3.8

Ed Cole

History - Grand Valley State University

3.8
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
107
Reviews
3.8
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
3.9
Helpful
3.7
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

107

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

47

4

26

3

22

2

10

1

2

What Students Say

One of the best profs I've ever had

HST106 - 5.0 rating

Be prepared to take atleast 4 pages of notes in one class period

HST106 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

53% confidence
Based on 1 grades
Most common grades:
A (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(0)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 1 reported grades
A: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.09 avg change
Apr
May
Oct
Nov
Jan
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

389

5.0

(1)

HP215

5.0

(1)

HST49539

5.0

(1)

HST38939

5.0

(1)

HISTORY

5.0

(2)
+29 more courses
Difficulty by Course

389

5.0

HST289

5.0

HST391

4.3

HST204

4.2

102

4.0

Reviews (107)
5.0
3.0
HST106
Oct 24, 1999

One of the best profs I've ever had. Lots of fun. Really, really interesting.

5.0
3.0
HST106
Nov 22, 1999

Be prepared to take atleast 4 pages of notes in one class period.

4.0
4.0
HST399
Dec 1, 1999

An extremely good, well-rounded professor. watch out for dates on his tests.

5.0
3.0
HST106
Dec 22, 1999

Good teacher. Do the essay on his test instead of the short answer!!!

5.0
3.0
HST106
Feb 26, 2000

Tests from lectures,study sheets are comprehensive.Good teacher.

4.0
3.0
106
Mar 20, 2000

he kinda rambles. still one of the best hist profs i've had.

3.0
4.0
HST108
Mar 20, 2000

No Comments

4.0
3.0
HST106
Apr 25, 2000

Very hard to follow, kind of monotone when he talks, not an effective teacher

5.0
2.0
106
Jul 3, 2000

Very informative prof, full of good stuff. Sometimes forgets he has class.

2.0
4.0
HST204
Nov 30, 2000

Boring, ineffective critiques, difficult, knowledgable, good hummor

3.0
4.0
HST203
Dec 4, 2000

Nice guy... confusing, very critical, does not give review, usually late.

3.0
5.0
HST204
Feb 12, 2001

Nice guy for the most part, confusing in grading and pointless lectures

3.0
5.0
HST204
Mar 8, 2001

No direction, says one thing and wants another. 14 people dropped this class.

4.0
3.0
HST204
Mar 25, 2001

If you can get past the lecturing style he's actually pretty good. Hard, though

2.0
4.0
HST204
Apr 16, 2001

VERY unclear about the testing material, kinda rambles, is picky about papers

5.0
1.0
HST390
May 21, 2001

BEST PROFESSOR EVER!!!

5.0
3.0
HP215
Sep 20, 2001

fun lectures and awesome bowties

3.0
3.0
HST495
Jan 13, 2002

No Comments

5.0
4.0
HST49539
Feb 12, 2002

Awesome prof. Proves that learning is student's responsibility; merciful grader

2.0
4.0
HST102
Mar 26, 2002

typical history teacher. boring and dry. goes off on tangents...hard to follow

4.0
3.0
HP
Apr 2, 2002

Cute guy, knows EVERYTHING. Very interesting class.

4.0
3.0
HP225
Apr 17, 2002

Great teacher, very understanding, sometimes boring but comes with the territory

3.0
4.0
HST102
Apr 24, 2002

No Comments

5.0
3.0
HST
Jun 27, 2002

No Comments

2.0
4.0
102
Jul 1, 2002

No Comments

4.0
2.0
HST102
Oct 9, 2002

Very nice and willing to help. Tests are easy. Very understanding

3.0
2.0
HNR215
Dec 9, 2002

Boring but funny/goofy, knows Hist well, pretty easy grader

4.0
4.0
HST
Dec 9, 2002

He makes history come alive!

3.0
3.0
HST389
Dec 11, 2002

Very interesting man...no linear lectures here!

4.0
5.0
HST389
Dec 13, 2002

WATCH OUT for the Random Bean Method...

4.0
2.0
HST389
Dec 23, 2002

Not really sure what I learned from his class, but I got an A so it's all good.

5.0
5.0
389
Dec 24, 2002

how did you get an A? great guy, very tough quizzes and exams.

5.0
4.0
HNR215
Jan 3, 2003

He is funny in a senile old grandpa kind of way. Loved his class.

5.0
2.0
HST102
Jan 6, 2003

Very nice guy, I liked the class. Sometimes a little boring, but pretty easy.

5.0
3.0
HST38939
Jan 8, 2003

Great Prof, everyone at GVSU should take a course taught by him

4.0
2.0
HST102
Jan 9, 2003

He knows for most the class is just a Gen, Ed, requirement and grades that way.

3.0
4.0
HST102
Jan 20, 2003

tough grader. do the reading and be prepared for pop quizzes. take good notes.

5.0
5.0
HISTORY
Feb 9, 2003

ooh he's so delightfully handsome!!!!!!

3.0
5.0
HST
Mar 10, 2003

Can't understand why everyone likes him so much...he's weird alright and he has a sense of humor but nothing that comes out of his mouth during lectures is coherent

5.0
4.0
HNR215225
Mar 19, 2003

Great History teacher. Gets more into it as you get to Russian History, as that is what he loves. Can be dull once in a while, but usually very, very interesting with a great sense of humor.

5.0
3.0
HST390
Apr 20, 2003

good guy, tuff grader, but very helpful

4.0
3.0
HNR225
Apr 22, 2003

Nice guy, hilarious stories, Russian history was what he liked to teach best. Not so hard of a grader, as long as you are prepared for the bean quizzes. If you're in honors, take this one with Cole and Rydel, great and funny couple.

5.0
1.0
HNR215225
Apr 23, 2003

He's a very easy grader and very easy to understand. His lectures can be boring sometimes, but when he wants to be he can be very funny. Take this class! WEEEEEEWWWWWWWWW!

5.0
4.0
HNR225
Apr 23, 2003

Excellent professor. Knows his stuff and can teach it well. Do the reading, and you can earn a good grade.

5.0
3.0
HST390
Apr 28, 2003

Very understanding, very intelligent. He has great lectures!

5.0
2.0
HST102
Jun 26, 2003

Very nice. Lectures were pretty good considering the nature of the subject. Was reasonable in grading and understood that most were there for gen ed requirements.

1.0
4.0
495
Jun 27, 2003

Very disorganized, unreliable teacher. I would never take a class with him again

5.0
5.0
HST391
Jul 7, 2003

Yes, he was a boring lecturer, but he did have a very good grip on his subjects and he was extremely helpful to me. The work he gave us was very hard to do and he was a little demanding, but he brought out the best I had to give.

4.0
5.0
HST390
Aug 22, 2003

If you need help just ask for it, he's a very helpful prof.

5.0
3.0
HST391
Aug 27, 2003

Great Teacher, it should be a graduation requirement to take one of his courses.

5.0
3.0
HST102
Dec 10, 2003

Hands down the best history teacher @ GVSU.

4.0
5.0
HST391
Dec 15, 2003

Fear the random bean method. Love the bowties. Sexxxy.

5.0
3.0
HST102
Feb 11, 2004

Hes a cool guy, just has really boring lectures.

5.0
3.0
HNR215
Mar 24, 2004

He really knows what he's teaching though he can get a bit confusing and disorganized at times. His lectures may get boring but he has a ton of great stories to tell.

4.0
3.0
HST102
Mar 26, 2004

enuthiastic and loves what he does! he is helpful when you ask. can be a a little disorganize, but at least you can stay awake. one of the first history classes where i could

5.0
2.0
HST495
Apr 7, 2004

What to say about Prof. Cole? Well, when I was at Berkley... oh wait, how did I get to that topic? Heh. Anyway, take his class. Any class, any subject. He is so nice and is a font of knowledge (some stuff you wish you DIDN'T know...). Great prof.!

2.0
1.0
HST102
Apr 12, 2004

he's really weird! like eccentric to the extreme, sure he's easy but all you have for a grade are 3 papers and the final. his 5 point quizes are stupid and too detailed too. not a guy to take.

4.0
1.0
HNR225
Apr 23, 2004

Nicest prof you could ever have and grades super easy

5.0
2.0
HST495
Apr 27, 2004

great prof, always interesting bein in his class. he has a story about everything!!

5.0
4.0
HST389
Nov 3, 2004

Professor Cole (or Don Edwardo) shows his respect for his profession by sporting a different bow-tie every day. Enjoy the ridiculous stories, the academcic mugger questions, the spotted owls and the random bean quizzes. You learn a lot in his class without even feeling it. He's also the cutest ever.

5.0
3.0
HST389
Nov 3, 2004

Bow ties are hot! Cole is very interesting and always find time to bring humor into the lectures. One of the most professional professors on campus.

5.0
1.0
HST389
Nov 3, 2004

Very interesting class, you learn without realizing you are learning, the best way to learn. Bow ties everyday are cute!!! If you need to take an upper level history class take this one.

4.0
1.0
HST444
Nov 10, 2004

I took Cole for Russian History, what a treat, he brings in some amazing texts that are so informative you want to dive right in. Then his personal stories about being in Russia and his bean quizzes??? Youll have to take him to find out, amazing class

5.0
1.0
HRN231
Nov 11, 2004

Euro CIv was amzing with Dr. Cole, he is fun and informative, please for the love of god take his class or you will miss out.Oh and he is really very cute

5.0
1.0
HST389
Nov 29, 2004

THE BOWTIE...chicks dig it, dudes fear it. "You learn alot without realizing it," it can't be said better. His depiction's of assorted characters throughout Russian History and the "Cole dance" will keep you laughing, although the material can be dry at times. Take him if you get the opportunity.

5.0
2.0
HST
Dec 8, 2004

I'm a chick and the bowtie is a bit "historianish"..we're not digging it. But that's ok, because it's his style. I myself wear some ugly clothes sometimes

5.0
3.0
HST389
Dec 22, 2004

Professor Cole stands as a reminder of an age when professors respected their students, their abilities, and their profession. He seems to be strangely unaffected by the dumbing-down phenomenon in higher education as he continues to do what he loves--teach and learn. He is truly a great professor.

5.0
2.0
HISTORY
Dec 25, 2004

Great professor, very knowledgable

3.0
1.0
HST102
Jan 2, 2005

The teaching materials in this class were easy so you could prepare for the exam but his lectures were often very boring and half of the class didn't understand what he was saying. He needs more interactive teaching methods.

5.0
2.0
HST102
Mar 28, 2005

He's adorable! You can tell he really cares about his students, and is very knowledgeble of history. There's one paper, participation (in class quizzes), and a final. And the questions for the final are pulled from these "OWLS" he posts ahead of time online. Just come to class and you'll be fine.

3.0
2.0
HST102
Apr 1, 2005

He's kind of confusing. Not very clear on what needs to be in the notes. In class quizzes over reading, so you have to go to class. Make sure you do the reading, otherwise you'll fail. One paper to write. Overall, a good class because he's very passionate and has sometimes interesting stories.

5.0
4.0
RUSSIANHISTORY
Aug 30, 2005

No Comments

4.0
2.0
HST102
Grade: A
Sep 13, 2005

I like this class so far, he is funny and interesting, very eccentric and unique. He gets very enthusiastic about history, but sometimes gets off track. Studying is easy.

5.0
4.0
HST395
Oct 31, 2005

awesome professor, went to Russia with him, i have encountered few people on the planet that know their feild like this guy does. Always helpfull, and always understanding

4.0
1.0
HST395
Dec 29, 2005

Prof. Cole is a very entertaining professor. The class sessions were full of information and seemed to go by quickly. The only assignments for the class were the readings and four papers, which were graded on a five point scale. I found him to be a very generous grader and thought that it was not difficult to get an A in the class.

3.0
2.0
HST395
Jan 9, 2006

Really hard to take notes for the average joe... especially if you know nothing about Russia. We didn't get our work back till the end so you never really know how your doing. But I didn't try very hard and still got a B+, he does know his stuff though and can be entertaining.

2.0
3.0
HST389
May 4, 2006

Very nice person, just not the best professor. Exams are based on memorization of 200 multiple choice questions (choose the BEST answer, more than one can be correct). Did not learn very much about Russian History. A bit disappointed. He's not too difficult, but OWLS are pointless.

5.0
3.0
HST389
Dec 19, 2006

Professor Cole is awesome; one of the few professors at Grand Valley who has a true passion for his field and knowledge/learning in general. He also tells funny stories. I found the OWLS to be a very effective way to learn the material, provided you're willing to do the work.

2.0
3.0
HST102
Dec 21, 2006

Did not enjoy this class. Prof Cole knows history & teaches material from memory (impressive) & has stories for it all. BUT he's very scattered & disorganized. Grade=1 paper, combo of random quizzes, & final. I was close to failing b/c of quizzes but somehow the Final saved me and I ended with a B. Overall EASY but I didn't learn anything.

2.0
1.0
HST398
Mar 15, 2007

Very much a waste of time! Great guy but a major scatterbrain, and there really is no point to go to class. You don't learn anything, and he has really bad handwriting. Also he jumps around alot from personal stories to actually history and you never know when exactly to take notes.

5.0
2.0
HNR225
Mar 27, 2007

Professor Cole really knows history (he has everything memorized.) People complain about OWLS, but they do help you focus on what's important. He's really not that disorganized; some people may have a difficult time taking notes, but everything comes together in the end. He's very laid back, and he doesn't grade too harshly on papers.

4.0
3.0
HIST102
Jan 1, 2008

He kept the class entertaining.

1.0
5.0
HST102
Apr 8, 2008

His lectures were completely BORING, UNORGANIZED and RIDICULOUS! I didn't learn anything the entire course. Bean quizzes are bogus! Bad chance at grading, doesn't care about students....

2.0
2.0
HST323
Apr 23, 2008

Don't bother with this prof. Lack of organization and unclear communication are MAJOR issues with this prof. Take something else.

5.0
4.0
HST291
Apr 23, 2008

Prof Cole teaches to intellectuals. He does waste time dummying down information so if you are unwilling to read, pay attention to lexctures, take notes, or THINK, I would not take his classes. If, however, you prefer to actually LEARN something from a class I highly recommend him as a prof. He cares deeply about the value of education.

3.0
1.0
HST102
Apr 27, 2008

Prof. Cole is a nice man, but some of his teaching methods are ridiculous. His "bean quizzes" are pretty annoying, but I mean... History with him wasn't bad. A little dry at times, but he goes off on tangents that are pretty funny. I wouldn't avoid taking him by any means, but there's prob. someone better.

5.0
4.0
HST495
Dec 27, 2008

His bowtie says it all! Great teacher - possesses great European and especially russian historical knowledge. He like to get sidetracked talking about his days a berkely...funny guy!

5.0
1.0
HST102
Mar 24, 2009

Very knowledgeable, helpful, and interesting. Listen to his rambles, there's a good chance you'll remember what he's rambling about! The "bean" quizzes made me feel as though we were in 3rd grade but other than that I loved his class... and his bow tie :)

3.0
3.0
HST102
Apr 22, 2009

he's a really nice/funny guy, but be warned, if you don't like history don't take him. if you like history im sure it'll be great. i have not taken history since early high school and he jumped into it to quickly for me. and everyday is a boring lecture. if you dont like history you probably will have a hard time staying focused/interested.

3.0
2.0
HNR225
Jun 9, 2009

I hate history and still do but he is so quirky and sweet that I didn't mind the class. Loves history and always laughs at random ironic facts, which makes everyone else laugh and lectures bearable. He has also led a VERY unusual life and has plenty of stories that no one should miss. Rydel and Cole are an excellent choice for honors civ.

5.0
4.0
HST391
Dec 8, 2009

The sweetest man ever! I had a hard time understanding the material, but it was a high level for my first Russian History. Extremely laid back and understanding. Love him!

3.0
4.0
HST102
Dec 17, 2009

Love his bow ties he wore everyday and his humor. His "bean quizes" are really annoying but if you read they are generally an easy 5 points. His tests aren't bad, they are based off the OWLS he posts every week, so as long as you find the correct answers and memorize them you are golden. This class seemed pretty difficult to me for being HST 102

4.0
2.0
HST102
Jan 2, 2010

I honestly loved professor Cole. Now that I think about it, I am really going to miss going to his class. I really didn't like history before hand but his crazy stories and drawings really helped me remember the material. The bean quizzes can be difficult, but if you say there was a problem with blackboard you can basically get away with anything.

4.0
3.0
HNR226
Jan 10, 2010

Cole and Rydel make a wonderful pair. He is the sweetest guy, and I would honestly ask him a history question over a text book any day - he knows it better and explains in a way that makes sense and is relevant. His stories really make the class. You are missing out if you don't choose this sequence!

5.0
2.0
HST102
Jan 11, 2010

He is the sweetest man in the world! If you take anyone else for history, you're missing out! He has all sorts of stories and hilariously awful drawings, but he still covers the material adequately and clearly, doesn't ramble irrelevantly. Just do the readings, attend regularly, keep up to date on the OWLS and you'll be fine. HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM!

3.0
3.0
HNR225
Feb 10, 2010

Very intelligent professor. Knows everything off the top of his head, so don't hesitate to ask a question. Lecture is long and can get dull, but don't fall behind in the reading or you're screwed. He may fall off-topic and sometimes makes a mess on the board which can be hard to follow, but he will get to the point in the end.

3.0
4.0
HST102
Apr 4, 2010

Attendance is not mandatory, but you should go. Quizzes over nightly readings. He's got great stories and makes the class interesting. He's hard, but worth it. AMAZING professor.

3.0
4.0
HST102
Apr 12, 2010

Had him for European history. Probably the worst setup class I've ever taken. He lectures about the most random things in class and everything he says is useless when trying to study. The guy is hilarious, take him if your a history genius. If not, steer clear. He's late, never gives work back on time, and is just not a very good prof.

3.0
4.0
HST102
Apr 21, 2010

He is a very nice guy but is not a good teacher. He is super knowledgeable and there is little work required for this class.The exams are impossible and even though they are a scan tron it takes him about two months to get them back and you just get to see your grade.Also it is nearly impossible to get an A.If you want a good grade do not take him.

5.0
2.0
HST389
Apr 23, 2010

It's a shame that kids looking for an easy A bring down Dr. Cole's grade. He is the best history professor GVSU has on staff. Cole is brilliant, and really a diamond in the rough here. Take him if you're in college to actually learn something or better yourself.

4.0
4.0
HST102
Apr 26, 2010

Very knowledgeable about the subject however he does not teach this class well.Lectures do not have much to do with exams and the exams are really hard.Also he is super unorganized and you have no idea what your grade is until you get your final grade. Nice guy, but not that good of a teacher.

3.0
3.0
HIST102
May 5, 2010

Professor Cole is a very nice man, however his lectures in class do not related to the exams AT ALL! You are required to do much research outside of class to find answers for his exam questions (owls) and you never know if they are right. He is very smart but you will not learn much from the class.

4.0
3.0
HNR226
May 15, 2010

Professor Cole has extremely long and boring lectures. He doesn't use a powerpoint or outline or anything so it's really hard to follow. He writes occasional words on the board and expects you to understand. It's hard to stay awake, let alone learn anything. He doesn't expect too much though - just a few papers. Fairly easy - just boring.

5.0
2.0
HNR215
Oct 6, 2010

Sweet old man

4.0
3.0
HNR215
Nov 26, 2010

He is such a sweetheart; his feigned obliviousness to his wife's funny, pretend nagging makes the class even more interesting. Whenever he comes in he enters with a tux, a bowtie and sunglasses and it's the funniest thing in the world to see him smile widely up in front of class, obviously enraptured by the subject he teaches.

4.0
3.0
HNR215
Jan 17, 2011

Professor Cole is an amazing teacher. He knows absolutely everything about history, so if you need clarification, don't hesitate to ask. He speaks slightly monotonously, but if you listen to what he's saying, it's really interesting. If you take good notes, you can answer any of his assigned questions, which are few.

2.0
5.0
HST289
Nov 20, 2012

attending the lectures was completely useless, I learned more by watching youtube videos and documentaries about Russian history than I did in his class. He deosn't involve the class at all, just talks, and talks, and talks for an hour ad half straight about everything you just read.

Class Info

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

53% confidence
Based on 1 grades
Most common grades:
A (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(0)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 1 reported grades
A: 1
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.09 avg change
Apr
May
Oct
Nov
Jan
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

389

5.0

(1)

HP215

5.0

(1)

HST49539

5.0

(1)

HST38939

5.0

(1)

HISTORY

5.0

(2)
+29 more courses
Difficulty by Course

389

5.0

HST289

5.0

HST391

4.3

HST204

4.2

102

4.0

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