Historical instructor
Original student reviews · all captured dates
To offer a more pessimistic rating, I would not recommend this professor at all. There were only two grades for the entire class, so if one grade is poor, then the final course grade will also be poor. Minimal work though, none of the reading mattered besides the terms. The term paper at the end is tough, so get a head start on it!Rate My Professors ↗
The 2.5 hour lecture does get long, but he is a very knowledgeable person. HIs past experiences allow him to go more in-depth on topics other professors don't. However, lecture is very boring. You have a midterm that is wroth 40% of your grade and a 20-30 page term paper. Study the lecture and terms from the book and you'll get an A.Rate My Professors ↗
Don't be put off by the 2.5 hour lecture. He has so much real experience in the field that his lectures are always fascinating. Even though he seems super formal, he is very kind and willing to help.Rate My Professors ↗
The material wasn't thrilling, but that being said Shafer is a very knowledgable professor and I would definitely recommend him. The class consisted of a midterm, a final paper, and a final exam... which was cancelled (based on what the class voted on). Start the paper early, 20 page minimum requires a lot of work.Rate My Professors ↗
Very enjoyable and interesting guy, class was a little boring but overall worth it. One midterm, which was pretty easy and a 25-30 page paper. Overall pretty good class.Rate My Professors ↗
Professor Shafer knows a lot about American government. However, class was fairly boring (due to long lecture). Mid term was pretty easy, and the class votes whether or not to have a final after midterms. 20-30 page research paper also due the day of the final...ouch!Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
No teaching recorded in Fall 2026.
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| Term | Course | Title |
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Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
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