 5 analyses papers about the document, which isn't hard, if you can write good essay

3 Exams, 4 written document analysis assignments, 2 take-home essays from midterm exams, 1 brief written assignment, and 4 quizzes. Class is heavy lecture based. A few group activities throughout the semester. Format of the class is nearly the same in HIST 310 like HIST 311. Teacher is funny, engaging, enthusiastic! No extra credit available.

Paul Bethel is a heck of a professor. I love his style of teaching: he doesn't rely on boring power points; instead, he's engaging and lectures about the topic in detail and writes relevant points on the board to outline significance and relevance. This guy knows his stuff (as you'd expect any professor), but he REALLY knows his stuff. Take him!

The only downside to his class is that he doesn't have D2L, so you can't check your grade. He has 3 doc. analysis's (they're easy), like 5-6 quizzes (can use notes) depending on where the class is in lecture near end of semester, & 3 exams (not cumulative) & there is a study guide qs for test (lectures cover the qs). Overall, I would recommend him.

I took Paul Bethel for History 310, infact this is my last class day. The quizes are open notes, and you have 3 document analysis (they are super easy) and the final is not cumulative. Just take notes of everything during class so you can recall and you are guaranteed to get an A or B. Paul doesnt make you remember dates but only eras which is GR8!

Great professor, explains material very thoroughly, links historical events, shows the whole chain so you can easily remember. Quizzes are open notes so make sure to take good notes, exams are not tough either. He'll teach you how to do document analysis and ask to do 4-5 documents - it's easy as well. Very good class for all majors.

Great history teacher. All you need to pass is take notes and especially read the handouts, and turn in something(even if its not finished, don't turn it in late).

I really liked this guy, history can be boring, but he really made things stick. You have to show up to class to get a good grade but his lectures are exactly what is on the quizzes and final.

Bethel is the best! Take good notes in class, especially the terms on the board they are key to his quizzes and exams. Study guide helps give an idea of what he'll ask in the exams. 3 2-page easy papers. Overall, a really good class, I've never been so interested in American History until I took Bethel!

He's totally awesome, his lectures are very interesting! I really recommend him for HIST 310. I think you can easily pass his class if you show up, and take good notes. He makes it very clear what he wants to see in your papers. Total of three essays and three document analysis, they're about one and a half pages long. Easy and interesting class!

Sooooo funny! Amazing Lectures, and let me turn in two papers late. I really loved this guy!

Very genuine guy, as far as classes go might be one of the easiest as long as you even attempt to give effort. Very dry lectures (sometimes funny) but it's history, come on. As long as you show up and listen I'll guarantee you a B, study a bit and it's an easy A. One of my favorite professors.

He was amazing!!!! If you show up to class and take great notes and pay attention to his lecture it is an easy A. Just pay attention, plain and simple.

Great professor, engaging lectures and makes history a little less horrible. Lots of writing, as most history classes are. Quizzes given are good prep for tests.

Professor Bethel has been my favorite professor at American River so far. His lectures were engaging, and you learn so much without evening realizing so. Tests and quizzes are based solely off his lecture so if you come to class and take notes you'll do fine. 2 main papers with the prompt given way in advance. Quizzes are open note. Loved him!!

History is one of my most challenging subjects, but Professor Bethel made the class fun and interesting. Although some of the concepts, quizzes and tests were hard, the grading system and assignments were very straightforward. Just make sure you study study study!

Bethel is the best history professor I've ever had. His lectures weren't dull he does a great job in explaining everything in ways you can understand. No homework just small assignments for participation. A few papers here and there, easy. Quizzes open notes, exams are easy as long as you study. Pay attention, take good notes and you will pass.

Take good notes and participate! Essays suck and he required more than I would have liked. Overall I would take him again because he is such a great teacher who made lectures interesting!

This is by far one of the best professors I ever had. I hated history before taking this class and struggled with the subject all my life. Bethel's class made me interested in history and I learned more than I ever thought I would. If you hate history,or find it difficult,TAKE HIS CLASS. If you show up, take good notes, and study your notes, easy A

He's a great choice. I had him for Hist 310 & couldn't have asked for a better professor. Over all, there isn't a ton of homework. There are a few major essays & if you pay attention in lectures, the tests are pretty easy! The key is def. to take notes in lecture & ask any questions you might have. He's pretty accessible and cares about students.

Makes US history more interesting, focuses on the topics that will keep students interested. Occasional short essays on topics either from handouts or textbook. Grades easily, mainly for content and understanding rather than writing skill. Doesn't like students showing up late and will use the whole class period, but never more. No phones.

Quizzes are open notes. 3 exams(not cumulative) and 3 essays. Interesting lectures, clear grading criteria/grades promptly. His notes are short and abbreviated so make sure to listen and study. Exams are MC, 2-3 short answers, 5 key terms(Identify and explain the significance...). Pay attention, he sometimes let's you know what's on the test/quiz.

Bethel is the best Professor I have had at American River College by far. I would take another history class just to have him again. Take good notes during class and you will get an A.

Really good history professor, funny and makes history lectures enjoyable and interesting. Is a little bit of a tough grader, but an A should be easy if you take the time to study lecture notes and quizzes. Exams cover the lectures mostly, so attendance is mandatory. Overall a good professor who makes history class fun.

Easy class if you take good notes. He does not like to use canvas so you have to ask for your grade status. Nothing submitted online; you will miss a lot with one absence. He doesn't give many slide shows to copy off of, so you have to get used to writing what you hear. Definitely, recommend taking in-depth notes. He lets you use notes on quizzes.

The essays are weird. Not clear what he wants from them. However, his lectures are very interesting, and if you take good notes, you'll get an A

This class is much harder than expected, however enjoying it very much. He is strict, doesn't tolerate goofing off in class, and is a tough grader. You will get what you put into this class. Lively lecturer, appreciates questions and students who are really putting in effort. Quizzes are hard even with notes. You will get a solid education w him.

Professor Bethel is nice. His lecture is interesting and covers all material for quiz and exam. You should take good note. There are 4 opened notes quiz in class and a take home quiz with 10 extra credits. There are 2 midterm exams and a final. He always gives bonus points on quiz and exam. He grades response easily but essay is seriously.

Just an absolute delight, Professor Bethel is intelligent, vibrant, knowledgeable, fair as long as you come to class and do your work and participate he acknowledges this. Started out in class then March 13 campus closed due to Covid19 from then until now online Canvas only.

Paul Bethel is one of the most fantastic teachers I have ever had. His lectures are engaging and informative. If you need a history credit, try to take Bethel, you will not regret it and you will actually learn things and think differently about history.

It is clear that he is very passionate about history, and does his best to relay boring information in an engaging manner. He helps his students as much as possible by providing open-notes quizzes and clear exams/papers. He encourages questions and is very funny. I wish I had him for longer! Don't hesitate to take him. Easy A if you actually try.

Great guy, super funny. Lectures are AMAZING and engaging. Learned so much. This class you got to work a little more for, but is still easy. Consists of 3 exams, 3 essays, and 3 paragraphs. Exams and paragraphs not hard, however the essay prompts were confusing

No zoom meetings required, but he will have it open during the week in case students do have any questions they want to ask. Lecture videos are usually 30 minutes each, 3 essays, 2 one paragraph assignments, and 2-3 small discussion posts. Wasn't hard of a class, just takes time. As long as you pay attention to his lectures you'll be fine.

Professor Bethel is truly amazing-I'm shocked his reviews aren't better! His lectures are quirky and interesting, he's kind, grades fair, and is simply what you would want out of a history teacher. I never write reviews about professors but Mr. Bethel truly deserved one after this semester.

TRULY a great guy. Just learned that spring 2021 will be his last semester teaching here at ARC. About to cry :( FYIHe does not accept anyone on waitlist, so if there are no open sections with him, dont bother... But you missed out LOL

In this course, you can get easy A as well as learn American history. We wrote 3 essays 4 quizzes and 3 exams. He has both recording as well as written transcript. Even though I am immigrant, I was able to get A in this course.

I am not interested in History but it was my last history class. I think about 5 essays (3 pages) and 3 short paragraphs of the topics. quizzes are tough (multiple choice). Not a normal textbook, it is a book that you have to read. Video lectures (he gives you hints that will be on the exam), give you outlines each week, and no study guide.

His class was an easy online class. As long as you read the lecture notes you'll do fine on the exams & quizzes. He provides lecture videos too, I found doing both helps. There are 4 essays--TURN IN YOUR ESSAYS. Literally, the only reason I got a C is because I didn't turn in ONE essay. Basically don't procrastinate like I did and you'll get an A.

Anyone who rates Professor Bethel anything lower than a 4 just probably didn't do the work. His assignments are very clear, my essays were always done last minute and not the best but I still got full credit for them. Just do the work, read the lecture notes, and you'll do just fine. Bethel is a great teacher, take his class!

I am so sad that Professor Bethel is going to retire after this semester. The homework at times can seem pretty heavy but he gives you PLENTY of time to get it done and lots of advance notice. Pay attention to his lecture and his notes and you'll do great. I really loved this class so much and I wasn't a fan of History before.