Veey intelligent and will help you with getting into ucla, but his class is hard.

great teacher. dedicated to the students.

His class is a bit challenging. His class is basically lecture and note taking. He seems very knowledgable. His class is a lot more interesting when the class interacts, rather than him just speaking.

Olivas is extremely helpful. He also helps you out with transfering. He does a lot to help students to succeed but his class is challenging. Taking your own note in addition to his is important. Doesn't tolerate class clowns.

I LOVED the class. He knew his subject in and out, and always welcomed questions. Will also help you with the tranfer process. One of the greatest classes I've taken at WLAC.

My experience with Professor Olivas is different from everyone else rating him, undoubtedly, he is very knowledgeable about the subject and yes he always welcomes questions, but I had a very hard time with his tests, I just didn’t understand the questions

I dont know what everyone else is talking about, but I LOVED his class. No homework, grades entirely based on tests. If you listen to the lecture you can pass the test! You dont even need to buy the book. And did I say SEXY!!!

This teacher is by far one of the best teachers at this school. He isn't easy, but he's so helpful and if you go get help from him, he gives you "participation" points. Awesome! He seems a bit boring at first, but if you really listen to him, he's actually really funny and interesting!

If you are taking classes at WLA know that most teachers do not care to see you succeed... It seems to me anyone passes most classes but Dr. Olivas is one of the few that actually cares for your success. Arrive early, take notes, READ.. and meet with him...

He is an excellent professor... however no fooling around, don't expect a piece of cake from this class. professor really cares about ur success and grades

He really cares for his students. Take lots of good notes and ask questions. He's very helpful!

If you attend class, take notes and read the text as with all classes you should do VERY well. If you just attend class and takes notes you will pass with a C. If you don't attend, he won't help you at all...most likely you will be dropped.

One of the best history teachers! He really knows his stuff. I took him once during summer school and thought he was really boring at first because his voice is very monotonous. I dropped his class then but took it again during the semester and realized how smart and funny he is. Got straight a's!

Make sure you attend class everyday and show interest very easy to get a C but very hard to get an A

He is hard, and so are his exams. he's very organized and you definetly need to come to class every day and take good notes, plus read the book. If you do all that you've got an A. On the plus side he'll answer any questions so if you missed something just ask him. He really cares about his students, so you can go to him for anything.

This was a very interesting Class. I would study a little more. But he is a good teacher. The teacher can be alittle tricky and the test is not always on everything that is on the study guide. But if you read the book you will do fine. I still passed the class.

in general he is a good man , he likes to advise u in social life, but he's tests are tricky , and its not the study guide terms (he ask the event, or name,date) related to study guide. take notes but good notes (not junk, people usually don't know what the note taking is). don't get disappointed if u get bad result on first or second test.

I NEVER received anything lower than an A and never even studied THAT hard. In addition, he's also just a great and interesting teacher.

he's awesome! anyone who doesn't take hsi afro american class just because he's not black is a fool! this man is passionate about his field and is an excellent teachers. the first test will bum you out but don't quit. notes are extremely important and reviewing the study guide is a must!

Very helpful professor,take good notes and you'll do super or if you have a question make sure to ask he is very helpful!

Dr. Olivas is a great history professor when to comes to explaining the material as thorough as possible. Take good notes, and ask good questions and your sure to pass his class with a reasonable grade. Thanx Olivas for all of your hard work (especially dealing with me)(lol)!

He is the first Greatest Proffessor I have ever met in the History of me attending West LA College. I am Very Thankful for meeting Dr. Olivas.

His class isHelpful. He is an Amazing teacher who answers any question that you ask, with great responces.

Wonderful teacer and a even better man. Very helpful and passionate about his work, and his students.If you leave his class the same way you entered you have issues.

Great teacher, just finished class with him today. He gives you a challenging and broad learning of history.He inspired me to make it my major. If you take history at WLAC, take Dr. Olivas. He is an intellectual, passionate teacher, along with being very helpful. One of the best at WLAC! I juat hope I get a B!

Good teacher, really cares about his students. Tests can be tricky, but if you study you will pass.

Dr. Olivas is a passionate professor who takes his job very seriously. Go to class, take notes, and you will do well on the exams and in the class overall.

If you are lucky enough to have this professor, than thank your stars. His style is a little unconventional, but really worth the sit in. He is EXTREMELY knowledgeable.

An amazing Profeesor He cares about our education there are alot of Professors around WLA who could take a lesson on teaching

Its a lecture class so be ready to take notes. Tests are fair, but tricky. Therefore it is mandatory to attend class and take notes,he's a nice person

He is a pretty chill teacher. Going to class is mandatory..and if you are late and he already took role, you will be marked absent. No homework, only Tests. The whole course is based on the grades of your tests. I took a history class before and Failed it, and in his i got a C so it was better.

Unfortunately, I had to drop the class for personal reasons. In the short time I was in his class I saw that he truly cares for his students and wants us to succeed!very humorous. All lecture, so I advise you to take good notes. In class essays. Do not use your cell phone in class. Going to class is mandatory.

he is an awesome teacher, one of the best teachers at west. he cares about his students. 3/4 exams(tests)with a brief essay at the end, no homework, daily readings.

Prof. Olivas was awesome! His class is lecture based and he keeps it interesting. He is not only passionate about his student, but about seeing them succeed. He helped me choose a university to transfer to and was always ready to help or answer questions. He's great :)

He is such a nice teacher, and whenever i feel like giving up i remember him saying,"if i can do it you can do it".

Great Professor use his knowledge of Black history and current history along with humor and respect to teach his classes

One of the greatest professors at this school. He cares about his students. He wants you to go to a four year college and succeed. Great person to talk to after class or during office hours. He is very honest and upfront. Do not take it to the heart. Sometimes wee need the truth. Tests are hard, but just do good on the essays.

This teacher is a great example of a person who cares about their students. Knows his History well and uses humor in the correct moments. Lectures are very interesting

This is one of the greatest professors I have had. Currently taking him for HIST 11. One more week left. I hate history always have but he makes it interesting and you can see he loves what he does. HE CARES for the students. This first lecture basically pushing you and emphasizing the importance of transferring. He makes a lot of jokes. TAKE HIM!

Great teacher. He is an actual teacher so you have to ACTUALLY work for an A. Do your work and you're fine.

One of the best teachers I have ever had. His points are clear and the lectures are not boring. I do have to say though we would probably be able to cover more material if there were less of what I came to call "personal agenda" breaks. Also please reply to email, not every student who misses class is a bad. Nonetheless, a truly great teacher.

This is a class you really need to work for your grade. I'm not happy with my grade, but he teaches the way Universities do so nothing is given to you. I applaud Mr. Olivas as he is a great instructor.

Requirements: don't miss class, take notes, read book, study. Dr. Olivas is a great instructor, adds interesting facts, loves what he does. Multiple choice and essay exams are difficult. Plan on possibly getting a grade lower than usual, but learning lots.

I love this teacher! He is fair, intelligent, fan, funny, well-traveled and he knows how to inspire students to reach their goals in real life which is the most important! He doesn't mind to share his experience and encourage student to observe and think! He is always ready to help u. I wish I take more classes with him.

What a great class! Dr. Olivas breaks down the material & teaches you how to examine historical events. He's a very intelligent professor & has a great sense of humor. The tests are difficult but not impossible, he guides you through them. He really wants students to live up to their potential. I've learned so much, thanks professor! :)

he lectures all class with an outline he outs on online on his website. he really knows his stuff, but his dry comedy could get annoying at times. he is a tough grader, but as long as you take fantastic notes (he movies fast) and ask questions you should pass his class no problem. His essays are easy if you know your stuff

without professor olivas i would never have transferred. he helped me out so much! about to graduate because of him :)

He's quite literally the best teacher I've had at West LA. He's clear, his lectures aren't that hard to follow. I would recommend, if you could, to bring your laptop to take notes. He has a tendency to go fast at moments and it's much easier to follow along as opposed to hand-written notes.

Amzing

He really cares for his students, gives great lectures, and is the best in West Los Angeles College. You will not regret taking him.

Excellent Afro Studies Professor.

Fantastic academic who is well versed in the college system who will teach you as well as help you will your goals and how to get there. Great teacher and great advisor. But he will make you earn your grade.

He is a great professor!! Very helpful and really cares about his students! You do have to work for grade your not an easy class! You need to read the textbook take notes and take good notes in class! You will be fine if you do your part! I think he pretty funny.

He is a very supportive professor that really cares about his students. He wants his students to succeed and do well in his class. If you follow his study guides, take good notes and read the textbook you will do well in his class. He does have his own quirky sense of humor about politics.I would take him again. He was a inspiration to me.

Best professor I have ever had. Pay attention and study, ask questions if needed and he is really there for you. Tests can be difficult but he really does want his students to pass. Would take him again and again.

Dr. Olivas was the best professor I've had in while. He definitely knows how to keep you into his lectures. All you have to do is take good notes, be ready to read the text book, study, good essay skills & you pass his class. Always gives you a good laugh in the morning. OLD SCHOOL vibe to the Professor. I would definitely recommend. .

Good professor. One of the few left that actually cares about the students.

I took his class last year. Hes a great guy. Very interesting lecture. My only gripe is your essay is half your grade and if you write slow as I do, this will be a handicap for you and effect your grade. He is a fairly tough grader but he is also fair. Wouldnt mind taking another class with him, just wish he allowed digital note taking.

Olivas is one of the best professors at WLAC! He comes off a little strong at first, but stick with it, grows on you by the end of the semester! Really put in the effort in his class because his lectures are no joke. They are intense, but he actually teaches you how to take good notes. His exams are very hard, but it is possible to pass!

Professor Olivas is honestly one of the best professors I have ever taken at WLAC. I truly enjoyed going to his class. He made the lectures interesting and he has a great sense of humor. One thing to keep in mind is that this class is by no means an easy A. You will have to study hard to pass. No homework no quiz's, just three difficult tests.

He is a great teacher to have. He tell you what to do and not to do in life. He can also tell life lessons that to think in what UC or SC. He is one of my best teachers so far and, i would like to have him again.

A Professor For The Mature, Self Disciplined, And Self Motivated Student. Lot's Of Study Required, Tests Are Very Detail Oriented, Not For Someone Looking To Get An Easy Grade, Be Prepared To Put In Lot's Of Work.

Prof. Olivas is one of the best at WLAC. He genuinely cares about his students and gives great advice. He was one of my favorites at West. His class is not an easy A but study hard and take good notes and you'll pass! You'll actually learn a lot from his class. Pay attention during lectures! And he has dry humor so don't take it personal lol.

I only took him during the summer since I go to a different university but by far, he is one of my favorite professors I've had thus far. If you have very strong opinions and do not being told otherwise, I suggest you do not take him. He has strong opinions about many subjects and one must be open to hear them without getting angry.

Prof. Olivas is a rare find, he's one of the best Professors I've ever had. He genuinely cares about his students and is very interesting to listen too. His tests are pretty tough, so be sure to study and show up to class. He talks to you in a kind, professional manner and is a great class to take. You will learn a lot from him, so take him!

Read the chapters BEFORE class, you'll need to, to keep up with the fast paced lectures. His syllabus is clear and well organized, he follows through. His tests are tough. Attendance is important. There are no group projects. He does not give out homework, but I would highly recommended reading the chapters necessary before the lectures.

HE IS AMAZING. He is one of the few teachers at WLAC who actually wants his students to transfer to their dream schools. He will go out of his way to help you. There are only 3 exams and that is it for your grade-if you are not a good test taker dont take him. Not an easy A. Im a 4.0 student and on the first exam I got a 85 so that says something

Richard Olivas is a great but difficult professor. He's willing to work with all his students in his class and cares about them. His lectures are very heavy and require a lot of note taking and you just have to pay attention and understand and you can pass. Definitely recommend, just study HARD!

Takes his job too seriously. Very helpful. Interesting lectures. Tough test grader, thats why Id be careful taking his class. Youd literally sit there and learn a lot about history but when its time for the test you might not do as good as you think. Trust me majority of people received low test scores. Make sure you get to class on time.

Prof Olivas is a real asset to both the students and the school itself. He inspires you to dig deep to master the material, take quality notes, and gives great feedback on essays. He is also genuinely willing to help you transfer; there is a real opportunity to mature and grow from this class if you can put forth a sincere effort. He is funny, too!

I took this class as pre- requisite and honestly felt somewhat of a dead for it. Dr. Richard Olivas makes this class interesting! His lectures are well spoken and very interesting actually. You can tell he cares and wants you to learn. I learned a lot from him and highly recommend him! Take notes and you'll be set!

I hardly watched the lectures and I never really read the material and I passed with an A. Easy class. I'm not a fan of History so I found this boring.

I really enjoyed his 8 week online class. The lectures are very interesting and not boring. The test are a mixture of easy questions and hard questions. There a couple of historical source essays which are fun. Would take him again.

Took His 12 right when the pandemic hit & we transitioned online. Professor Olivas did his best to go remotely. I took him fall 2020 for History 11 and it went great. Pay attention to the lectures as it helps & take good notes. Professor Olivas wants his students to succeed as he provides most of the course material & is very understanding!

Professor Olivas was one of the best professors ive ever taken. He's a professor who wants all his students to succeed. Hes tough and makes you work for it but is willing to help any student who needs it. Also very hilarious man. if you are soft, he isnt for you. Thank you Professor Olivas

This Professor is great for balanced semester in terms of reading material and watching his lectures. He has quizzes that are multiple choice and his exams are based on the material you read. I did the reading and put in my work and passed. He is easy when you just the work done on time.

I'm not saying he's bad, but he's the worst of the best. I know it's history, and you have to know the details to explain, but I wish he made the video lectures more engaging to watch, because the book just had way too much stuff and was demotivating in a sense. You have to know the material to answer the quizzes, but overall, decent class and prof

Prof Olivas is demanding but engaging. The textbook can be dense, but his lectures make the material come alive. Using ChatGPT and unstuck ai for study prep helped me stay on top of the material.