Everyone hates this man, but its because they dont want to learn. He is a great teacher and will teach you a ton. Also, his atheism is a breathe of fresh air. no stupid ignorant christian stuff here. he also makes jokes :)

I thought he did a good job. You will like him if you have a good sense of humor. He is not an ass, he is super sarcastic and if you want to learn about sci. he will teach you. He is tired of people being in school and not learning.

Let's face it...anyone who's taken Hilton knows he's an ass but he is a good teacher. I learned tons of stuff dispite his arogance and need to belittle students. If he pretty much says it in his lecture, it's pretty much on the test.

Has a lot to teach but you have to be willing to learn. I think he is a great instructor, particulary for those interested in the subject matter. Not an instructor for those who just want an easy class to skate by in.

Not as bad as everyone says. Just pay attention, take good notes, and study. He does have a need to pick on people, if you dont do anything to annoy him your set. No real need to avoid.

He is a hard teacher - you have to pay attention and take notes, and come to class every day. He is a good teacher though, I have learned a ton, and it is pretty interesting stuff for the most part, which is good for me because I am an art major and I really don't like science at all.

As many of you have written that hes a hard teacher, it is true...if you're not interested in the subject of rocks. But I didnt really dive into the book, just take good notes, and you'll be fine. PS: go on the summer trips...thats a better side of Dick

VERY hard teacher, but he makes sure that you learn as much as possible. If you are a Geology major, you NEED to take it with him...othwise, it will be too hard of a class for just science credit

He's the hardest geology teacher at Sierra, but you do learn alot from him. Also, if you're one of his favorites he seems to give you a grade better than you deserve.

Just go to class like a normal student should and you'll be perfectly fine.

Unless you are a geology major don't take a class from him. He is very serious about what he does and expects his students to be the same way. I think he is an awesome teacher and has a ton to share with geology students passing through Sierra. He is very vocal about disagreeing with some politics and religion so it that is a soft spot for you do not take a class from him.

the man is like a human encyclopedia, he knows everything. the tests come from 80% of your notes so if you read over them you should be fine. but it is a lot of information to memorize, so be prepared to study. he is a nice guy, i did not have any problem approaching him.

Hilton is an amazing guy and full of knowledge. He teaches a very hard course, if you're not majoring in geology I would suggest taking a different teacher. Aside from that, if you really want to learn geology, he's the man.

Dick is an amazing professor. Yes he is a bit rough around the edges but he has a mountain of information. He makes you learn it for sure. Don't take Dick Hilton if your feelings are easily hurt or you hate reading. He's very "frank" about things sometimes. I think he's great, if you want to learn Geology take Hilton!

Hilton is a good teacher. His classes are hard and he forces you to learn the material. Don't take his Geology class unless you are majoring in it. He is the most knowledgable and experienced in the department. You'll learn more from him than the other instructors...

I heard that this class was tough but I didn't find that to be the case. As long as you do the assigned reading you should do fine for his pop quizzes. His mid terms are mostly based off the lectures. A little warning to the wise, what ever you do don't walk in after class has started.

Tough class for sure. Tests are brutal. 50/50 between true/false and essay questions. You can't afford to miss one word he says in class or you'll miss points on the tests. Read everything three times, study his notes 4 times day everyday, record his lectures and listen to them in your car...and you'll still only get a "B"....

He teaches well but his tests are brutal and were much harder then anything we did in class. He grades very strict. I had taken the lecture previously and then had to take the lab with him. He tested us on stuff that wasnt covered in lab, but in the lecture which i hadent taken for two years. His response"hope you have a good memory."

I knowingly took Hiltons E.S. class after taking his Geo field trip.I was surprised how much work was involved,BUT I LEARNED.I found that his class was hard but I actually read the text and took good notes in class.He was willing to meet and go over anything that I had a question about.This is not HIGH SCHOOL,he is a Professor. You are accountable.

If you arn't lazy and show up to class, take good notes and study (just like any other class) you'll make a good grade.. his tests arn't so hard and some how i actually found some topics intersting..

Awsome teacher who loves teaching his subject. Really informative and helpful. Tests were really easy as long as you go to class. YOU WILL LEARN SOMETHING IN THIS CLASS, so if you are lazy and don't want to do anything with your life then don't take this awsome class. ROCOMMENDED

A very good teacher. He definately knows what he is talking about, and is pretty good at making the class understand. The class is not for slackers, as the tests really test your knowledge of everything you've learned. If you are genuionely interested in the material, and are willing to work hard, then this is a very good class.

What? Doesn't know his stuff? Are you kidding me? He knows Geology like the back of his hand is is very good at teaching it! Bad ratings seem to come from those who don't do the reading and take the time to learn the content. Did you really think Geology is easy? This is not Kansas Dorothy! Get a clue and do the work and you'll do fine.

inspired me to change my major through his teaching

The class is hard. The lab is even harder. But what science class isn't. It was an interesting class, the tests were hard but if you take good notes and study them well you will do fine. He definelty knows how to teach and he knows what he's talking about. I recommend taking his class, but take the lab with a different teacher. lab harder then clas

Mr. Hilton was an awesome teacher. He did a good job at keeping me interested in the materials he was teaching. I would definitely take another class that he taught.

This prof is fantastic. He is obsessed with rocks/landscape but in a highly interesting, entertaining and educational way. Went on a study abroad with him and thought he was amazing! Learned tons!

Took him for intro to earth. This guy actually has immense experience in the field and knows what hes talking about. If you just wanna skate by, don't take him. But if you actually want to learn, then hilton is your guy. Most of the topics (like astronomy) were facinating topics. Lecture/Test Type course, you will find ALL test material in lectures

Awesome teacher. As long as you don't mind the occassional wisecrack about Mormons you'll love the class even if you don't love E. Sci. He's very clear, keeps the class' attention and draws lots of helpful diagrams accompanied by slides. Attendance is big and he wants you to do the reading, but there is NO HOMEWORK! Tests are moderately hard.

Great instructor. I've had him for geol 1 & 3. The classes are hard, but he's super knowledgeable. Tests are hard, but you learn so much. If you are a science major, take him for classes.

Hilton is a University level professor. You either know the content or not. Class is crucial because the notes you take are identical to the tests. You will learn tons of information in this class so if your planning on getting a BS take his class. If your looking at a slacker coarse this isnt it

The class was great, NO homework two 10 point qquizzes, and 3 midterms. go to class and listen, everything on the test he covers very well in cass, if ur actually interested its a piece of cake

This was a great teacher! He gave interesting lectures and will go over concepts until you understand them and has no problem doing so. As long as you take notes and review them you will do fine.

Professor Hilton is one of the best professors I've had. Don't take him if you want an easy grade. If you're genuinely interested in Earth Science I highly recommend Prof. Hilton.

Good instructor, usually pretty clear. Tends to get off subject from time to time. Take a LOT of notes and study before tests. He really means it when he says to be a few chapters ahead of him. I really enjoyed the class and the subject, but he is a little tough on grades. No study guides before exams and no homework. Make sure you keep up.

Prof Hilton in my opion is one of those Prof that expects people to do work. I got an A in his class and it was pretty easy for me. Just study his notes and look at his slides in the Library before the test. If you study his notes and not fool around, i'll garuntee you that you'll get a very good grade. Easy A for this class.

Good teacher, he really does expect you to read the book, so make sure you do. Tests aren't too bad, just pay attention during class and they are ok. He kind of rambles on about certain things, and sometimes you may want to fall asleep, but make sure you don't. He really does explain things well, better than the book in my opinion.

Really touch progessor...I would not recommend taking any of his classes unless your major is geology. He has no study guides for ANY of his tests, so you feel like you need to know EVERYTHING. (I'm talking eight chapters for one midterm.) I have to be honest, I'm relieved to be out of this class..it was brutal. Be prepared to work your butt off.

Take tedious notes. And memorize word for word those notes. Take time to read the book. Do that, and it's an A. guaranteed. The class was enjoyable, and this professor knows his earth science. He's a nag about studying, but that's for your own good. Blindly memorize what you need to memorize a few days before the tests, and you'll get your A.

Great teacher. Make sure you do not miss any lectures. Take alot of notes and pay attention. Read your book, and perhaps color pencils may be a good idea, because he seems to like to draw alot of diagrams.

Amazing teacher! Super friendly, funny, fun. Helps you with anything. I totally recomend this teacher!

GREAT teacher. The only downside is that you can be kicked for being tardy or absent too much but it's for your own good and it's not a ridiculous rule. he's funny and smart and makes class interesting. Easy to understand... I never even did ANY of the readings and I'm passing great just on my lecture notes alone.

you NEED to attend class and read the book, if you have a hard time with doing that, you will NOT pass. if you're okay to put the time and effort into this class you'll get at least B. it's a boring subject, but he really does try to entertain you... nice guy, has his heart in the right place. take this class and you'll learn LOADS.

Dick is a hard professor, but if you attend class, take good notes, and study hard for the exams you will do well. You must apply yourself to this class in order to learn and receive a good grade. But it is VERY interesting and I enjoyed the class very much. He is a hard teacher because he teaches the old school way, nothing but lectures.

Dick is the man! Super clear in lecture; MAKE SURE YOU TAKE NOTES. He is very serious about the subject but he likes to have fun and really cares about the students. All the liberal stuff about him is out of context, he is merely talking about the world's problems, which are true. Read the book and study a lot and you will get an A like myself.

Oh God. Hard class. He's super knowledgeable and I got the grade I wanted but I had to crawl though so much to get it. You learn a lot in his class and he has a very dry, dark sense of humor but it is challenging. Also keep in mind the school has free tutoring; I wish I found it sooner, would have saved me on the first test. STUDY

I have taken a few classes with Hilton, and still he is my favorite professor at Sierra. Don't expect an easy A. Hah! I put a lot of effort into the classes, but I also LEARNED something. If you are a slacker, drop the class now and give a serious student the spot. I guarantee you will NOT make it. Make class, take notes, study.

Hilton was a good teacher. He seems scary at first but he really is nice. the course was pretty simple and the tests were really easy if you studied before. He definitely doesn't like when kids use their phones. strict on attendance!!

I thought the class was a blast. Tests aren't random, they're on the notes. Take really, really good notes as the tests are over 80% on the lecture. You do have to study though. A min of 8 hrs per test to get an A. But just do an hour every week and you'll be fine. He's a true professor and it's a taste of what they're like at 4 year universities.

Mr. Hilton explains about the world that we walk on, live in, you know, the stuff we look at and touch but don't "see" or understand. It's the where, what, why of our earth. Clearly geology and geography are his passion. I recommend this professor, there's a lot to be learned but the price is ... a lot of work!

Great teacher if you are looking to actually learn something. Take good notes, pay attention and read the book and you will do just fine. Those who say he is hard are the ones that just want someone to hand them an A. Teaches you what you need to know.

I've had 3 classes with Professor Hilton and all 3 have been easy A's. I am a Geo major though so it might be harder for someone not as interested in the subject as I am. Just show up, take notes and read up on the things you're not sure of and this course shouldn't present too great a challenge.

His lectures often seemlessly flow and he does a great job of showing how earth processes are interconnected. His multi-color chalk diagrams a Sometimes he comes across as mean but he's really a nice guy as long as you're respectful towards him and he is clearly passionate about the subject, though he does tangent into Global Warming a lot.

Dick is an excellent teacher. The only homework you have is to keep up with reading the textbook. He gives a total of 3 quizzes, 2 midterms, and a final. If you take good notes and read the book when you're supposed to you'll be fine. I also took some field trips with him and had a blast. He's really funny too! Highly recommend!

Professor Hilton's awesome. I can't believe people are complaining that he's too hard. Half his tests are true-false! Yeah, it's a lot of material, but welcome to college science, people. He is very opinionated, and he likes to mess with people who don't take his class seriously, but if you put in any effort at all, you'll get along with him fine.

Hilton is old school: lectures, reading, tests, and one report. His lectures make a simple subject interesting, and he's willing to help you understand anything that's tricky. He'll always answer questions, and is willing to give you time outside of class if you needed. Tough but fair, attendance is vital, and be sure you take good notes! I had fun

Hilton is a fantastic teacher and really knows his Earth Science subject. He explains things really well. His lectures are super long, but you get the info for the tests from them so pay attention!! This class is not easy and you will need to do a good amount of studying to pass. He lets you order a cheap version of the book!

I was really into the class, and although he didn't have the best lecture skills the subject itself was the reason why I did good in the class. He is very passionate about what he teaches but he does need to work on teaching with a purpose. Everything on the test is 90% from his lectures so prepare to listen and you have to be there.

Prof. Hilton is very passionate about the subject. This class is actually challenging compared to most Sierra College classes, but as long as you keep up with the reading and study, you will pass. I did!

You will get an A in this class if you pay attention to his lectures and take notes on everything he does on the board. He also shows power points with a bunch of pictures to show you what everything looks like. Your grade will be based on the tests along with one paper, which is not hard to write. If you study for the 3 big tests you will do fine

I just adore Professor Hilton, as an inspirational person. Paleontology truly is his life, you can really tell. He effuses with knowledge, and there's no homework. That said, he treats geology as rigorously as any college science class probably ought to be treated. Expect to study just like you would expect for Chemistry or Calculus.

All you have to do is read a few chapters ahead to be ready for the quizzes, take good notes during lecture and you should do fine. According to him, only a few students get an A in each of his classes, but its not that difficult. No homework, gives extra credit. Uses an old textbook which is pretty cheap. Meep.

He's a fantastic professor. I took his class when I wasn't ready to be serious and failed, but after traveling I realized I wanted to pursue geology as a career and am retaking his class. He's difficult but for good reason. It's a heavy subject as are all sciences, be prepared to work for your grade.

Great instructor! Learned a lot and he is very fair.

You have to be a diligent student to take this class. The majority of the grade is based on three tests some quizzes on the reading and one two page paper. If you want to learn something I recommend taking him. He tells us where the bar is set the first day of class either you accept that or complain about it later. overall, he's a good teacher!

Not an easy teacher! Only take for major classes! Hilton is a respected paleontologist who has extensive knowledge of geology. No study guides for tests, so expect to study every ounce of material you have. Had to work VERY hard in this class for my grade. All that aside, he is a very neat guy with a life's worth of profoundly fascinating work.

Professor Hilton is a tough teacher, that's a fact, but I'm so glad I took his class. He expects you to read ahead of him, attend every single class meeting, pay attention 110% of his lecture, and be respectful. His lectures are wonderful they are humorous and informative, so be respectful to this man and don't look at your dang phone in class.

We went on a 3-day field trip to the Eastern Sierra (Mono Lake, Long Valley Caldera, Mammoth Mtn). This guy is very knowledgeable on a wide spectrum of science not just Geology related. He dug up half the fossils in the natural history museum at Sierra. If you want his respect, earn it by being respectful and trying to learn. Don't interrupt him..

You should read the textbook to get a good understanding of the topic before the lecture. Pay attention to the slide shows, you may see those pictures again on tests. Offers extra credit for bringing in newspaper articles and offers extra credit on tests by letting make up your own questions and answer them. Fairly easy A, if you read textbooks

You can get a fairly easy A, if you read 2 chapters ahead and pay attention in his class. One short paper, Three short pop-quizzes (2 ch ahead), three tests. Pay attention to the lecture slides, some are on tests. He gives enough extra credit opportunity that you can miss a bit on the tests and still do fine.

I have taken multiple classes with Mr. Hilton and he is one of my absolute favorite professors I've ever had. I took Physical Geology, Historical Geology, and for fun, and because I loved his lectures, Geology of the National Parks. He lays out exactly how the class is going to go from the start so there are no surprises. Loved this professor!

Professor Hilton is a legend. Took all his courses. If you're serious about majoring in geology, this is the best community college professor to really learn your stuff. Hilton knows his stuff.