More scientific stuff than I expected in a history class, but he used powerpoints and pictures to keep class interesting. A really nice guy who cares about how well students do.

Nice guy, learned quite a bit. Very strong evolutionary perspective. Lots of writing, almost all quizzes are purely writing...plus two research essays. You don't really need to study much, but he's a tough grader. Focus on good writing skills!

One of the best history profs I've had - highly recommend! Very energetic and enthusiastic. Even if the material would have been boring, his enthusiasm would make it interesting. Lots of discussion, very willing to help and very approachable!

Really nows his stuff. Very good prof. and he makes it an easy class. The whole grade is based off of writting.

GREAT prof! Extremely smart and enthusiastic. material isn't the most exciting, but he makes it bearable because he's an extremely nice guy. Don't worry about quiz grades-it's all about your essays and your final, but he prepares you!easy A or B!

One of the best history teachers I've ever had. His class is the highlight of my mornings. I'm learning so much more by having a southern hemisphere perspective to things. An absolutly brilliant teacher!

This class was very interesting because of him. I loved him for his energy and passion for what he taught. He is a very interesting person, hes traveled all over the world. If you do your work, and do it well, you will have no problems, Great accent!

Very good prof! Class packed with content and really challenges you to think in new ways. Creative and flexible paper topics.

Take this professor at least once before you leave. He is wonderful, funny and charsimatic.

One of the best. Very helpful and you actually learn in his class. I'd take him over and over again.

craig is a very enthusiastic professor. his class is a ton of fun. he has so much energy and passion for teaching and history. he cares about students and is very helpful. you must attend his class. pay attention and take good notes-you will do well.

One of the most enthusiastic professors I've ever had. The class was at 8:30 am and I never missed a single class, nor was I ever late. I didn't want to miss a thing! Plus, he's an expert at this stuff. He is also extremely helpful with papers we wrote.

For an austrian he's really cool. I like his teaching ability and he has a great sense of humor.

Great professor. I had him for Freshmen semiar, and it turned out to be my favorite class! If you have a chance to get him as a teacher, always take it.

Awesome teacher. Full of energy, makes thing interesting, and is very helpful. Can't waut to have him for History!!

so much fun! he's austrailian and talks like the crocidile hunter!

Wonderful prof. He's funny and passionate about the subject even though it can get a tad dry at times. I highly recommend this prof and this class.

Dr. B rocks!!! I really did not have much of an interest in history, but he definitely kept my interest! He's funny, knowledgable, entertaining, and best of all, has a passion for what he teaches, something many profs seem to lack these days. If you need a history class, he's your man!

this class is unbelievable easy!!!!!!!!!!!!! believe me when i say this, it is an easy A. his grading scale is awesome. he is a pretty good teacher and very energetic. very good professor!!!

Extraordinarily fair!!!!!! Very energetic and fun to learn from. Very passionate about history and socially conscious. But fair, so insanely fair. Incredulously fair! He’s so fair the other fake fair people are like whoa, he’s fair. He’s fair like ebay. he's fair like a necromancer with umes lament.

Very fair, he has a level head and can teach in a manner that is both interesting and stimulating. GVSU needs more Prof. like Prof Benjamin!

Very fair and wonderful professor. he is very interesting and gets you involved in what you're learning. i had no interest in history what so ever, and he really made me excited to go to his class. this is a very fair professor, and fair grader :)))))

Great teacher, covers a lot, but he gets so excited and you can't help but pay attention!

pretty good class, great guy to have for a History class.... I don;t know how your supposed to get A's on his papers, but it is close to impossible... decent class though youll have fun with him

One of the best profs. at GVSU. If you don't like history, he will at least help you to appreciate it. Take his class!

Very entertaining prof; great lecturer. I really enjoyed the discussion sessions. Challenging but pretty fair guy--packs a lot (perhaps too much) into his class.

A very good class and great professor. His powerpoints are interesting, but take up all of class. He really knows his stuff and is always eager to help in or outside of class. Visit his office hours to get more info. Starts class with music which is cool. Friday discussions are fun and interesting, and lead to good debates. Highly recommended

Benjamin is a great lecturer, and the discussion sections are fun and interesting. My only complaint is that the class covers too much ground, making it a little shallow, especially since there aren't many readings, so it has to rely entirely on the lectures (which are very information-packed).

Professor B. is awesome.

He's a really nice guy and all his notes are on blackboard which is nice so you can read them ahead of time (recommended because his lectures have a lot of information and it's hard to listen and pick out the important stuff unless you know where to look). Friday discussions are okay except I got tired of the constant religious debate.

He's a great prof, very energetic! Also, he's got a cool Australian accent. Good class~

GREAT PROFESSOR. Despite the class covering TONS of ground, Craig did an awesome job on covering it all in some detail. Class primarily relied on lectures for quizzes and whatnot but it was still a great class. Having him sit down and help you with papers is great too.

He was very helpful. He gave out comprehensive lecture notes so we wouldn't have to write al of it out. Very excited, he can make anyone interested in history.

An amazing guy with an Austrailian Accent! He teaches big history. Quizes are based on concepts not details, which is awesome for history. The guy knows what he's talking about buts makes it very interesting!

Wow. What an amazing teacher. Prof. Benjamin is an amazing guy. Always helpful. Witty, smart. Class is enjoyable but still very educational. Likes to cover a lot of ground so keep up. Make sure you are a good writer for his essays. He expects a lot in a little amount of space but you get the hang of it quickly. Cant say enough, love ya professor B!

Prof. Benjamin is an excellent speaker. He knows the material, and is eager to share an understanding of it. The lectures and class discussion were usually very interesting, and if you attend class, d/l the notes, and do (at least most of) the reading, you will definately do well. The music to wake us up before class didn't hurt, either. :)

This was one of the best classes I have ever taken. Professor Benjamin is an amazing person and teacher. Do whatever you can to take his class!

Great prof, hich energy, very well informed, passionate about his subject material and eager for YOUR point of view. Great balance of lecture, discussion, and jazz. By far a cut above at GVSU. God bless ya C.B.

Probably my fav professor ever! He makes lectures interesting and has great powerpoints with cool pictues. He is approchable and will talk with you about music, current events, anything! The class discussions are fun every friday and are a nice break from work. He is a lenient grader and is fair towards everyone! Def. take his class if you can!

Awesome teacher! If you need to take a history class or if you can get him for anything, take him! Fun, entertaining, and easy. He's really nice and a big help. Definately one of my favorites.

Loved the class, it was probably the only one this semester that I would enjoy going to. He always keeps the class interested and always wants your opinion on topics discussed in class. Definitely take this professor!

An awesome prof! If you're taking Lib, take him! He is really knowledgable about the topics he teaches on and always asks your opinions on ideas and situations. He starts everyday with music too.

What the...? No hotness ratings yet? Silly people! If any prof is hot, he is hot. Starts class with jazz, which I could live without, but continues it with a fascinating, high-paced and info-packed lecture that's also available in outline format. Great readings, very helpful, and all around a fantastic choice for your History capstone. Loved!

He's Australian.. need I say more? But for real, he's a great professor. He is very helpful & friendly. Lectures are pretty interesting. It is a "big history" class so just be aware of that coming in. No tests- just papers. He gave all the questions on the final a week before. I would definitely recommend him!

This was a great class! This prof has a ton of energy, a great sense of humor, and he knows the topics well. His history class isn't the typical history class, it's "big history". I loved it. He also cares about his students personally and encourages having an open mind and respecting the opinions of others. I would definitely take him again.

Amazing teacher; he was passionate about his subject and was extremely helpful and clear!

HE IS AMAZING! Entertaining and interesting! Great Aussie accent! His dog is adorable and DEFINITELY get his class! He made history not only bearable, but fun for me!

dudes awesome

He is very demanding, but does not give you any guidelines prior to writing essays...you just receive a bad grade. He is judgemental and develops attitute toward students very easily. His lectures are dull and too long for the class period. The books, with the exception of the GVSU one are rarely, if ever used. I have no desire to take him again.

The best class I have had so far at GVSU! He is such a fun professor and he really takes the time to get to know everyone, and truly cares. You will do a lot of class events together, and they are a lot of fun. Only have to write three papers and an exam and thats basically your grade, although he has high standards overall the class is super easy.

Any person who said that Professor Benjamin wasn't good is nucking futs. He's an awesome teacher with a lot of passion for his subject, he grades fairly hard on essays but is willing to help you improve your skills. Makes class enjoyable and challenging Sometimes long winded but overall if you are taking LIB 100 GET THIS PROFESSOR!!!!

best professor at gv. take him for lib 100 if you can. lectures are relevant to what is going on, has discussions with you every week to understand what your opinion on issues are. expects alot out of you and will get it out of you because he is crystal clear of what he expects from you.

Honestly, Prof. Benjamin is one of the most passionate and intelligible professors I've ever met. He loves what he's teaching, which is definitely refreshing, and he is definitely an excellent pick for Lib. The class is pretty basic-lecture and discussion, weekly readings, three papers, and a final exam. The class also engages you in the community.

Professor Benjamin is AWESOME!! He is definitely one of the Best professors ever!! He really enjoys what he teaches and makes you want to learn and come to class! He grades very fair and helps you achieve your best!! His discussions are interesting and help you understand all of the material! He encourages you to see the world in a new perspective!

I COMPLETELY agree! Professor Benjamin is extremely helpful. My roommate and I have often spoken with him about issues related to class or other concerns and he is very receptive & does everything he can to help us out. I love attending this class, even if I have just gotten up! He'd never turn students away and is very passionate about his work!

Professor Benjamin is the best professor I have ever had at GV. He tries to get to know each person in his class. His grading is extremely fair, write a good essay, get a good grade. He also is very willing to help if you ask. His lectures can be a little long, but they are VERY worthwhile. Take him!!

Prof Benjamin is a great prof. He really helps out and is very understanding with any problems you have. Just talk to him and he might give you an extension if needed. The discussions were alwasy very interesting you only have to do two papers and lead a discussion which is all pretty easy. He is very knowledgable. I definatly recommend him!!!!

I loved having Dr. Benjamin for History 101. He makes the class so fun and interesting, its impossible to hate it. He does almost everything frompowerpoint, but explains them well and thoroughly, so its hard to get a bad grade in this class. You can tell he honestly loves what he's doing. The Australian accent is pretty amusing as well. :)

I love this professor! I went to his class everyday and I had it at 9 am! It's simple to get a good grade and he is always willing to help you if you need it. You can turn in papers late if you really need to and he is very understand and considerate of his student's needs.

He's very easy going and personable. I really enjoy his class.

I think that Professor Benjamin is a fantastic instructor. He is helpful and considerate; I did not find the class terribly challenging, but mostly because he presented the material very well. Take this Gen-Ed!

I loved this class. I didn't skip it once. He is fun and respectful. If you have any questions about anything he is happy to answer them for you. You can tell he really loves to teach.

Professor Benjamin is awesome, he is very understanding as long as you let him know about why you are going to miss class. He makes discussion a fun and easy thing. He is very friendly and is willing to talk to you and help you through any problems you have.

Professor Benjamin is one of the best professors ever at GVSU. You can tell he loves to teach.He is very energetic about his profession and is willing to help you at any time.

Prof. Benjamin is a great teacher. He fully loves his job and really wants his students to succeed. He grades sort of hard but not too bad. If it's a MWF class you'll have discussions on Fridays. I can remember some pretty heated discussions but it was always beneficial. Uses powerpoints that are very helpful. I highly recommend him!

Very friendly, easy to talk to outside of class.

Benjamin doesn't really even need another positive comment on here...

Very passionate about history. Lecture notes are posted on Blackboard but he presents through powerpoint. Grades papers thoroughly, but is very willing to help you prepare for them. Quizzes aren't hard. Last half hour of the class (TR) is discussion/participation based. Overall, I would recommend him for a history professor.

He is very energetic and makes class much more interesting than Smith's section. Participation is KEY. There is a student led discussion every class period. When giving back papers, he takes the time to sit with you and tell you about his comments. Very helpful!

Great teacher, cares about information, students, and discussion. So helpful with papers and he's a really fun and hilarious Australian guy.

Very good professor! He's energetic about this subject, and makes you interested in it as well. I knew very little about Chinese history and desired to know little, but the way that he taught it made me want to research it more. Very understanding person and is willing to work with you.

He was a very nice professional professor. He was willing to help outside of class. He always replied to e-mails and was genuinely interested in what students had to say. Totally would recommend him for lib 100

I LOVE HIM! He is the easiest, nicest professor I ever had, I love history but I have never taken world history like this, he teaches big history that goes to the beginning of time, not of man! The grade is made up of 2 papers that are extremely easy, 5 quizzes - again easy, and participation, fill in the notes and you'll get an A no problem!

Tied for one of my best professors that I have ever had. Very clear, engages the class, funny, and very nice. Turns a Gen Ed into a class that is very fun and enjoyable to go to. He hasfill in the blank notes and class discussion after each lecture. TAKE BENJAMIN! you won't regret it.

This was the best History class I could have ever taken. Professor Benjamin is awesome and extremely helpful and funny. Def take this History class beats ALL other history profs BY FAR. Also, the book was not used, I never bought it.

He is the nicest person and takes an actual interest in his students. He is a relatively tough grader on papers, but if you visit him in office hours he is extremely helpful and gives good feedback to help you get a good grade. Class is half lecture, half discussion.

Absolutely amazing prof. A sexy beast to boot. };)

This profesor is extremely helpful and his accent is adorable! He is strict in some aspects but is always willing to lend a helping hand. His lectures are very interesting and sometimes surprising. Overall a extremely wonderful professor!!!

He is absolutely wonderful!! He is definitely a great professor, and someone that you will love having as a teacher!! His accent is sooo adorable, and he deserves a red hot chili pepper!! =) haha

Benjamin is great! He clearly is passionate about what he teaches, and he has a very broad knowledge base and can talk about anything! The class was mostly discussion, with a few lectures. He very approachable, and truly cares about every student. I didn't have a final exam when I took the class, which is a bonus! And he has an Aussie accent. =)

THEE BEST PROF I've had at GV so far. He has an amazing australian accent and he really cares about his students. Keeps the class interesting and really helps to further your knowledge in a variety of areas. TAKE HIM IF AT ALL POSSIBLE!

BEST PROFESSOR EVER! Super helpful, really cares about his students. He's not the easiest, but he's very understanding and able to help with anything. WONDERFUL professor.

Hands gown pest prof I have had since I have been at GVSU. I am not a history person at all, but he made the class fun. His lectures are very easy to pay attention too. Especially with his accent! ;) His class to does not require a whole lot of work. Just a few essays & you must participate in discussion. He is a somewhat tough grader. Overall GREA

Loved this class. It was interesting, inspiring, and a lot of fun. Benjamin keeps a casual atmosphere in the class and has no qualms with getting to know students on a personal level. Lectures can be a little intense sometimes, a lot of info covered in class, and papers have to be top-notch when you turn them in. Still a good experience to have!

Fantastic professor! Very easy to talk to and really funny. He is extremely knowledgeable about the subject. Papers were extensive--a lot of effort required, but definitely helped to become a better writer.

AMAZING professor and an incredible and inspiring person. Could not ask for a better person to teach... he has so much experience and seems so busy. But cares so much about his students, no matter what. Be sure to print out the notes and participate in class discussion! DEFINITELY TAKE HIM!

Best teacher ever, and i usually hate history! He is really funny and has lots of good stories to tell that relate to the text. I never miss his class! He is super inspiring and has a great austraulian accent. If you have any choice, take his Big History class! You will love it!

Benjamin is fantastic!! He is enthusiastic and great to talk to. He knows basically everything, and he makes the class a great experience. If you're in Honors with him, you get to go to Chicago, among other fun trips and activities. He gets a A+.

Awesome professor! Takes the history of pretty much everything and compresses it into a comprehensible and interesting course. He's very respectful of student's views and opinions on controversial subjects and is really down to earth. Tends to play favorites a bit though not too bad - easy grader - I'd definitely take another course with him

Great prof!!! Expects a lot from students but is always willing to help (responds to emails the same day). Gives ridiculously detailed notes on paper drafts that push a good writer to become a fantastic one. Stop by office hours to say hi - he loves to chat.

Dr. Benjamin is an incredible man. I had him for my freshman sequence and not only is he an amazing teacher, but a fantastic mentor and motivator. He makes the class incredibly interesting and I promise you'll enjoy it.

Dr. Benjamin is the man! Makes class very engaging and gets all of his students involved. He does his best to relate all topics to the lives of his students. Great professor and an even better guy, if you have the chance take Dr. B for sure!

Professor Benjamin is a very nice and helpful teacher. However, he is somewhat more harsh towards the students with religious views. He tends to be more fond of the students who agree in the big bang and everything that goes along with it. But nevertheless, he is one of my favorite professors and he teaches very well!

Professor Benjamin is the best professor I've ever had. I would definitely suggest him to anyone who is in honors, or any other class he teaches! He really helped with my writing, he taught well, and best of all, he was just a really cool, inspiring man. Be warned - he will make you want to travel the world and climb mountains.

Hands down, he is an exceptional professor. He knows how to push students to improve themselves in an extremely positive and supportive way, a way that very few professors are able to master. I could not recommend Professor Benjamin more. Take him if you get the chance. It will become one of your best college decisions, I promise you.

Professor Benjamin is an amazing professor! Focus on East Asia was my favorite class all year, largely due to him as the professor. We went on a winter hike, rock climbing and to Chicago as field trips. Prof. B. really cares about the success of his students personally as well as academically. He is a very interesting and has many stories to tell.

Craig Benjamin is just the King of Awesome, his History of East Asia Class is engaging and fun. He is super friendly and outgoing. What a great professor, what a great guy!

Great professor, I would recommend him to anyone. He genuinely cares about his students and takes the time to get to know them. He cares that students are learning but doesn't try to overwhelm them. Great class, superb teacher.

Two 30 min lectures per class and then a discussion on things such as definition of evil or religion. No final exam. One 5 page paper and one 7 page paper that you can start the day you get the syllabus. Nice guy, but very into himself. Outdoor discussions, field trip to art fair and chicago was fun. I was zoned out for every lecture and got an A-

Great Guy. Responds to emails pretty much right way.

I can't put in words how much I adore this man. He cares so much about his students. He's adventurous. He's funny. He's great. He loves outdoor classes and he takes you everywhere! He lectures half the class then we just talk for the second half about everything even partially related to the topic. TAKE HIM. Best honors sequence around.

Prof. Benjamin truly cares about his students. He asks about their lives outside of class and makes sure they are headed on path best suited for each individual student. He is a big believer in adventure, discussions, and that not all learning happens in the classroom.

He is a legend of a professor, and I still keep in contact with him even after my class ended. He genuinely cares for his students, and loves hearing opinions in discussion that differs from his. TAKE HIM, no matter what class, you will have fun and learn a ton.

By far the best professor I have ever had. I have so much respect for him as a person and as a professor. You can tell he loves what he does and is there for all his students. I would take him for every class if I could! You dont need to buy the Big History textbook though.

Professor Benjamin is an incredible professor. He makes students form their own ideas and present them to the class in discussions that are so easy to contribute to.

He's great

One of the most inspiring teachers. If you need to take an honors sequence, take Big History!

Craig Benjamin is an amazing professor. Very caring and helpful. He keeps it easy, but I had him for a gen ed course and he typically only teaches honors classes.

He plays the piano every day before class. He is really funny and his australian accent is amazing. It is a really enjoyable and easy. He really does care about his students and the material. 100% would take again!

Awesome professor!! He really cares about his students and goes beyond the classroom to make sure everyone does well in his class. I plan on taking more classes with him in the future.

HE IS AMAZING! He cares so much for each student on an individual level and wants everyone to succeed. Understands when people are in the class just as a gen-ed and doesn't make it hard to get a good grade. I would love to take another one of his classes! He plays the piano before class which is a plus! He's just a real down to earth guy, LOVED HIM

Prof Benjamin really cares about his students and about quality learning (rather than busy work). Interesting class with plenty of discussion. Would take him again if possible!

Swets was a pretty good prof just a little monotone and the material can get a little boring. Tests were straight forward and you can do the study guide a few days before the test and be fine. Posts all powerpoints on Blackboard. Also, he's not too bad to look at so going to lecture doesn't hurt but it isn't needed. Didn't touch the textbook once.

The most incredible prof teaching the most incredible class. Classes are half lecture half discussion and he allows discussion to bend in whatever way students want. He is great at creating an environment that is respectful of all ideas and instills a passion for the world. Get to know him.

I was so lucky I got to take Professor Benjamin. He is a fantastic professor and I would take his class 100 times over again. He is incredibly inspirational and well travelled. Ask him an off topic question and he will go off on great stories for the rest of the lecture. If you can take him, do it.

I've never had a prof as great as Prof B! He cares SO much about his students and puts their needs first before anything else in his class. He's fun and easy to talk to, and totally knows what he's talking about. He's great at giving feedback on quizzes and papers. He expects a lot, but it's nothing that you can't do. 110% would recommend Prof B!!

I've never had a professor like Craig before. He's so caring and amazing and you can tell he's so passionate about what he does. He cares more about his students than any professor I've ever met and wants every student to succeed. He really pushes you to do your best, and has really made me confident in what I can do.

Really nice and caring teacher. One of the best honors sequences you can take. However, he is so nice that he doesn't assign enough homework which means you don't learn as much as you would in another sequence.

Professor B is the sweetest human alive. He goes the extra mile to get to know each of his students, and he is a great advisor. It is not hard to get an A in the class as long as you give an honest effort. This class focuses on class discussion, so participation is necessary. I love how interactive the class is and the constant class excursions!

By far one of the greatest and smartest men I have ever met. Truly cares about his students physical and mental health and knows everything about anything. Very insightful and I never feel like I don't want to go to his class. The class is very long but you will never feel bored. I'd change my major to jazz history just to have him as my prof again

TAKE PROF B. He is one of my favorite professors at GV and honestly cares about his students overall health in college. Made class interesting and cared about all of us. Learned a lot and really enjoyed my time in his class!

Professor B teaches his class in a way that it almost doesn't feel like a class. His emphasis for the class is teaching students communication and critical thinking skills. He doesn't necessarily care whether you understand the history, he wants you to come out of the class a better person. He's so caring and hilarious, definitely the best prof.

Professor Benjamin is amazing and if you get the chance to take him you absolutely should. The class is heavily discussion based which is 1000x more beneficial than content based classes especially when just filling honors requirements. The syllabus says to buy a book but you DO NOT have to, we never used it through the year.

Professor B will by far be the best teacher/professor I have EVER had. Amazing, caring person that will do anything to help his students succeed. He makes a class learning about ancient China actually interesting. Lots of trips (one to Chicago) and hikes and exploring as well! I cried on the last day because I knew I would miss that class so much.