Robert Decaroli - George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Professor: Robert Decaroli

Department: Fine Arts

College: George Mason University, Fairfax, VA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ARTH203
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Very nice guy, cares about his students, helps you with almost anything you need, even if it's just help writing. His lectures are very interesting and helpful. He says he's a tough grader but I barely tried on the final paper and got an A, he barely assigns homework, just has 2 quizzes and 2 tests. Great guy.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ARTH382
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor DeCaroli is amazing! He lectures about things that aren't common knowledge for most American students, and that kind of thing is invaluable. He is quite kind and willing to expand on the lectures outside of class. I learned so much from him, he's a terrific professor and person. He always does a nice review at the beginning of class.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ARTH383
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Excellent Professor, He is not an easy A, but if you attend lecture and prepare for tests it is not too difficult. The subject matter on the tests is given well in advance so it is possible to be extremely prepared. Excellent lectures, he truly cares about the subject, and when discussing the art he has his own pictures mixed into the slide shows.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ARTH203
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This class was awful. He lectures from the start of class up to the very last minute. If you don't take very detailed notes it'll be hard to pass. Tests and quizzes are really hard. The course grade is only based off of 6 things: 2 quizzes, proposal, midterm, final paper, and the final. Unless you LOVE Buddhism, don't take this class

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ART382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Avoid him if this is not your major. Intensive readingwriting. I studied for hours for his exams and still did horrible. Multiple choice exams with an essay; timed. One big paper along with museum visit. Confusing, unclear, and deep down I definitely dreaded attending his class.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ARTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Extremely passionate about his subject. I DO NOT recommend this class if you are just trying to fulfill a gen ed. Gives excellent and almost neurotic feedback on your papers which will help you improve your writing if you pay actually read them. Go to office hours if you need help and he is more than willing to.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ARTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The best art history teacher I've had at Mason, I would recommend his class even if it isn't your major. His lectures are dense but very clear and he is always willing to help.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ARTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

AMAZING prof, my fav thus far at GMU. Take anything by him. He is extremely helpful and the class I took was very interesting. You learn tons of info, but more importantly grow an appreciation for that info. I took it as a freshman, non-art his major, just show up to classes (absolutely necessary), take notes, and you're golden.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ARTHALL
• 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:

An amazing prof! He's so passionate abt the subject even if u don?t have an interest in Asianart he'll make u care. Lectures r always imaginative & he keeps u captivated. He loves when students r curious about the material, and he is more than willing to help. Don't be afraid to ask questions,go to his office. Oh, and he has a great sense of humor!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ARTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He is the best Art History teacher at Mason and one of the best teachers I have had in my time in college. There is a Midterm, a Final, a Term Paper and 2 Quizzes. Unlike many other teachers, he lectures rather than talking from powerpoints and his exams reflect exactly what he discusses in class. If you need a Non-Western Culture credit take him.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ARTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Prof. DeCaroli is a VERY good teacher! Class is easy, fun, and you learn without even trying. Honestly, just show up, listen to his amazing stories and take notes. He loves participation, and encourages you to succeed. Quizzes are very manageable as long as you're invested. Take his *Indian Art* course, you will not regret it for a moment.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ARTH203
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Incredible class. The subject matter is interesting & you can tell that Decaroli loves Art & teaching. Book use is not mandatory, but it wonderfully highlights discussion material in class. If you attend often, book will act as an aid. Tests are easy- very straightforward. Take his class. You'll find a new respect for religion, art & history.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ARTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I've had DeCaroli for two classes now. He makes the lectures engaging and time goes by fast. As long as you go to class (or get missed notes) and make an effort to study, his tests aren't that difficult. If you get a chance, definitely take any of his Indian/Asian classes!

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ARTH400
• 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:

completely regret my avoidance of Asian art. PRof DeCaroli is one of my favorite teachers here at Mason. If you're a major, don't miss out!! he's extremely kind and helpful, and he maintains a high level of intelligent discussion in his classes, but without ever degrading students input.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ARTH203
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is willing to help out anytime, the class itself is very difficult! Just study the term list and review sheet.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: AHIST399
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

SE Asian art. Nicest prof. I've ever had! Spells out every word for the class and helps everyone along the way. I wasn't interested about the material, but had read the comments on here and decided to sign up. Now i'm really glad i did. Take him!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ARTH482
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Decaroli is a wonderful teacher, not to mention easy on the eyes! He's always positive and enthusiastic, which made it easier to sit through a nearly three-hour class. The work load is reasonable, and he is always willing to help with anything. My only complaint is that he never let us out early, not even by one minute!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ARTH382
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Great proffessor and extremely helpful. Do not expect to leave class early, but it is worth it.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ARTH203
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Overall nice guy who's obviously fascinated by Buddhist art. Attention to material is crucial for excelling in class, and so is class attendance. If you REALLY want to take Survey of Asian Art, by all means DO IT!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ARTH203
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He definitely has a passion for what he teaches which makes everything much more interesting. The information on the exams aren't found in the book or online, so go to class and pay attention (take NOTES). He's always willing to help!