| Information | Review |
|---|---|
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James Gao
HIST285 Expecting an A Anonymous 05/30/2018 |
I really liked his class a lot. It's best to read the textbook even if it's dry because all of his lectures are just summaries of the textbooks chapters. Sometimes he adds more information in his PowerPoints so be prepared. He's knowledgeable and very witty too. If you need clarification with anything, it's best to attend his office hours and he can really help you. In addition, this class may be one of your easier classes because Dr. Gao is a very chill professor. |
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James Gao
HIST285 Expecting a B jpnlover 11/14/2014 |
I took this class Spring 2012, so I can't remember it too clearly. Professor Gao has a heavy accent so it can be difficult to understand him some times, but he is very knowledgeable in his subject. He teaches using power points, which he posts online. However, he says more in lectures that he puts on the power points so you'll need to fill in the gaps with notes. The exams were essay-based, but he gives you a review which is really helpful. At the end of the semester I had to do a 7 page paper on a topic of my choice. The class is East Asian Civilization, but 80% of the class is spent talking about China, with the other 20% spent on the other east asian countries. |
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James Gao
Expecting an A- aralchen 04/23/2011 |
History is supposed to be marked by change over time: development, progression, evolution, you name it. The prof, however, decided that he can conveniently squeeze ancient Chinese history into a few unrelated segments and call it a class! What bull - this was a huge waste of time; I can honestly say I learned very little of the change ancient China experienced as a culture and learned a lot about how to sleep with my eyes open. Unless this terrible structure changes, I won't recommend this class to anyone. On the bright side, the midterm questions were given ahead of time as a study guide and he gave us an option to either do a paper (bleh) or to do a presentation on two short stories (guess which the class picked). It was a rather stress-free class but it wasn't easy - overall you should have known something to get an A. The prof is very reasonable and accommodating, but this is not a review of his character (I'm sure he's an interesting fellow outside of class). I really can't say anything good of his teaching style. |
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James Gao
HIST285 jme 05/12/2010 |
I liked Professor Gao. He is a little hard to understand sometimes, but if you sit near the front it helps a lot. He is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and his review sheets for the exams are great. Also, my TA, Bill, was really good and willing to talk to you. |