3.0
Quality4.0
Difficulty30%
Would Retake105
Reviews30%
Would Retake
105
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
28
4
17
3
21
2
16
1
23
What Students Say
“Probably the worst experience I've had with courses at Farmingdale”
HIS212 - 1.0 rating“He is a mean person too, he tried to make me drop”
HISTERR - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
74%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.53 avg changeRatings by Course
HIS243
5.0
(2)POL168
5.0
(1)HIS319
5.0
(1)POL267
5.0
(1)HIST9999
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HIS323
5.0
HISTERR
5.0
POL392
5.0
POL391MASSMEDIA
5.0
HIS212
4.7
Reviews (105)
sweats a lot!, lectures in monotone and doesnt give good notes, writes words on the board with no definition, boring! makes you feel stupid when you answer a question wrong.
Class is rediculously hard. all boring lectures, where he jumps around and cant stay on one topic. NO NOTES! He writes random words on the board in no particular order. He gives quizes on chapters he hasn't covered yet..so unless you have the time to stay ahead and read every chapter before he teaches it, dont even think about this class.
Extremely bad class, writes random words on the board and lectures the whole time. Very boring also a very hard class. I def would recommend taking it, I would get out of it if I could.
No Comments
only 2 tests, midterm and final. gives crappy maps for exams!
you really have to read the text becuse he gave quizzes on what you should have read, reeeally study for the midterm/final and you should do okay. for the map tests i studied w/ blank ones and tried to fill them in and did good.. good luck =)
not that bad of a class. writes random words on the board. nice guy though. 2 quizzes a midterm and a final.
This teacher was excellent...but he definitely picks favorites...if you pay attention and participate, you'll do well...get on his good side, show him your smart, talk a little and you'll get an A...he is definitely not as bad as every one says...He's really smart and interesting and gorgeous ;)
He is way to hard, and not fair at all, gives to much work at a time
Really really good teacher. Difficult material but he presents it in a fantastic way. Interestingly enough he is the leading historian on all things BORAT related and has actually given lectures and written papers on the character from the hit HBO television series.
This is one of the easiest classes I've ever taken. Read the book and the quizzes are simple. He does just put words on the board but there are lecture notes available online and the words he puts up should stimulate some kind of memory if you've already read the chapter in the book. I would take other classes with this professor as well.
For winter mini session. I had to write essays every 2days, a total of 6. For discussion post ya need 6 to get a good grade up in the A region and sometimes you dont get that. Professor grades your work hard."Sourcing your answers from the Internet is NOT allowed on the short answer quizzes." Sloppy posts receive fewer points
Would definitely take another class by him again. Expert on all things Borat.
Good Teacher Though Hard Half Class Dropped Other Half Struggled with reading and quizes.
Great Prof. Would take him again. Helps that he is hot! The tests are a challenge but the class is interesting so that makes its better!
took class online. seems hard at first, but it all works itself out. had better, had worse.
HARD!! tests are ridiculously hard, he gave us a review sheet of 113 terms and i only needed to know about 50.
He is Ok. You have to read ALOT! If he asks a question in class and noone answers him he gives you a quiz the next class. Tests were hard..and he gives you a review sheet of 83498534 terms to know. Lectures are BORING! He talks the minute class starts to the end. I would not take him again.
I took this class online thinking it would be a cinch, but there was actually a lot of work required and definitely a lot of reading. Be warned, if you don't like to read 100+ pages a week then steer clear' but I found the material interesting and thus enjoyed the class. You'll have discussions, tests, essays, and quizzes online.
Talks a lot. Try to take good notes cause they will help you. Read the book cause it will help also. Only gave us like 3 tests. One final, one midterm and like a 'pop quiz' but we had to write like an essay. ANGEL website helped A LOT. Put most of his notes on the website and also put some of his lectures. Gives extra credit. Not a horrible class.
He talks a lot and gets sidetracked alot but is a very interesting professor to listen to and really knows his stuff. He puts all the readings and information online which was very helpful, overall is a great prof
Great teacher, treats students like adults and experts participation in the world as well as in class. Very thorough coverage of geography and importance of various religions through history--very interesting class.
GREAT teacher! I took Politics of the Muslim World online. It seems like a ton of work, but it's not. If you actually do it, you'll probably get an A. You have 2 weeks for each module to read some information (I never actually read it) and then write 3 400 word essays. You'll learn a ton from this class, but don't expect to do no work.
Last year I took politics of the muslim world online and the year before that I took the west and the world in class. His online classes are a bit more involved; there's more work, but his grading system is very fair. In class, he lectures most of the time. Most of what he has to say is interesting. He won't just call on you. You'll need text.
Ok. So this professor is ridiculous! I'm taking the Tech & Soc Russia class online (HIS310) and granted it's a 300 level course, he's just too strict. He's a pain in the ass for citations and formatting them to his liking! It's A LOT OF WORK online! I wouldn't recommend taking this class online if you can't dedicate the time!
Taking class online. Requires way too much and doesn't seem to care whether or not your taking other classes. He's too much at times. So specific on how things are handed in, it's annoying! If you get him, I would recommend you changing professors. You will go insane, trying to make sure you have satisfied all of his ridiculous requirements!
DIFFICULT professor. This is a high-level professor. This class isn't for the lazy, or non-conscientious. He's extremely smart, interesting, and funny. He's just very fast paced. Attendance quizzes (10 qs 10mins) each class (can't miss them). Midterm is easy final is MC. Loved him as a person and would've liked him better if I wasn't a freshman...
All work was done online. Lectures and class discussions were very interesting and thought-provoking. Do the readings and you'll be fine.
This professor was difficult. You def need to do the reading and pay attention in class. He's a nice guy though, put the effort in and you'll do fine, just be prepared to do work.
I took this class online and wish I could have dropped it in time. What a turn off to history. Way too much reading without enough time to absorb or discuss it all. Very uncaring, don't take his class if you like having a high GPA. He will make you work super hard the whole time...run!
Not an easy professor by any stretch of the imagination. He demands your focus and full dedication. But the results are entirely worth it. Not for the lazy or unmotivated. You will get back what you put into it. Very knowledgeable in his disciplines and is willing to share his knowledge freely with you. Take him if you love history or pol. science
If you are lazy this class is not for you. This professor will make you work for your grade. He know extremely smart and well informed of current events in any topic he teaches. this class is best taken alone, the work load is unbelievable. He gave one final and surprise quiz's .Note: extra credit is available. I have taken physics and been less s
If you are lazy this class is not for you. This professor will make you work for your grade. He extremely smart and well informed on current events in any topic he teaches.I suggest you take this class by itself, the work load is unbelievable. He gave one final and surprise quiz's. Note:extra credit is available.I have taken physics and been less
People are not kidding about the workload with his classes. You will need A LOT of long hard work to do well in his classes. I had the displeasure of taking 2 of his online classes and it was absolutely hellish. Do NOT take his online classes if you are looking for a relaxing experience!
Took him for West and The World. He is the living definition of a tough professor. Not impossible to pass his class, but hard. You just have to actually put in work. He's passionate about the topics, gives alot of useful information in the lectures and uses the powerpint as a referene(barely at that). Only bad part is the tests.
I've had Dr. Saunder's for numerous classes. By no means is the workload light, but he makes it very interesting and is extremely fair. He's definitely my favorite teacher I've had throughout college.
If you do not love politics this is a very boring class. I started to take it online. There is a lot of written work required. I dropped after attempting to do the first assignment.
The workload is heavy, but he sticks to a pre-defined and well spaced out schedule of due dates. He gives you the tools on Day 1 which you will need to get an A in his class. Failure to do anything less is a reflection upon the student sitting at the desk. Also - funny personality and interesting lectures, albeit thorough and note taking heav
I joined late due to a medical reason and missed an assignment due to a legit reason. He wouldn't budge in letting me make it up even though I provided proper medical forms unless i got perfect scores on his assignments 3-5 where in 3 he accused me of plagiarism because I didnt cite correctly. He is a mean person too, he tried to make me drop
Took him for "The Worlds and its peoples" He is the definition of a tough professor. You have to earn your grade. The work is not easy. He is extremely intelligent. A lot of online work. Don't take for easy A
He does put a lot of work but if you do everything that he assign you can pass this class. The tests are difficult but if you read you can pass with a decent grade. He is the best professor that I have ever taken! p.s. You have to read a lot, if you don not like to read, so do not take this class
BEST Professor EVER!!! a couple of students hate him because he demands his students to Read and think. He is a very fair grader. Classes are very interesting, plus, he is so HOT! I'm looking forward for my next class with Dr. Saunders!
The course work is absolutely demanding: you are expected to dedicate 8~ hours a week to it. If you don't like homework or are lazy: DON'T TAKE IT. He's a great professor; one of the few that challenges students. The lectures are really interesting. You will learn a lot, and if you do the work the way he asks you to, you'll do well.
Excellent professor. Unless you are lazy, I will recommend him.
I took his online class during winter break, it was a lot of work! and it was fast paced! but he was very helpful if i had a question or two and he would get back to me pretty quick, I wanted to learn more about Islam and I definitely feel like I have expanded my knowledge, if you like to learn and be involved this professor is for you.
I will start off by recommending that you do NOT take this class online, but if you must, do not take any other courses at the same time. He recommends spending 8 hours per DAY on his material alone, so forget working full time and spending time on any other class. That being said, the material is interesting and I've learned a lot.
Wasn't the ideal 1st online class (had no idea what to expect and faced a daunting amount of work). However, I must say I really, really learned a lot. Class started out with 26 people, there were 8 left at the end. Though there was a snarky response now and then, Saunders responded to questions quickly. Grueling course, but I am very glad I did it
Expect to read, expect enlightenment ,expect interesting topics that may be prospective changing, expect to cite work. Not easy , not hard the hardest always interesting ... Expect humor lol.
Honestly, I was so scared to take this class based on the past reviews. The class is essentially a part timefull time job, not kidding. You MUST read and research. Effective communication through essay writing is crucial. I learned a lot in this class which is surprising because it's online. Hard but that's to be expected because it's a 300 level.
Was an interesting class. A lot of reading but Prof. Saunders GAVE interesting reading assignments along with very interesting questions to be answered. You had to read and do research to pass. But when it's interesting it make it easier. Definitely would take his online classes again.
Professor Saunders is an excellent professor. He clearly states the requirements, deadlines, etc. at the beginning of the semester. He is so knowledgable about so many things and makes it interesting. Yes, the class is a lot of work, but we're in college! If you actually want to learn and not just BS a class to get an easy A, take this professor.
There was a ton of reading for this class, but as long as you do it then you'll pass. He always gives feedback, and gave lots of guidance to help meet certain criteria for assignments since the class was online.
This was a class that involved a lot of reading. He grades fair but you have to submit decent work... He has published works in this area of study so he expects decent work from you. He also has you cite in the Chicago style (which I had to learn quickly) opposed to MLA. All in all good guy the class felt overwhelming as I took it in the summer
He said i can redo an assignment redid it, and he never changed the grade, I mistakeningly did the same topic as another student and he deleted this givign me a 0 which was annoying because the assignment was due in two days and I had nothing to hand in since mine didn't count. This man is one of the worst professors.
Would only take a class with this professor if you absolutely need too. Tons of reading and writing with harsh rules for formatting. Work and guidelines are unnecessarily confusing and difficult. Probably the worst experience I've had with courses at Farmingdale.
2 weekly posts, 1 response and 1 weekly quiz. Workload seems heavy as an online course because of the amount of reading required. The work itself isn't too hard and he's a somewhat easy grader. He's definitely very knowledgeable on the topic but didn't provide enough actual feedback. I'd take him again although I'd hope for more interaction.
He gives work thats due every two weeks but its loads and loads of work. Very difficult and he gives quizzes too. He only gives 10 minutes for like 11 question quiz. And he makes you use exact formats that he gives for just blackboard discussions.
Honestly I looked at his rating and thought I could handle it with 5 other classes. Boy was I wrong! He does not respond in a timely fashion if at all to your questions. When he does answer a question it's as if your bothering him and he's really cold. If you have a lot of free time to deal with his annoying requirements than take the risk
This was my first online class ever taking. The professor is very patient and delivers great feedback once assignments are delivered at the appropriate time. The criteria was a little confusing at first but once I reached out to the professor via email, the rest of the semester was a breeze. Wonderful experience!!
He seems cold with no proper feedback. He is not the only class students have, People have jobs and other classes. I don't mind the challenge, but I do feel his quizzes shouldn't be timed or maybe a little longer. Only for the fact how much information can one person retain after reading 5-6 articles plus a book. Also strict with assignments.
I took his His 212 class over the intersession along with another history class. He definitely has you read a lot and wants the work to be cited with every post to avoid plagiarism. You will definitely be on your computer for more than 2-3 hours a day conducting research. Though it required a lot of work, I can walk away knowing I learned a lot.
Hes rude , The work load is way too heavy for a general ed class, doesnt respond in Timely fashion, extremely unclear grading criteria , tough grader and not worth the hassle theres better professors out there , he makes his class beyond overwhelming . Do NOT take him .
Weekly/bi weekly online assignments, tests after every few chapters, hates phones, attendance mandatory. Really cares about the material and that makes it easy to immerse. Can come off as an __ sometimes, but Id recommend due to his knowledge. His assignments are tedious and he really gets on you about citations
Easily the best professor at SUNY Farmingdale. If you're smart and hardworking you'll love him. If you're a lazy dip**** you'll hate him. Either way, you'll get what you deserve.
He is way too critical for the homework and doesn't give enough credit where it is due. He only gives a short amount of time for quizzes which puts so more more pressure on you. Definitely not the best professor I have taken.
Currently taking GEO 325 and its terrrrrrrrrible. Not only the subject matter is boring but he does not help with the workload being heavy as well. The class has potential to be a interesting course but overall it wasn't. Be prepared to do a lot of outside reading and lots of writing. I don't recommend at all.
I really have nothing to say about this professor since his class only met once a week and he cancelled 3 or 4 times in the entire short semester. This was of course a hybrid class. My point is I cant really give him a good review if I barely saw the guy. He gives you way too much work for a very short time frame. Not considerate or logical.
I had to take this class for my major and its a hybrid class. The reading is extremely extensive and his online quizzes are almost impossible to get a good grade unless you're super into geography.. overall was a tough class
please avoid if you can!!!!!!!!!!! he does not care at all about his students. he gives ridiculous amounts of work every couple days and will not work with you if you need extra time. he requires like 2 essays per week as homework.
I have not much to say about this professor other than he is a heavy grader. If you can, the online class hybrid is a very easy class to take as it doesn't require an in-class test. He cancelled a couple of classes and it confused me a bit when it came to deadlines. Overall, I don't think I would take this class again.
Professor Saunders is awful. I've sent him messages over bb message (which he told us to use ) and only had 1 response. Be ready to spend hours at your computer because if you don't give 400 words, 1 source thats given, and 1 you find, you fail. Doesn't care about his students, gives random assignments. Refuses to give deserved 100s . STAY AWAY!
Robert Saunders is an awful Professor. I've taken other History classes at Farmingdale that were so much better. His workload is ridiculous and not to mention that I think he's allergic to giving out 100s even if they are deserved. If you like your GPA, don't take his class. Stay far away.
It's a hybrid class and was pretty overwhelming between the BB discussion assignments and all of the reading necessary for the class. Having the textbook was mandatory as Professor Saunders expects you to cite from the text for the assignments. The tests were timed so you only had enough time to read the questions and answer, couldn't review notes.
It is a lot for one class, but he grades very fairly and is quick to respond.
Get ready to work and read. His quizzes are pretty tough.
one of the worst professors ive ever had. was struggling a bit and reached out to see what i could do to improve and he basically told me i was out of luck and to retake the course on 2 different occasions when i could clearly improve this semester. do not do it. if i could rate less then a 1 i would.
His politics and pop culture class was online meaning no virtual meetings. Your attendance is counted on your participation in discussion boards. one week you have a short essay and take a quiz on the readings. Next week you have to write two essays for two DBs. and you have to respond to others posts. ALOT of writing. 3 big essays.
Horrible professor, he was not helpful or lenient at all and his grading was just so difficult for no reason. Not a good professor to take at all!!
this prof has a very organized and straight forward online class. there are 15 modules that have different readings from the textbook or other reading or videos for the work then a discussion board to respond to and every other week had a quiz. there was a lot of reading around 8 chapters a module but its doable. this class was very enjoyable
Professor Saunders is extremely knowledgeable. I enjoyed taking this class. He definitely makes his students work hard to earn a good grade, but that is how it should be in college. There was a discussion board each week, 5 quizzes in the semester, and 1 long final paper on a movie. Doesn't give out 100's but he isn't a tough grader.
Extremely poorly structured class with assignments and readings all over the place. Quizzes are a joke with questions outlining the most minimal details in the assigned readings. Lectures are a snooze fest with the monotone voice which makes it a chore to sit through.
Not a bad professor, but not a good one. There is a lot of reading, as well as weekly 400-word discussion boards (you must respond to 2 classmates) and a few quizzes. The class itself is a joke, nothing I will take with me into the real world. And, as per usual with Farmingdale profs, he shares too much of his political opinions. Who. Cares.
There was so much unnecessary reading mandated, most of which was not even covered on the quizzes. The discussion posts made up most of the grade, but his grading seemed very arbitrary. For the winter session he gave us only two days to write two long essays. The excessive workload made it impossible to fully engage in the class.
Professor Saunders was a pretty good professor imo. His class seemed to be one of the ones that make college what it should be. The major part of your grade is through discussion and the final paper, but he gives good feedback and is willing to receive a draft. He is also willing to work with you if you are struggling, he opened two quizzes for me
honestly the first teacher that actually spoke to me on a spiritual level
He is a good professor, theres 15 modules 5 quizzez with the lockdown browser, 1 paper based on a movie. The only thing I didnt like was how unclear he was on his grading criteria, he kept changing what he expects for every module making it hard for anyone to get an 100 which was unfair.
Unfortunately ProfSaunders is the only His341 at FSC & I had no choice but to take him as part of requirement. Hard grader, doesn't care that you have life beside school.Too much reading and writing.I recommend not to take him if you have option b/c it will affect ur GPA. Wish da best of luck to any1 that take him.DON'T TAKE HIM.1 OF THE WORSE PROF
Heavy reading/writing/citations. Read/cite correctly! Work hard, NOT for the lazy. Discussions require separate reading (40%/grade), focus on those. Professor responds/grades quickly, READ the material/instructions, so many people submit discussions wrong (3 separate posts plus quiz per module). Push yourself, and you can do well!
This is not a easy class but if you are willing to put in the work and study you will pass. Time management in this class is important. Make sure to put effort into the discussions post because he is a tough grader. If you have any questions don't be afraid to send him an email he will assist you with any questions or concerns.
This class isn't bad if you are willing to put in the work, very tough grader. He responds to emails very quickly and will help you out as much as he can. If you have to take this course I suggest you take it during the winter this way you only stress yourself out for two weeks. It is a lot of work make sure you cite! thats the key to this class
The professor isnt a tough grader. Just do the work correctly and take pride in it. The prof requires an immense amount of writing for his class which makes it impossible to be fully engaged. The quizes are on the most miniscule details yet the readings are extremely long. One of the prof that think you have 12 hours a day to dedicate to his work
Professor is very thorough and attentive. Expectations are clearly defined. This was an excellent course as you gain a new found perspective on the development of modern terrorism.
This guy is obsessed with failing students. He literally grades like no other professor I have had, soooo nit picky about having exact citations. This job is a way for him to promote his ONE book that he wrote. He is considered a "distinguished" professor and he flexes it so much. Does not care about students just wants to seem very scholarly.
Extremely rude and petty. Not student friendly and would NEVER take his class again or recommend someone to take his class. This professor does not care about his students AT ALL and could care less if they failed or passed.
(Course code is incorrect) Very tough grader. Make sure you cite correctly! Long slides and lectures are boring unless you loveeee history. Very very slow to go through slides, yet still gives a quiz on the chapter the next class. Quizzes are fairly "easy" but they focus on small details that aren't even in the slides sometimes
His 118-Very enjoyable if you are passionate about history, if you aren't interested in the subject, you might have a hard time. Requires a chapter of textbook reading a week and has 3 multi-page papers in the semester. Fun and challenging for me, maybe not for all. Lectures arent as important as the reading but they're interesting and insightful.
His118- Total of 12 quizzes on each module, 3 short answer papers and 1 learning outcomes paper that summarizes EVERYTHING taught, 2 extra credit opportunities available. Extra credit opportunities are ridiculous with one of them being write a paragraph for each of the 10 sources for only 2 extra points. Not an easy class, choose a different prof
He is tough. He has discussion posts every week and three big papers, and when I say big, I mean huge. I am a procrastinator, and I barely give myself enough time to finish the final paper. It is a tough class, and he is a tough professor. I had no other choice but to take him. I wish you all good luck because you're going to need it.
Had major issue with this professor
He is HARD. HEAVY WORKLOAD!! Discussion post every week, lots of reading. I spent at least 3 hours on every discussion post. He drops two of your lowest grades, but it's just a very heavy workload. I had no other option but to take him. Please take your time and don't procrastinate on his work. Trust me.
Prof. Saunders will have you more busy than you have ever been. Multible long and tedious discussion posts per week. Difficult essays that are graded harshly. If you cite incorrectly in any way, you will recieve a zero for the assignment. I wouldn't recommend this professor.
Despite Prof Saunders' 19 years of experience teaching at FSC, I found his approach with teaching disappointing. Weekly quizzes were 10 minutes long. Although were open-book, the lengthy readings made it difficult to complete them. Weekly discussions were graded too critically. While knowledgeable, his methods did not promote effective learning.
I took his class during the winter session. It was a 3 week course and every single day I was doing his work. He posted at least 2 discussion boards every 3 days and you had to have 3 responses per post. They have to be lengthy and well written with 2 citations per post. I was a different person and my parents were scared of me bc i was so stressed
Avoid this professor at all costs. The workload in this class every week is absurd even for an upper level. He gives weekly 10 minute quizzes with questions he makes up from about 8-10 different sources. Seems like he enjoys giving bad grades. NOT STUDENT FRIENDLY AT ALL! All of the students who left similar reviews are not being dramatic!
A lot of writing was needed for this course so if you take him make sure you know how to properly cite your sources.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
74%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.53 avg changeRatings by Course
HIS243
5.0
(2)POL168
5.0
(1)HIS319
5.0
(1)POL267
5.0
(1)HIST9999
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HIS323
5.0
HISTERR
5.0
POL392
5.0
POL391MASSMEDIA
5.0
HIS212
4.7