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.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
Alexander Shashko
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
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.Rate My Professors ↗
He is the best professor I have ever had! SOOO engaging and interesting, and he is super passionate. I recommend this class to everyoneRate My Professors ↗
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.Rate My Professors ↗
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!Rate My Professors ↗
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!Rate My Professors ↗
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 2026Examines 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 2026Survey 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 2026Recorded teaching history
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | AFROAMER 154 | Hip-hop and Contemporary American Society |
| Fall 2026 | AFROAMER 156 | Black Music and American Cultural History |
| Fall 2026 | AFROAMER 272 | Race 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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