4.6
Quality3.5
Difficulty86%
Would Retake97
Reviews86%
Would Retake
97
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
70
4
18
3
7
2
2
1
0
What Students Say
“He's the best professor at JMU, ask any Comm major”
SCOM341 - 5.0 rating“You will not regret taking Dan's class”
SCOM341 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
59%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.12 avg changeRatings by Course
SCOM472
5.0
(2)SMAD472
5.0
(1)SCOM453
5.0
(2)SCOM353
5.0
(1)POSC472
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
SCOM457
4.0
SMAD472
4.0
SCOM353
4.0
SCOM123
3.9
SCOM472
3.5
Reviews (97)
If you read the textbook and know the terms you will do fine! Class is mandatory but he makes the class fun! he likes to show video clips during his powerpoints. Take him for GCOM!He was super helpful during office hours and likes when the class participates. Tests are hard if you cannot comprehend the common textbook for GCOM, if you dont read!
I have had most of the teachers in the SCOM school and Schill is by far my favorite. Every lecture is extremely interesting and easy to follow if you pay attention. If you're interested in politics he has a really impressive background in the field and is always looking to help his students out. If he has spots open in any of his courses, sign up.
He is definitely my favorite teacher. He explains everything clearly and is very funny. There are alot of notes but he makes class more interesting with videos, memes, etc. The tests are hard but not if you study and pay attention in class.
Dr. Schill was by far my favorite professor. He will go out of his way to help you and is constantly asking if there is anything he can do to help. He is EXTREMELY knowledgable. His two tests are pretty tough but if you study you can get an A. The lectures sometimes drag on but he makes it interesting with video clips. Super funny too! Deff take
Great professor! He is very approachable and tells you exactly what he wants from you. Tests cover lots of material but he gives you study guides, so its easy to do well on the tests. Lectures are long, but he makes the material easy, so it's 100% worth it. TAKE HIM.
Dan Schill is a really cool, laid-back guy. He makes an effort to get on his students' level and engage with them as an equal. His humor makes him relatable. Practice your speeches and use the online textbook to study for tests.
Really, really good teacher but really hard grader. He puts an extreme amount of info on each tests so get ready to study a ton.
Dr. Schill is awesome! Tough class- a lot of work- but doable. He really is there to help and honestly cares about his students. I worked my butt off and got an A so its possible, but if you're not willing to work don't expect to do well
Really, really good teacher but really, really hard grader. For a GenEd like this I would rather just have an easy grader.
If you want someone to grade absurdly hard for a gened, take Dan Schill. He is a really good teacher and a good guy, but his grading scale is insane and his tests are super hard.
Dan is an awesome guy! He made gcom one of the most enjoyable classes I've taken by keeping the lectures interesting with videos, memes, etc. He doesn't just teach you the material, he has an extensive background in the field and keeps lectures interesting with lots of stories from his experience. Take him.
It was an absolute joy taking Dan's political communication class. He's been a tremendous source of inspiration for me, and created a newfound fascination with politics and the news media. He relates to students in a very unique way, and has top-notch lecture delivery. It's like Stewart, Colbert & Oliver had a baby with Jesus & Cam from Modern Fam.
Dan is a great professor! He sends frequent emails offering his help and reminding that he's open for office hours. He's extremely experienced in his field can answer any of your questions. He cares a lot about his students.
Schill was an awesome professor. He's very funny and has interesting lectures. However, his tests are incredibly tough and he's a very hard grader. Don't miss class or you'll feel like you've missed whole sections of the class and be lost on the exams. Final exam was cumulative, and the toughest of the tests.
Maybe the best professor I've had at JMU! Helps students, makes lectures interesting, doesn't waste your time, the textbook was interesting and helpful, he's very experienced in what he talks about, clearly spends time preparing lessons and assignments, loves what he does. Do yourself a favor and take his class!
Dr. Schill's lectures are great, they're really entertaining and you learn a lot. However, his tests are nearly impossible. I would still take him again because he's a great teacher, but don't expect better than a C.
Dan Schill makes SCOM 123 so interesting and entertaining. He is more than willing to help you and your group in any way he possibly can. He's extremely knowledgeable and funny, both of which are evident in his lectures. Tests are hard and speeches are graded rather tough but believe me when I say TAKE HIS CLASS, YOU WONT REGRET IT!!
Dr. Schill is an amazing professor and he really knows what he's talking about. The content of what you learn is pretty boring, but he makes its more fun and interesting. His tests aren't difficult as long as you study for them. I highly recommend taking him because he is super nice and helpful.
Dan Schill an awesome guy, very funny and relatable. However he might be the hardest professor you could take or SCOM123. Tests are very hard compared to the final, and he grades the speeches very tough. Overall great guy, but very tough grader. Especially for a gen ed class that everyone needs to take...
After looking at the syllabus for this class I felt extremely overwhelmed but stuck with the class because it seemed worth it. It was. If you want to do something in politics or communication I insist that you take a class with Schill. He gives you real life advice and anecdotes. He also has the bio to back it. (CNN, Congress, Stats etc)
Great professor. Discussions are all very interesting because of his humor. Not an easy A or B. I worked really hard to get a B. Test are very hard, and you literally need to study everything. His test are a lot harder than
Dan is such a nice guy and I really enjoyed his lectures, but the tests were nearly impossible to do well on. He puts funny videos in his lectures, but still tests were very difficult. Speeches weren't too bad!
His lectures are great, as an SCOM prof, it's good to see that he's good at speeches. The hour and 15 minute class flies by, as he is funny and really relates to the class. I would highly recommend Prof. Schill, as he is a good resource for years after you take SCOM.
I love Dan! He is very entertaining and seems to be very passionate at what he is teaching! The tests are difficult and speeches are very important but barely any homework. Lectures every class but he makes the entertaining and they literally fl by! Highly recommend!
He's a great dude, but makes this class unnecessarily difficult. Tests are ridiculously hard and content heavy. Grades the speeches as if you were giving a professional speech. Doesn't give you feedback until the very last minute on speeches. You have to dedicate a lot of time outside of class if you want an A. Not worth it for a required gen-ed.
Dan Schill is a great scom professor! You have to read the chapters in the book and take good notes in class, but its totally worth it. He makes lectures funny and tells you exactly what to fix for speeches if you go to his office hours. Also class is mandatory but you get a couple of free days. Tests are challenging because there is so much info.
I loved Dan. He is very very clear and writes out exactly what you need to do. Don't think this class will be an easy A because all 123 classes arent. He is a great guy in all. Very wholesome and relatable. Very lecture heavy but I always thought they were entertaining and interesting. He is always willing to give you feedback and help TAKE HIM!!!!
Dr. Schill is one of the nicest people. His class can become challenging at times (the tests are difficult and the speeches can be graded harshly) but, if you go talk to him and ask for help he WILL help you. I always enjoyed actually going to class on lecture days because his lectures are upbeat, fun, and entertaining!
Dan is a great guy. His class is hilarious and its easy to pay attention and follow his lecture. You take a lot of notes in class and attendance counts, so you cant skip. All of his powerpoints are online tho. But he makes the class very difficult. Its impossible to do well. Tests and speeches are hard. If you want an easy A, dont take him.
Dan is really interesting and has fun with the class. If you want to take an political class at JMU choose him. Classes aren't boring, and although he lecture he splits it up so the class has time for discussions. He also wants to hear your opinion no matter what it is. The exams are hard but reasonable, if your study your fine.
Dr. Schill is a nice guy and makes the lectures interesting, but don't be fooled. There are 2 midterm tests that are beyond difficult, and a cumulative final. Hard grader on speeches. Tests are majority of your grade. He is a nice guy, but take a different professor if you want a good grade. Way to difficult for a gen ed class that is required.
Super nice guy, but he grades very harshly. You don't get to pick your groups, and you're stuck with them for the entire semester. Only two tests, both of which were not easy, but I felt that I was more prepared for the final than friends with easier professors. Don't take for an easy A, but if you're willing to put in the work, his class is fun.
I think it's the nature of the class but it is so hard to get an A. I really like Schill and I would recommend him, but if you find a class that sounds easier, take that one
Dan is a really awesome professor who cares about his students and his subject matter. However, I would not recommend taking him for SCOM123. He grades too harshly, has way too much material on the exam, and the group aspect of the class can hurt your grade.
Genuinely cares about his students passing and the lectures are awesome. I genuinely enjoy his class, and he is always open to working with you if you ever need anything. Theres 4 total exams, at least 8-12 outlines (easy points), a pitch video and 2 papers (also easy points, cares about application more than writing). Definitely recommend
He truly cares about his students and wants everybody to do a good job. Tests are a little tough, but fair. Dan goes out of his way to make sure students understand the content. Work outside of the class is definitely reasonable.
Dan was by far the most influential and caring professor I have ever had. The man truly cares about you as a student and is easily accessible outside of the classroom. His stories as a person coincide with his lectures perfectly, making it very easy to put into context. Dan make you work hard for your grade, but offers an abundance of insight.
Dan is the man. He's the best professor at JMU, ask any Comm major. I loved going to his class because not only is the information interesting, but he's a fantastic lecturer. He makes everyone laugh and makes the information memorable, so when it comes Exam time, you can remember the information. Cannot emphasize how amazing this professor is.
Hands down best professor I've had at JMU. His lectures are SO interesting and he is one of the most caring professors I've ever had. He makes you work for your grade, but he 100% wants you to succeed. If you have the opportunity to take him for 341, you are very lucky. Utilize his office hours if you are struggling in the class, he will help you.
He is the best professor I have ever had at JMU. very interesting and is so willing to help. take him!!!
Dan is the man. Easily one of my favorite professors at JMU and I actually look forward to his class. He is hilarious and makes the topic interesting and relatable. Make sure to read the textbook (which is actually an easy read and is interesting). You will not regret taking Dan's class. Such a great guy!
Dr. Schill is highly knowledgeable about media and politics and makes class lecture highly entertaining. The material gives students great history lessons of U.S. politics and his lectures are thought-provoking. His exams are not easy and do not match the level of difficulty of lectures. Textbooks are boring to read but necessary.
Loved Dan and this class so much. Although attendance isn't mandatory you should definitely go. He's so funny and genuinely makes lecture enjoyable. You probably won't pass if you don't go. Material seems easy but requires a lot of studying. 4 exams, 2 papers, 1 project at the end of the semester. I wish I could take all my classes with him!
Dan is the man!! I can not stress this enough. Dr. Schill actually cares about his students. He gives you specific feedback as to where you went wrong and hes ALWAYS willing to help you out. His class is challenging but worth it. I would change my entire class schedule around this professor.
LOVE DAN. He will make every class worth going to. He teaches students about the course, but also gives you life lessons. I took his persuasion class and I think I reference information learned in that class every single day. His lectures stick with you. He's wonderful, wish more profs were like Dan.
WHAT A GUY. In constant dad mode but one of the most caring professors I've had. He gives great examples and really knows what he is talking about. Kind of a tough grader but gives you every possible resource to succeed, I had no trouble paying attention to lectures because he's so enthusiastic and engaging. Favorite professor.
I. LOVE. THIS. MAN. It is a hard class but he really makes you work for it. Lots of vocab and the tests are difficult. Groups are assigned randomly so good luck, I was honestly fine and he grades harsh on presentations. If you have the chance take this professor, you will not regret it just because Dan makes it worth the difficulty.
Dan is an amazing professor with extensive knowledge of SCOM. His class is not designed for you to receive an A, he does give extra credit if you ask though. His tests are very difficult and cover extensive content. He really cares about his students and tailors to the class needs. Don't recommend if you are looking for easy gen ed.
One the nicest guys you'll ever meet, is very passionate and knowledgable about communications but the class is extremely difficult to succeed in. Lectures are very long and tests are very difficult. One of the best professors i've had but wouldn't recommend him for this gen ed.
Dr. Schill was amazing!! The class was relatively easy and it was a class that I actually wanted to go to. He shares a lot of stories about himself throughout his life that are actually pretty funny. Engaging in his class will help immensely. I would REALLY recommend taking Dr. Schill for whatever class.
Prof. Dan was amazing! While the class was difficult, he is very accessible outside of class and offers great feedback. I worked in a group for this class and he gives everyone enough time to introduce ourselves to each other and even offers ways to talk to each other about projects effectively. I would 100% take any SCOM class with Dan!
Quite a difficult class but I do not regret taking it. He is such an interesting professor that had lots of experience that could relate to what we were discussing. The exams are difficult and you won't get by if you don't study.
I absolutely adored Dan. Not only is he a wonderful teacher, but the information he provides is also very practical. He is very supportive, very helpful, and provides feedback that is useful. His class was always a treat.
Dr. Schill is awesome, he makes the lectures fun for students. the only downside is that the tests are incredibly difficult. you have to study HARD, you cannot cram the night before and expect to do well. his study guides aren't the most helpful but if you take lots of notes, review the material prior& study you'll be fine. he is seriously the best
He is such a sweet guy and really cares about you as students. However, it is a ton of material and there are 4 tests. If you study all the notes and go to class, you will get an A. He posts the lectures which is nice but put in the work and you will see the reward. He also gave us 35 points extra credit because of the pandemic- really great dude.
Go to lecture, he always includes things not in the posted notes and it's always a good time. If you read and study a lot you should be okay, but don't slack. His tests are a little difficult, and he made us do it on lockdown with a camera which made me super anxious. He communicates well and actually cares.
Dan is the best. He cares about the well being of his students so much and will accommodate with you. Gave everyone 35 extra credit points to make up for being in a pandemic. His tests are kinda hard but if you study you'll be okay! I went to his office hours and went over my exam and I did so much better on the next one. He is seriously the best.
If anyone grades this man bad from fall semester 2021 it is because of their work ethic/desire to do well. Dan gave 35 extra points for a pandemic, gives extra credit, and gave up his own time to have study sessions. He put study groups together for us- if people did bad it is because they didn't work hard- it is a 341- grow up, grades aren't given
Prof. Schill? Incredible. This man will always be available to you whenever you need him, he cares about his students more than any teacher I have had. His class is somewhat challenging, but he is an amazing instructor, and learning the material should be a breeze with moderate commitment. He will do anything to make sure you pass a test.
Rating him before the semester is over because of how great the dude is. Don't get me wrong, you have to work hard for your grade but Schill values students, will work with you at any point, and genuinely cares about your well-being. I wish I had all 5 classes with him. Persuasion with him is fun, challenging, and I am motivated to come each time.
Dan was by far the best professor I had all semester. He is so understanding of students time and was willing to help. He gave extra credit throughout the year for simply attending class. 100% take him if you can!
By far one of my nicest professors I've ever had. He's clear about what he's grading on and gives in-depth, constructive feedback on papers. The exams are straight from the textbook; you need to read the chapters and study them if you want to do well. Lots of extra credit opportunities and he responds to emails quickly.
Professor Schill is always willing to help his students. Even though he is a persuasion professor, he is easily persuaded (said so himself). The material really isn't that difficult if you read the textbook and show up to class. 3 exams plus a final and 2 papers (very easy). Schill is super friendly and a great lecturer! Highly recommend!
DAN DA MAN! A great man and an inspirational person to say the least. It was a challenging SCOM class compared to my friends, but I learned to love public speaking from it. Exams are difficult, I made a 450 term Quizlet and somehow got a C - on that exam. Final was easy because it was universal in the SCOM department. I reccomend.
Made an account on RMP only to rate Dan Schill and tell you to take this. I genuinely look forward to going to this class at 9AM. He is the coolest person and professor I’ve ever had at JMU. Exams are definitely tough, but he is super helpful and genuinely cares about his students. You would be missing out on not taking Schill’s class
I LOVE DAN. major dad vibes. He really cares about what he is talking about and will accommodate to what we need. He moved deadlines and added review sessions for us that we asked for. Alot of reading but I never did it. 2 big papers that were difficult but if you follow the rubric then you can get 100. Tests have a lot of material.
Best professor I've had at JMU. Sincerely cares about his students and wants them to do well. His tests can be hard, but as long as you study you can earn a good grade. All of his outlines/ papers are clearly explained and always offers extra credit. TAKE HIM!!!
Professor Dan is AMAZING! You will learn a TON in this class, but get ready to put in work. It's worth it. Exams can also be really tricky so study up for them. Put in lots of time, and you will get a good grade. Put in minimal work, and you will suffer. Dan also cares a ton for each of his students, so making yourself known is helpful.
Professor Schill is an extremely great person and did make class enjoyable. The class is just based on a few test grades which were extremely hard that required a lot of studying. He is extremely helpful and wants to make sure you are doing your best and that you will end up passing the class. Overall, he is a great person, but the tests are hard.
Too much material for a semester- very interesting, but I would prefer to delve deeper into fewer topics than try and condense so many topics into 16 weeks. Also, attend all test review sessions- they HELP
Professor Dan is my favorite professor so far at JMU. He is funny, caring, loves his job, and knows what he's talking about. His lectures are entertaining, interactive, and easy to follow. The textbook is not required, but can be helpful. The tests are heavy, but if you attend the lectures and study, you will be fine. 10/10 really enjoy this class.
I would take any class Dan teaches. He is awesome and will do whatever he needs to do to make sure you succeed. Yes, this is a hard class content-wise, Dan's energy and thorough explanations during lectures help tremendously so go to class. You can tell he loves what he does. He deserves a promotion or something
tests are hard but if you study you'll be fine. He is so fun and really cares about us. I wish I had him for every class. His lectures are interesting and engaging. If you try on assignments you'll get a 100.
Take Dan's class. All I have to say is study for tests, take good notes and you will be fine. Gave extra credit, and several easy assignments for grade boosters. He is the best
Dan is huuuge dad guy. Tells it how it is but always willing to help. When he gives advice, listen!!!! Easy class if you take notes and pay attention
Dan is hands down the best professor I have had at JMU. His class may not be the easiest, but he makes lectures fun and engaging. You have to put in work to get a good grade, but it's not hard if you put in the work. I wish I could have him as my professor for every class! TAKE HIM!
Dan Schill is the best professor I've ever had. He is so kind and tries his absolute hardest to make sure everyone in the class gets a good grade. The tests can be a little difficult, but only if you don't study. Lectures are also very interesting and Dan is super funny so I liked going to class and always learned so I always did well on the tests.
Not one bad thing to say, Dr. Schill is the best professor I have ever had at JMU. The class is hard, but he makes it so much better and really cares for his students to understand and be successful. If you go to class, take notes on lectures, and study 3 days prior to the test you will be fine. Gives so many opportunities to earn points. The best.
Dan was one of my favorite professors! He gives a lot of extra credit and sometimes randomly. Tests are hard (the class just is hard), but he's willing to review exams with you. He's caring and an all around great guy.
BEST PROFESSOR EVER! I stan Dan love him. Such an interesting class, and he gives the best lectures. Attendance isn't mandatory but you will do better if you go to class. Study a lot and you should do fine! He gives a lot of extra credit opportunities.
Dan is honestly one of the best SCOM professors at JMU. He genuinely wants everyone to do well and pass his class. His classes are pretty much mandatory other than the 2 sick days you get but he is very understanding. All his lectures are interesting and he gives us a lot of opportunities to turn in late work. TAKE DAN!!!!
rad dude
Dr. Schill is THE best professor I've had a JMU. His lectures are actually so interesting and you can really tell that he cares about each and every one of students. Definitely take him for SCOM 341!
This class was fine, it was kind of hard for no reason, with the exams being pretty challenging. No real homework just a discussion each week. If you are very passionate about NonProfits take this class. There is one group project at the end which was kind of annoying. Idk if i really recommend this class tbh, but it wasn't awful.
I think that Dan is a great guy, however I did not do well with his teaching style as it was very very jam-packed every lecture. The exams were overwhelming as well unnecessarily. Classwork is completely reasonable and he once again is extremely smart and caring I just did not do well with how quickly and how much information he taught in a day.
Honestly, this class is fine. Love the professors! But this class was low-key hard and a good bit a work with a huge project at the end. HW due once a week, a few papers, and 2 projects. Participation matters. I wouldn't recommend. But if you're passionate about Nonprofits then take this class.
Professor Schill is a persuasion expert and a great guy—super friendly and always willing to chat. His lectures are captivating and engaging. The tests are tough, but there's a good amount of easy A homework that helps boost your grade. He's one of the best professors I've had.
Tests are worth most of your grade so make sure you do well on them. He's really funny and makes class entertaining. Lots of extra credit opportunities. Small homework assignments on paper, he uses these for attendance and you get 3 that get dropped. In classes where there is no homework, there is extra credit for being in class.
Dr. Schill is the BEST! He made lectures engaging and interesting to listen to. The exams are pretty difficult and make up most of the grade, but if you follow the study guide, attend class, and go to office hours, you'll be fine. He really cares about his students success both in class and in real life. Take him if you can!
Scom 341 is a requirement for all scom majors but I suggest taking this class online or with a different professor if you don't want to fail. He's a nice guy and his lectures are amazing but his tests are extremely difficult and make up most your grade. He gives a ton of extra credit but definitely study and go to office hours. Take someone else!!
Love Dan, he is amazing and wants to help you pass the course. He gives extra credit and will help you as best as he can. 2 papers ~ easy 100 if you follow the rubric 1 memo ~ easy 95/100 if you follow the rubric 10 outlines ~ easy 5/5 if you write down a lot (drops the lowest 3) Exams - HARD ~ you need to study a ton, like days and weeks.
Amazing professor, always willing to help and offers lots of extra credit. 2 papers and 1 memo easy 95/100 if you follow the rubric, and 10 outlines, very easy points & lowest 3 dropped. Exams are VERY HARD. Study days in advance, multiple choice, and all info comes straight from the book, so read it carefully!
The best professor and teacher I have ever have. Great guy and great teacher.
BEST TEACHER & PERSON EVER!! Took his class for SCOM 341. The tests are difficult if you don't study and know the material. He gives lots of extra credit and makes the lectures fun and engaging. He does review zooms the night before an exam which helps so much. Overall great professor who cares about his students and is passionate about the subject
Best scom professor. he really cares about his students and makes sure you're good or if you need help. the tests are heavy with information but if you study you will be good. he also offers so much extra credit
He is one of the best professors I had at JMU!! He cares so much about his students! His tests are hard, but he helps students so much beforehand and genuinely cares and wants you to succeed!
This was the best class and professor I've ever had in my JMU experience. If you are at all interested in poli sci take this class! I learned so much and gained so much insight about the political world. Dan is such an inspiring professor and cares so much about his students. He is very accessible and is always willing to help, 10/10 class and prof
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
59%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.12 avg changeRatings by Course
SCOM472
5.0
(2)SMAD472
5.0
(1)SCOM453
5.0
(2)SCOM353
5.0
(1)POSC472
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
SCOM457
4.0
SMAD472
4.0
SCOM353
4.0
SCOM123
3.9
SCOM472
3.5