4.4
Quality3.4
Difficulty73%
Would Retake116
Reviews73%
Would Retake
116
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
77
4
23
3
10
2
4
1
2
What Students Say
“Thompson is so passionate and knowledgeable about history”
HIST152 - 5.0 rating“Tests are 50% book and 50% lecture, pretty easy overall but you must read”
HIST150 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
49%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.56 avg changeRatings by Course
HIST202
5.0
(1)HIST
5.0
(1)HIST151
5.0
(1)HISTHIST
5.0
(1)HIST4
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HISTORY150
5.0
HST150
4.5
HIST471
4.3
HIST202
4.0
WESTERNCIV
4.0
Reviews (116)
beautiful accent, LOVES french history
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Very passionate about his job. Kind fo tough class, but easier with a good prof
Loves to help his students and forces you to learn instead of just memorizing the material, and he has a great accent!
excellent prof though some of the material be hard, but is always willing to help, I definatly recommend this prof
great class
Very clear in his lectures. Capable of explaining things in terms all students can understand. Great sense of humor.
Awesome prof, fun to pay attention to. Very clear and makes sure you understand
I loved his class. He does have an excellent accent....not to mention his has lead an pretty interesting life. He's probably the best prof I've ever had.
WOnderful accent and sense of humor. The material is hard but he will help you any time you need it. He has interesting stories and you can tell he loves what he does.
Although history can be a boring subject, Dr. Thompson does a good job to make it fun and exciting. He always makes sure everyone understands and answers everyone's questions.
I hate history, and I absolutely loved this class. Just show up, take notes, and study for the tests. People act like it is really hard, but it's not so bad. And Professor Thompson is very helpful.
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No Comments
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He's great at making history more human. Very nice and very clear.
Professor Thompson is very enthusiastic about history & it is contagious! I hated history & dreaded this class before taking it, but I enjoyed it in the end. To do well in this class you have to read, read, read, go to lecture & study sessions never hurt. This class isn't easy but u learn a lot. The prof is helpful so Good Luck if u take HIST 150!
he knows it all, loves what he's doing, and is a great help!
He is awesome! I hated history until I had him for a professor! He's so smart, and loves what he does! Awesome prof!
very good
Very good teacher who's enthusiastic about what he teaches. If you just pay attention in lectures (show up) and do any readings he asks you to do, you will do well. He also has study sessions if you're having any trouble. Definitely recommend him.
he is an incredible teacher. he asks a lot of his students, but he is fair and his classes are his first priority (or he makes it feel that way). he doesn't care about exact dates, but about the lessons learned from that particular part of history. read the book, and take notes, and you be fine and don't skip the class.. its too much fun!
Awesome prof! History is my absolute least favorite subject, but he makes it really interesting. He loves what he does and will do anything to help you understand the material. Definitely read the book and know the notes. Don't miss class! Classes are so much fun.
Thompson is the best history teacher ever. The class is extremely interesting and the way that he teaches is phenominal. I would recommend him to anyone
By far one of the best teachers I have ever had. As long as you go to class, and read the book you will be fine. He actually makes history interesting to people who don't have a strong interest in it. I would take another class he offered just to have him in class again. A+++
Very enthusiastic about his teaching.
Absolutely loved his class! Very helpful, loves history, and will make you love it too! Awesome accent too!
Dr. Thompson is a fantastic teacher. I have not had him as an actual prof myself yet, but I was his TA this semester. If you want to do well, you need to do the readings and go to class--take notes during the lecture. He's interesting and I would recommend him to anyone. I will be taking a course with him next semester and I'm really excited about
Dr. Thompson is one of my favorite professors I have had here at Ball State. He gives great lectures that engage the class. He hands out useful study guides and offers informative study sessions. If you put forth the effort, do the readings and take notes of his lectures you will do well - this is how learning should be.
Lots of material covered, and the tests are long. He is very helpful and is always available after class.
He is a very good professor. You have to read the readings he give you but as long as you pay attention in class which is easy because he makes it interesting and do the readings you will get an A or a B.
I'm a history major and took HIST150 just because I needed some credits to burn, This guy is an OUTSTANDING professor, probably the best one I've had to date. His lectures are very interesting and makes it easy to remember. He does have half of his tests over readings, if you do those and go to class you should be able to get an A.
Like everyone else is saying: this guy is simply outstanding!!! You always learn something new and exciting in his lectures. His tests are extremely fair. Undoubtedly the best history teacher I have had. Superb!
take notes and read book material, and if he assigns novels be sure and read them! he's funny and young and makes history fun, shows a lot of cool pictures
Very passionate about history, makes his lectures incredibly interesting. Great prof to have, I looked forward to his class. Make sure you read even if it has nothing to do w/ the lectures - his tests are half from the reading and half from the lecture, and according to him he actually counts the questions to make sure they're half and half.
It's so easy to get an A in his class and he is incredibly nice and funny
He is awesome. There is a bunch of reading for the class but he makes lecture very interesting by basically having an open forum for discussion. He is more than willing to help if you go to his office hours. One of the best profs I've had at Ball State
Professor Thompson is an outstanding teacher. I am not really all that interested in history, but I always pay full attention during the entire class. He makes a topic understandable. He does whatever he can to make sure that you get the grade that you want to make in the class. GREAT Professor.
I was sick a lot and missed many lectures. This made the class very difficult and I struggled to pull a C. He did make lectures interesting, but I would recommend a different teacher for an easier class.
Excellent Professor. Interesting lectures (even for someone not interested in history). You DO have to work though. Lecture material is important for tests as well as a quick reading of rather lengthy assignments for each test. Very clear; phenomenal at lecturing. Very attractive accent too (one that doesn't make him difficult to understand at all)
Professor Thompson is great! He has a way of presenting history that is very clear. Lectures are interesting. He does not use the book in class, but you're responsible for reading it at home. Tests are half from the book and half from lecture. Attend class! You won't be sorry! He is a nice guy and will help you. Holds review sessions b4 tests.
Dr. Thompson is a great professor - very helpful. He knows his stuff & has a lot of stories; you can tell he loves his job. His lectures are interesting (pretty funny too). Tests are half lecture/half textbook. Quizzes over reading not difficult if you read thoroughly. Overall interesting, fun class & worth your time. Splendid accent doesn't hurt!
Great professor who knows what he is talking about. I have always disliked history, and I enjoyed his lectures. It was important to attend class to take notes and understand the subject. Also, it was equally as important to read the assigned readings! Hard tests, but he also gives good extra credit opportunities.
Great professor, hands down one of the most interesting and fun professors i've had. Get him!!
Makes the class extremely hard for being a 100 level course. Reading is long and hard (approx. 100 pages a test) plus novels. He's a great professor and definitely knows his matierial.
His class has way more work than other hist 150 classes
Expect to work in his class. Lectures aren't mandatory, but the tests are 50% from the book and 50% from lectures. If you want to succeed in his class, you HAVE to take notes from the book; this is easy to do, since he assigns no homework other than reading. Despite all of the work, it's very rewarding. It's my favorite class this semester!
He clearly outlines what he expects of you as a student. His lectures are very interesting, but very clear. His tests are made of 50% information from the textbook and 50% information from his lectures. Expect to read a little, but the reading is not impossible.
Great Teacher! 1/2 of tests are based on lecture and the other 1/2 is from book. Very Funny! Would recommend to anyone
Great prof! He's funny and nice. Tests are 50% book and 50% lecture, but he only assigns the parts of the book that you need, not whole chapters. LOVE THIS CLASS!
Dr. Thompson is super cool, but it's a large lecture class, so there's only so much he can do. As someone who couldn't afford the pricey book, his 50% lecture and 50% textbook tests were rough and if you miss 3 questions you already have a B+. There are lots of opportunities for Extra Credit though, so that helps!
this class is sooooo hard and dr. thompson makes it hard. the tests are impossible and the 5 tests are the only grades for the semester.
This guy is fantastic. His class is really interesting and you'll definitely learn a lot. He is very respectful with his comments and how he teaches different (political, religious,etc.)views. This class is the highlight of my day. Plus he has sort of an accent :)
Easily the best lecture class I have ever attended. In a class of 250, I feel engaged. He teaches with clarity, and with doses of humor. He lectures from a historian's mind, and keeps his religious/political preferences at home (unusual for a history professor). Those who can study independently, with a general interest in history will thrive.
I love professor Thompson. His lectures are super interesting and he's pretty funny. His tests are half book and half lecture, so you absolutely need to get the book, although it doesn't need to be the newest edition. Tests aren't too hard as long as you read the book and paid attention in class. Over all one of my favorite professors so far.
His tests are half book, half lecture. I got a terrible grade on the first test, but ended up with a B in the class because I visited him in office hours. Go to the study sessions if you are struggling with the tests. (Helpful Hint: The tests get easier over time, the last one is cake.)
dont get this professor unless your really interested in history. he makes his class way harder than the rest of the history 150 classes. hes nice, the lectures are long and boring. the tests are hard, you study your notes yet the tests are alot different
I loved this class. If you're interested in modern European history, take this class. I learned so much. Dr. Thompson is super helpful and really funny and engaging. This was by far my favorite class so far! You need to do the reading, and work hard on the project, but if you do, you'll do well in the class.
He is one of the better history professors. He is funny keeps things interesting. Lots of opportunity for extra credit! His tests are 50% lecture 50% book so READ!
He is always willing to help if you ask for it, his class is set up with 4-5 tests throughout the semester and 2 quizzes, those are your only grades, so you have to do well on them. Tests are 50% book and 50% lecture, pretty easy overall but you must read. I would recommend, he is also funny and tries to keep lecture light and enjoyable.
Tests are over 12 lecture and 12 book. Does not go over textbook material in class so you have to make sure you read and take notes or you won't pass. His multiple choice questions can be difficult esp. the ones with answers of A & B, A & C, A,B,&C, None of the above, etc. Gives multiple extra credit opportunities. Lectures are interesting
If you read the sections that Dr. Thompson assigns, and take notes in lecture, then there is no reason why you cant get an A in the class. He often tells the class, during lecture, what the extra credit test questions will be.
Lectures are long but interesting. If you don't want to invest time to read don't take the class. If you don't read you won't pass.
He makes it clear that the tests are half lecture and half reading, so if you don't read and/or don't go to class, you will not pass. He tries to make his lectures interesting and he's pretty funny too. He loves class questions so don't be afraid to ask if you're confused.
Interesting teaching style; Thompson depicts information and events of relevance and presents them in a very unique way; How does/can one influence, influence another. His lectures break down historical events and applies them to possible theories and influences but is very careful with his words when differentiated credible information with theory
Dr. Thompson had tough tests, but he really cares about the subject he teaches. Over the semester you'll get to know what things he has accomplished and he really knows what he's talking about. He claims the first exam is super hard (I got an A) but if you study you will do fine. Listen to the lectures and you'll get a good grade.
Loved professor Thompson although I hate history at all. He is very interesting to listen to and cracks jokes all the time. The tests for this class are based half off of the book and half off of the lecture, so if you do not read then nine times out of ten you will receive a C. Makes you work for an A, but does provide 30 points in extra credit.
I LOVED Dr. Thompson! He has a great sense of humor, even at his own expense, & shares about his interesting life. (not sure how he ended up in boring IN.) Write down the things he says about his past or his family- extra credit Qs! You DO need to read, but your cushion is up to 30 ec points for going to an event & writing a 1 pg explanation. EASY.
Dr. Thompson is a solid teacher with interesting lectures. There aren't a lot of assignments, mainly test. YOU NEED to at least read the major topics in the book as much of it isn't covered in class and his tests are 50% lecture and 50% reading. Tests are pretty easy to get a B on, but you'll have to write a solid essay on the test to get an A.
He is a great teacher. He keeps you engaged most of the time, and he was born in Africa so he has a slight accent. His accent does not make him hard to understand at all, though. He doesn't give out homework, only tests and a couple of quizzes. Extra credit options ALL THE TIME. READ THE BOOK, his tests are always right from the book.
So here's the thing. He's a great prof, but the class is 50% book and 50% lecture, which is a LOT of reading outside of class and also makes it mandatory to go to class. He is beyond helpful during office hours, and offers extra credit to make up for everyone failing the first test. He's a great prof, just a lot of work for a procrastinator like me
Professor Thompson is a GREAT teacher! He makes lectures interesting and easy to pay attention to. The only downfall is that the exams are half lecture and half reading so you absolutely have to read. He is very approachable when it comes to asking for help and he offers extra credit on all tests and outside of class for bonus reports.
When he says read the textbook he truly means it. If you do not read you will fail the tests. His tests are hard but he gives you most of the material you need while the other half is in the assigned reading. There is also many chance for extra credit.
He is a very hilarious teacher but you can not have any electronics in his class. But you need to read the book and attend the lectures to get a good grade on the tests. He does allow extra credit. Also he keeps you updates and his syllabus is precised too.
Funny guy. Need to read the assigned textbook readings as well as take notes during lecture to pass the tests. Always willing to help you during office hours with how to properly take notes. Tests and quizzes are all the points of his course but he gives extra credit on both and 30 extra credit points for other stuff. A fun and challenging course.
Prof Thompson is a great guy and makes jokes but if you are not good in history DO NOT take his class. It is super hard and you HAVE to do the reading to pass the tests. The reading is long and the lectures are boring most the time. He is a great guy overall and gives 30 points extra credit but I would not recommend him. No Study guides or help.
If you love history you will love Professor Thompson. He honestly loves his job and will communicate with his students effectively. Going to class is required because most of what he says is on the tests. He gives good opportunities for extra credit. His lectures are far from boring because he makes them interesting and he is hilarious.
Dr. Thompson is very passionate about history and he really knows his stuff. Your grade is based entirely on tests and quizzes (no homework). Reading all the material and attending all the lectures is crucial because his tests are 50% book / 50% lecture. He's very funny and even though I don't like history, I enjoyed the class.
If you absolutely LOVE history then maybe he is for you, but if you are like me and don't really like history then I suggest you NOT to take him. His tests are 50% lecture and 50% readings BUT you do not get a study guide and it is hard to keep up with readings because he assigns over 60 pages to read, sometimes 100.
Thompson is an amazing lecturer. His tests are half lecture, half reading so you have to both attend class and stay on top of the reading. There's one paper over a novel, but most of the grades come from the exams (which have built-in extra credit). You do have to study for these exams, but they aren't super difficult. One of my favorite profs!
He was a great teacher and can really help if you reach out to him; however the class is really tough. The exams are half lecture and half textbook so you HAVE to read the textbook and go to class. If not, then it's hard to pass the class. I also don't like history which made the class harder for me.
Absolutely adore this man. His lectures are fun and he interacts with his students a lot. If you pay attention and take notes and read the text book, its an easy pass. Available if you need help amd he holds study sessions with his TAs. Also helps you learn how to take notes. He's pretty funny when he wants to be. By far my favorite professor.
He's amazing! I hate history, but this professor really gets into it and you can tell he cares. The class is hard, but if you go to class and pay attention, he's willing to work with you to make sure you get the grade you want. He's funny and tells amazing stories. If you have to take history this is a great professor.
Dr. Thompson is very passionate about what he teaches. I found most of his lectures to be some what interesting. It would be hard to pass this class if you skip often. Read the textbook! He tests over material discussed both in class and in the textbook. Also, I found his review sessions held before exams to be quite helpful.
Thompson is an amazing professor, he is extremely passionate about his subject and his lectures really bring you in and make you interested. He's always involving students and provides extra-credit opportunities to raise your grade. If you read the book and pay attention to the lectures you will do well on the tests, and the quizzes are easy.
Thompson loves what he teaches and shows that through lectures. He assigns a lot of reading outside of class and only grades tests. You have 3 extra credit opportunities, you can get up to 30 points. If you don't think you are a good test taker DO NOT TAKE! Go to his office hours!!
This class was very difficult but the professor does his best. There's a lot of material he has to cover so get ready to READ. Almost 100 pages of textbook reading each chapter, and you have to read or else you'll fail because the tests are 50% lecture and 50% book. His tests are super hard too. If you can get an easier professor, DO IT!
I love this Professor! I HATE history and he made me want to come to class! I have found a new love for history. His test are straight forward, but you DO have to read the textbook. The exams are half lecture. half textbook. He gives you around 6 bonus points per exam. He makes history interesting and fun and only teaches what you NEED to know.
Dr. Thompson is very intelligent and at times humorous and witty. His grading criteria are clear and he is always available to help students. You HAVE to read the textbook to pass his class. The tests require you to have taken good notes from the textbook and lectures, but if you put in the work, youll do well.
He gave absolutely brilliant lectures and he is very interactive with the class. The class is only graded by a handful of tests that are quite difficult so you have to be on the ball and nail each test every time. The class was also extremely textbook heavy
I loved his lectures! He found a way to make western civ really interesting and engaging. I also loved how much opportunity for involvement and participation there was despite the class being a large lecture.
Thompson is amazing. He genuinely cares about all of his students and the material. His tests are about 60/40% lecture and textbook. He managed to cover over 500 years of history in a semester in great detail, and answered questions amazingly. If you get a chance to take anything with Dr. Thompson, DO IT! You won't regret it.
I really liked Professor Thomspon, he clearly really cares about his students and does a great job as meeting up or answering emails if you have questions. He's also pretty funny in class but he did assign a lot of papers to read. Usually, one every class and I had 4 article reviews, 1 book review and an annotated bibliography.
Professor Thompson genuinely wanted the student to leave having learned something. The class was very test, lecture, and reading heavy, though. You had to want to learn it. He was tough yet offered guidance.
Thompson is a lot of fun and his lectures are never boring. You have to do the reading because he doesn't cover everything in class. But if you do the reading then the questions on those topics are very easy. Exams are not hard if you pay attention and did the reading. Very fun guy with lots of great stories.
Thompson is one of the best professors I've had while at Ball State! He is always willing to help you out if you have any questions and he has great lectures. There is a lot of reading as you have to read the textbook, otherwise you won't pass his tests because there are questions about info in it. There are 2 books to read that are good books.
Professor Thompson makes sure you understand the material to the best of you ability. You will have to read because each exam covers info from lectures and textbook. There are essays and multiple choice on every exam, but if you pay attention you will be fine. There are review sessions before every exam and Prof. Thompson will meet w/ you whenever.
He lectures for a whole class, and his stuff never was super engaging or interesting. He covers specific things in class, but you'll need to read the book for broad context to pass his tests. The tests in general are long and sort of hard to read. He does offer 30 extra credit points for doing pretty short tasks.
Dr. Thompson is awesome! For a large lecture hall, he found ways to make class engaging. He covers a lot of content at a reasonable pace, especially for an entry-level class. This guy is hilarious, I learned a lot about bicycles and the french during this class as well! All for the Marxist revolution on the administration building he jokes about:)!
Professor Thompson is an orator in his classes. The materials and assignments are clear, as well as engaging; he is also easily available for clarification. Make sure you do the reading because weekly quizzes make up 20% of your grade. From movie night with pizza included to clemency in attendance, Thompson shows he cares about students.
Felt like it was a 400 level class
Professor Thompson is very passionate about history and shows it in his lectures. This course is based on his lectures and readings from the textbook. The test can be difficult if you do not read or come to class. There are up to 24 extra points in this class. There are also two novels that you have to read and take quizzes over as well.
Professor is very interested in what he is teaching. Class is based largely on student participation, and is more enjoyable if you join in too. Reading the textbook is not entirely mandatory but definitely helpful. Tests are difficult but manageable. Attendance is not mandatory, but definitely helps. Overall, great class.
Thompson is a great professor who has been teaching this course for 20+ years. 50% of tests are from the textbook and 50% from lectures. His lectures are interesting and engaging and he gives bonus points on all tests. He also gives extra credit reports. If you love history you will love him.
Exams are very unique, it takes a lot of reading and lecture listening. But it is very passable as long as you put in work. He gives extra credit opportunities through single-page reports and he finally allowed devices during lectures.
Dr. Thompson is so passionate and knowledgeable about history! Genuinely a nice guy and students would stay after to chat with him about their concerns. He was communicative over email so there was so confusion on anything. Tests are about 50% lecture and readings, so take good notes and read the textbook pages assigned and you will get an A!
Strict grader who focused more on prose than any English teacher. Was never clear on what he wanted, just gave basic and crap directions to use, no rubric to know the specifications of what he wanted. Reading was terrible and class meetings boring. Wouldn't recommend such a tedious and overall uninteresting teacher.
Enthusiastic, taught me how to take notes. I would recommend going to class and doing the reading. Only graded on a few online exams. Great study sessions from the TAs and the prof.
This class was WAY harder than it needed to be. You have no homework in this class, your entire grade is made up of 5 exams and 2 quizzes over books you need to buy and read. Exams are 50% lecture material and 50% textbook material. They were oddly difficult. You HAVE to attend class to pass and read the readings. Very genuine prof. though!
If you read the assigned material for each test and attend lectures then you will do well. Tests typically have multiple choice & short essay questions. When he says put as much info as possible in your essay question, don't skimp out or your score will suffer! Overall, his lectures were very engaging though & I would take a class with him again.
Dr. Thompson is always great to take classes with, however, he demands a lot from students. Lots of reading and four large essays, which he grades very thoroughly. Genuinely, a great guy who wants his students to be better writers and historians. He is picky on writing. Participation in class is important. Take a class with him! He's awesome!
I've never had a history professor who was so picky about my essays while having such a poor rubric for it and unclear standards. The class average for two out of three of our essays was 67.7%. And if you speak up in class and say an answer he's not looking for, he looks at you like you're stupid. Not my favorite professor despite the cool content.
Professor Thompson was a fantastic prof. Clearly very passionate about topic and had engaging and interesting lectures. Available outside of class for any concerns. Only grades were 5 online exams but you could use textbook on them. Kind of a ridiculous amount of reading for an intro class, though—40-50+ pages per unit.
The lectures in this class are great, however the textbook reading is ridiculous. There was a chapter we had to read over 70 pages for. And if you don't read the book be prepared to fail the tests, which are the only grades you will have. Yes, he has study sessions, but they are overall unhelpful. I'm tired of reading this god awful textbook.
very interesting lectures, presents material very clearly, incredibly pleasant to interact with, just stay on top of textbook readings and pay attention in class and it'll be an easy credit
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
49%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.56 avg changeRatings by Course
HIST202
5.0
(1)HIST
5.0
(1)HIST151
5.0
(1)HISTHIST
5.0
(1)HIST4
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HISTORY150
5.0
HST150
4.5
HIST471
4.3
HIST202
4.0
WESTERNCIV
4.0