This is easily one of my favorite classes I've taken, thus far in my college career (as a junior). I took him during the shortened summer session, and I can't begin to express how much I loved this class. Like many others have said, I didn't love the class because of the subject or because the material was absurdly interesting. Rather, what makes this class awesome is Teo. A 70-year old man, well-known academic, national humanities award recipient, etc.; however, he never boasts or acts better than anyone else.
In fact, he continually states to call him by his first name; that even though he is old, he knows nothing; that he doesn't claim to know any absolute truths; and that the more education he has, the more questions he has. In this class, there were a good 70ish people; yet, by the 3rd week, he had memorized almost everyone's name. I hardly even spoke to him, and whenever I would walk into class late, he would always say oh, there's my friend, Mr. Last Name. And, anytime I would raise my hand when he called out attendance, he would immediately remark, "I know. I know." Just from that, you should be able to tell how much he cares. Come to this class to learn about life, have someone who is truly invested in helping you and be humbled along the way.
This is one of the classes that I will always remember because of Teo.

Took History 2C with Ruiz in Spring 2012. Maybe my expectations were too high, but he wasn't as incredible/amazing as people were saying. Sure, the witch act was fun on the first day, and yes the class was easy as hell (no pun intended). But the lectures, despite being filled with energy, were not particularly interesting.

Also, there is so much reading assigned that there is no way to do it all, and almost everyone compromises by doing none. This class for me was essentially going to section and talking about readings I didn't read, pulling two all-nighters to write reasonably easy papers, and doing an extra credit performance. Want an easy A? Go for it, but the topic is not nearly as fun as it sounds.

Took History 2C with Ruiz in Spring 2012. Maybe my expectations were too high, but he wasn't as incredible/amazing as people were saying. Sure, the witch act was fun on the first day, and yes the class was easy as hell (no pun intended). But the lectures, despite being filled with energy, were not particularly interesting.

Also, there is so much reading assigned that there is no way to do it all, and almost everyone compromises by doing none. This class for me was essentially going to section and talking about readings I didn't read, pulling two all-nighters to write reasonably easy papers, and doing an extra credit performance. Want an easy A? Go for it, but the topic is not nearly as fun as it sounds.

Having the opportunity this class is a privilege and one of the things that makes coming to UCLA so exceptional. If you go into it with the mindset of forming a kinship with the people of the past, it might even be the most intellectually meaningful GE you'll ever take. I loved every minute I spent in this course, and I feel a richer person for having taken it. It's very straightforward, and getting an A is very doable (even easy) - a take-home midterm, final, and a short paper/performance comprise your grade. Just speak with your TA before the writing process to make sure that you have a firm grasp on the concepts.

Teo himself is a truly beautiful person. He knows so much, but is so humble and kind. Learning from him is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In short, take this class - it's one of the best experiences you'll have at UCLA, guaranteed.

The TERROR OF HISTORY!!! The horrors of life that plague us all. The fears we have in our everyday lives. What if this, what if that. Our anxieties, yes; our concerns, yes; our worries, yes. Our pressures, our stress. The Terror of it all! What is our purpose in life? Why are we here? What is good or bad? What is right and wrong? We all are cursed so. It is that Terror, the Terror, yes, of History, which is the Terror that consumes us all, and without Teo, I don't know how any of us will survive, but succumb to the Terror into the dark abyss below. But I say to all. Let there be light! Let there be Teofilo Ruiz to teach you and guide you! And you will not be forsaken by your own shortcomings, you will not outrun yourself down, but be truly alive and have the illumination that inspires us all toward the future, and away from the history, and above all, the Terror of History. You ask how good of a Professor he is? Well if the 8 were rotated 90 degrees, that is the only rating appropriate for Professor Ruiz. Ruiz!

Professor Ruiz is the BEST TEACHER EVER at UCLA. It may sound like I'm exaggerating, but I'm not. Professor Ruiz even hates it when you call him by his last name--he much prefers his first name--Teo. I wish he taught all my classes every quarter. He cares for his students a lot and is SO helpful. Take him!!! And go to EVERY LECTURE. Why? Because you'll regret it by finals week... not because of the bad grade you'll receive, but because you'll miss an incredible opportunity to meet an AMAZING teacher. As teo says, "it's not about the grades, it's about learning!" Thanks, Teo--you rock!!!

teo is the best professor ever! he is super understanding, cute, and funny!! his history 2c class only involved a in-class essay midterm (he gave us all the questions in advance), a paper/performance (DO THE PERFORMANCE!!, so much easier and less time) and a take-home final. reallly easyyy A!! take teo for anythingggg

MOST AWESOME PROFESSOR EVER! genuinely cares for students' learning and is so kind to everyone. always has a smile one and encourages students to "never postpone joy."

we need more profs like him.

TAKE HIS CLASS IF YOU CAN!!

oh and be nice to the TAs too. They are the ones grading your paper.

Teo is great! The class is soooo enriching and entertaining. It helps to get to know Teo, so do a performance for his class and everyone will come out a winner.