Really tough teacher. I got a good grade in the class, but felt that while teaching, she assumed students would be very familiar with Middle Eastern terms/names. There is a lot of reading and some of the reading is hard to analyze because it is foreign.

She really knows her subject matter but the class is a lot of work - four short papers and four essays for the mid-term and final plus a lot of reading. She really tries to be helpful.

A great historian and professor. Although a lot of reading and work, it is exactly what is needed to view the topic as a true historian. She is very helpful and an overall kind person.

Had this class last semester. Lots of reading and writting but if you read you'll get a lot from her class. I recommand her only to serious students. If you take her upper division classes and do well, u'll find graduate school fun and easy!

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She isn't the easiest professor but she is pretty fair. She is very knowledgable in her field and very helpful. A lot of reading but if you can get past that I recommend her.

In order to take this class you must be willing to work hard and not be lazy. Her class is a class all students can pass if they work hard. I do agree it is hard to get an A. I tried very hard but ended up with a B. But overall a great teacher, loves her subject. Just don't be lazy.

Great teacher. The class was difficult at times, but she provides a study guide two weeks in advance of the exam/final. The class requires alot of reading but what college class doesn't? The class is more like an independent study than a lecture in terms of the students are the ones who discuss/analyze the reading. I ended up with an A-.

lots of reading, and can be a pretty tough grader at times. but, very fair, knowledgeable and helpful.

not easy, but helpful and understanding. lots of reading from many different places. 2 main books (must have) 1 small book - better if you have it, but not necessary. I would take her again, but only if i know that at least two of my classes are easy.

She does not deserve the bad rap on this site. She is passionate and likes to challenge the students. I think she comes off unfriendly with her body language and demeanor, but is helpful if you talk to her.

Prof Howes is a tough cookie but she is doing her job! It is mandatory to come to class, there are lots of pop quizzes on no particular day but they are based on the 13 books she assigns. Her tests include date memorization, map locations and essays. Most essay topics call for comparing/contrasting themes from the readings. Therefore READ!!!

Classes are half lectures, half class discussion of readings. Lots of reading, and be prepared to discuss it. Kind of weak on lectures, you can tell she's somewhat new to it. Exams are mix of maps, dates, and short essay. She's a nice lady and is genuinely helpful. She may not be the best but she has room for improvement and you know she's trying.

Dr. Howes is GOOD and her class is very interesting. Yes, her views are very pro-Arab, but this is Middle East history so what do you expect? She gives you 3 papers, a ton of reading, a midterm and a huge final, but she's very helpful and will always answer your questions.

GREAT TEACHER! I knew nothing about the middle east prior to this class.This class is a clear example of what college is supposed to be: a lot of reading, notes and lectures. Not an easy A!!!!! you really have to earn ur grade. You need to do everything to get a desirable grade. Dont miss class!!!!!! Really helpful and understanding.

Let me warn you, Dr. Howes is not an easy A. She is an amazing professor that knows her material inside out. She makes the subject that she is discussing very interesting. She loves seminars so you better do the reading. Loved the class and HIGHLY RECOMMEND the class, if you actually want to learn about history.

she dresses nicely, anyways, she is not a easy A. you must work for your grade. Her reading in 185 was more than my upper division 400 level class but split the readings. make a study group and read. write all three essays and rewrite them. College isnt suppose to be a free grade. you must work for your grade and that is how her class is. got a B+!

she grades on the easier side. However, the work load is alot because this class is about the start and to present time of the middle east. books are heavily used. class has 3 papers, midterm, final, presentation and weekly quizzes (with notes, aka your answers-she drops 2 lowest) not recommended for freshmens (whom are adjusting to college)

Many textbooks that are needed and must be read to pass the class. Hands out quizzes randomly. 3 essays are required to be written, but if you fail one, you can rewrite it for a better grade. Midterm is pretty tough and final is a cummalitive. EXPECTS DETAILS ON EVERYTHING. Boring class. Rude teacher. A lot of work to do.

For a 100 level class, it was hard. I had graduating seniors in the class complaining that they have 400 level classes with less reading and easier tests. The 3 papers are easy;I wrote all of them the night before and got 2 B's and an A. The midterm and final though..prepare for A LOT of reading/studying/outlining/memorizing. Nice prof. Hard class.

the hist of middle east is hard for everyone because it is a foreign subject for most of us. we were taught with western history and there is no background for Middle East. that is why the class is hard. the class itself starts from beginning of Islam to present day. there is almost about 1500 years of history to cover. she is a easy grader.

Hardest 100 level class EVER! But, I would take it AGAIN because I learned alot about ME that I did not know. MUST do weekly reading w/questions to use on her quizzes. 4 papers (easy grader), weekly quizzes (hardest part), mid & final (hard, but grades easy). Expect to spend most of your time on this class.

She assigns a lot or reading. The papers are cumbersome, but not impossible. Stay on top of the reading and assignments as it is really easy to fall behind. She's helpful, extremely knowledgable, cheerful. Seek help when needed. If you're going to not take it seriously, don't take it at all. Don't procrastinate!

She assigns a lot of reading. The quizzes are directly from the reading questions she assigns. There is a quiz once a week. LOTS of reading that you can not even keep up with it. You'll do fine as long as you study her study guide for the exams. Lectures are dull. VERY strict on grading papers. She is very helpful and nice though.

Very sweet lady. If it is your only class take it, if not forget it. You read every single day like there is no tomorrow, very stressful at first but you get used to it. Not a hard class, but consists of 5 2pg essays, 1 midterm paper and a final paper, and you have to participate in the discussions.

I liked Dr. Howes's courses the best. You learn how to analyze primary sources and you participate in class discussion at every meeting. He courses are more professional and interesting rather than you jutting down material for a test. There is a decent amount of reading and writing required which will help you improve at both. I highly recommend!

She's a great Professor. She really knows the study of the Middle East. She's SUPER helpful. There is a lot of reading but it is managble for a Historians craft class. She's GREAT! TAKE HER!

The only 2 tests: the midterm and the final. she posts a general study guide, which is all terms and dates you need to know for the tests. She posts a study guide for both, its ten questions she may ask for the in class essay. she will choose three on test day, then you pick one. the final includes one comprehensive full course essay question

I don't understand why so many students are surprised that they have to read in a college level history course. Howes is a great teacher and makes it clear that if you do the readings (which ARE manageable), show up to class, and pay attention, you will do just fine. I don't see how anyone who tries their best could get anything less than a B+.

Prof. Howes is an expert in her field. She expects her students to read all the work she offers, because guess what? She has read it, too! The material she provided for this course was diverse, insightful, and provided me varying perspectives on the issues faced in the Middle East. If you do the work and dedicate yourself to it, you will be solid!

Professor Howes is a great professor. She's extremely passionate about Middle Eastern History and explains everything very clearly. Her class wasn't hard either. It is a lot of reading, but that should be expected from a history class. You do have to do the work to get an A and do well on the midterms. I definitely learned a lot from her class.

Dr. Howes is an amazing professor that genuinely cares for the success of all of her students. I was in her 497 class, and I wouldn't have been able to receive an A in the class if it weren't for her support. She was there for every step of the writing process and constantly kept herself open for questions and any assistance that we required.

Dr. Howes is an expert in Middle Eastern history. She cares for all her students and makes every effort to help. Her courses are heavily based on reading and discussion. Read and give meaningful responses during discussion and you will have no problem in her class! Expect 3-5 papers along with discussion leads for specific reading.

Her class requires a lot of reading, so I won't recommend anyone to take this class who isn't majoring in history. The quizzes consist of a map where you have to identify each location and you have a writing part where you must answer 3-8 essay questions briefly. One paper. She basically gives you what will be exactly on the final, really helpful.

Professor Howes was great! Lots of discussions and quizzes but if you really pay attention you'll be fine. Plus she allows you to use notes on the quizzes. Participation really matters, if you don't participate in class you can share your thoughts in an online discussion on the class canvas to get some points.