Joseph Opala
- School: James Madison University
- Location: Harrisonburg, VA
- Department: History
- 4.0Overall Quality
- 3.9Helpfulness
- 4.1Clarity
- 3.8Easiness
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HIST150
Very compelling class. One of the few times you will be able to take a class where the subject is something the professor literally lived through. I would highly recommend this class and this professor.
GHIST150
He is the best teacher I have met at JMU. His stories of Sierra Leone are amazing and makes you want to go to class! Extra credit god! I got C's on the midterm and final and because I watched movies and wrote a simple short paper, got an A!
ghist150
life changing class. go just for the sake of hearing incredible stories. sooo much information, but it gets stamped in your mind because it's so fascinating. easy A. talk to him and he'll help you out with anything.
GHIST150
most interesting class I've had so far! Opala is really nice and knows his stuff. I loved hearing about his life in Africa. There's no homework, soo much extra credit, just the midterm and final, and 2 papers.I have heard that he's nicer to his afternoon classes so try not to take him in the morning! he likes when you pay attention and participate!
GHIST150
Take this class. I guarantee you will not regret it. He is a bit egotistical, yes, but man the guy has done so much in his lifetime. He teaches the class based on his first hand experiences. You see him as just a professor, but he's done so much more. He's really someone to look up to and has inspired me to hopefully join the peace corp!
GHIST150
This is one of the best professors at JMU. He is hilarious and keeps you interested in the subject. The class is all about Sierra Leone and he knows everything about it cause he lived there for half his life! He is THE leading expert on Sierra Leone in the country. TAKE THIS CLASS... plus there is loads of extra credit making it an easy A
GHIST150
Teaches everything like a story that will make sure you show up to class just to find out what happens next (although doesnt take attendance). 2 Papers. Midterm and Final. If you listen actively and take notes, you will get an A. Loads of extra credit.
GHIST150
Amazing teacher. He has so much to share and it's all interesting. He is not one of those teachers that is in it for the paycheck and doesn't really know hot to teach. Most of what he teaches he actually experienced firsthand, and I think that is rare to find these days. Get him if at all possible.
GHIST150
This guy is the man. Class is VERY interesting and his teaching style makes you want to come to class. Give loads of extra credit making almost impossible to get lower than a B.
HON200Z
If you're a very detail-oriented history major he's a great professor. Otherwise he can be very patronizing and narrow-minded. The class is interesting, but the tests are the standard in-class essays and he grades far too harshly for a broad seminar of non-history majors. I'm glad I took the class, I learned a lot, I'm just sorry it's graded!
GHIST150
Amazing professor. So knowledgeable on the subject. First-hand experience. Gives his lectures primarily from his own head. Lots of note taking. Lots of chances for extra credit.
GHIST150
Pretty good class. Everything is based on his lectures. He highly recommends to take notes but its easy to do so without. Only a midterm and final, and two papers. Tons of extra credit.
ghist150
best professor ive ever had, makes class very interesting, i would definately recommend this class to anybody.
ghist150
Stop reading these posts and go sign up for this class. it is a MUST at JMU. It changed my outlook on so many things. He is a great professor! even though attendance wasn't mandatory, i wanted to go to class which says ALOT!
ghist150
i LOVED this class. Only take this class if you're interested in learning about Sierra Leone. Dr. Opala has lived there for many years and talks about the history and his personal experiences there. 2 grades: Midterm/final. Unlimited extra credit oppurtunities though. Attendance is optional. VERY INTERESTING CLASS!!!!
HON300P
Chews gum EVERY SINGLE CLASS while giving lectures. IT'S PUBLIC SPEAKING 101-don't do it! I do not recommend taking any of his classes, he has 0 people skills. There are MUCH better professors in other honors seminars. Try to take a different one than Gullah!
GHIST150
Someone stated it best earlier when they said, "It's like learning about the Revolutionary War from George Washington". This guy knows his****. Mid Term and Final with****load of extra credit. I thought learning about African history would be boring, but he's now my favorite prof., and i was actually upset when the class was canceled once.
GHIST150
You wouldn't think a class soley on a small African country, Sierra Leone, could be interesting...It is. Prof. Opala livied in Sierra Leone for many years and brings the country, its history, and its people to life. Very little reading, a mid-term & a final. Loved this class.
HON200L
History of Slavery-very interesting, he has a lot experience &he taught me a lot. But PATRONIZING and ****. Talks down to us like we're idiots &cuts us off before we're finished asking a question. Then harps on you for not answering right away. Kindof Intimidating. Has a lot to offer, but that doesn't give him the right to talk to us like that
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