3.1

Gillian Hendershot

History - Grand Valley State University

3.1
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
21%
Would Retake
121
Reviews
3.1
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
3.1
Helpful
3.1
Clarity

21%

Would Retake

121

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

34

4

19

3

25

2

23

1

20

What Students Say

For a 3 credit course, it required so much of my time

HIST203 - 1.0 rating

Will never take again or recommend to my worst enemy

HST103 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

59%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 36 grades
Most common grades:
B (11)
B+ (8)
A (7)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(13)C(6)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 40 reported grades
B: 11
B+: 8
A: 7
C+: 3
Common Tags
Get ready to read (24)
Tough grader (11)
Lots of homework (10)
Participation matters (8)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
Tough Grader (5)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.42 avg change
Apr
Jul
Nov
Dec
May
Sep
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GS375

5.0

(1)

HS204

5.0

(1)

HS250

4.3

(4)

HS102

4.0

(7)

HST386

4.0

(1)
+17 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HST210

5.0

HIST380

5.0

HIST203

4.3

102

4.0

HS102

4.0

Reviews (121)
5.0
3.0
HST103
Oct 23, 2005

Gillian is a great teacher who likes questions. Class is very interesting. She has helped me loads. Yes, alott of reading but it is a history class.

2.0
5.0
HST103
Oct 16, 2005

Horrible horrible horrible professor. She says she will give you a study guide for the test...uh no, she gives you 6 essay questions, which see chooses 2 from. Only has 2 tests. Makes you read 600+ pages in 6 weeks and have a test over it with 25 questions. She rambles for 3 hours and you lose interest in class. AVOID

4.0
5.0
HST376
Nov 3, 2005

She's an ok prof. She really knows her stuff, but her lectures are a little dry. She has crazy expectations for a theme class.

3.0
4.0
HST376
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Nov 6, 2005

This was a class tha gt could have been really interesting. BUT then she made us read 45 pages twice a week and write a ten page essay for a THEME class. Not to mention lectures aroringe really really boring. I would definitely not recommend

3.0
4.0
HST376
Nov 15, 2005

She is a rather humorous, Scottish prof from Central. Her humor is dry and hard to follow sometimes, but she is a nice prof. She has crazy expectations really, the research paper is atrocious, but she is more than willing to help if you want it.

3.0
4.0
HST376
Nov 26, 2005

Very nice & helpful prof but felt like it was WAY too much for a theme class. 4 books to read plus about 100 pgs. of hard to read documents almost every week.Not many points in the class besides exams and 10-12 pg. research paper,and she counts participation as a large part of your final grade. Take another class in this theme!

5.0
2.0
HST376
Nov 30, 2005

not too bad of a class. lots of reading of boring trial crap. i thought it was funny how pissed off she got when no one read any of the assignments. she doesnt really know how to respond to students who ask questions. in other words she doesnt answer questions. if you like reading about the same stuff over and over again, this is the class for you!

4.0
3.0
HST376
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2005

Prof. Hendershot needs to lighten up and not act like a drill sergeant. If you like PowerPoint lectures for every class, this class is for you. Participation is a major part of your grade. A mid-term, 10-12 pg. research paper and the final are your only grades. If you screw up on any of them you are basicly screwed.

3.0
4.0
HST103
Dec 6, 2005

She's nice, a bit of dry humor. She's organized and all her powerpoints are on blackboard, but the readings are a bit lengthy and very boring. Only 5 quizzes that aren't bad if you actually read the material, but the class gets easier and the readings shorter as the semester goes on. Not a bad class or prof for a gen ed

2.0
4.0
HST376
Dec 6, 2005

This class is so boring. I thought the history of witches would be interesting but she made it boring. Many lectures during class and way too much reading for a themes class. Your grade is based on 2 exams, research paper, and participation. If you mess up on any of these you are screwed. Did not interact with students well. Don't recommend!

3.0
3.0
HST376
Dec 7, 2005

I was excited for this class and VERY disappointed. Boring. Hugely long reading assignments. Grade is based on two difficult essay tests, one 12 page research paper, and her assessment of our participation. Way too much work and stress for a gen ed.

5.0
3.0
HST376
Dec 18, 2005

This class about witches and witch trials was absolutely fascinating. I learned a lot and she helped me whenever I asked for help. She's a tough grader but she helped be become a better writer.

5.0
2.0
HST103
Dec 28, 2005

Very well organized professor which I would recommend. She makes the subject interesting and answered our questions. I never got tired of going to class, which is really saying something after all!

3.0
3.0
HST103
Dec 27, 2005

Her Scottish accent will entertain you for a week, but after that it just puts you to sleep. Boring! Nobody would ever go to class if she didn't require it.

5.0
3.0
HST103
Jan 5, 2006

This was one of the best history classes I ever had - learned tons. She was very clear about assignments and expectations. It was a lot of work (including reading) but she graded us fairly. I got a B on the first test and then worked harder and got an A on the next test. HA HA, I rule!

4.0
3.0
HST376
Feb 4, 2006

She was very familiar with the material (History of Witches course), and was good at encouraging interesting discussion. I found the midterm difficult, but studied hard for the final and got an A- overall. Know vocab + names/places. She was very helpful w/ answering questions in email, esp. explaining confusing Medieval-dialect source documents.

3.0
3.0
HST103
Apr 25, 2006

probably one of the most unenthusiastic people i've ever met -- uses a monotonous voice all class long. she's also a pretty hard grader -- class average for in-class assignments/quizzes is 38% and class average for our paper is 63%.

4.0
3.0
HST376
Apr 27, 2006

I was so excited for this class and it turned out to be a total bore! The class could have been so much more, but instead it was lecture after lecture.. putting students to sleep. Overall, the prof is really nice, but the class is boring and not as exciting as one would think.

5.0
3.0
HST376
May 6, 2006

Awesome class, awesome teacher. Prof. Hendershot was very helpful and very organized. If you like learning about witches, witchhunting, trials, history and religion and gender . . . this is the class for you. Yes, it was alot of work, but it was definately worth it.

2.0
4.0
HIS103
Aug 22, 2006

boring lectures, her notes that she gives are pointless and not on tests, class is straight from the books and she doesnt go over them.

5.0
3.0
HST103
Aug 28, 2006

This was one of my favorite classes. We learned a lot about history and its importance and everyone was welcome to give their point of view in class, which I really appreciated. Assignments were challenging but prof. Hendershot was fair in regards with expectation and grades. She always helped whenever I had a question.

5.0
2.0
HST103
Sep 5, 2006

She was very helpful. The quizzes were easy. You have to show up to class in order to get an A. If you can do that, along with the assignments, this class will be an easy one for you. If you have any questions, just ask her. I enjoyed taking her class even though it was boring. But thats history!

5.0
4.0
HST102
Feb 16, 2007

LOVE this professor. She is extremely clear in class, teaches what needs to be taught, and (as far as history goes) is very interesting. p.s. love her accent!

5.0
2.0
HST102
Mar 11, 2007

Prof. Hendershot is awesome! She has a great sense of humor and accent which keeps HISTORY lectures interesting. Very knowledgeable. If you go to class, an A is somewhat easily attainable. As with any history class, there is tons of reading. I highly recommend taking her class.

5.0
4.0
HST376
Oct 23, 2007

This class rules. Gillian is very knowledgeable and helpful. Her teaching style is evry engaging (which it should be) and learning about gender history is the best.

4.0
2.0
HST102
Apr 18, 2007

Fairly easy class. Tests are straight forward and quiz's are straight from the book. Her scottish accent will get to you after a while but she's a pretty good professor. I would recommend her.

5.0
4.0
HST102
Dec 3, 2007

Prof. Hendershot is great. She is very interesting and has a great sense of humor that makes the lectures interesting. She knows the subject backward and forward. Prints an outline of the notes so you can copy down the extra stuff she mentions in class instead of wasting time on the basics. Tests are hard. A lot of reading. Highly recommended

1.0
3.0
HST376
Dec 9, 2007

Great Teacher, tons of knowledge on subject. Difficult class, but still easy enough to do without to much stress. Great accent, and very attractive.

5.0
4.0
HST102
Dec 30, 2007

A very, very good class. I think it just makes good sense to learn about European history from a real European - it made it all seem especially relevant. Plus, she was willing to help when we had questions.

3.0
5.0
HST376
Mar 20, 2008

Very Hard Grader. Gave us our midterms back 3 days prior to the drop deadline, then grouped you together based on your grades for the class project. Lots of tough reading, caters to the "smart kids" doesn't seem to pay attention to anyone else.

5.0
4.0
HS102
Apr 11, 2008

Best class I've had at GVSU!

2.0
4.0
HIST02
Apr 21, 2008

I would NOT take this class. The notes she gives you are not useful and it's hard to listen to her accent day after day. Extremely hard grader and the readings are boring. If you have no background in European History, I would not take this class.

2.0
5.0
HST376
Apr 26, 2008

Avoid this professor at all costs. Her expectations are ridiculous and without a strong history background and interest, you're doomed to fail. She is an over-the-top hard grader and there's a ton of reading. Not to mention, she's NOT nice at all and creates groups for class based on your current grade.

5.0
4.0
HS102
May 10, 2008

She was a great professor to have . . . treated people like adults and with respect. The class isn't easy but it was good. I would take it again if I could.

4.0
3.0
HST203
Aug 18, 2008

Her lectures are super interesting and funny for someone who has never liked history. She can be confusing on paper expectations so you probably won't get the grade you expected but overall she is a very accessible professor who has an interesting class.

4.0
5.0
HST203
Sep 20, 2008

Don't take her unless you LOVE history. I like her and she's very knowledgable, but without a strong interest her class will be hell for you. She's way too challenging and involved, sure she's nice and witty but there's a ton of reading and research and it's not worth it as a gen ed.

5.0
5.0
HST376
Oct 22, 2008

Great class, a lot of fun! She gives at least one essay, tough topics and strict grader. Also gives quizzes and exams. Tough class, but great professor! She made me fall in love with history.

5.0
3.0
HIST203
Nov 4, 2008

One of the best professors. She is very clear and concise during lecture and won't give you something you don't need. The work is difficult and there is a lot of reading, but it is worth it. I think if more teachers were as helpful and concise as she, there would be a greater interest in school. If you like History, Hendershot is for you.

5.0
3.0
HST102
Dec 6, 2008

Good class. Prof. Hendershot is quick-witted and extremely intelligent. Lectures are interesting and she's wonderful about offering help and allowing for questions to be both asked and answered. Quizzes and group work aren't unreasonably hard. Final paper is tricky.

4.0
4.0
HST102
Mar 26, 2009

Prof. Hendershot is wonderful. It's easy to tell that she is passionate about history. She's very helpful and encourages class discussion. The work is diffucult, but very possible. She likes very thorough answers. Also, her accent can hold your attention even if you're taking a three hour class.

5.0
4.0
HST376
Apr 24, 2009

This was my favorite class because it was extremely interesting and also because of the professor. She is a very good teacher and I want to take another one of her classes.

4.0
3.0
HST102
May 11, 2009

This class should count as an SWS course with the absurd amount of writing you have to do. I did less writing in ENG 392 and LIB 340. Homework/quiz/exam essays are graded based on word count rather than content. I don't know if other professors assign the same amount of work but I would NOT recommend this professor for this class.

5.0
5.0
HS102
Aug 15, 2009

OK so this class is a lot of work but it was still toally awesome. You learn a lot about Europe and I found it all to be extremely relevent. One the best classes I've had yet.

5.0
4.0
GS375
Nov 3, 2009

She's awesome. I love witches and stuff and she made me think a lot about them.

5.0
4.0
HIST376
Nov 3, 2009

Professor Hendershot is an amazing teacher. I really didn't know much about witches, aside from the whole burning them thing and them weighing the same as a duck. She really made me think and cleared up a lot of bad ideas people had. And I love the suave accent!

4.0
4.0
HST376
Dec 18, 2009

She was alright...her attendance policy is really strict and there's a lot of reading but she's helpful when you have questions

5.0
3.0
HS204
Dec 19, 2009

Great Class. Probably my favorite prof this semester.

3.0
4.0
HS102
Apr 26, 2010

I think bad weather just makes her hate life... As a person, she is witty, and knowlegeable. As a teacher, strict and unbending. We jumped back and forth through the timeline so much it was hard to learn. It felt like jumping through burning hoops, or needles under the fingernails. It was the one class I dreaded. STUDENTS BEWARE!!

5.0
4.0
HST376
May 21, 2010

Really good class and prof. Take this one, especially if you are a history major. Very smart and helpful . . . very European too.

2.0
4.0
HS250
Oct 14, 2010

Stay away from this prof if you do not love history. Her so called "helpful" review guides are terrible and not very clear with rather broad topics. Never take for a gen ed class do not make my mistake. also there is a lot of reading so be ready to be reading almost every night of the class

2.0
4.0
HIST101
Nov 29, 2010

Do not take this professor. She assigns a LOT of assignments and doesn't grade them efficiently. She is a tough grader and is not flexible. Please save yourself your semester and don't take this class.

2.0
5.0
HST101
Dec 4, 2010

If you are taking this class for a Gen Ed get another Prof. Definitley worse prof of freshmen year. A real GPA killer, quizzes are riddicoulous, exams were not too bad very little extra credit, and she gets real mad if your texting.

4.0
1.0
HST204
Jan 10, 2011

I loved her, she teaches the interesting part of history... she is passionate about it. Exams are very easy she basically gives it to you... if the roads are bad she cancels class. you have to read though she gives out random quizzes. One paper that is pretty big but easy. Overall an easy A

5.0
3.0
HS250
Jan 24, 2011

Dr. Hendershot is a great instructor! She has a vast knowledge of what she teaches. She expects a good amount of work out of her students. She is fun, entertainign, and keeps class fun. Great class to take for a history credit. Class teaches you alot about American!

5.0
4.0
HS250
Apr 11, 2011

She was one of my favorite professors that I have ever had! She doesn't make things easy, but she's funny and very helpful. The only thing that ruined it for me was the group project at the end of the semester. I hate group projects and it spoiled the class as I would rather focus on other things to do individually. Still enjoyed the class overall!

1.0
5.0
HST210
Apr 14, 2011

If you are not already fluent in history, do not take this class. She lectures(no other style), so if you don't take notes quickly, you might struggle. Not flexible at all and watch out for name calling (ie: stupid). She is not easy to approach, which sucks if you're struggling. She grades tough and assignments are vague with little direction.

4.0
4.0
HST101
Apr 24, 2011

Attendance is more then mandatory she sends around a sheet, and will know if your not there. Group project and paper at the end was horrid my group did no work, and the paper is a bit much for a History 101 course. She grades hard on all assignments, plus there's a lot of reading and quizzes over reading.

4.0
2.0
HST376
Apr 25, 2011

She is a pretty good professor with an awesome accent. Her grading is a little bit tough, but there was only one big paper.

2.0
4.0
HST203
Oct 6, 2011

she knows alot about history but the way she teaches is confusing. she lectures for the whole hour and goes through sos much material that its hard for you to write it all down. so be prepared to take fast notes. she expects you to know what she is discussing in class

2.0
5.0
HIST203
Oct 14, 2011

Thinks way to highly of herself, not helpful at all, once you are on her bad side (which isn't hard to get on) she will treat you poorly. Pompous describes her perfectly, thinks she is some god send

1.0
5.0
HS102
Nov 2, 2011

Her attendance is poor, she has missed a third of the classes this semester. She is hard to understand with her accent and moodswings. Overall, avoid her at all cost!

5.0
2.0
HST203
Jul 9, 2012

I loved her as a professor. She is no walk in the park prof, but anyone who thinks she's HARD isn't putting in ANY effort. I bought the book halfway through the semester & still got an A because I was in every class and took my own notes. She is always open for office hours too. I had no interest in the class before either. Sarcastic humor

3.0
2.0
HST203
Oct 24, 2012

I started off really loving this class but as it goes on, i'm having a hard time actively wanting to be there. I find that sometimes she will take something BRIEFLY mentioned in a chapter and then want us to be able to have an entire class discussion on it. if no one answers she assumes no one is doing the work and gets irritated.

4.0
3.0
HST102
Dec 13, 2012

She is a pretty good teacher, but I just hate history. She is very knowledgeable and I loved her Scottish accent. Show up to class and take notes and you'll pass. It's not an easy class, but it isn't extremely hard either, especially if you like history.

4.0
4.0
HST204
Dec 19, 2012

She was very opinionated and very picky when it came to grading. Her class wasn't easy required substantial amount of effort to succeed. Not impossible to do well but takes work. Never enjoyed the class learned some worked a lot. 3-5pg. papers/ 3 Tests/ 6 quizzes/Group presentation. SWS class be prepared to write. Overall wouldn't recommend her.

2.0
3.0
HST203
Feb 19, 2013

not very understanding of mistakes. especially when she makes so many herself.

5.0
3.0
HST203
Mar 20, 2013

I really liked this professor, she was funny and always engaging with the class. She forgets what she's saying a lot, but overall I would still say she's an excellent professor.

3.0
2.0
HST204
Mar 25, 2013

She was not my favorite professor. She knew the information well, but the lectures were not very relevant to the exams or papers that we were graded on. I was very bored in the class. She was fair though and I got a decent grade without a ton of effort.

2.0
5.0
HST203
Apr 3, 2013

incompetent and very hard to understand, poor attendance and mood swings make class a lot worse than it needs to be

1.0
5.0
HIST380
Dec 25, 2013

Horrible professor, probably the worst I've ever had and that's saying a lot. Heed my warning, DO NOT TAKE HER.

1.0
5.0
HST203
Mar 26, 2014

She will destroy your GPA. Her syllabus does not always match what she asks for in class, so attendance is a must. She gives no partial credit, if a minor mistake in your work occurs. She does not care about you personally this is just her job. She is moody and difficult to communicate with. Avoid her at all cost.

1.0
5.0
HST203
Apr 2, 2014

She is by far the worst professor I have ever taken at GV. She has little respect for her students and she doesn't care about personal emergencies. Insensitive to her students and very irrational. TRY AND FIND A DIFFERENT PROF. Lectures the whole time and rarely clarifies.

5.0
1.0
HST203
Apr 2, 2014

Hendershot is such a good professor! She is extremely understanding and always goes out of her way to be nice. If you take her class, you are guaranteed an A. Learned so much from this class!

1.0
5.0
HST203
Apr 2, 2014

So rude and disrespectful. Thinks the world revolves around her class. Isn't understanding at all. Worst prof I've ever had. I'm an A student and got a C. Don't take her. So many readings every night and random tests on things we knew nothing about. Avoid her. Assumes we didn't read if we didn't raise our hand and answer questions. DO NOT TAKE HER

1.0
4.0
HST203
Apr 19, 2014

I usually get along with all my professor,even the ones with bad rating, but i have never hated a professor as much as her.She jumps around from one civilization to another, and back.She makes everything 10x more confusing then it needs to be.She doesn't explain the final paper well and gives horrible grades with hardly any critiques.DON'T TAKE HER

3.0
4.0
102
Grade: B
Nov 16, 2014

Do not take this class if you are looking for an easy online class. I took it just because I needed credits and I spend more time on this class than any other, including my capstone and my final internship. You better have at least 4-5 hours a week to commit to this online class. (She usually gives 3-4 assignments per week.)

4.0
4.0
HST386
Dec 1, 2014

She is easily the best professor I've ever had! Hendershot is SUPER organized, helpful, and actually enjoys her job. Yes, the course takes some time, but your grade comes from the effort you put in. Students will not have their money go to waste and will leave having learned something.

5.0
3.0
HS102
Mar 22, 2015

very fun, scottish accent. lots of groupwork. 1 group project and 1 paper. very clear teacher, knows what she wants. makes history very fun. definitely need to attend class to pass otherwise youll be lost. READ THE BOOK!!!!!

3.0
4.0
HST360
Grade: A
Jun 22, 2015

Hendershot knows what she's talking about. Even in an online format, I learned so much about Early Modern Britain from this class. But... She thinks her class is the only one you have-I was writing at least 2500 words a week for this class when we DIDN'T have a paper due. The reading is killer, but you have to do it if you even think about passing.

5.0
4.0
HST204
Grade: B
Dec 17, 2015

Hendershot knows her stuff. If you genuinely want to learn more about history, you would benefit from having her as a professor. There are two five-page papers which she grades critically, but they don't destroy your grade as long as you work hard at them and go to her office hours for feedback.

3.0
4.0
HST204
Feb 2, 2016

One of the rudest professors i have ever had. Her mood swings and sheer disrespect for her students make her class unbearable. She also assigns long, tedious papers and likes to test material that was barely mentioned in the readings.

3.0
3.0
HIST02
Grade: B+
Apr 27, 2016

Professor Hendershot was great until the last few weeks of class. The whole semester she wasn't a tough grader and as long as you did the work and put in the effort you were fine. However, at the end of the semester, she became much pickier about what she was looking for. She also takes forever to respond to emails even when the they are pertinent

4.0
4.0
HST206
Grade: B+
Aug 29, 2016
Would take again

this was an SWS 6-9, but professor hendershot made the long class bearable even though it was mostly lecture. come to class with the readings read and prepared to answer questions (she's a stickler about people participating). there was a fair amount of group work but she made it fair for everyone. she seems cut throat but really loves teaching!!

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
HIST203
Grade: C+
Nov 29, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This course, by far, was the most reading and writing I have ever done in a college class, and this is my last semester. There are discussion boards due nearly every week (800-1000) words, based on the about 80 -100 pages of textbook reading. Each week, starting Monday, she only gives you until Thursday night to do all of the reading and post

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
5.0
HIST203
Dec 2, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I took this class online, it was by far one of the hardest online classes I have ever taken. For a 3 credit course, it required so much of my time. I took 5 classes this semester, this one history course required more effort and time than my other 4 classes combined. Professor Hendershot expects an unreasonable amount of effort from her students.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
4.0
3.0
HS102
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2016
Would take again

Professor Hendershot knows the material very well but her mood can change from day to day. She gives out weekly quizzes that are very specific to the book and her tests aren't bad but include a writing section.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
4.0
HST103
Grade: B-
Apr 26, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Lecture heavy. No clear explanations about papers. Confused about material herself. Not readily available for help. Can be rude sometimes. Terrible grader(You may get straight As for no work or straight Fs for a lot of work). Will never take again or recommend to my worst enemy.(don't even think about using a phone in her class) DO NOT TAKE HER...

Tough Grader
SO MANY PAPERS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
HST102
Oct 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Hardest gen ed class I've ever taken. I am a straight A student and I found this class extremely difficult. It required more time and energy than my nursing classes. I would spend hours on an assignment and my grade would not reflect the work I put in. She's a tough grader so if you're looking for an easy online class, this isn't it.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
4.0
HST102
Nov 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I took this class just for a gen ed credit and it was far harder than any of my upper-level courses. The expected workload seemed absurd to me. Plus, even if I did all of the readings I was only able to get a C on a lot of the quizzes which is crazy because I my GPA is a 3.6 and I'm a senior.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
HIST203
Grade: B+
Dec 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I took this class online and it is a ton of work for a gen ed. She isn't that hard of a grader. We had 2 exam papers (about 6 pages each) and 1 research paper (8 pages) that had to be in Chicago Style. We also had weekly readings, discussion board responses that had about 5 questions and quizes. She is passionate about history & wants to help.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
4.0
3.0
HIST101
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

Professor Hendershot is a great lecturer, and is hilarious and entertaining as well. I looked forward to going to her class because it was genuinely enjoyable and interesting. Her perspective on history is fascinating and her class is a delight.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
HST203
Oct 13, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This was an extremely hard class. I tried to divide the work up each day per week (because she checks how much you log onto blackboard) but it was so hard. There is just too much in the short time span. She is a very hard grader, and I never knew exactly what she wanted.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
4.0
HST102
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Online - seemed pleasant enough. Didn't return email very promptly. Hard grader and without much explanation. Multiple choice tests are a joke - obscure information, poor verbiage choices, timed with no backtracking (for no reason I can tell). So much material that I retained almost nothing. Wouldn't take again with this instructor.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
3.0
HST102
Grade: B+
Apr 23, 2019
Would take again

Hendershot is an okay professor. For an easy online gen ed, this course wasn't horrible. She does grade pretty harshly sometimes so it does take work to get an A. I am just shy of an A- and she won't round up either. Since this was online, it's all discussion forums, some easier than others, and a few papers and quizzes. Wasn't anything too hard.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
HST206
Grade: B+
Nov 5, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Absolute worst class I've ever taken in my college career. The prof will not answer emails (its an online class), NEVER gives fulls points for anything (except the assignment where I had to tell her about myself, because how could I be wrong...?), way too much reading and long long assignments for a gen ed. Steer clear and avoid this class!!!

Get ready to read
So many papers
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
HST206
Grade: B
Dec 21, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This class was online for me and was very difficult and there was so much homework every week it felt like too much. However her lectures were good but the amount of reading was a lot. The final paper was long and graded very tough.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
HS250
Grade: A-
Jan 23, 2020
Would take again

I had the distinct honor of being Professor Hendershot's student at both GRCC and GVSU. Her mastery of subject and her ability to accurately and concisely convey information to her students is a rare find, and while her grading takes no prisoners(so to speak), her class was enjoyable, and her feedback/grading were fair and informative. 10/10.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
HIST02
Grade: B
Apr 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Professor Hendershot is the worst professor I have ever had. I took this course as an online class my senior year, and it was the hardest class I have ever taken. Its a 100 level class.... I emailed her multiple times about the assignments and not once was she helpful let alone respectful. Do yourself a favor and dont take a class with her.

Test heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
HIS103
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

For a 100 level course, I was not expecting to have a couple of hours of reading a week. After when I would read for the quiz you have each week on what you read, there are very specific details about certain parts of history that you would miss in the reading. How are we supposed to know what will be on the quiz? Everything in the book?

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
3.0
HIS103
Grade: A
Apr 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

A lot of people hating on her. She was not that bad. All quizzes are on quizlet, assignments somewhat easy. I never emailed her so I do not know if she responds or not.

Graded by few things
Group projects
1.0
4.0
HST103
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 5, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Gillian Hendershot. I took HST103 to fulfill my gened requirements. I like history. Liked. Prof. Hendershot demonstrated a disconnect between grading practices and how she ultimately grades students. Extremely hard to receive a response from. Belittling. Unreal expectations. Absolutely uncompromising. Not easy to work with at all.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
HST376
Grade: B
Apr 17, 2022

I should have listened to the ratings on RMP, but I didn't. This course made my class load unbearable. I consistently take five courses at a time, so I am used to being busy. But most weeks we would have 100+ pages of reading, lectures, and a discussion board or collaborative assignment. You also have to access the course 4x/week for credit.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
2.0
3.0
HIST376
Grade: B
Apr 26, 2022

The class content was interesting except for a few things on Indigenous topics, but Professor Hendershot was not very accessible. The Professor almost never replied to my emails and put bare minimum effort into our online class. As a history major, I did not feel like my grade reflected my work or the effort I put into this class.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
HIS103
Grade: C
Nov 18, 2022

Avoid at all costs. Wish i would've read the reviews on RMP. She is terrible at responses. Has little to no lectures, expects you to read hundreds of pages of old history books. Then she wants you to write hundreds of words like a witch, king, or a soldier. How about i talk about the events normally and not have to write a script as someone else.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
So many papers
2.0
4.0
HST101
Grade: B-
Dec 9, 2022

She was awful, worst professor I had this past semester.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: B
Dec 15, 2022

class was very long and we just took notes the whole time

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
HIST101
Grade: C+
Jan 21, 2023

the class i had was 3 hours long and she would talk for the whole time so it would get really boring. she doesn't really have many assignments. she was an easy grader though

Group projects
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
HST206
Grade: B
Apr 25, 2023

Funny prof and knows her stuff. The class was just a lot. Readings every week that would take hours to do, so I stopped doing them. Got by just fine. Huge 8 page paper worth like 15 or 20% of the grade, kinda harsh grader. Attendance not mandatory, but class was once a week for 3 hours so your dumb if you skip. She is funny however. Do recommend.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
HIST101
Grade: C-
Nov 13, 2023

Definitely the worst professor I've had so far. You read two textbook chapters a week and she doesn't lecture on the subjects in the book. The one good thing is that she seems to have a good handle on the material, however she expects everyone else to be just as passionate about history. I took her 101 class as a GenEd and just barely scraped by.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
HIST203
Grade: C+
Nov 13, 2023

She posts really really old videos... seems like she doesnt care for the class. Tough grader and doesnt really explain what she wants. She's kind but not someone i would ever want teaching me again.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HST205
Grade: B
Nov 29, 2023

Took this class to fulfill an SWS credit and all I can say is wow... what a terrible teacher. Barely any communication, and EXTREMELY belittling. Never gave full credit for any writing assignments and does "positive grading" which basically means that you can never get full points for an assignment. Just plain rude. My advice don't take this class!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
2.0
5.0
HST101
Grade: B+
Dec 15, 2023

The expectations Professor Hendershot had were a bit much. Every week we had to read two chapters, each of which would be at least 30 pages long, then take a quiz on only one of the chapters, and listen to her two hour lectures. From the reading and lectures, I could never understand where the quiz questions would come from. Don't taker her class.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
HIST203
Grade: A-
Dec 20, 2023

I had Hendershot for an online world history class. Her online class is organized well. She has weekly reading assignments, lectures, and quizzes. There are occasional discussion posts as well. She is quick to respond to emails. As someone who is usually an A student, I would consider her to be a tough grader. Her lectures are kind of boring, too.

Tough grader
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
HIST203
Grade: C
Jan 29, 2024

Terrible.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
5.0
3.0
HST205
Grade: A
Jan 30, 2024
Would take again

I took her asynch version of HST 205 and it wasn't to bad. lots of reading plus lecture videos, but that is to be expected with an asynch course. she is very knowledgeable about what she's teaching and seems to be enthusiastic about it and it's very easy to reach if you need her. there is a big paper, but you'll get a good couple weeks write it

Clear grading criteria
Lots of homework
1.0
3.0
HIS103
Grade: B
Apr 15, 2024

She's a terrible professor. She's mainly just rude to her students, she seems like she hates us. She treats us like middle schoolers and makes snarky rude comments to students in front of the whole class. Definitely would not take her again.

Participation matters
Group projects
Beware of pop quizzes
3.0
3.0
HIST376
Jul 15, 2024
Would take again

I feel neutral about this professor. Found the course work interesting and there wasn't too much work, especially for a 6 week course. Acts like she doesn't care about you and is slow to respond to emails, she's one of those "Sent from my iPhone" professors so take that as you will. Wouldn't recommend, but if you have no choice you'll be okay.

Lecture heavy
5.0
1.0
HST206
Grade: A
Nov 26, 2024
Would take again

I love this class. It's a really easy class online. Just make sure you are getting all your work in on time, and you will do well!! I never really needed to get a hold of her for anything. Homework is self-explanatory, such as weekly quizzes and some big discussion posts, but the material covered is honestly interesting.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Online Savvy
3.0
4.0
HIS103
Grade: B
Dec 24, 2024

Expect a heavy reading load but use Quizlet and unstuck ai to prep. Professor can be blunt but the class is manageable with engagement. Textbook is a must, attendance varies.

3.0
2.0
HST101
Grade: B+
May 2, 2025

The prof uses old lecture vids and the way they are uploaded make little to no sense. The lecture vids also did not contribute to my learning, I learned by reading the book and talking to classmates. Her feedback wasn't useful and she critiques things on final draft instead of putting the suggestion in the rough draft which I didn't understand

Group projects
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
HST205
Grade: B+
Sep 7, 2025

Terrible. Don't take this class. Find another professor. This class was supposed to be easy, but it ended up being my most difficult class at GV. Tried talking to her a couple of times and she could not have been more condescending or rude. One of those professors that thinks her class is the pinnacle of college education.

Tough grader
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

59%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

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Predicted Grade

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95% confidence
Based on 36 grades
Most common grades:
B (11)
B+ (8)
A (7)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(13)C(6)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(10)
Based on 40 reported grades
B: 11
B+: 8
A: 7
C+: 3
Common Tags
Get ready to read (24)
Tough grader (11)
Lots of homework (10)
Participation matters (8)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (7)
Lecture heavy (7)
Tough Grader (5)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
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Ratings by Course

GS375

5.0

(1)

HS204

5.0

(1)

HS250

4.3

(4)

HS102

4.0

(7)

HST386

4.0

(1)
+17 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HST210

5.0

HIST380

5.0

HIST203

4.3

102

4.0

HS102

4.0

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