Through readings and discussion, students will explore a broad problem or topic in the history of the Middle East or wider Islamic world. The course will culminate with a research paper or historiographical review essay.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeThis class is just really boring, frankly. He reads off powerpoint slides and some lectures feel like Wikipedia summaries. He's a surprisingly tough grader too, I had my grade dragged down by an endless number of meaningless nitpicks on essays. But even past that, I just don't feel I learned much with him.
Very interesting class overall. Textbook and lectures line up pretty well, lectures are interesting but not necessary. 2 papers and take home final, all very easy. Class content was taught well and easy to understand if you payed attention.
Sabra is an okay professor, that about sums it up. His lectures are boring but he delivers the content clearly, and attendance is not mandatory. He is flexible with extensions on papers. I would not consider this class easy but it isn't hard either. If you have to take this class, it'll be fine. If you don't need to take it, then maybe don't.
I took Hist 145C with Prof. Sabra and it was clear he had an in-depth understanding of the topic. He's a very nice guy and accommodating. As a history major, I enjoyed the class and had a pretty easy time on the essays. The lectures were fast and full of exposition but that teaching style was perfect for me. I would recommend!
Monotone. Extremely dry lectures. Found myself in deep thought waiting for him to finish his sentence. Two essays, one final, and participation. Attendance matters. Bleh.
He is very informative but speaks way too fast and it was so hard to follow along. I just studied the ID's he gave us and memorized them and got a B on the midterm. I was scared of getting a C so I did pass/no pass. The TA was not very good and she was disorganized but she gave me an A on my papers. Overall, I'd only take it as a Pass/no Pass GE