Sonnino seems to have convinced himself that only his idiosyncratic approach to historical inquiry and teaching is the legit one. Enough said. Often too scattered and silly to take seriously.

I am a huge medieval history lover, so I thought this would be an enjoyable and challenging class to take. However, his grading on papers was completely insane. You will never reach his standards for writing. Don't take this class if you love history -- arbitrarily gave out A's only to some. Students who worked hard still got no mercy.

He is only accessible by phone, which is his personal phone. You need to call his phone for office hours or extra help. There was no TA and sections are run by the professor. I tried calling him 10+ times about a question regarding my paper and he never answered. Weekly reading and 100 word papers. Reading is difficult.

In online class, the lectures did not matter much. They provide context to the readings, but the majority of the learning is in the reading and writing. He will make you think in ways that you havent before. Read the readings, go to the discussions, and prepare to get harsh feedback. You are not as great a writer as you probably think. Keep trying

This class is incredibly frustrating because the professor does not give any feedback grade wise until the end of the course (he simply gives a letter grade). To top it off, his lectures are repetitive and not memorable. Take any other history course, trust me an interest in the source material will not be enough to get you through this class.

He Is an amazing a thoughtful man. He makes you rethink the way you've always looked at history with his peculiar teaching method and his unconventional approach to history. His way to lecture is unique and really makes you feel what history is all about. He doesn't give insane amounts of assignments. He's gonna make you work and improve yourself.

He is just so confusing. His lectures are all over the place and he invents concepts that he will ask students to write a two page paper on. Make sure you try to understand how this guy thinks if you are going to take a history course with him because he will test you on it. Also he somehow managed to turn interesting material into a boring lecture

A bit rambly during lecture, but exams are straightforward and fair. Exams ask you to analyze how he constructs his argument, not about whether or not you agree with it. Show up to lecture and/or section, and its smooth sailing. Also, no textbooks required, only a course reader for $35.

I should have switched out from this class as soon as I went to the first lecture. He is very much a rambler. He doesn't give you a clear understanding of the course and isn't very easy to understand. Also had to buy a $45 dollar course reader with a bunch of rambling lecture "notes". Just a terrible, really bizarre class. Run away if you can.

Horrible

Multiple prior reviews have stated that Prof. Sonnino asks you to agree with his personal viewpoints on exams. This is NOT TRUE! The prompt asked us to analyze HOW he presents his argument, NOT whether you agree with him! Very fair class as long as you show up to lectures. Exams are short and straightforward. Sections are extra credit!

This class is definitely not recommended. You will be tested on his personal opinion of history and construct your answers in a way that match his views. While the course reader is dense, there isn't an excessive amount of information but you will be tested on small details.

Sonnino was one of the most difficult proffessors I've had so far. His lectures are really boring and doesn't engage the class in any of his arguments. He expects you to memorize the reader, he makes you buy, and agree with his opinion on everything. He tests on his own opinion and if you were paying attention in the class. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!

His lectures are useful but they drag on, as long as you buy the course reader (basically a textbook of just his notes) and pay attention to that you should be able to achieve an okay grade. Pay attention to his opinions on history, as he will ask you to argue from his perspective on the midterm!!

I dont think I have gone to a single lecture of Professor Sonninos where he did not make me laugh at some point. Sonnino brings a unique perspective to history which will challenge you to think beyond the way you have been previously told that things are. It is obvious that Sonnino genuinely enjoys teaching & puts a lot of time and effort in.

Lectures are very boring and given in old fashioned way with him just rambling the whole time and it is very boring to listen to him, as this period of history just really isn't that interesting, maybe it is for you, but to me this class is just terrible as he doesn't give you specific things to study, as he just seems to switch periods randomly.

Unable to present his ideas effectively to the class. Will not accept any view other than his own in papers and does not communicate what is expected, being vague in his directions. This course did not help me understand the material at all and is not worth the time. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS OR PROFESSOR AT ALL COSTS!

Poor lecturer, tough grader, does not communicate well what he wants for his assignments. Visiting during office hours did not help

Have taken him twice now and thoroughly enjoyed each time. His lectures are funny given you understand the context from which he speaks. His help with writing is trying to get people to analyze sources, not regurgitate historical events and arguments. All around, his classes are engaging!

Sonnino is a great professor. He's there to help and teach you. My writing has improved so much thanks to him as he gives very helpful feedback and will go over every paper, even sentence to sentence with you. Although, yes he is a tough grader, he will help you and let you rewrite it to improve your grade. The comments here are unfair.

I received my Ph.D. a few years ago and can aver Sonnino was my favorite prof in the hist department. The man has attitude. We called him "the troll" because he acts and looks like one. In a department and school replete with P.C. and feminists, Sonnino was refreshing. His 4b lecture on the "Renaissance sucked" was the best I've ever witnessed.

Some of his ideas are interesting. Nevertheless, his lectures are kind of boring and he expects a lot from the students. If you don't think exactly like he does, he would not let you do well. If you are looking for a class for GE or credits, look for others.

Not recommended for GE or electives

Professor Sonnino is an interesting professor with a different style of teaching. He clearly dictates at the beginning of the quarter that this class is going to be difficult. That being said, he is a very nice man who genuinely wants to expose his students to a new style of learning. The personal attacks of him on here are very unwarranted.