Robert Cray - Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ

Professor: Robert Cray

Department: History

College: Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

If you actually go to class and you pay attention and write good notes, he will tell you exactly what is on the tests. If you make a study guide and study what you have from your notes, his tests are not hard at all and he is not a harsh grader. I enjoyed this class.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: HIST117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

The worst professor I've had so far. He speaks so fast & erratically that it's almost impossible to take notes. For the 3 exams we have to be prepared for multiple possible essay topics. No notes allowed during the essay exam. Super essay-heavy, only 5 multiple choice questions on exams. Save your GPA & skip taking him.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I have taken history classes in the past and I have loved them. However, this is the worst class I have ever taken. His lectures are all over the place, unclear handwriting on the board, you have to pay attention to every word he says (and he talks fast). Lots of note taking! Tests are ridiculously hard. Good luck trying to use google to study.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HIST117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I took Professor Cray's class and was offended by his behavior several times. His lectures are focused towards underclassmen from New Jersey who live on campus, non of which I am. Your entire grade relies on the essay tests, and occasional quizzes. He tried his best to make class fun, but it just honestly wasn't.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: D
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Do not take this professor if you hate history... he is the worst professor I have ever had. You cannot hear him at all when he speaks, he has not power points and barely writes on the board. You have 5 pages of notes front and back every time in class. The tests are extremely hard even if you study. Gives you 3 tiny quizzes to get your grade up.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: D
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Honestly this was the worst class i have ever taken, all he does is bounce around the class room spiting out facts that he has memorized. Your grade is based on 3 tests. It was so boring i couldn't stay awake. He's a nice man just a very awful professor. He also knows a lot about the subject so you cant bs it. DO NOT TAKE HIM.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

This class was easy. If you're willing to take lots of notes, read certain chapters in the textbook and study for exams you'll have no problem with getting an A.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

If you hate history, do not take Professor Cray. 1. you can't even hear him so you have to sit in the front. 2. he is a really tough grader when it comes to exams. 3. you take about 4-5 pages of notes front to back everyday. He gives 5 question quizzes to help get you grade up.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I had this professor for history117 at first he seemed really great, he is very knowledgeable and really gets excited for the lesson; you can tell he's passionate about the subject. He was anal about attendance, no matter how much i studied, i really struggled to get a B on everything. He's tough

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I took the class at 8:30AM, when I'm hardly paying attention and still managed a B. He has a specific format for his exams (of which there are three) that he explains to you. Follow it and you'll pass. Going to class is key though. The biggest portion of his exams (the Essay) is based solely on the lecture so take good notes and go to class.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: HIS117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Cray is a great teacher, and he clearly loves the subject he teaches. Your grade for the class is based on 3 exams(2 mid-terms and 1 final). They are not easy and if you want a class that is easy to pass, look elsewhere.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: 117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

If you're looking for an Easy A, this class isn't it. One of the hardest classes (test-wise) that I've taken so far, but I would take it again. The majority of your grade is 3 big tests. Take the best notes of your life, do the readings, pay attention, and really study for the tests. He knows his subject well and you can't fool him on the tests.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: HIST117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

if youre a history major or just love the subject, you MUST take him. you can tell this man has a passion for the subject and teaches it very well. gives 3 essay tests that can be annoying but tells you topics beforehand. attendance isnt mandartory but you should definitely go. if you dont like the subject, find someone else bc youll find it hard

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HIST117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I am not sure what to make of Professor Cray. His class was not easy, he's a little strange but he was a fair grader. There is a ton of information to learn so take gooood notes. Doesn't take attendance. I would try and find someone easier for a 100 level class

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: HIST433
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Cray is a wealth of information, he enjoys what he does. Although his teaching style might not be for everyone he is very easy going. He is a difficult grader but if you attend class, do your reading (which there is a lot of but then again that should be expected at the 400 level)and participate with well thought out ideas you should be fine.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: HIST117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Enjoyed the class! It's alot of work! If you do the readings, you'll be fine.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: HIST511
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Listen, going in if you aren't ready to work, drop the class. I took him in the Grad Program and I can tell you that I worked my tail off. He is brilliant. Kinda House-esque (watch the TV show for reference). He will not coddle you, but if you can pique his interest you are golden and will be held to a higher standard.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: HST500
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I disagree with the previous comments about Cray being tough for graduate classes and that his classes are designed for PhD students. These statemants I feel are not true at all. When you are in a graduate class you need to work hard and read, this is not basket weaving. Cray was very helpful on papers and is trying to strengthen peoples writing.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: HIST01
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very picky.Knows subject but acts in a snobbish and sarcastic manner. Seems like a frustrated English teacher the way he critiques papers. Spent much time in class reviewing outlines for papers week after week and gives grades based upon his writing style. I attended two of his graduate history classes and don't recommend him if one has a choice.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: HIST102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Cray is extremely funny. He really cares about what he is teaching. Class is not mandatory, but if you miss you seriously miss SOOO much. His tests are impossible. You need to go to class, take notes and study. I would totally recomend him though. Even if it is for a GEN ED like me!