4.6

Robert Valenza

Mathematics - Claremont McKenna College

4.6
Quality
2.2
Difficulty
96%
Would Retake
88
Reviews
4.6
Quality
2.2
Difficulty
4.7
Helpful
4.6
Clarity

96%

Would Retake

88

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
88 total ratings

5

76

4

5

3

2

2

3

1

2

What Students Say

BEST PROFESSOR HANDS DOWN

CALC30 - 5.0 rating

Over-simplifies complex arguments and interesting readings

FHS10 - 3.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

72%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 26 grades
Most common grades:
A (14)
A- (6)
A+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(17)B(0)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(8)
Based on 28 reported grades
A: 14
A-: 6
A+: 3
B+: 2
Common Tags
Inspirational (13)
Caring (12)
Respected (8)
Accessible outside class (6)
Hilarious (6)
Clear grading criteria (4)
Amazing lectures (4)
Participation matters (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.20 avg change
Jan
May
Nov
Dec
May
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATH30

5.0

(8)

CALC30

5.0

(10)

CIV010

5.0

(1)

CALC31

5.0

(1)

MATH031

5.0

(1)
+14 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATH50

3.0

MATH031

3.0

0308

3.0

MATH171

3.0

MATH60

2.7

Reviews (87)
5.0
1.0
CIV10
Nov 14, 2003

Prof. Valenza makes Civ 10 possibly the most worthwhile class you will ever take. His marked enthusiasm, his initimate understanding of the texts, and the video clips he shows in class really bring the perennial questions of civilization to life.

5.0
1.0
CIV10
Nov 14, 2003

Very nice man. Class is probably too easy though...all discussion. However, he will stick you on your papers if you haven't read and thought about the text. So hahahahaha!

5.0
1.0
CIV10
Nov 18, 2003

His class is the only Civ class worth taking. I'd take it again if I could.

5.0
2.0
MATH30
Nov 18, 2003

No Comments

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Nov 19, 2003

The only way I know how to describe this class is this: the other morning, I was reminded that Civ10 with Valenza is just a semester long course, not the full year, and I actually teared up. You will learn about yourself in this class. Priceless!

5.0
2.0
CALC30
Dec 4, 2003

Valenza is a great math professor. He is very passionate about teaching and extremely helpful. He encourages questions and is a great person. He passion makes motivates his students. Very little hw, tests are not too bad.

5.0
1.0
CIV010
Apr 20, 2004

Valenza is a great guy, sincere, honest and very passionate about the material he is teaching. This is a VERY easy class, but not as eye opening as everyone says, it seemed forced and blatently obvious to me...but still he's a great prof. TAKE HIM.

2.0
2.0
CIV10
May 23, 2004

Students wondering why I gave this teacher the low "1" rating should be warned this teacher does not explain his grading scale to students. In other words, he grades your papers the entire semester without you ever knowing what grades you are re

5.0
3.0
CIV10
Nov 2, 2004

AGREE AGREE AGREE. This man is one of the most amazing professors--not to mention people--I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. He is encouraging, enthusiastic, sensitive, and thoughtful. If this Civ 10 class could have continued all four years, I'd have taken it in a heartbeat.

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Grade: C
Dec 2, 2004

Valenza is a wonderful, intelligent, brilliant professor, and manages to speak to students with a genuine warmth and thoughtfulness. I loved Civ10, it was one of the best experiences of my first year. Class very interesting. He extends a Thanksgiving invitation to everyone in his classes.

5.0
2.0
CALC31
Dec 7, 2004

His enthusiasm rubs off on you and makes even a tedius course like calculus 31 intesting. Take all his classes. He teaches calculus also!

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Dec 15, 2004

One of the most wonderful teachers I've had. I expected this class to be pointless, but I took a lot out of it. If nothing else, Valenza is a great friend and mentor. It actually upsets me that he only teaches math classes. If he taught philosophy, I'd take it in a second.

5.0
2.0
CALC30
Dec 28, 2004

This man is wonderful. Truly one of my favorite teachers at CMC. Amazingly thoughtful, considerate, intelligent, he's so nice. Highly recommend taking anything he offers.

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Feb 10, 2005

While Valenza is a great human being, I did not enjoy his Civ class. He's laid-back enough that no one did the reading and he chose his token students to always ask questions to while others were never called on. However, he obviously loves what he's teaching and that enthusiasm is nice.

4.0
3.0
CIV10
Aug 30, 2005

Super excited about what he's teaching. Very compassionate and a really nice man. His thinking is abstract.

5.0
4.0
LINEARALG
Sep 5, 2005

Valenza is such a great prof! He's funny and helpful, makes the material interesting. He is a fair grader, and will even grade your test in front of you right after you take it(which is scary at first, but nice to know right away). Take a class from him if you can!

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Nov 15, 2005

Originally I wasn't excited about Civ but professor Valenza made it very interesting. The class is discussion based which is nice and he incorporates music and videos clips on a regular basis.

5.0
1.0
CIV10
Nov 29, 2005

Valenza is the bomb!!!! Is class is easy to the max, after the first couple of weeks it get monotonous, but its still easy. You sit there and talk about the big questions that have no answer, like what makes a good person. No midterm. Only 4, two page papers on you own topic. Aint nothin wrong w/ that!

5.0
1.0
CIV10
Apr 10, 2006

I LOVED Professor Valenza for Civ 10. He is a great prof and he made the Gen Ed really fun and interesting. I highly recommend Valenza if you can get him. Also, just so you know, there are a lot of readings but you dont actually need to do them to get a great grade in the class.

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Jul 12, 2006

Great Professor! Interested in everyone and loves those who can articulate their thoughts and who aren't afraid to be wrong/say they don't know. Definitely take him for Civ if you want to get something out of this GE. So good!

5.0
1.0
CIV10
Aug 12, 2006

Great guy, definitely the best civ prof. His class is super easy and super fun. He gets a little annoying sometimes in the way that he seems to think he is perfectly crafting his class into this masterpiece, but besides that it is a good class to take.

2.0
3.0
MATH50
Sep 3, 2006

Discrete math SUCKED. Valenza may be nice but he did not teach this subject well at all (it's not his speciality). He both tried to dumb down the material and make it extremely difficult, depending on what day it was. He also spent alot of time telling one girl in our class how much she looked like Uma Thurman. It was very weird

2.0
1.0
CIV10
Oct 5, 2006

eh - thought it was okay

5.0
2.0
MATH30
Nov 12, 2006

Great teacher! In love with his subject, and wants to make all his students understand and like it too.

5.0
2.0
MATH30
Feb 17, 2007

best professor i've ever had. He worked really hard on preparing all his lectures. I had him for both cal 1 and civ 10 last semester and believe me....he is awesome!!! It was sort of difficult for me cause it was hard for me to express what i felt in the civ discussions but everything else rocked!!!

5.0
3.0
MATH031
Mar 4, 2007

He's a terrific professor if you're willing to learn the material. Doesn't use the book much and is super enthusiastic in class. Whether you enjoy the course or not, it's hard not to like him

3.0
2.0
CIV10
Mar 6, 2007

Eh. Had him last semester and I thought he was OK. The class sucks in general so it's pretty hard to salvage it even with a halfway decent teacher.

5.0
2.0
CALC031
Mar 24, 2007

Outstanding prof who is insanely enthusiastic about making his students like and learn math. Assignments are light. Tests are harder but he will spend as much time as you need to help you. Take him for any calculus course.

5.0
2.0
MATH31
Apr 21, 2007

I took Valenza for Math30 and then decided to take Math31 just because he was teaching it. He is very sweet and adorable. He absolutely loves his subject and is always there for his students. He'll explain anything as many times as needed. He is great at teaching the concepts behind everything, not just teaching straight math.

5.0
2.0
MATH31
May 1, 2007

Professor Valenza is hands down my favorite professors at CMC. He is a wonderful teacher who loves to teach. His exams are fair and he will spend hours with you to make sure you know the material

1.0
2.0
CIV10
May 16, 2007

No Comments

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Jun 7, 2007

i LOVE valenza. hes amazing. you can get by in the class not reading or doing the work, but i suggest really using it as a way to learn, and doing (at least most of) the reading. if you do (even if you dont) you can learn a lot! favorite class so far!

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Dec 10, 2007

I love Prof. Valenza! He really makes you rethink what you think -- "question" civilization and your own thoughts about reality, religion, art, being, etc. I think it is a great class and one of the only worthwhile Civ classes on campus. He does pick favorites who he calls on more. He very responsive to all essays and wants everyone to learn.

5.0
3.0
CALC30
Jan 29, 2008

The absolute best professor ever. I hate calculus but ended up with an A in his class because 1) he makes sense 2) he's fair 3) he's very approachable and it's easy to get out-of-class help with him 4) he's clear about his expectations. If you have to take Calculus you should only do it with professor valenza!

5.0
4.0
CIV10
May 14, 2008

Best. Prof. Ever. If you are taking any classes from someone else that you could have taken from him, shame on you. I took 5 classes from him even though I had a completely unrelated major. Nice guy. Very helpful. Clear instructions.

5.0
2.0
CIV10
Jun 4, 2008

Valenza is a fun, interesting, helpful, and awesome teacher. Most of the classes were really fascinating and , after taking his class I couldn't understand why people wanted to change the Civ program. Take him for Civ if you can, you won't regret it.

5.0
2.0
MATH30
Nov 8, 2008

If you don't understand what calculus is after his course, then something's wring with you...

5.0
1.0
CALC30
Apr 29, 2009

Don't take calc 30 with anyone else.

5.0
3.0
CALC1
May 11, 2009

I hate math but Prof. Valenza is one of the best professors I have had. He is clear in both his explanations and expectations. Also, he is a fair and understanding grader. Meeting him out of class is easy and enjoyable. He has a passion for math and his students that is unique among professors. Don't take calculus with anyone else.

5.0
1.0
CALC30
Jun 18, 2009

Professor Valenza is an amazing professor. As long as you do the work and display effort in his class, you are guaranteed a good grade. If you don't understand something, he is extremely willing to help. Take him if you can.

5.0
3.0
MATH30
Jan 1, 2010

Valenza is AMAZING. He takes math and is able to relate it to so many components of the human experience. He is phenomenal at showing how Calculus truly is an elegant study of the universe.

5.0
3.0
MATH30
Jan 1, 2010

Great professor. Not an easy A like might be expected. Study and you will succeed. I refused to take Math 30 with anyone else.

5.0
2.0
CALC30
Jan 10, 2010

Everytime I see him, I want to hug him. He's amazing. The class is easy if you do the little work assigned, and he explains things in a way that makes math relevant for everyone.

5.0
3.0
CALC30
Apr 29, 2010

LOVE HIM. BEST PROFESSOR HANDS DOWN. TAKE HIM! I never understood Calculus, but his class made me enjoy it. He treated us during Finals. I refused to take any other calc prof as well.

5.0
1.0
CALCI
Apr 29, 2010

an easy professor but not easy in the sense that you dont feel the need to go to class, but want to because he is so engaging and nice. takes a sticker subject like math and spends some entire class periods listening to the progression of music & dynamic intersection of different disciplines. its lots of fun, an amazing GE.his tests are super easy

5.0
4.0
MATH30
Jun 1, 2010

I had the chance to take Valenza for both FHS and Calculus, he is great! I recommend him for both classes, he is always available for extra help and really wants to make sure everyone understands the material. He also incorperates multimedia presentations into his lectures which makes them exciting. If you can get into this class, take it!

4.0
2.0
FHS1
Apr 24, 2011

Valenza is GREAT. He loves the material, he loves teaching, and he loves his students. Get into his FHS if you can- it is DEFINITELY worth the early Friday class.

5.0
1.0
MATH030
Apr 25, 2011

I was fortunate enough to have Professor Valenza for both FHS and Calculus 1. One of the best profs I've had thus far - for both subjects, he explains everything very clearly and the tests/papers/assignments are really reasonable. He also makes the material really enjoyable. Such a great guy :)

5.0
3.0
CALC1
May 6, 2011

Hands down, the BEST PROF I WILL EVER HAVE. I had him for FHS and Calc 1. Both of these classes literally changed my life. Refuse to take it with anyone else, and you won't regret it.

5.0
2.0
MATH30
Jun 10, 2011

One of if not the best teachers at CMC. the most caring and nicest teacher. been teaching for a while so he knows how to teach calc. hw is not necessary to do and tests arent bad if you are good at math. Take him if you can

5.0
4.0
MATH030
May 20, 2012

Professor Valenza is a very very considerate professor! He not only teaches mathematics in 030, but also introduces beauty of math! Not single student has decided to change major because of his classes.

5.0
2.0
MATH60
Sep 11, 2012

I had Professor Valenza for Linear Algebra (his first time teaching it in years), and while it was very informative and easier than most Linear Algebra classes, I feel unprepared going forward in math.

5.0
2.0
FHS
Apr 22, 2013

Valenza is one of the best professors CMC has. I took his FHS course--best decision ever. Extraordinary teacher, interesting subject. TAKE THIS CLASS

5.0
1.0
CALC1
Nov 11, 2013

The best. Explains things so everyone understands. Tests are easy - no curveballs and you're prepared for them. Pace can be a bit slow, which is good or bad depending on what you expect. Also he is very personable and helpful. Highly recommended, especially if you want a lucid experience that your previous math teachers were never able to provide.

4.0
1.0
MATH030
Feb 2, 2014

Professor Valenza is a total sweetheart. He never wants anyone to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed. That being said, the class can be pretty slow, especially if you've taken Calc before. His office hours are usually packed, but the tests tend to be easier than the light homework he assigns.

5.0
3.0
0308
Grade: A-
Oct 3, 2014

i have always hated math and when i took 0308 i started out way overwhelmed but he is always there for you! total sweetheart! i will be taking ANY classes that he offers that goes with my degree.

5.0
2.0
FHS10
Grade: A-
Apr 10, 2015

FHS: Individual, Community, and Culture. A lot of readings assigned (only did most of them), but in class talks are very insightful on readings. Lots of personal experiences shared for discussions and papers- Valenza wants you to share your views no matter what they are. Fun class overall. Lots of music, videos, and art slideshows!

4.0
2.0
MATH030
Jun 3, 2015

Professor Valenza was my first professor at CMC and he was amazing. As a freshman I was in a class of 60 and though I would go unnoticed. Absolutely not! Valenza knew each of his students names and was clearly interested in your progress. his exams mirror the material taught. Fantastic professor!

5.0
2.0
MATH030
Grade: A
Jun 25, 2015

I loved Professor Valenza! He is always willing to help if you need it, and he LOVES when students ask questions. He says asking questions will actually boost your grade. Great math professor!

3.0
2.0
FHS10
Apr 21, 2016

Frustrating. Over-simplifies complex arguments and interesting readings. Picks on only few people to participate in class. Wants you to ignore "good academic and concise writing" and instead be incoherent and organic. I lost all my writing skills after this class. Take this class if you like over-generalizations

5.0
1.0
FHS10
Grade: A
Nov 29, 2016
Would take again

Professor Valenza is amazing. His class changed my life. Sure, there is a bit of reading, but his FHS is like a giant therapy. It really helped me transition into the college life, and I still visit him from time to time.

Participation matters
Inspirational
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
3.0
FHS10
Apr 23, 2017
Would take again

I love Professor Valenza; he is unusually kind and emotionally supportive. I go to his office hours just to talk about life. His FHS class focuses on creative expression and self-discovery, and his comments on essays are a page long and so wonderfully articulate/thoughtful. Class consists of video clips, music, and discussion. Always engaging!

Participation matters
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH030
Grade: A-
Nov 22, 2017
Would take again

Incredibly thoughtful and truly cares about all his students, even if this is just your math GE. He makes calc relevant and relatable, and he's always fantastic at office hours. This is a prof that everyone should take-- he's one of the absolute best at CMC. A MUST-TAKE.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Inspirational
5.0
3.0
MATH60
Dec 7, 2018
Would take again

By far the best Math prof in CMC

Gives good feedback
Respected
Inspirational
5.0
3.0
MATH030
Grade: A
Jan 30, 2019
Would take again

Professor Valenza was one of the best professors I've ever had at CMC. You don't need to have taken Calc before to do well in this class. He was very clear and excellent at conveying the material needed to do well in the course. Highly recommend.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
MATH030
Grade: A
Nov 21, 2019
Would take again

This class is basically review if you've taken calculus before. If you haven't taken calculus before, Valenza is very understanding and explains the concepts carefully. Homework every couple of weeks. Gives credit if you ask questions. Tests are very similar to the homework problems. Sometimes goes off on tangents, but is very chill

Accessible outside class
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH60
Grade: A
Apr 29, 2020
Would take again

I must note that I'm rating the prof and not Math60. The former is absolutely amazing. The latter, if you are not a math or CS major, don't take this class because there are more interesting classes you can take advantage of at CMC. How can you have an amazing prof and a boring class? Beats me, but you can see for yourself.

Accessible outside class
Inspirational
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
FHS10
Grade: A
May 4, 2020
Would take again

So amazing for FHS! His themes are very interesting and asks hard, introspective questions that get you thinking differently. He loves those who participate and ask him questions before/after class or during office hours, and in this class especially, he wants to get to know his students through conversation and essays.

Respected
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
4.0
MATH60
Grade: Rather not say
Aug 17, 2020
Would take again

By far, one of the best math professors at CMC! Always available to meet after class when you don't understand the material and breaks down problems piece by piece. Also, really makes an effort to get to know his students during office hours and is fair about the work he gives his students!

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH030
Grade: A
Nov 23, 2020
Would take again

Professor Valenza is hands down the best teacher I have ever had. He makes the material very easy to understand as he is thorough and is willing to explain if somebody does not understand. I would 100% recommend taking him even if you have to have class on Friday. He is totally worth it.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
MATH171
Grade: A
Nov 27, 2020
Would take again

This man turned me into a math major in his linear algebra. Then I took his abstract algebra. Amazing class. Also the exams are thematic and extremely fun to take. If you are a math major or love math you will definitely find his class very very interesting. If not, don't feel bad to drop. A lot of people dropped his linear algebra in my year.

5.0
2.0
MATH030
Grade: A
Jan 21, 2021
Would take again

Professor Valenza is a great professor. He really cares for his students and knows how to teach Calculus. He constantly stops and makes sure that everyone understands what he is teaching. Tests were very easy and he was very clear about what he expected. He is hilarious and his personality definitely lights up the class on Fridays. Solid professor.

Respected
Accessible outside class
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
CALC1
Grade: A
May 1, 2021
Would take again

Professor Valenza is one of the best math teachers I've ever had. He cares so much about his students and tries to make calculus interesting for non-math majors. It is not hard to get an A if you listen in class and do the homework. I would highly recommend taking his Calc 1 class if you have the chance to fulfil the math GE.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
Caring
4.0
3.0
MATH60
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2021
Would take again

Valenza teaches linear algebra very differently. It is very abstract and noncomputational. Good for math majors but I'm not sure it's that helpful for computer science.

Hilarious
Lecture heavy
5.0
1.0
CALC1
Grade: A
Jan 25, 2022
Would take again

Professor Valenza is amazing. His tests are super easy and he is a good teacher. Will never forget how he explained calculus using arts such as famous paintings. Really changed my perspective on math.

5.0
3.0
LINEARALG
Grade: A-
Apr 16, 2022
Would take again

I love Professor Valenza, he's the goat. Linear Algebra was definitely a lot more different and challenging compared to the other courses I took before due to the nature of proofs and whatnot. I actually bombed the first midterm but would often go to office hours where Professor Valenza was always very helpful and willing to answer questions!

Inspirational
Respected
5.0
1.0
CALC30
Grade: A
Apr 21, 2022
Would take again

Valenza is the best professor I have ever had. He cares so much for his students and wants them to succeed. Before every test he tells you exactly what type of questions are on the test. He has office hours three times a week and is very committing to helping his students succeed. Couldn't recommend him more.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Accessible outside class
5.0
2.0
CALC30
Grade: A+
May 25, 2022
Would take again

Amazing professor I would recommend his class to anyone who either needs it for a GE or is interested in learning more about calculus fundamentals.

5.0
2.0
CALC1
Grade: B+
Aug 30, 2022
Would take again

Claremont OG, world's best math professor. See him during office hours for quiz hints. Your success is his success (that's how he sees it)

Participation matters
Inspirational
Respected
5.0
3.0
CALC1
Grade: A+
Nov 11, 2022
Would take again

The absolute goat. Just listen to his lectures and take good notes, and the class will be manageable. Not exactly easy, but the way he teaches is awesome. Very engaging.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
3.0
CALC1
Grade: B+
Jan 5, 2023
Would take again

As someone who always struggled with the subject, I couldn't have chosen a better professor to take my Math GE. Prof Valenza cares so much about his students and is always available to help. No wonder he is considered the best Calc professor by most of the student body.

Inspirational
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
CALC031
Grade: A-
May 8, 2023
Would take again

REALLY sweet prof - he is super excited to teach and that excitement shows through in his lectures. Class was never boring and Valenza was very helpful in office hours. I would 100% recommend taking this class for the math GE, super understanding prof and the class was easy.

Hilarious
Caring
Respected
5.0
2.0
CALC1
Nov 17, 2023
Would take again

Professor Valenza is such a sweet and caring professor who is great to talk to during office hours. He genuinely wants all of his students to succeed and tells the class exactly what to study before every exam. He also moves at a slow pace so it is easy to follow along with notes. I would 1000000% recommend him.

Inspirational
5.0
1.0
MATH60
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2023
Would take again

Best professor I met at Claremont College.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Hilarious
1.0
2.0
LINEARALG
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2023

Opt for this if you seek an easy GPA boost without much learning. I deeply regret choosing this class; a genuine Linear Algebra course would have been better. Seeking help from the QCL is futile; they won't assist, citing it's not actual Linear Algebra. Beware, as this choice may haunt you in the future.

Caring
5.0
3.0
CALC30
Grade: A-
May 21, 2024
Would take again

Professor Valenza is the best calc prof if you have not taken calc before and need it as a GE. He is clearly very passionate about the topic, grades fairly, and is kind. He explains concepts simply and is always willing to answer questions.

Inspirational
Respected
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
LINEARALG
Grade: A+
Apr 17, 2025
Would take again

Fantastic Professor

Hilarious
Caring
Accessible outside class
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

72%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 26 grades
Most common grades:
A (14)
A- (6)
A+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(17)B(0)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(8)
Based on 28 reported grades
A: 14
A-: 6
A+: 3
B+: 2
Common Tags
Inspirational (13)
Caring (12)
Respected (8)
Accessible outside class (6)
Hilarious (6)
Clear grading criteria (4)
Amazing lectures (4)
Participation matters (3)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.20 avg change
Jan
May
Nov
Dec
May
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MATH30

5.0

(8)

CALC30

5.0

(10)

CIV010

5.0

(1)

CALC31

5.0

(1)

MATH031

5.0

(1)
+14 more courses
Difficulty by Course

MATH50

3.0

MATH031

3.0

0308

3.0

MATH171

3.0

MATH60

2.7

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