Reviews of professor Mark Metzler

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Prof. Metzler is "old school" in a good way. You review materials, go to class and have a discussion, then listen to a lecture. No annoying group projects or interpretive dance required. He covers a long period with a variety of resources including not only history books but movies and biographies. I enjoyed his kind and humble attitude as well.

Rating: 4.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
This was a Japanese ecological history seminar class and it was w grad students, I was taking it as an undergrad so I was scared it would be really challenging but he was actually a really easy grader on everything. It was interesting, sometimes boring because he likes to talk about economics which I am not strong in. He is not a great speaker.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Took a History of Japan class with Prof. Metzler last year. His lectures can be dry yet interesting, but his class is very straightforward with his expectations of what he wants being very clear. No long papers, but multiple 2-3 page papers with open-ended prompts which allow a lot of freedom.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
I managed to take one of his seminar classes in person, his lectures are pretty dry, and can ramble but are generally on topic and expand on info presented, so at least they're not useless. Weekly papers are a little daunting, but he's very forgiving with late work. The readings can be overwhelming, but the reading reports are helpful.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 4.0/5
Very willing to help you with your papers

Rating: 1.0/5, difficulty: 5.0/5
I rarely write one of these but Prof Metzler is by far the worst history prof you could take. Not only are the lectures fry and unhelpful, so too are the readings. Everything is viewed at from an econ perspective despite it being on general Japanese history. Prepare to have weekly papers due at ridiculous times and too much reading to keep up with.

Rating: 5.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Very smart and gave great feedback on my writing. I took him when we had take-home exams which were not harshly graded, but I've heard his in class exams are a bit harder. He's great about teaching well-rounded material. Socially awkward but really does support his students and tries to help you get something out of the class.

Rating: 2.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Prof doesnt have much presence in class. Exams r heavily based on textbook. Lecture might give u some clarity but mostly reiterates the textbook. Lots of reading. Prof only accepts printed essays (no online submission) which was annoying as using the printer costs money. Didnt give me any feedback on essays. Takes 5 points off all essays as a base.

Rating: 2.0/5, difficulty: 3.0/5
Dry, 2 hour lectures are your thing? This is the professor for you. HSTAS423 is outdated and boring. Minimal use of primary sources, minimal class engagement. Oddly, the professor frequently admits he knows nothing about this time period in Japanese history. Countless student questions answered with "I don't know". Skip this class at all costs.