[{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQzMjYwNzE3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2026-06-19 19:32:22 +0000 UTC","comment":"Undoubtedly the most knowledgeable and well-spoken prof I've had here. He is passionate about the material and makes lectures truly something to look forward to. Graded on 3 essays, short weekly assignments, and attendance/particapation. Lowkey more work than I thought it would be, but it's very manageable. Couldn't recommend a professor more.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyOTU0Njcw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2026-04-28 15:31:19 +0000 UTC","comment":"So good. He is very passionate about what he teaches. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNjQ2MTgy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2026-02-26 03:33:43 +0000 UTC","comment":"Such a nice professor and lectures were super interesting! ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQyNTQzOTgw","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2026-01-24 04:11:50 +0000 UTC","comment":"Great professor, you can tell he is passionate about what he teaches and cares about his students' understanding. Although this course topic didn't particularly interest me, he made the lectures interesting to attend with very engaging teaching. Overall, a pretty easy grader as long as you do your work and follow the rubrics","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQxOTM1NTQ2","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2025-11-23 16:24:05 +0000 UTC","comment":"By far the best professor I've had at UW. I was actually excited to go to every lecture. The content is fun and interesting, and he is just overall a great lecturer. Make sure to take lots of notes, they will help you with the essays. ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTQwNTk1Mjk5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2025-01-23 22:52:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"The lecture was a little boring, but the professor did a good job. But some of the grades are being graded by TA, and that's critical. My TA did not write feedback or reply to the email, so the score did not meet my expectations.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM5MzQ0ODgy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2024-05-02 20:28:12 +0000 UTC","comment":"Incredible lecturer. Discussion sections: just show up and talk a couple times per session to get points. No exams, just essays and discussion questions. Essays are more about planning and organizing than writing. Very clear about what needs to be included to do well on essays. Grades do take a while however. Lectures are not recorded. High A rate.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM4MzY1OTkz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2023-11-09 17:41:32 +0000 UTC","comment":"Alexander is easily the best lecturer I have ever had, he is so knowledgeable on the subject and makes this class very interesting. There are 3 big essays and weekly 300 word writing assignments which are all very doable. Take this class if you have the opportunity, you won't regret it.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NzM3MjIy","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2022-01-11 20:04:49 +0000 UTC","comment":"As all the other reviews say his lectures are some of the best. I didn't want to skip his lectures because they were so interesting. Papers are difficult if you don't go to class and that is what most of your grade is based on. 10/10 would recommend!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NjAxNjQ4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2021-12-20 02:01:34 +0000 UTC","comment":"I took this class because I heard it was an easy A, so I didn't expected to be this engaged by the content. Amazing lecturer, really interesting course, highly recommend.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1NTc3MjA5","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2021-12-17 18:59:13 +0000 UTC","comment":"Amazing lecturer who is interesting to listen to and clearly cares about subject. Lectures spent listening to and talking about music. 3 books are "required" for class but you only really need to read one of them. Only 3 longer papers and 3 very short papers for whole semester, graded VERY easily (90-95% class average). Fun class, easy A!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM1MzQ2NjAz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2021-12-02 16:41:03 +0000 UTC","comment":"This is the class I recommend for everyone. Interesting, not too hard, you write 3 papers throughout the semster. You can tell he really likes what he teaches (same with the TA's). They are very understanding and I wish I could take this class again.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTM0MTY5NjUz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2020-12-21 23:15:59 +0000 UTC","comment":"This class is graded by 3 large essays and 3 smaller ones. Discussion grades participation too. Both the TA and Dr. Shashko are very nice, and willing to get in touch about any questions. Lectures are prerecorded, and Dr. Shashko is clearly knowledgeable about the subject. Textbooks are available online. Easy A, good class for ethnic studies!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":1.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzODQ5ODkz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2020-11-19 17:28:00 +0000 UTC","comment":"This class was amazing. There is not a better teacher at this school. Professor Shashko's lectures are engaging and there is no one in the world who knows more about this topic than him. The class is graded based on only like 3 essays that you write throughout the semester. If you can get in, TAKE THIS CLASS.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMzNjU5Mzgz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2020-09-23 21:17:30 +0000 UTC","comment":"I picked this class with professor ratings for a course that filled the humanities requirement. I was excited, originally. But with the transition to online for Fall 2020, I was disappointed with how this course was run. Asynchronous, with the recorded lectures from last year. But Prof. Shashko is very willing to help if you can ever reach him.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":4.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMxMjg5NjMx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2019-01-22 05:24:52 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shashko is an amazing lecturer! He is extremely knowledgeable and makes the course extremely fun with many videos during lecture. There are 4 books to read and 2 midterms and a final essay. Very interesting material and I'm glad I got off the waitlist for this course!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTMwMDc3NzA3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2018-05-11 20:43:56 +0000 UTC","comment":"Prof. Shashko is very knowledgeable in the field of music history and it certainly shows through his lectures. His slides are a little brief but he makes lectures interesting enough that it is easy to follow along. The class is basically based on 4 things: 2 exams, 1 paper, and discussion attendance. It's a hit or miss class but it's pretty easy.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI5OTQ4MDg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2018-05-01 15:11:21 +0000 UTC","comment":"I loved this class and Alexander. So far, he gives the best lectures at UW. Don't really need to read the book, just go to lectures. Engaging and interesting lectures, would strongly recommend.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1OTEyMzc3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2016-01-10 15:08:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"This has been the most enjoyable class I have taken. You learn a lot, but it is not stressful at all, as the lectures are incredibly clear and informative. Super engaging, and it will stick with me for the rest of my life. I was actually upset the couple times I had to miss a lecture!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTI1NjQ1ODkz","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2015-12-11 12:57:01 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shashko is by far one of my favorite professors I've ever had. He knows his stuff and is super engaging. The class is extremely interesting and I looked forward to class every day. You get to listen to great music everyday and hear the stories behind it. If there's one class I'd recommend for a student at UW to take, it would be this one by far! ","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNTU3ODU3","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2013-12-15 00:21:54 +0000 UTC","comment":"Professor Shashko is one of the most eloquent, knowledgable professors I've had at UW. He is a genius in the field of Black Music and makes learning the material worthwhile. Though exams cover a lot of material (lecture, discussion, books) and studying takes a somewhat serious time commitment, it's 100% worth it for how awesome the class is!","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":3.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNTUyNjc4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2013-12-14 14:10:44 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shashko is awesome! He knows so much about the music he covers and you gain a whole new appreciation for it, plus you get to listen to music in class. Lecture is mandatory and we had to choose a seat for the whole semester but this is a fun class to do to so its not a big deal. Only thing I didn't like was that it's entirely graded by your TA.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIyNDkxMDg4","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2013-12-10 13:23:36 +0000 UTC","comment":"Shashko was easily the best teacher I've ever had. He is extremely knowledgable and passionate in this topic. I came into the class not knowing much about what it was all about, but left sad that it was over. The material is so interesting and his lectures kept fascinated every time. Excellent class and an even more excellent professor.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0},{"observed_at":"2026-09-07 16:56:54.165348+00:00","run_id":"20260907T155543-ce3781c4","source_review_id":"UmF0aW5nLTIxNDc2NzYx","source_instructor_id":"rmp:858277","instructor_name":"Alexander Shashko","course_label":"AFROAMER156","course_id":"AFROAMER 156","course_uid":"course_906a2502e03a82d23e6eb0fa","review_date":"2013-04-02 18:08:09 +0000 UTC","comment":"Amazing professor, and even better class. Absolutely love the material and how it was delivered. One of the reasons for one of my best semesters at UW-Madison, Music makes life better.","source_url":"https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/858277","quality_rating":5.0,"difficulty_rating":2.0}]