I swear, it feels like he's doing everything in his power to make you drop his class. He's passionate, but it's overshadowed by his dedication to intimidating students. John acts like his lessons are tougher than rocket science. Instead of motivating students to learn, he seems to do the opposite, creating a discouraging environment for students.

Professor Parks class was definitely difficult. Your grade is dependent on 3 essays which you need to read in order to get a good grade. Writing notes for lectures is smart but not necessarily mandatory to succeed. As long as you include the notes and readings in your essays he is a fair grader. But, you cant bs because he wrote the book.

Professor Park was a great professor! He is very passionate about his class and gives honest feedback about your essays to help you do better. There are A LOT of readings each week and reading them is essential (my downfall) if you want to write a great essay. Overall, great class, not an easy GE so don't take it unless willing to put in the work.

prof park is amazing!! his lectures are so informational and go so well with his book/readings he posts! im in his honors section and he is so great, hell even review your essay before you submit it. he is super flexible and accommodating! i highly recommend prof park!!

Took ASAM2 during summer and Prof Park is one of the most enthusiastic professors I've ever met. He REALLY cares about his students and tries his best to accommodate to every student's needs. BUT, there are TONS of readings that you MUST do every week in order to at least receive a C in the course. 4 weekly quizzes & 2 essays! Challenging but fun!

Took this course in Fall 2020. Prof. Park makes u buy his book. Surprised by how this class isnt a writing course. 3 essays in total, each 5-7 pages. There were also weekly quizzes. Prof. spoke too much during lectures and went off-topic. Instructions and rubrics are not clear. TAs are trained to be tough graders. Not a smart choice to fulfill GE.

Took online in Fall. Accused students of cheating since weekly quizzes (multiple choice) didn't reflect how bad ppl did in the midterm (essays)... doesn't make sense since they are totally different. Stalks how much time you spend on GS & makes his judgement on your work ethic on that. Passionate teacher, but not favorable in an online setting.

Professor Park is an amazing and passionate teacher, but I wouldn't recommend this class to anyone who struggles with history classes and essays. The content is interesting despite the heavy reading (around 100-150 pgs per week). Reading isn't mandatory for most TAs, but make sure to work REALLY hard on the essays because they make up your grade.

Took this class remotely during COVID. The lectures are posted to Gauchospace and you have to attend your section. The material itself is interesting, and he is passionate about it. The weekly quizzes are a breeze, but you have to work hard on the Midterm and Final to get an A. If you focus on the lectures, youll be fine. He tends to ramble FYI

(Taken during COVID quarter) Very nice guy, cares about his students (gives fatherly advice, it was super sweet). Weekly quizzes were very easy. Had plenty of time for two midterm essays, one final essay. Tends to ramble during lectures. Attendance for section was decided by each TA.

He was a great professor, fun GE!

Professor Park is an exceedingly empathetic, kind, knowledgable, and caring human being. He explains things wonderfully and is always open to comments/questions. As long as you attend class and listen to his lectures you will be fine. I highly recommend him for any student at UCSB.