if you like a spin on history and like to speak your mind, take him!!! hes not that bad, i took him twice!

He's not that hard. Take your notes, follow the directions he gives you, participate in class, and you'll have no problem. It's no coincidence that the people giving him bad ratings disagree with his politics. They call him a communist to discredit him

Just because you disagree with his views doesn't mean that he'll dock you. Heard many bad things comming into the course, but turned out to be great. Very passionate teacher but always shows both sides of the argument. I think we should've used nukes!

He is absolutely amazing as a professor and I do not know why he has a bad rep. If you want to take a history course that sparks your interest take this class. Rather than taking a classic approach to American History, Prof. Kirstein looks at it from the other side (Indians, Slaves, etc.) Great man

GREAT rep. on campus. Dynamic, impassioned, brilliant. Very controversial but adores his students. Listens to and motivates them. Only professor to enjoy national reputation as lecturer on campuses. Great professor. To fakes below-does not teach english or science. Charismatic and courageous.

Very good teacher. He clearly knows what he is talking about. I never enjoyed a history class until this course. He is a hard grader though... I thought i was borderline A or B but I got a C. But I really learned so much. And he lets you speak your mind and disagree with him.

A great professor! His class is very interseting, and if you want to take an interesting class, take his vietnam class, the books are great reads and the lectures interesting. At first we thought he was crazy, but hes great.

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He is an excellent teacher who is very insightful about the topic. Yes, he brags about being suspended, but he does that to encourage free speech, something MOST teachers do not do. He has shown me a whole new world of history and I love his class. Its easy to get an A, but it will take some work.

He's crazy, but he's passionate. If you take him for what he is is and don't challenge him the entire time, you'll love him as a teacher. If you are on the extreme side of conservative, don't waste your time. Kirstein has some powerful ideas and I think he gets a bad reputation. He was one of my favorites at SXU, where most profs are worthless.

great teacher!!!!!!! makes class fun and is extremely funny. he is intelligent and has great ideas.

Dr. Kirstien is very passionate....I HATE history but at least he makes the class interesting. So if you don't like history, I recommend taking him b/c he'll get you interested.

Professor Kirstein is the best professor I have had going into my junior year. He has a big league reputation, is brilliant and is passionate and excited about teaching. Yes he is radical and nationally known for that but his classes encourage student feedback and participation. He wears beautiful suits and Polo Shirts and is in great shape.

Very interesting and not boring, ever. Likes discussion and will repeat things if asked.

Dr.Kirstein is a very interesting individual. He is clearly passionate about his job, but sometimes it can get out of hand. Oral exams were slightly absurd and he tends to get into one's personal space. I don't know why he uses a microphone, and I will probably hate Emma Goldman for the rest of my life.

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Had us write 20 page paper but took the time to explain all the detail. His class was very radical but his teaching really does cover all the bases of a topic. A great professor!

This guy is awesome! I heard some bad things about his classes but decided to take it anyways. I loved the class! :)

The best of the best. I have this class first thing in the morning - livens up the rest of my day. Prof. Kirstein brings history alive. Never a boring class. I have learned to appreciate history because of his teaching style. He is a professor that is passionate about history. Take this class and enjoy.

Lectures are very lively and dynamic. One of the best professors I have had. His courses are very thought provoking

Very skilled in presenting material. Classes are entertaining and fun. He does require attendance bigtime though. Lots of discussion is valuable.

I took this class my first year. It was a course about protest music which was most unique. Half the course was on Dylan and his topical music. Professor Kirstein is very intense and classes are very entertaining. Never a dull moment.

Professor Kirstein covers US History in a rather distinct manner. While he does cover facts, he seems more concerned about opinions and in-class debates. His course is not hard and is stimulating. He is ontime and very smart. At times he is very opinionated but his wanting student response is very balanced.

Kirstein is very passionate and informed. GR8 class! Thinks outside the box.

Great class on war and peace. Professor's classes are like hanging out! Very relaxed and fun even if super intense. A very gifted teacher and his enthusiasm for his classes is amazing. Take him definitely!

I felt he was very good in that he explained things more than once. I was not a history major and found the course a little difficult but he would go over things in his office when he was there

He teaches history what the glossed-over history books from high school don't. Does not have lots of reading but oral tests are not easy on the readings. He's real big on student participation so just say something and he thinks it's great. Will stay after class and talk in hall about stuff which is kinda cool. Very personable and charismatic.

Peter is an awesome professor. His classes are relevant and extremely interesting. He is also very nice. His exams are both oral and essay and is a nice mix. He must eat a good breakfast because at 9:00, he is already high energy and superfocused as he teaches his love: history. I went to Bradley and a friend told me to take him at SXU.

Senior Seminar was great class. Student oriented with ton of discussion and reports. Kirstein's emphasis on the constitution and free speech in time of war was most timely and presented in an objective manner. I had not taken him before and was impressed by his commitment to learning.

Class was straightforward and very chock full of facts. My notebook runneth over. The professor would get frustrated if students did not participate: a nice diversion from straight lecture and frankly a movtivator to talk and discuss US history. His class on evolution and creationism was a real deal with biblical, biological and historical stuff.

I had him last year. He is very enthusiastic and each class is fun. He is quite "liberal" but I guess that is par for the course these days. I would recommend him for free thinking students.

not the easiest class but you should have no problems if you do what he asks of you. i liked him i thought he was a kool teacher. patient with students.

Very organized, crisp, and efficient. Excellent lecturer--he really knows his topics. If you Google the guy, it's amazing what you find!!! Trust me, he is soooo interesting! Why he is controversial I am like clueless because in the classroom he never ever hints about his rep as a "radical, left-winger." Hey he ought to brag about it and so should t

He's a pretty cool teacher, he takes a little getting used to but i learned more than usual. He does take attendance and grades it. He keeps you the whole class. I would recommend him but tests are hard study your notes. Take notes during class because MOST of the questions from lectures are on the test.

Class was great. Very enthused each class and never boring for a histoy class. Professor is one of the more entertaining I have had. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate his grading in the middle and his material toward a ten.

The teaching is very thought provoking. He makes no apologies! You will leave the class with SUCH a better grasp of the world. Loves Zinn, Chomsky, Dr. King. Do not attempt to pull one over him. Does not like late arrivals, cellphones, and acting up. Sit in the front and you will get an A.

Great class with super enthusiasm. He is very motivating and demanding but the class sticks to your ribs due to the content. Very explosive material and he teaches without ooncern about "who may be listening" as he put it a couple of years ago. Yes he will help you if you ask for it and is super fast on email. Take the class for sure.

Very helpful and at times funny. Made US history interesting! it was the one class i was dreading to take but it was uplifiting. If you go to class, debate him, do the readings, sit in front, right in front of him, you will do fine. Tests are strange but take the guy.

Great teacher. Seriously. Had him for "Socialism, Capitalism Social Justice." Always willing to help, very idealistic, fashion conscious (hey we notice!) and smart. BTW, about all this sitting in front. He calls on everyone and maybe he gives higher grades to those in front but whatever, take the professor while you can!!!

While not my first course with Mr. Kirstein, it was the best. He is organized, well-prepared and knows his stuff. He is a brilliant lecturer but almost demands student input. Accepts all comments and never shows you up if you try to say something. A tough grader but average amount of work.

Class was lively, fun and lots of discussion. He is very approachable and knows his stuff well.

Kirstein definitely is interesting and makes history worth doing. He is very enthusiastic and is very quick to respond to email messages. I like his class alot

Classes are very interesting--if you like history. If you don't it is still worth taking given the personality of the instructor. Very nice and very enthused. He tries to make boring material interesting and succeeds. I would take him a second time too if I needed another history course.

class is very informative on minority history in America. Peter is very determined to present history as it was and not as some prefer it was. A very good course in my opinion.

The teacher is very polite and very enthused. Always says hi in the hall and every class is interesting. I really felt his teaching style was oriented toward the folks in class: He asks us questions and asks our opinions each class. He asked me once what my major was and if I was going to go to grad school and encouraged me to do so.

Ok Ok! He is a terrific teacher. See my 5s? But he bugs the h! out of me. He always calls on me! Each class! "What is your opinion? What does this mean? Do you agree with this?" STOP! I have to be super alert or I will FEEL LIKE AN IDIOT!! Yeah he is nice and fun to email and whatever.

Prof. Kirstein was very entertaining. Class was fun. He shows interesting stuff on video and played some songs from Dylan and Seeger. He is not the easiest prof to get an A from but if you talk in class alot and go to them you will do fine.

Very interesting class. kinda like the controversial stuff he brings in; gets us to think about things.

Kirstein is a good teacher, always hyper in a good way. A little stickler on attendance but very enthused in class. One gets a bunch of student feedback and he is usually receptive and open. I would take him again if I could.

one word AMAZING!!!! Makes history interesting and teaches the "other side" of history that so many people are afraid to, without pushing is own opinions on you, expects u to read the material well demands class participation and attendance as he should. Tests are strictly on his notes, and books read in class. A+++ teacher

Cool teacher. Keeps it running, is very enthused, history is interesting because he is.

Class rocks. Lots of student debates on issues. he knows his stuff, and super smart in class. It's fun and while my major is way away from history, its worth the effort.

Great class! LOL. Lots of humor and topics are real heavy but controversial. Like his approach to history as a contest of wills between those who have and have nothing. Take him, sit in front and talk a lot and you will do ok. Tough to get As but easy B.

Well. he can teach. Course was all theory from day. Like it was very deep stuff and the prof is real into his material. One of the best I think around here.

Take him. Interesting, cool, not easy but average grader. Tests are on notes and from Zinn book. U learn a lot and get a lot from him in this class.

Class was great and so was professor. One of the best profs I have had. Great discussions on capitalism and socialism and always entertaining. Take him!

runs class like a clock. Very smart and alert. Grading is very clear and different: oral tests along with usual writing stuff. If you are into politics, he is even better. If not, he may be harde to follow but the man is a very skilled teacher.

The class with this professor is very interesting. Even if you hate history you will want to come to his class. The only thing you might not understand is his grading criteria because he never really explains it... Other than that he's a great teacher!

Very funny and interesting. If you like professors who are into their material and super enthused, take Kirstein.

Great teacher. Goes over things well. Interesting teacher if you want history that is not too boring. Take the man for history.

Course really covers nukes. I never thought a whole class could be on this but it really shows us the full aspects of nuclear weapons. It is cool to read an article in the class written by him. I liked the lively classes and his intense style of teaching: you don't sleep in his class!

Many people don't like him because they say he is rude. But to me, he is just honest & gives "out of the box" aspects on history. He is very challenging, but he does it with a clear understanding. He is open for participation and questions, he actually asks for it! I reccomend him

Class on nukes was surreal. The course was sobering but outstanding. Professor had us read his research on topic that gave us a sense of his work. One of the best professors you can take here. His assignments are average in terms of work but is a tough grader. Do the work, come to class, and is not that hard. Took us on field trip that was great!!

Great class. Very cool teacher. Take him, very entertaining and enthused.

Professor is very interesting and goes over material very well. He is not boring: is for students who work. He is rather liberal or more but he backs it up with slides and notes. Take him for sure.

A great teacher. Every class is interesting and intense. He almost demands we participate and debate. History is presented from peoples perspective and is rather different from world history course I had. Tests are not easy but on the material.

Uses a lot of powerpoint images. Is very, very passionate about history. AT times he is overwhelming with his views on race and war issues. Yet in few classes that i have had does the prof so consistently seek different views. He is average grader, average demands but very, very above average as a teacher.

You want an A! I got one: two tips. Sit in the front right in front of him. Participate all the time. That's it. Class is really good. At times when he is on, he's tremendous.

GREAT PROFESSOR. GETS YOU THINKING ABOUT MANY OTHER ISSUES. VERY PATIENT AND KIND PROFESSOR

Class on Vietnam best course I took in college. Grading is based almost only on oral exams and a written paper. I liked it even though a little different. Take him if you get a chance!

I thought the professor was amazingly cool. As he says: "I teach outside the lines." First class in two universities that even mentioned gay issues in class much less abortion and other hot button stuff. Just keep doing what you are doing as long as you can.

Kirstein makes you think. He is very entertaining to be sure and trust me you won't be bored. He is always high intensity and keeps the class moving even though it is a history course!

Great class! Lots of discussion if you are into that. In fact the whole class is discussion and is a real intense experience. I hope to get an A in here but so far I really like it!!

Course is taught with the perspective of the teacher and is rather unique. Kirstein's approach is to use history as a means of developing his own approach to the current situation. If you like classes that are controversial in topics, radical in areas, very discussion oriented, then take him. You will learn history and he yses all 50 minutes.

Seminar was great. Topic on one historian was different but rather amazing. I had not heard of Zinn before and by the end, I was glad I did. I could do without the 25 page paper but that is needed.

Course is very in depth on African American history. Professor is very enthused and dedicated. always interesting, very kind.

Class rocks: lots of powerpoint but not a lot of boring text. Exams are on notes and in class oral tests on books. History can be very instructive with him and if you don't like his point of view--he is certainly open to other views. For those who care he never starts class late. He is organized and full of energy.

Class is the real deal. Professor is intense, passionate and loves his job. He does have a short fuse if you come in late, talk and cell rings. Can't blame him but he will let you know to cut it out. He's not hard if you come to class and participate. One of top profs to keep a class interesting without a doubt!

Kirstein is a great teacher. His lectures are quite interesting and "liberal." It is cool to have less writing and more talking as a grade. You won't be bored in the class and the work is steady but average hardness.

One of top professors and classes. Brilliant teacher and caring too. Take the guy!

Some teachers walk into class as we are seated. This professor is first in, last out. He really cares about his classes and is very entertaining and passionate about US History.

This class is an easy A as long as you participate in class. He likes to hear student's views and is open to every view. His class is intense because he is very passionate about history. Attendance is mandatory and he always starts class exactly on time.

Best Professor out there! He knows his stuff!! He is really easy as long as you read and follow his assignments. Participation and attendance is required and mandatory but don't let that scare you off, it's an easy A. Best History professor at SXU!! I would definitely recommend him.

Time flies fast in his classes. Gradewise, he is not THAT easy. Lots of tests, written and oral. Fair but not a walk in the park. Very talented if not exceptional teacher, to be sure. About a third of grade is based on classroom assignments thru participation. Readings are unique as is the prof.

I felt his course was one of the more meaningful. Mr Kirstein is very animated and can be inspiring. I noticed in the class everyone showed up which is kinda rare even when they take attendance which he does some of the time. He is a fair grader, average hardness, but if you skip the readings, he will nail you. A top professor and charismatic.

You need to show up to class or you wont pass his class. You NEED the textbooks Awesome teacher!

Loved him! Very liberal lectures and he points out the flaws in the univeristy and says things most professors wouldn't dare to say. That being said, his class is pretty easy if you get the multiple books and participate. Its not hard work at all but it is a good amount of work.

Peter is a one-of-a-kind professor. His class requires attendance and participation, but is worth showing up for. His lectures are very different than other professors because he says things others would not dare to say. He does not care about traditionalism, and provides a unique view of the material. If you have the chance, take him! Worth it!!!

Peter is an awesome, clear lecturer. I loved this class Some very controversial topics are covered and because of his great understanding of the content, many sides are given. Students are asked to challenge and many do. His classes are energetic and exciting. For sure one of the top teachers at Xavs.

Kirstein was AWESOME!!! I would definitely take his class again if only I could fit it in my schedule. He was very entertaining during class and was very passionate about the subject. He really wanted us to learn and wants us to give our opinions.

Mr Kirstein is obviously in love with teaching. If you take him, wear your seat belt. His classes are controversial but in a good way. His classes are dramatic and entertaining. You will not take a prof this passionate and energetic. He will get on you if come in late or play with a laptop and DON'T miss class. Participate! BRILLIANT TEACHER!

Good professor but he is always looking for something specific in your papers. YOU CANNOT MISS CLASS.

Is so interested in us who are starting college. Very interested in our well being and is very nice. Classes are very exciting and not ever boring. I will take him next fall and I know it will be another awesome course. He's a good grader and will spend time to help. I always feel very rewarded in attending his classes.

He is very very passionate about teaching and participation so if you don't like participating about once-twice a week, then don't take him. attendance is strict; basically if you miss more than 1 class, it knocks your grade slightly with each absence. overall he is very nice and cares about his students

One of the better professors at SXU. The guy is amazing: such enthusiasm, humor, and passionate about the history. If one word describes Peter it is committed. In terms of hardness, he is not easy but if you do the work and come to class, you can do well. I wish I had more courses to fit in. He made my semester!!

He is very enthusiastic about what he teaches. He makes sure you fully understand everything behind the scenes of each war. However, when taking notes, you have to keep up with him (he doesn't use presentations-he just talks). If you answer the questions on the reading assignments thoughtfully and thoroughly (no skimming), you will get a good grade

Kirstein is a top prof. He has a lot of enthusiasm and avoids straight lecture. You have a paper, many take home written assignments on chapters and two exams. He challenges you to think and to challenge him too.

Very respected and knowledgeable professor. Makes class enjoyable and encourages everyone's opinions and thoughts. 2 textbooks that are mandatory, a lot of reading and book assignments(answer questions about the chapter) along with a midterm and final. Few assignments but interesting course. Teaches real history and doesn't skip over many events.

Very passionate and energetic. A very talented professor. You have to come to class on time and there is work; but if you do the work it's not hard. You have to do the assignments but class is so entertaining, you will enjoy the experience.

One of the BEST professors out there! Best history course I've ever taken.

Very passionate and responds to email in seconds. He's very fair grader and is organized and amazing in class: even during virus he was there for his students. Take him if you can!

Peter always stayed after class on Zoom for those needing help or just to talk. His class was very diversity oriented and he is very tolerant of those left out of US history, as he says. I really enjoyed the class during a time of stress and fear due to covid 19.

Kirstein is terrific. It was hybrid class and he was interesting even with J-term with such long classes. He is motivational and very progressive that I like. He has strong opinions but really wants to hear ours. I am not even a history major but he was one of the tops I had in my four years here. Not hard but average. Take him!

Had him last year. Very great prof. Passionate but listens. I am glad I had him and wish others could take him.

KIrstein was very effective. Uses lecture method to get student input. He is quite progressive and it's clear what his views are on everything. Yet, he is willing to be challenged and rarely, if ever, argumentative with us. Exams are not too hard; assignments are fair but he doesn't like late papers. I really liked the class.

Kirstein is an engaging professor who encourages student input. Exams are reasonable, and assignments are fair, though he prefers no late work. Attendance is crucial. I found the lectures and unstuckstudy helpful for preparing.

Kirstein was very animated when I had him senior year. Course was very gripping and dynamic. A top professor. His exams aren't easy but graded fairly and used both books and in-class information.