Jarbel Rodriguez

I'm currently taking Professor Rodriguez for an upper division history course, so while I don't know what my final grade will be, I can comment on his teaching abilities. He is probably one of the smartest professors I've ever met. As others have mentioned, his lectures are remarkably organized, on time, entertaining and enlightening. I've met with him during his office hours and he is very approachable, not intimidating at all, and always in a good mood. It is not an exaggeration to state that the attendance level in his lectures must be more than 95%; I only see one or two students miss class here and there. That is incredible, considering in some classes barely half of the students attend.

You actually don't even need to attend his class because he will list "starred terms" on his website well in advance of any tests. If you study those you should do alright. There is also an essay portion to the test, but you are allowed to prepare for those ahead of time too. So, why are his lectures always packed? I personally think the reason is that students recognize quality instructors when they see one and enjoy the energy of being around a professor who is enthusiastic about his subject.

There are occasional "discussion" segments where you must ask a question in order to gain participation points. Well, as you can imagine after about 30 student questions on the subject the questions can start to get "out there." Surprisingly, no matter how strange your question is, he treats them as legitimate and always has an answer! You wouldn't believe it; he is so well versed in history its insane.

Anyways, if you get into one of his classes, count yourself lucky. It is a very rare treat to find such a talented scholar. They should clone him.

Oh, and yes, he is slightly nerdy (references to Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings), but it is quite likeable really.

ps. I feel that I cannot give any teacher an absolutely perfect score, so for technical aptitude I gave a B because he is still on Windows 98 (though there is some humor with that since it is a History course).

You should count yourself lucky if you are able to take a course with this man. He is incredibly intelligent and articulate, and at the same time down to earth and funny in a cheesy, nerdy sort of way. He does talk a bit fast, so its hard to keep up in one's notes, but he tests on the starred terms he writes on the chakboard, so you have a good structure of what you should be noting and what isn't as important if you aren't able to catch it. He also incorporates a lot of social history in his class, which I found to be very helpful. I'm and Art History major, and as such I gravitate more toward the social than the political. Oh, and he has pretty handwriting. Don't know why that's relevant, but there it is.

The only side effect was that I was too nervous to question/comment much in lectures, or attend office hours, not really sure why. However, I was sad the day I turned in my final. I think it was an intellectual crush. Oops.

I'm a history major so I've seen alot of the department. He's a standout even among the best. Funny, engaging, and smart as hell. Always makes time for you and never makes you feel stupid for asking questions. He's also a fantastic graduate advisor for the department. He goes out of his way for his students. There is a reason his classes fill up so fast. He really is that good.

One of the best instructors i have ever had. He makes history interesting. It is true that if you first see him walking in with his binder you think "OH MY GOD!" His lecture is so well prepared that I sometimes didn't realized that the time was already up. He always answers questions, supports his lecture with powerpoint slides, in order to bring the material to life (oh, this is how this guy looked like), which actually makes it easier for you to remember.

His office hours are excellent. if you go (and you should as often as you have questions) he will answer all your questions. He even goes further and answers questions you didn't know you had, because he is interacting with you and not just say "yes or no." If you review for the exams, you can always email him and he will reply within a few hours.

His exams are realtivly easy, but they are one of the most effective i have had. He will give you a list of "starred terms": Main events, people, locations, etc so in orde to get a good grade i usually studied all of them very intensivly and in the process i got a pretty clear picture of the timeline and events happened. this is supported by his essays, you will get three choices and can prepare an outline for it. this way you will do the outline and remember all three topics. this is extremely effective.

I have had 5 classes with Dr. Rodriguez, and he is by far the best college profesor that I have ever had. He is thourough, excited about his topic, and most importantly, he is down to earth. He recognizes his own mistakes, he attempts to make the calss more appealing, and will admit when its not going the right way and asks for advice on how to fix it. He is a wonderful teacher and highly recommended.

Jarbel is an extremely gifted teacher and a scholar -- something rare to find. He is honest, thorough with being anal, and highly organized. He also respects that students have to work hard and tries to make the experience as pleasurable as possible. I would recommend Prof. Rodriguez to anyone with an interest in the Middle Ages and as great advisor and counsellor.

If you're tired of disorganized teachers, Rodriguez will restore your faith in the system. He doesn't waste your time. He knows how to teach a subject, and he knows how to keep it interesting. I thought he graded me a bit tough, but that's my only criticism. I wish all teachers were this good.

Dr. Rodriguez's performance was a mixed bag. He is one of the most organized professors I have encountered. His lectures are extremely structured... too structured. He comes to class with a phonebook sized lecture binder and basically recites from this. In my opinion Dr. Rodriguez recites a list of triva (who was who, when did s/he live/reign, nominal facts and figures) and not the themes of History. His powerpont slides were only moderately helpful. "Charlemagne was the king of the Franks and here is his piture." His exams were way too easy. Multiple choice and fill in the blank type exams are not appropriate for an upper divison History class. Dr. Rodrigues should also SLOW DOWN in his speaking style.

However, there were many positive points: he does get through a lot of material and I did like that he used primary sources in class. Has the potential for a great teacher. He can be engaging once he steps away from his prepared notes.

Mr. Rodriguez is an excellent professor. His lectures are filled with A LOT of material but its not overwhelming. His tests consist of multiple choice, fill in the blanks, and one essay question. He posts the possible essay topics on his website and you are allowed to make an outline for each essay which you are allowed to use during the test. He is easily available during his office hours and actually stays true to them. Througout the year he assigns readings on four primary sources and you do a paper on one of the primary sources. Mr. Rodriguez is very approachable and not intimidating at all. If you have to take a history class to fufill a category, choose Jarbel and you'll do well!