Dr. Balto had a lot of medical issues this past semester that started pretty early on, so we probably only had about 1/2 lectures we normally would've. Aside from that, both him and Aydan were available for any questions or if you needed help. Balto was also super apologetic when missing lecture. Extra plus that it was an easy class.Rate My Professors ↗
Current instructor
Simon Balto
What students say
Original student reviews · all captured dates
Dr. Balto is an amazing lecturer who is very passionate about what he teaches. He conveys topics in a clear, respectful, and concise way (which I feel is extremely important when covering sensitive subject matter). His exams are a bit tedious but he prepares you well.Rate My Professors ↗
Prof. Balto was an amazing professor, I genuinely enjoyed taking this class and learned so much. Although, this semester Prof. Balto did have medical issues that affected the lesson plans but the assignments were easy with weekly discussion posts and readings. The exams were really easy to study for as long as you took notes and read the textbooks.Rate My Professors ↗
My experience was a little different because he had to miss a lot of class due to medical issues, but the lectures we did have were funny and informative, and gave good information that we had to use on the exams. Overall, solid professor.Rate My Professors ↗
he is such a good teacher and goes so in depth. lecture wasn't monotone like others and you can tell he really wants students to succeed. loved his102 was super interesting .Rate My Professors ↗
Prof. Balto is extremely knowledgeable in US history and it is very evident. He does an amazing job in lectures, stressing important points and topics that will be on the exams. Attendance was taken at all lectures, so be sure to show up.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Classes with Simon Balto
The Long Black Freedom Struggle from the Civil War to the Present explores African Americans' efforts to achieve full citizenship and equity in the U.S. from post-slavery to the present.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2025: 3.56 GPA, 84.0% A/AB (n=25 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.69 GPA, 84.4% A/AB (n=32 letter grades).
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2025–Spring 2026 · limited sampleThe Historian's Craft
3–4 creditsThe Historian's Craft involves conducting original historical research using archival materials, defining questions, analyzing evidence, and presenting conclusions in written and spoken formats.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2023: 3.74 GPA, 94.1% A/AB (n=17 letter grades).
historical GPA · grades
Fall 2022–Spring 2026Senior Honors Thesis
1–3 creditsSenior Honors Thesis involves mentored independent research and thesis writing on an original topic for honors.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Research and Thesis
1–9 creditsResearch and Thesis involves independent research and writing of a thesis under the supervision of a faculty member.
Offering recorded · Spring 2027 · Sources
No recorded grade history
Recorded teaching history
Distinct courses recorded per term
Explore courses taught by this instructor →Browse recorded courses
| Term | Course | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | HISTORY 155 | The Long Black Freedom Struggle From the Civil War to the Present |
| Spring 2027 | HISTORY 201 | The Historian's Craft |
| Spring 2027 | HISTORY 682 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Spring 2027 | HISTORY 990 | Research and Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | AFROAMER/HISTORY 628 | History of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States |
| Fall 2026 | HISTORY 102 | American History, Civil War Era to the Present |
| Fall 2026 | HISTORY 681 | Senior Honors Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | HISTORY 990 | Research and Thesis |
| Fall 2026 | HISTORY 999 | Independent Work |
Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
Instructor identity & provenance
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