Excellent teacher. Very clearly explains the subject with lots of interesting facts and visual aids.

YOU HAVE TO STUDY HARD FOR HER TESTS. THEY CONSIST OF AN ESSAY, 20 SHORT ANSWERS, & A MAP THAT ALL HAS TO BE MEMORIZED. GOOD LUCK!

She is a very good teacher. You have to remember a lot of info for the test, but her lectures were extremely easy to follow (she writes everything important that she says clearly on the board).

very easy class, tests are a brain dump though, if you just regurg everything on the notes you will do fine

Great professor! She made you work a little for your grade, but if you were having trouble understanding something she would help no matter what. She didn't give any homework; her tests were somewhat easy if you paid attention in class; and her grading was great. She used 1-3 to grade tests, so even if you didn't get it all right your still okay.

Great teacher, clearly outlines all tests and tells you everything you need to know on a review sheet before the test. Nothing is on the test that isn't on the sheet. Very helpful with paper too, will sit down and write paper with you...HIGHLY recommend! I'm taking another class with her cuz she is so good!

She was a great professor! If you had a hard time you either weren't paying attention to her lecture, you're stupid, or you're both. Her tests are hard, but they're straight forward, if you take good notes (copy down everything that's on the board) and study it, you'll do fine (I got an A in the class). No homework, lots of extra credit, and fun!

Teaches history in the form of stories, very clear notes on the board and easy to follow. easy to study, and it turns into a fun history class, believe it or not

Dr. Cain is an excellent History teacher who is easy going and fun. Her class is quite informal, with a lot of group discussions and such. Her lectures are easy to follow, and notes are put on the board. She takes her exam questions from class discussions and notes, so attendance is crucial. Gives good study guides for exams. Easy A! Great teacher!

Professor Cain was very passionate about her subject and it showed. She's very nice and is extremely helpful. She loves detail in your work but that's pretty much all she asks for. Group work is done often and the final was a take home. I recommend this class because it's fairly easy and interesting.

Super teacher. Very helpful.

She was one of the best instructors I had. She was very helpful, she would alway offer her office hours or time after class. Her assignments are clear-JUST GO TO CLASS! If you have concerns, let her know because she will help you! She is also interested in you as an individual and your opinions/takes on the material.

Nice lady and is available if needed. Her tests were composed of short answer questions with an essay. However, the info she teaches is definitely on test. You can pass her class if you show up and take notes.

I already knew a lot about New Mexico History before, but she still taught me new things! Take lots of notes, you will need them for the test! I loved our group discussions! Definitely take her classes, it will be worth it!

I had a great time in her class! Attendance is important to get all the notes for her tests. We had group discussions almost every class and she really made history fun. All the information you need for her tests are given in class and she's reliable at her office hours. If you need history, take her class!!

Ellen is so sweet and loves what she teaches. If you miss a class, just get the material from a class mate. Her tests come from lecture, not too much from the book. Tests also include a written in-class essays.

Ellen Cain is a awesome professor. I've taken a few classes with her and she makes histroy interesting not to mention she is all about helping you. If you take history take her. Also her honors classes are a hoot to be in. It was the funnest summer class I've ever taken.

US History 1161 Awesome teacher, helps you learn and teaches you memorizing techniques! Only 2 exams and one report, 1 final. A if u make an effort.I highly reccomend Dr. Cain :)

Dr. Cain is my favorite teacher at CNM. I've taken her for Western Civ and Honors. She's an amazing teacher who is passionate about her subjects. She wants every one of her students to do well. Go to class and take notes. Appreciate the subject as much as she does and you've got an A. AWESOME TEACHER!!!

Ellen is extremly nice and helpful. She does ALOT of group work but it should help on exams. If more history professors taught like Ellen, then we wouldn't have people failing history. Thanks Ellen, now I love history and don't dread it. I will look for you next semester.

Ellen is extremly genuine. You will not find a professor who will help, or care about their students as much as Ellen does. She won't hold your hand through the class. SHe is very inspirational and gets into her teaching she truly loves what she does. Anyone going into teaching, Ellen. Brief notes but your should detailed. You will hear from DETAIL

Good lecturer, easy A class for sure. Does not really use the text book very much except for a few pictures and maps. If you really want to learn History dont take her class, if you dont care and you just want to get through it she is your teacher. The tests are all take home, including the midterm and final, you cant fail

Ellen is a great instructor!! Makes the class very interesting. Take notes, do the tests to the best of your ability or get her help. Tests are take home, homework consists of only reading

Attention Future Teachers: If you want to be a good teacher take Ellen's Class. Even if ur not going to teach history. Ellen will open your mind and teach new things you couldn't even imagine. You should be required to take her to graduate from CNM.

She is great if you are want a middle school teacher who will hold your hand and waste time encouraging class discussions about things that have nothing to do with history. BIG WASTE OF TIME. The most patience testing A you will ever receive.

I had her for a discussion honors class. Discussions based on readings. Very adamant about respecting other students' opinions and would not allow people to talk over each other (very important in discussion classes)I respect her immensely and recommend her honors classes.

I took Ellen last semester for HIST 1101 and I purposely took her again for 1102. She is an amazing teacher who loves history. You must be able to use your imagination and be able to create a world within a world. I recommend her for anyone who wants to have fun and learn.

Ellen is a wonderful teacher who is good at engaging her students in conversation. She is open to ideas and will do whatever she can to help. Pay attention and go to class and you'll be fine!

In hindsite i would have avoided ellen, her lectures are really boring and it seems like she puts a bias/spin on things, according to her "Africans taking other Africans as slaves was different than Europeans taking Africans as slaves and not as bad," slavery is horrible no matter who does it

This class was a joke. Way too easy. She's a nice lady and you can see the passion she has for what she is doing but it's just a joke of a college level course.

Professor Cain is great! She sometimes spends too long on examples for papers or note taking skills, but she believes that history is all about the stories of real people, and as long as you attend class and take GOOD notes you'll do fine. She's easy on grading and I hardly used the text. I've had her for 1101 and 1102! Loved it!

Very informative class.

I took Western Civ II. Good teacher, very willing to help you. Long, and somewhat boring lectures but very informative. TAKE A LOT OF NOTES ON LECTURES!!! Four huge tests, I did 10 pages each test but others did 4 and they were fine. Pretty easy but TAKE NOTES ON EVERYTHING, even when she says you don't have to.

Ellen is a wonderful teacher! Her classes are interesting and she's very understanding. Remember that a take home test does not mean an easy A. You will be required to write A LOT. And she wants college level writing, but you'll learn so much.

Ellen is a great professor! Ellen recognizes women of great influence and character throughout history; however, the class was well balanced. The only issue I had was the fact that 80% of the "students" in her class were more concerned with their next smoke break than they were with participating productively in the class. Come to learn!

I love this professor! She is always helpful. Yes its all most lecture but that's college. She will help you on her open book exams. THere is no reason not to get an A. I just can't expression my good impression enough.

She kept it interesting using pictures on powerpoint. The exams were take home, but the questions were strange, such as 'suppose you are constructing a Greek museum. Describe what it would be like'. She would grade very hard, so the exams were a bit challenging for one who lacks creativity. Definetly take good notes in class - the text won't help.

Professor Cain is one of the best teachers I have ever had! She keeps her classes interesting by helping us to relate specific events in history to the modern day. I will go out of my way to get her as my western civ 1102 professor.

Great professor looks at ur text and papers before hand to help you improve talks lot but an easy grade if u put a little effort

Hands down of the best professors I've had. I took the class because I had to, but she made me become passionate for history. She's definitely a hard grader, but if you enjoy history and have strong writing skills (all exams and final require lengthy essay based answers) you'll do just fine.

So i got a A in this class. I also wrote 76 pages in this semester. Be ready for lectures and death by power point. She is extremely clear and very precise as to what she wants. Will tell you what to fix. She gives several papers. The trick is to write extremely thoroughly. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Also Google things you don't know.

The class is very easy as long as you attend. Her tests are in the form of essays. Lectures are snoozeville and she gets really hurt if you use your phone during class. Easy but very boring class.

Lectures seem really long but you get credit for being there. She gets hurt if you use your phone in class. Exams are take home with 4-5 questions with an essay. A lot of class discussions and group discussions. There are also 3 books that have to be read then discussed in class. She's very understanding and constantly offers help.

This class is very straight forward. You have four take home exams that are written, they can be hard if you aren't a good writer or don't have time for long essays.

I took two classes from this professor. She was great. No homework or quizzes. She only gave tests and they were take home. However, give lots and lots on information to each question. My answers were several pages long. Definitely able to get an A, in this class.

Ellen Cain is an exceptional history teacher. Her knowledge of history is impressive. She does not assign homework, but instead has three take home exams and a term paper. All exams and paper require lots of writing. Be very detailed and specific on the exams and take very detailed notes in class and you will do just fine.

Ms Ellen Cain is a great teacher. She lover her students and desperately wants to see them pass. The books she gave are kind of boring, but OH WELL. Just be ready for a lot of reading and writing.

Ms. Cain's class was great! She uses both power points and on-board notes to explain the time period. She desires to see all the students succeed. There were three tests. They were all writing, but the answers were in the notes or text book. She assigned one 4 page paper analysis on a book read or a biography. She was ready to help with everything

Ellen Cain was an awesome teacher! I took her for both Western Civ. 1 and 2. There are no tests or homework, just essays that are assigned throughout the semester. As long as you come to class, take good notes, and read the supplemental readers, you'll pass. She makes history seem so fascinating, and her lectures are really cool!

Lecture every day, so it can get a bit boring. She is extremely passionate about history. Two essay exams which are fairly difficult, take good notes. Readings she assigned from the textbook weren't really necessary. Was willing to work with your schedule if you couldn't make her office hours. Grading was a bit harsh but not too bad.

Awesome teacher. Write down everything she puts on the board and whatever else you can get that she doesn't put down and you will do very well on her exams. The textbook is not necessary at all. I never used it once, don't waste your money. She really cares about her students and has the patience of Job. I will take her again for sure.

Wonderful teacher! Very interesting and caring. She gives a lot chances to do well in this class, take advantage of them. Also, she makes it very clear that she does not like cell phones. She does not let you forget this either. She brings up her distaste for cell phones at the beginning of EACH class period, so this is obviously an issue for her.

She is very passionate about history! It made lectures way more interesting. I always loved learning whatever she had to say. There was no homework or exams only 3 essays, one of them required to be 4 pages. I struggle with writing and even I was able to passed the class easily. As long as you get everything written on the board. Will take again

I enjoyed her lectures and enthusiasm for history. She is a very positive person and always puts a good spin on student comments. She does expect you to write a lot, but gives you everything you should include during the in-class lectures. Take careful notes and write down everything she puts on the board.

Ellen is FANTASTIC! I would recommend her to anyone that needs or wants to take history. Some have said she assigns a lot of writing. I don't agree. Her writing assignments are easy. You basically regurgitate all the notes she has given you in class and put your own spin on them. I wish she taught more courses, especially at UNM!

Take home tests, fair grading and fun lectures

She is the best if you really want to pass take her. She only assign one four page paper and three take home exams which she give like a week ahead. Just show up in class she will even explain to you how to answer the question. Always write what ever she put on the board even if you miss class take note from your friend. No in class exam.

Ellen Cain is without a doubt, the best professor at CNM. She is very personable and easy to get along with. Each class she presents a lecture which is very important to take notes on , since this information will be crucial to the assignments. Three assignments will be assigned and she is happy to provide feedback for what she is looking for.

Very caring teacher. She has a strong passion for history and teaching. You don't take any tests just write a couple of papers. if you are detailed and put in the effort you'll get an A.

THE TESTS ARE TAKE HOME. EASY. AND DOES NOT GRADE HARSHLY, AND IS FAIR.

Professor Cain is absolutely amazing. She is passionate about teaching and very sweet.

Kind-hearted, passionate about history and provides detailed lectures. Although I admire her, I'm not a fan of her teaching style. Class consisted of PP slides and copying down her handwritten notes from the board. It started to be monotonous over the semester. Grades were based on participation(attendance) and 4 essays. Overall, I liked the class.

Ellen Cain is an absolute gem. She passionate about history and very kind to her students. I admire her as an instructor believe that her teaching style is suited very well for a history class. I learned so much from her and my only regret is that she does not teach more history courses at UNM.

I loved this class and Ellen! She's a great teacher and I have been recommending her to anybody who asks. She has amazing lectures and notes & grades on three tests and one four page paper through the semester. I would forsure take another class with her.

Great teacher! She is super caring and nice. She will make sure that you succeed in her class. I really like the lectures, and the small amount of work that we do in the class.

I took Dr. Cain's class due to a requirements and actually dreaded taking a history class. Yet, Dr. Cain changed my mind. Every assignment given there was feedback, even on the discussion boards... lots of feedback, too. I loved this class and would take it again. Dr. Cain is so sweet and pure. She is always there and responds quickly.

Professor Cain has a deep and broad understanding of New Mexico History. She projects her knowledge with compassion and accurate facts. I encourage students to take her NM History class(es).

Dr. Cain was a great instructor. She had interesting material and you would simply write about what you learned that week. LOTS of reading and writing. She allowed students to resubmit their work if they did not get a good grade the first time. There were two big essays on books but she mostly wanted quotes so it was easy.

HIST 1120- There was a lot of reading and writing. Overall the class was pretty easy. She give really good feedback that helped improve my writing and my grade and she offers a lot of extra credit.

Dr. Cain is very sweet, she's also very into a remedial 5 paragraph essay writing style & her grading reflects it. The supplemental books are interesting (and collegiate level despite what the negative Nellies say). She uses an online textbook which I didn't care too much for. No reason to not get an A with the abundant extra credit offered.

Professor Cain is an inspirational professor and gives very positive feedback. She is a tough grader, and you will read a lot in this class. She gives a lot of opportunity for extra credit.

I really loved Ellen she is super sweet! You do have papers to do every week and discussions. Just do your papers and ask questions you can pass this class. also do the extra credit work as well. I passed this class with an easy A. She is also gives amazing feed back as well. Ill be taking another class with her soon.

Ellen is an amazing professor and very passionate about history. Just like any history class there will be a lot of reading. We read two books along with some sections in the text book which is talked about at length in the lectures. Don't bother taking a lot of notes as most of the material will be about the books. Overall this class was an easy A

This class was easy. Ellen is very clear about what she wants and will go the full mile for students. She only grades on 5 things which include 2 reading assignments and 3 short essays. She offer lots of extra credit opportunities and always gives students the opportunity for resubmissions will clear guidelines on how to get an A in the assignment