Prof. Matsumoto's Hist 152 class is my favorite class I've taken (and I'm in my 4th year here). I had stayed away from AsAm classes, even though everyone said they were fun and easy; I wish I had taken this class sooner. The readings, specifically the Eddie Fung book, were super interesting and I actually liked reading them, instead of forcing myself to read them (or not doing it at all) like in my other classes. However, the Chan book was totally boring and dry. LUCKILY, you never had to read this if you went to class, so it worked out great for me. Matsumoto had great powerpoint outlines, really basic, and she didn't read off them or anything. Her lectures were interesting, easy to follow, and very informative. What I liked most is that she included all these primary sources and quotes to demonstrate common experiences that Asian Americans might have had in different situations. But these quotes never took longer than like a minute for her to read, and you didn't have to memorize them. But it really hammered in the information and made you interested in what she was saying. She has a hook for a hand (her left, I think) and I really wanted to ask her why, but I thought that was rude.

Well i'm conflicted about this woman. On one hand, you have free reign to do "judiciously" what you would like to do with your research paper, on the other hand she really is two faced and i don't think, if she had compassion and love for what she does before, she doesn't have it now. She gives you no real guidelines for the paper or midterms but nonetheless expects something of which we are unaware. On the other hand, if you like teachers who smile and blink a lot for no apparent reason take her. Otherwise, don't waste your time.

Prof. Matsumoto is dope. She's very kind and always gives a friendly smile. This class is pretty much very similar to Asian American Studies 10/10W. It's basically an AAS class. It's fairly easy and the readings are interesting. The midterm and final are really easy - two essays in each. She gives you the questions beforehand and picks two. As long as you prep from the study guide, you'll be fine. I got an A- in the class. Go to the lectures and esp. SEE THE MOVIE SCREENINGS. I'm really into film but I love some of the documentaries/short films we got to see - especaily when the filmmakers would come and do a brief QA session. The films kind of tie in to the class but for me, its a nice break from lectures. The paper she assigns is actually quite different and interesting than most history papers as you relate your own personal or someone else's history to the larger scope of Asian history in the U.S. Take Matsumoto. She's great. She's nice. She references other scholars/readings quite frequently in her lectures which I admire - giving much credit to her peers.