Current instructor

Alexander Shashko

/5Adjusted rating
/5RMP difficulty
captured reviews
About this rating

Raw average: 4.87/5 from 201 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.

RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.

What students say

Original student reviews · all captured dates

AFROAMER 156
Quality 5/5Difficulty 2/5
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.
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AFRO154 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 1/5
Professor Shashko is easily my favorite lecturer at UW. This is a first-year only course, so please take while you can. Best ethnic studies gen-ed by far.
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AFRO154 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 3/5
He is the best professor I have ever had! SOOO engaging and interesting, and he is super passionate. I recommend this class to everyone
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AFRO154 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 1/5
AFROAMER154 is the most interesting class I have ever taken, and Professor Shashko is a super cool dude, really nice to talk to, and knows everything there is to know about hip hop.
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AFRO154 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 2/5
I went into this class thinking it would be an easy blow off class for my ethnic studies credit, but it ended up being my favorite class I've ever taken. Shashko is the only professor I would happily trek up Bascom hill for- his lectures and teaching are worth it and he's a great guy!
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AFROAM156 · course not matched
Quality 5/5Difficulty 2/5
absolutely LOVE this professor. im genuinely upset that this semester is ending and i wont be able to take a class with him again. he's so passionate and knowledgable about what he's teaching and he makes the lectures engaging and informational. would 100% recommend taking this class!
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Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.

Classes with Alexander Shashko

Examines the aesthetic and political evolution of hip-hop culture and its relationship to contemporary social issues.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Alexander Shashko is consistently praised for his passion and deep knowledge of hip-hop culture, making lectures engaging and entertaining. Reviewers highlight his storytelling ability and genuine enthusiasm as key strengths that foster student interest and engagement in the subject matter.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2026

Examines the interaction between African American musical culture and its historical context from 1920 to the present.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Alexander Shashko is consistently praised as an incredibly knowledgeable and passionate lecturer who makes the material engaging and easy to follow. Reviewers highlight his clear teaching style and deep expertise in music history, noting that his lectures are a primary reason for their positive experience in the course.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2026

Survey of the decisive role played by race in American politics, 1932-present.

Offering recorded · Fall 2026

Alexander Shashko is praised as an engaging, enthusiastic lecturer with deep subject knowledge. Reviewers describe him as one of the best instructors at UW, noting his clear explanations and ability to answer questions effectively.

historical GPA · grades

Spring 2022–Spring 2026

Recorded teaching history

Explore courses taught by this instructor →
Browse recorded courses
TermCourseTitle
Fall 2026AFROAMER 154Hip-hop and Contemporary American Society
Fall 2026AFROAMER 156Black Music and American Cultural History
Fall 2026AFROAMER 272Race and American Politics From the New Deal to the New Right

Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.

Instructor identity & provenance
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