2.2

Amy Essington

Social Science - California State University Fullerton

2.2
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
15%
Would Retake
109
Reviews
2.2
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
2.2
Helpful
2.2
Clarity

15%

Would Retake

109

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

18

4

8

3

15

2

10

1

58

What Students Say

She is probably the worst professor I've had

HIST180 - 2.0 rating

Essington is the worse professor I've ever had

HIST180 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

56%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 64 grades
Most common grades:
A (14)
A- (10)
B+ (8)
Grade Distribution
A(19)B(15)C(6)D(9)F(2)A-/B+(18)
Based on 80 reported grades
A: 14
A-: 10
B+: 8
B: 8
Common Tags
Tough grader (58)
Get ready to read (42)
So many papers (26)
Lots of homework (20)
Test heavy (11)
Lecture heavy (10)
SO MANY PAPERS (6)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (6)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.49 avg change
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

AMST346

5.0

(1)

HIST386

5.0

(1)

HIST300A

5.0

(2)

HISTORY170B

4.0

(1)

HIST386B

3.4

(5)
+14 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIST180

4.5

HST202

4.5

HIST377

4.5

HIST310

4.4

HIST170B

4.3

Reviews (109)
5.0
4.0
AMST346
Apr 21, 2004

I have to admit: Prof. Essington assigns a lot of reading and writing, but being an AMST student entails the ability to perform such duties effectively. She's a hard grader, but great professor--fair, encouraging, and intellectually challenging.

3.0
3.0
AMERSTUD300
May 26, 2005

She knows her stuff and is willing to help and answer questions, but she assigns A LOT of work. The reading and writing takes forever and it is essential to the class. I think she is a fair grader, but she takes quite a while to get grades back to us. She can be confusing, has a hard time conveying what she really expects.

3.0
4.0
AMST301
May 31, 2005

In class, Essington was fine. She was motivating and the class topics were interesting. She assigned a lot of reading and writing, which wasn't an issue--however she took a long time(over 30 days in several cases) to grade the papers and when she did the comments were scarce, if any.

4.0
2.0
AMST301
Jul 15, 2005

She does assign a lot of reading but its not too bad. The assignments are pretty easy but she will sometimes grade harsh. I got an A and i did all my work hours before class. If you like classes where you write essay answers then this is the one for you. She is a huge fan of baseball and has visited all the parks so she talks about that too.

3.0
2.0
AMST301
Aug 14, 2005

Honestly she was one of the most boring teachers I've taken so far at CSUF. Her idea of teaching was reading then group work. Not much actual "teaching" on her end. She took a LONGGGG time to grade papers. I got a B, but I don't feel like I really learned much of anything from her class. If possible steer clear of this professor!

1.0
3.0
AMST301
Mar 3, 2006

This is the worse teacher I have ever had! She never sticks to one subject and occasionally falls asleep while lecturing. Her assignments are unclear! The first 6 weeks of class, students were still trying to get some clarification. Get on her good side or you will be destroyed! Very unfair teacher!

1.0
5.0
HIST180
Nov 15, 2006

horrible repeats the readings of the book in lectures very boring and unfair in her grading. Stay away from this professor. Have never got a grade less than a b my whole college carreer, but failed this class due to her not letting me withdrawl before the deadline. Bad experience she sucks!

1.0
5.0
HIST180
Jan 28, 2007

She's aweful! She lectures are random and don't cover anything important. No tests, just 3 biography papers. She is unclear about what she wants. The class average was an "F".

4.0
2.0
HIST300B
Jun 29, 2007

She is not very clear. You don't really need to read all the books, just write one really good paper. I learned a lot about writing well though. She is pretty good and really nice, and pretty funny.

5.0
3.0
HIST386A
Oct 26, 2007

Be prepared to read & write a paper each week. The class assigns a book (about 350-400)week with a written review each week. She is very approachable and fair. other assignments include three take home mid term essays. Just make sure to read the books, turn in your papers, and participate in the discussions and you will be fine.

5.0
2.0
HIST300B
Jul 15, 2008

Had her for a writing class, I would recommend her we only did one paper, and it was broken down into steps to make it easier, she was also really helpful and her class was easier than other 300 B classes

5.0
2.0
HIS300B
Jul 21, 2008

She made this class so easy. Each class do you a small assignment that builds on your final paper. I got an A+ and I'm a C student. Just go to class & do the work.

1.0
5.0
HIST386B
Mar 11, 2009

Do not take this professor. She is a great example of a careless teacher. She forces her students to read an 11 books, one a week some are 600+ pages. She grades incredibly hard and is very unclear on what she wants. Also if you miss class you need a doctors excuse. Avoid at all costs. Trust me, you will regret taking her.

5.0
3.0
HIST386
May 26, 2009

Teaches through assigning literature and book summaries. Way better then textbook learning, much more fun. There is a book a week, but she asks for summaries people, simple and short! I prefer this sort of learning to text book and lecture any day.

5.0
2.0
HIST386B
May 27, 2009

Oh my god, she's not that bad! Don't let the 12 books, 12 reading assignments and 3 midterms scare you. On the RA's don't spend too much time on the summaries, but focus on the rest. Pretty fair grader, and her assignments make you a better writer. I'd take her again.

3.0
4.0
HIST386A
Dec 21, 2009

There is a good amount of reading in this class with a written assignment due almost weekly, plus 3 papers. My problem with her is not the work, it's with her attitude. You can tell she is already tired of teaching. I'm not sure if it was the material she didn't like or what, but it comes out through her teaching. I'd go for someone else if you can

5.0
3.0
HIST180
Dec 30, 2009

I really liked Professor Essington. She was very clear about what was on the tests and made a 3 hour night class (which always ended up being 2) very bearable. She's a baseball fan too. Cool teacher.

1.0
5.0
HIST180
Nov 6, 2010

Prof. Essington is the worse professor I've ever had. She never made it clear about what she wanted us to write on our midterms. There are 2 mandatory readings before each class 1 Reading Quiz from the text and a Document Questions. Her lectures are exactly what you read in the book. I did not learn anything in this clas. DO NOT TAKE HER!!!

5.0
4.0
HIST180
Dec 30, 2011

Essington is a tough professor with high expectations but she is not unreasonable. While she does assign 3 lengthy papers throughout the semester it is very possible to do well. The final is very simple. I received an A+ even though it required quite a bit of fork.

5.0
2.0
HIST300A
Grade: A
Jan 3, 2014

Dr. Essington is a great professor who is helpful and informative. Reading the assigned books are mandatory if you want to succeed. This class can be kind of difficult for some given the amount of reading and writing each week, however if you shy away from reading and writing, perhaps a history major is not for you.

3.0
4.0
170B
Nov 22, 2014

"GET READY TO READ" you basically teach yourself through reading the entire textbook. She gives out 2 midterms and a final ( all essays.) You must add documents and include info. from the textbook. She has weekly quizzes based solely based on the reading. Recommended if you don't mind reading a chapter a week (20 pgs) and enjoy analyzing the info.

5.0
3.0
386A
Dec 13, 2014

Professor Essington really does care for students. She gave about one primary source analysis a week for a ten page chapter, and gave a clear rubric for them. Grades tough at first, but she gives feedback and you end up learning a lot. She is also very knowledgeable and relatable to students!

3.0
4.0
HIST170B
Dec 25, 2014

Do not take her if you don't have to. She has impossible standards. Pop quiz essays every single week that she grades extremely hard. Tests are all essay but she gives you prompts before. Screws your grade with her opinion of your participation. No extra credit. Doesn't sympathize with students.

4.0
3.0
HISTORY170B
Grade: B+
Jan 17, 2015

This was one of my hardest class, but she is an amazing professor. Be prepared to read and do weekly quizzes. If there is something you do not understand, she helps to clarify. Even though her lectures are long, she shows lot of documentaries or movie clips related to the topic.

4.0
3.0
HIST386A
Feb 12, 2015

Very quick grader, usually had homework assignment and exam grades on titanium by the end of the day. 2-3 page papers once per week. Tough at first but always willing to help when asked. Great class.

5.0
2.0
170B
Grade: B+
Jul 8, 2015

She was an overall great teacher for a freshman that didn't know what she was getting into. Passionate about the subject and was always willing to take the extra mile to answer questions, yes i was constantly writing notes but she made the lectures worth it

2.0
4.0
HIST180
Feb 25, 2016

She is probably the worst professor I've had. She likes to be referred to as Dr. Essington but doesn't deserve the tittle. The class is self teach. Stay away from her class

3.0
4.0
170B
Grade: B+
Jan 3, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Amy Essington is very knowledgable about the course. However, you have to put ALOT of time into the course to receive a decent grade. You have to read the book and articles she provides for each chapter to complete the 10 PSA essays. There are also 3 midterm papers and a Final essay. Attendance is mandatory and she is a hard grader on the essays.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
3.0
3.0
170B
Grade: B
Jan 4, 2017
Wouldn't take again

No exams but tons of papers; three 3 page papers each section plus a 3-6 page midterm and final. A lot of reading and writing, not a hard class but can be very time consuming and a lot of work.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
3.0
4.0
170B
Feb 16, 2017
Wouldn't take again

tough grader, not recommended for freshman.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
4.0
HIST311
Aug 13, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Prof. Essington tends to guide the direction of the lectures as well as your comments. She will flat out tell you that you are wrong. When writing your papers, your argument must be done the way she thinks it should be done. You are not allowed to develop your own thoughts. If you are good at digesting and regurgitating information, you'll be fine.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
2.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: A-
Sep 24, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Essington is super knowledgeable, however, she is not a "teacher", she is more of a "grader". Her lectures are just quick summarys of the reading material, but all pop quizzes and papers are textbook based. All she does is quiz on the reading material and grade assignments. I've never had a course require so much outside of class work!!

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
2.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: B+
Sep 24, 2017
Wouldn't take again

SO MUCH WORK AND SELF-TAUGHT. You have to read a new chapter of the book, read assigned primary sources and answer questions, and be ready for pop quizzes before every class (for me that was three times a week!!). There's also two primary source analysis papers (3-6pg) due every 10 classes as well as one big essay (4-7pg) due every 10 classes.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
3.0
4.0
HIST180
Dec 12, 2017
Would take again

Very reading heavy; 3 essay exams, 6 primary source analysis papers each 4-6 pages long, quiz every week. Quizzes are based from questions in the textbook, but are graded kind of hard. Would not take if you do not like to read or write papers.

Get ready to read
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
SO MANY PAPERS
5.0
4.0
HST202
Grade: A
Mar 25, 2018
Would take again

If you don't like to work hard, skip this class. Professor Essington is really keen on making each student work for their grades. For the quarter: pop quizzes every week, 6 primary source analysis papers, 2 take home midterm essays, and 1 take home final essay. This is a challenging class, but you end up learning a lot if you put in the effort.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
SO MANY PAPERS
4.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: A-
May 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Class was always interesting, but there were so many papers/ lots of reading. Make sure you engage and show up to class because she grades toughly on participation. If you're looking for good content, take this class. if you're looking for an easy A, take someone else.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
2.0
3.0
HIST311
Grade: A
May 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Grade based all on participation and essays. Essays are very strict in her structure, easy B if you get the structure and formatting down. Gives little to no feedback on essays. Attendance is a must, part of grade and lectures are not posted online. Decent professor but can be boring and gets repetitive. Also, prepare to PRINT A LOT.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
5.0
386A
Grade: A
Aug 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

NOT A TEACHER. She was simply there to grade the piles and piles of work that were required for you to complete.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
3.0
4.0
HIST170B
Dec 6, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Must take good notes because all you do is write three essays based on class material. No tests which is really nice. Have to print a worksheet before every class. don't need to read the textbook for class but need it for the essays for sure. An A will not be handed to you, you need to work for it with the essays. attendance helps boost grade.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
170B
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 5, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Okay, if you are an engineer. If you are interested in the sciences and youre taking this class for G.E. credit - dont. Dont bother, this class requires far too much effort for a G.E., Im far from a lazy person but if you are not interested in History she will not make it interesting. On top of Comp Sci and Calculus classes this was a nightmare

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B
Jan 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This class is all about reading and writing. Even on the exams it's all essay questions so you gotta know the materials very well.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
So many papers
2.0
3.0
HIST300B
Grade: B
Oct 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Professor Essington is not my favorite professor and does not leave the best feedback ever, but I can not deny that she cares about the students. You will read book after book after book. She thinks students are in middle school and threatened to take my phone lol. But with skim reading you will pass.

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
So many papers
5.0
3.0
HIST300A
Grade: A-
Nov 2, 2020
Would take again

Essington is a super nice professor. Participation is very important, if you show up and speak evey day you will easily pass the class. Each class you have a short writing assignment due reviewing an assigned reading. They are not too long and take 20-60 minutes. If you can skim well and don't mind class discussions you will do great.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Caring
5.0
3.0
HIST300B
Grade: A+
Nov 2, 2020
Would take again

She guides you through the entire process of writing a 10 page research paper. As long as you are present during class, and turn in your assignments on time you will do fine. She does not grade very harsh so if you give your best effort, you should be able to get an easy A. She is very accessible and always ready to help.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
HIST386A
Grade: A-
Mar 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Oh boy, I wasnt ready for all this reading, up to 21+ pages a week. If you are taking other classes, beware. Test are essay style, and she is a hard grader. Very picky on footnotes, many points are deducted, citations are another critical issue regardless you have a great paper. Extremely tough. Weekly discussion post and 4-5 page weekly essays.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
1.0
HIST180
Grade: F
Mar 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The worst professor ever. There are hundreds of pages to be read. The quizzes are too difficult. Then she has a specific style of writing; dozens of pages to be written. Come on, we are not in a graduate class. It is a 100-level course. She is insensitive to students and very strict in her demand. DO NOT take her class.

1.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: A
Mar 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

For a 100 level class, shesh. Every week is heavy workload. She grades very tough. Its almost as if she doesn't want you to get an A. I took this class during the pandemic. You'd think she'd be considerate of other classes and your life outside of academics, but NOPE. When I ask her to Zoom, she ignores me & only wants to message. 100% self taught.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
HIST386A
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

her prompts are not clear yet TEARS you down because you did not include what she wanted to. makes u do primary sources but there is no clear information on the source or author online oh did i mention we are in a middle of a panaramic? stay away from her i regret taking this class. all she does is TEAR my papers, IN TEARS. whoomp '/

Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST386A
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

stay away from this class, she is not helpful and grades very hard. she mentions how shes a writer blah blah blah i think she expects everyone to be a writer (why im trying to do the school thing here) she is not clear with her prompts and expects u to do all these papers with the worst feedback, like she was an editor of some kind. THE WORST!!!!!!

Test heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: A-
Apr 21, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Took this course fully online and received an A-. The workload every week is heavy and repetitive, a lot of busy work. On assignments you will not receive a 100% she will find something wrong with it. Answers emails fast but isnt considerate about time her class consumes.

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
4.0
4.0
HIST386A
Grade: A
May 2, 2021
Would take again

Consistent class when you get in the rhythm. I consider myself a strong writer, but that first month took a while to accommodate her very specific expectations for the weekly papers. After that it was smooth(er) sailing. Provides the resources needed to lock in even an A if you put in the work. You might learn something, but it will be self-taught.

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B-
May 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I do not recommend this class. I took this class online and it's not at all stimulating, everything was the same every week and it was a HUGE workload and she is not a supportive teacher. Every week is reading 2 chapters from the book which is 40-50 pages, a 4 page essay and then the essay exam. It's an awful class and she is not supportive.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: A
Jul 28, 2021
Would take again

She requires lots of reading and papers. There are no multiple choice exams, just quizzes for each chapter. She definitely makes you work for your grade. Exams are essays that you have weeks to work on. I was frustrated at first, but started to apply feedback from different assignments to strengthen my writing. It is a lot of work, but it pays off!

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: B
Sep 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She assigns a 4-5 page essay every week and grades them so closely. You can follow every direction perfectly and she will find some reason to dock you points. She does not teach the class at all, just sends youtube videos and assigns reading. Terrible teacher. Never take her classes. She is a heartless woman who does not care about her students.

Lots of homework
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
HIST386B
Grade: A
Mar 2, 2022

took class online fall 2021 - avoid at all costs. at least a 4 page paper every week. very little to zero feedback (i received feedback about a footnote in week 3 and did not receive any feedback/comments the rest of the class). was incredibly inflexible when i emailed - she offered to let me turn in an assignment late but then refused to accept

So many papers
1.0
5.0
HST202
Mar 14, 2022

As a senior in college, this is the most unnecessary class I have ever taken in my undergraduate career. For a lower-level division history course, the amount of work assigned is absolutely unreasonable. Expects so much of her students and yet everything she gives us has typos and incorrect syntax and grammar. Don't take her, its not worth it.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: A
May 21, 2022

Professor Essington's class was pretty difficult regarding the fact that there were so many things to do. This class was asynchronous and there were 2 reading quizzes and one discussion per week. The textbook chapters are 30 pages long with small text. It was so tiresome and too much. There are 2 essays that you need to use at least 40 sources.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B-
Oct 31, 2022

I'm taking this class asynchronously. If you take Professor Essington's class, I suggest that you don't slack off on any assignments. I didn't do well on the first Essay Exam (the only thing I did badly on this whole semester btw) and now I have no chance of getting an A in the class even if I get full scores on the rest of the assignments.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
4.0
3.0
HIST180
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 29, 2022
Would take again

No exams. The grade depends on Two Main papers, weekly discussion posts, and little reading quizzes per chapter.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2022
Would take again

Even though attendance isn't mandatory, make sure to attend since you will need the lecture notes since they are needed for essays. Essays are really hard so make sure to plan ahead and don't procrastinate. weekly quizzes and discussion board. Challenging class but it was overall good since she is good at lecturing and passionate about history.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: B
May 16, 2023

The class has weekly textbook readings, films to watch, documents to read along with weekly quizzes and discussion boards. 3 essay exams that require a ridiculous amount of sources (40+). If you are not required to take this course then stay away. The most extra class and the writing style does not even help strengthen your skills.

Tough grader
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HIST386A
Grade: B
May 16, 2023

Professor is a tough grader. It is nearly impossible to recover from a bad grade in this class because you are graded on three essays. Each essay REQUIRES you to include 20+ primary sources, 10+ film clips, and she wants you to cite her class lectures as if thats something normal. No make ups, no late assignments, and no opportunities to improve.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
386A
Grade: A-
May 19, 2023
Would take again

She is a very tough grader, you expected to read her textbook, and be prepared for a discussion about the text every time you walk into class. However, I will say that in person she gives good feedback on essays as well as is very understanding in cases in which you might be having problems with the material.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Caring
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 22, 2023

I recommend NOT taking this professor. The amount of work she assigns to the essay is criminal and unfair. 32 sources for an essay is insane. Save your sanity, and do not take this class with this professor. You spend more working in her class than any other class. Don't waste your time with her.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: A
Sep 24, 2023

This professor is not good. Essays are ridiculously long. Too many references. Be prepared to write and read like a lot. Literally do not take this class with her. STAY AWAY!! Take it with another professor. SAVE YOURSELF!! Also send me help!

Tough grader
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 10, 2023

This professor teaches you as if you're a history major. The Essay Exams matter and are a huge chunk of our grade, the first one more than half the class got lower than 100/150 mainly because of not "using all 32 citations" when she NEVER addressed it anywhere saying that you had to use all of them. DO NOT TAKE HER! Now worth your sanity for a GE.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 11, 2023

So, I just dropped this class. Amy is not a reasonable professor. She wants us to have 32 citations (that she provides) in a 7-page essay. Literally some citations wouldn't work. Remember that you have a title page and probably two reference pages that count. So realistically 4. Feedback is trash. She just tells you to refer to rubric. DO NOT TAKE

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 25, 2023

The professor does not care about her students at all. Our entire class did poorly on the midterm even though it is clearly not our fault. She did not clearly state what she wanted in the guidelines for the midterm essay. When students reached out to consult her regarding this issue, she went as far as making it personal and attacking the student.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2023

Avoid this class; thought it was going to be a free A, but the essays she gives are unnecessary as we have to pull out 30-40 sources, so the essay itself is just 7 pages of citations. She degrades and talks down to her students as well like she does not care in the slightest. Which led to half the class dropping out, save your mental and run.

Tough grader
So many papers
3.0
3.0
170B
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 4, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Essington is a decent professor. Theres a lot of negative reviews about her, but she's willing to help. Lots of reading quizzes, but answers are easy to just look up. Also, your grade is really determined by three 4-7 page papers. She has you cite a rediculous amount of sources, but it is manageable. Try to avoid, too much just for a gen ed.

2.0
3.0
HIST170A
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2023

Cares more about the quantity rather than the quality of a paper. Required to use roughly 47 sources for each essay, and points are docked for each missing source. Essays must be seven pages max, and she stops reading at page 7. Grading is tough and expect to do poorly on the first essay. Must cite lectures in essays, so attendance is mandatory.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
5.0
3.0
HIST386B
Grade: B+
Jan 23, 2024
Would take again

If you expect to put in no work, then yeah you will struggle. The lectures are always interesting and she actually cares about what she teaches. If you need help or have questions, she will answer with no problem. One of the first classes where we actually read the textbook fully. Assignments were straightforward. Would take her again!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
HIST386B
Grade: A
Jan 26, 2024
Would take again

Weekly primary source assignments and two essay exams that had clear grading criteria, and there is always room for improvement over the semester with the practice and feedback given. Dr. Essington will make you familiar with and comfortable writing in the Chicago style.

Tough grader
Gives good feedback
So many papers
1.0
5.0
386A
Grade: F
Jan 26, 2024

All of the positive reviews are fake. I met many of her students from many courses. Not one has a positive feedback. I am a history major, so I know most of them. Please do not take any of her classes. She is probably the one writing her reviews.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
3.0
4.0
HIST377
Grade: A+
May 15, 2024

You can tell she is passionate about the class material BUT she is very tough grader. Weekly response papers to readings and 3 essay exams. Expects you to use 20+ sources for the essay exams and are capped at 7 pages max which is ridiculous for the amount of sources. If not all sources are used you will be docked points for each source not used.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HST202
Grade: C+
Sep 18, 2024

Her lectures have nothing to do with the test and the course work. Also, her tests are very difficult she treats this class like it's a grad class even though it's only a GE class. She also likes to push her political agenda down your throat, and she also has a temper. All around Terrible class would not recommend taking.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIS300B
Grade: C
Oct 23, 2024

Very difficult teacher. Not clear explanations. You will be confused the entire time.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
HIST310
Grade: A-
Dec 11, 2024

All assignments have inconsistent grading criteria, even if you follow her instructions word for word. Three papers that REQUIRE 22+ sources, which make up 75% of the grade of the paper and not the quality or content of the writing. Lecture slides contain many spelling errors and outdated information. Inconsistent Chicago formatting standards.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
3.0
HIST310
Grade: A-
Dec 17, 2024

Cons: -nitpicky. she will take off major points on discussion boards if you forget a word in your citation -heavy reading each week -terribly worded essay prompts. requires you to use every reading,lecture,and assigned reading + video in each essay. the essays become students regurgitating everything read in each section with little thought -AVOID

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
2.0
5.0
HIST300B
Grade: C+
Dec 17, 2024

I know a lot of other people have said this, but she is an insanely tough grader. When proofreading your paper, she never tells you what you did right or how to fix your paper: she just nitpicks it. Made me super demotivated and upset, especially since I hardly knew what to do when it came time to write my actual final draft.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
2.0
5.0
HIST377
Grade: B+
Dec 18, 2024

Expect to write summaries twice a week, and 3 big 4-7 page papers. You need to use ALL sources. She cares more about sources/format than actual writing abilities. Not exactly the best at explaining how to use the Chicago Format since her tutorial isn't centered for google doc users. She is passionate about what she teaches but isn't really nice.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
3.0
HIST300B
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2024

Another history professor of mine gave me a good piece of advice: find a teacher who is actually a human. He was right. Professor Essington is cold and unfriendly, making it seem as if she only did her job just to get paid. She yelled at a student for having his diabetes sensor go off. Her grading is ambiguous, but strict. Avoid her at all costs.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
HST202
Grade: C
Dec 22, 2024

I do not recommend this teacher because she is a really tough and niche grader and takes her GE courses a little too seriously. She clearly has favorites in the class and is not afraid to call out people who are slacking. She only chooses 1 document out of the like 8-11 we would have per exam making studying hard. office hours don't help at all.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST310
Grade: A+
Jan 18, 2025

A lot of writing, no tests, and three "Research" Papers. She expects you to include EVERY source that she provides or she stares docking points major points. I doubt she actually even read our Final paper since she had the whole class graded 12 hours after it was due. She also do not like to be questioned and gets really nasty in her responses.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HIST310
Grade: A-
Feb 13, 2025

Absolutely awful, she does not care about your time, financial situation, or anything else outside of her syllabus. Amy is cold and without a doubt, the worst professor I've ever encountered. If you value your education, mental health, and time, do yourself a favor and avoid her class at all costs. I could write an essay on how awful she is.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: Incomplete
Feb 18, 2025

stay away from this professor she is awful, for the essays, she wants you to use every single source that's been provided otherwise she docks points, very strict on the formatting of essays, and there's about 2-3 chapters of reading you have to do every week.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: Incomplete
Mar 2, 2025

Avoid at all costs.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
HIST180
Grade: A
Mar 25, 2025

Don't take this class. IF you already are, for your essay exams.. write down a piece of evidence from every source (with a sentence after to relate it back to the prompt), copy and paste your thesis statement to your first sentence of your conclusion and submit. you already have to cite from 30+ sources so do the absolute bare minimum.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 26, 2025

I'll start this off with the fact that I didn't take this professor willingly. Not only does she make you add 30+ sources to every paper, but she belittles the work you do put in. Hypocritical when she calls you a bad writer but she cant even write directions properly. Oops let me make sure i add my citation! (Essington, lecture chapter 1-30)💋

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 7, 2025

Essington is a terrible professor; do not take her class. Essay exams require 30+ citations with a seven-page limit, so even if you meet the 30+ citations, you will fail no matter what because you only have a page of quotes. She holds grudges and does not inform you properly on assignments, and will falsely accuse you of cheating or plagiarism

Tough grader
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B+
Apr 10, 2025

She's gonna make you write essays requiring at least 40+ sources with a 7-page maximum, she holds grudges, and will falsely accuse you of plagiarism and cheating. The first essay of the semester had a 70/150 average. She expects you to use footnotes as citations, further inhibiting your ability to use all the sources needed to get a decent score.

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: A+
Apr 11, 2025

she holds grudges and will falsely accuse you of cheating and plagarism

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: D
Apr 12, 2025

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. She is horrible. Horrible is an understatement. She needs at least 35-40 citations for essays. INSANE. She will accuse of plagiarism. If you try explaining yourself, she won't hear you out. She is VERY unfair in grading. DO NOT TAKE HER.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B-
Apr 17, 2025

Terrible teacher, requires 40+ sources in a max 7 pages and will fail you if do not use all of her provided sources. she will falsely accuse you of plagiarism if you accidentally get one or two of the sources mixed up in the footnotes. she also holds grudges. DO NOT TAKE ANY OF HER CLASSES

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST170B
Grade: B-
May 2, 2025

bad teacher, twists your words, falsely accuses you of cheating, unrealistic requirements for the class, will try to sabatoge you, holds grudges

Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B-
May 2, 2025

Terrible teacher, she holds grudges, has unrealistic requirements for essay exams, if you email her, she twists your words to benefit her, she will try to get at least 2 students kicked out of the school. She requires 3 essay exams with 40+ sources to be cited in the essay with a max of 7 pages, and if you miss more than 1, you will fail

Tough grader
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B-
May 2, 2025

This professor does not forget perceived slights. Even minor disagreements can result in noticeably harsher grading.Expressing a differing opinion — even respectfully — can lead to a negative shift in how you're treated for the rest of the term

Tough grader
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: A+
May 4, 2025

The ABSOLUTE WORST PROFESSOR! Never experienced or will experience a worse teacher.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
HIST310
Grade: A-
May 15, 2025

So I took History 310 Online under Prof Essington, as far as grading criteria goes it pretty understandable and easy to follow. You do your weekly discussion and quizzes and after a set of chapters you get an essay. Everything up until the essay is easy. The essay requires every source and you leave any out, you lose big points. I

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: C+
May 18, 2025

THIS PROFESSOR IS TERRIBLE. DO NOT TAKE ANY OF HER CLASSES. She requires 3 essay exams, requiring at least 40 sources and citations. If you miss even 1 points are taken off. If you use all of them, you don't have enough space for an argument, so points are taken off. There is a max of 7 pages, she holds grudges, and is actively hostile to students.

Tough grader
So many papers
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B
May 18, 2025

Essington is terrible, requires at least 40 sources in a max 7-page paper, using footnotes as citations in order to inhibit how much you write. Keep in mind this is an into level class. If you miss at least 1, you get lots of points taken off. She puts very little into the class, and will accuse you of plagiarism and will not listen to reason.

Tough grader
So many papers
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: C-
May 18, 2025

Essington does not even read the essay exams, which your grade depends on. She grades it based off the turn-it-in plagiarism checker, which is funny because majority of the essay is quotations and paraphrases as she requires 40+ sources in a 7 page paper, which also has footnotes in order to inhibit your writing space.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: D+
May 18, 2025

Essington is the worst professor I have ever had. I had the displeasure of taking her class, she is actively hostile to others, will falsely accuse you of plagiarism, will harass you for said false plagiarism, will not let you drop, no matter what, and holds grudges. Did I also mention that I have DSS accommodations? Well, she violates those, too.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B-
May 18, 2025

terrible teacher, dont take, pmo, should be fired

1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B
May 18, 2025

this professor is extremely hostile to students, she will falsely accuse you of plagiarism, and she'll harass you to no end. need i go on? AVOID AT ALL COSTS. i promise you there are much better professors for this course out there. csuf should uphold a better standard for their faculty and professors

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: B+
Jun 6, 2025

If you ever wanted to take a class taught by Helen Keller, this is your chance. She wont ever listen to you, wont ever read your essays, and will never help you ever. If you love neglect she is the perfect professor for you. Her unrealistic expectations mixed with her complete disrespect for her students is a perfect combo for success in this class

Tough grader
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: D+
Nov 18, 2025

This has been the worst class experience I've ever had. The instructions were unclear, the grading felt unfair, and even original work was accused of plagiarism. The constant stress and fear of being reported to the dean made the class miserable. I would not recommend taking her course.

Tough grader
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HIST180
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 20, 2025

Worst professor, TRUST ME. She will falsely accuse you of plagiarism, and she'll literally harass you. This has been a very emotionally distressing experience for me. would never recommend it at all. Also, keep in mind that this is an introductory-level type of class. Workload: No midterm, no final, it was literally all essays/quizzes.

Tough grader
So many papers
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
170B
Grade: D+
Dec 17, 2025

guranteed she does not ready your essay and gives you low scores while the class is essay heavy

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

56%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 64 grades
Most common grades:
A (14)
A- (10)
B+ (8)
Grade Distribution
A(19)B(15)C(6)D(9)F(2)A-/B+(18)
Based on 80 reported grades
A: 14
A-: 10
B+: 8
B: 8
Common Tags
Tough grader (58)
Get ready to read (42)
So many papers (26)
Lots of homework (20)
Test heavy (11)
Lecture heavy (10)
SO MANY PAPERS (6)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (6)
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Ratings by Course

AMST346

5.0

(1)

HIST386

5.0

(1)

HIST300A

5.0

(2)

HISTORY170B

4.0

(1)

HIST386B

3.4

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Difficulty by Course

HIST180

4.5

HST202

4.5

HIST377

4.5

HIST310

4.4

HIST170B

4.3

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