3.5
Quality4.2
Difficulty37%
Would Retake107
Reviews37%
Would Retake
107
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
46
4
20
3
12
2
8
1
21
What Students Say
“I took his class online”
EUH3400 - 3.0 rating“he should go back to England”
HISTORY - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
44%
Textbook Required
75%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.06 avg changeRatings by Course
EUH4049
5.0
(1)EUH4915
5.0
(1)EUH5905
5.0
(3)IDH2003
5.0
(1)HIST4406
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
WESTCIVEARLY
5.0
IDH2004
5.0
HIST348
5.0
ROMANPROVINCE
5.0
EUH3400
4.6
Reviews (107)
Very nice professor. The course over all is hard. His test are short answer no multiple choice which means YOU HAVE TO STUDY! The essays are pretty easy (the reason my grade is what it is) and he curves thank god!English accent hard to understand at times
he should go back to England!
Super nice man. However, you really need to take good notes and read to do well, or even pass. So skipping his classes is not a good idea!
Excellent professor of classical history. Combines archaeological evidence with literary sources. He is pretty hard, though. Highly recommended for history majors that actually want to learn things. Not recommended for lazy journalism majors.
Davies is an awesome teacher. His Age of Alexander course is super interesting, just make sure that you take excellent notes. His quizzes are all short answers, no multiple choice, so don't be absent too much in his class. His essays are fairly easy and he curves his grades. English accent so cute!
FANTASTIC CLASS! If you don't mind going to all of your classes and taking awesome notes-- this is really interesting and informative. I'm def. leaving better informed than I came in. Really clear and easy to understand-- best lecturer I've come across at FIU-- If you're lazy, don't bother
He is a great prof. BUT BEWARE you got to take GOOD NOTES to pass his class. His tests were somewhat difficult, but if you make good notes and study you should do fine. There is a Term paper but its easy to do. Overall a great Prof and i recommend him if u dont want anything difficult.
He is a very knowledgable professor, and he makes class interesting, but his grading system on both tests and papers is ridiculous. I did not miss one day of class and took very good notes, and I studied very hard (I don't mean cramming either), but I still only got C'S. He's not a teacher to take if you don't already know the information well.
UGH. I seriously hated this class. I took it freshman year and wanted to shoot myself in the head every day. The material was so boring, and he didn't make it interesting at all. I guess for History majors he's alright but...yikes.
Unbelievable. You would think when in class he should give notes. All he does is stand in front of the class and looks all pretty by talking. He doesn't give good notes. He tells you to read a few books and the test is based off of that. Extremely hard grader when it comes to papers. Watch out, I would not recommened him to ANYONE!!
Great prof. but quite difficult with the examinations.
No Comments
Great lecturer, interesting material. If you actually come to class, keep up with the notes and do the reading, the tests aren't that difficult. If you think the material is boring, maybe you shouldn't be enrolled in an ancient history course.
I took excellent notes in his class and studied hard for those short answer quizzes and it still didn't seem to work for me! This is the 2nd time that I take a course with him and I must say it's the most I've ever had to study for one class. A word to the wise...never skip this class or you will be lost for the rest of the semester!!!
He's a good teacher... Pay attention, go to class, take good notes and you should be able to pass...
He's very intelligent and his lectures are interesting, but he says absolutely NOTHING about what is going to be on the test. No reviews, no hints....nada! plus the tests are often just fill in the blank and even have maps....hard stuff. You learn a lot but only take this class in a semester when you have TIME to study your butt off!
Great class, very interesting. He's a great teacher, he really knows his stuff. I recommend him tp everyone who really likes history but remember you have to take good notes and pay attention.
While taking his class I did feel overwhelmed at times and sometimes he does speak over your head, however, if you ask his a question he also willing to give you a hand. He knows his subject and is not an easy grader. If you actually want to learn history take his class. Plus he's super HOT and absolutely melts you with his British accent.
The best history professor ever, if you want to learn history in its more pure state, take his class.
He has to be the best professor in the whole department. His tests are not that hard if you take good notes and pay attention. His lectures are very interesting, especially for this clas because he had slides of actual Roman sites.
This professor is difficult. I really don't believe the class itself is hard. However, his tests usually surprise you. He does not tell you what to study which makes it all more difficult.
tough professor...
Dr. Davies is a phenomenal professor. He’s smart, charismatic and a good teacher (a very rare combination). He’s one of the few teachers I've had at FIU that’s truly exceptional. He's tough but fair. If you get a chance you MUST take one of his courses, you'll be delighted. (Plus, his British accent will completely melt you.)
As an Honors teacher he kind of treats you like your still in high school. He's a tough grader but he's super nice. Read the necessary books and do the extra credit that is given.
Great teacher! Could be boring at times, but he could also be funny! Really knew what he was talking about and made it interesting! 2 2,000 word papers, they grade kinda hard, but the grading scale is curved alot! 2 tests and a final! Tests weren't multiple choice, but really weren't hard, just study! Final is essay form! The TA is great, helpful!
Great Professor! His lectures are fascinating and he truly knows his history. Attendence is mandatory because both of his examinations are based on class notes. He is a HARD grader ,though his grading policy is lenient (56-65 is a C and 66-76 a B etc..)but don't let the grading policy fool you because he is tough, especially on the class essay wort
Awesome teacher. Not bad to look at either.
I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT HE DOESN'T HAVE A MILLION CHILI PEPPERS!!
The hardest I have ever had to work for a C!Don't miss class and take good notes. Tests are hard, the paper is a joke!! He expects you to write to his PhD standards and he somewhat made me feel academicaly inferior. (Though I always get A's) Lectures are interesting and he definitley knows his stuff, but if you want to maintain a good GPA I wouldn
Don't take this class! Worse professor ever!
He is an awesome teacher, your going to learn alot and he makes it pretty interesting at least sometimes. He loves his job and it shows but it is the hardest class i have ever taken, if you want a good grade look somewhere else.
1) He REALLY knows his subject. 2) He knows how to teach it and make it extremely relevant. 3) He has an awesome sense of humor and wit.4) He'll treat you like a real college student and teach you college level stuff. Seriously, this one of the best professor's I've ever had. If you like History, Archaeology, Politics, etc, TAKE HIM.
If you want a good grade and your teacher to pet you in the head because you are such a good student and your parents always told you how smart you are, then run far away. But if you want to get smacked in the face with a truly awesome class, realize how little you know, and actually LEARN something for real, then take him. Hes bloody awesome.
To experience his class is to take part in the true college experience. No lie. This guy is challenging! You must come with your A game in order to come out alive in terms of essays. His standards are high, and rightfully so. You slack-you die. But it is the most fulfilling class you will take! It's worth it! Like living in the History channel!
He grades really hard. No MC-tests. To pass his tests you need to take notes- tests are based on in-class notes. No homework, just two 1500 words essays- do not wait until last minute!
He really knows his stuff. I mean the way he just knew everything about Athens in 403 BC and the easiness with which he explained it was pretty cool.
I've taken two classes with him already. he's knowledgeable, entertaining and all around awesome. I loved his classes and he knows how to keep it interesting... plus the fact that his voice somewhat resembles Robin Leach's helps.
Great lecturer, he is very proficient in his field. Take any of his classes and you will definitely learn something new. That being said, he is not the easiest grader so DO NOT expect to take his courses if slacking is your forte.
I came into his class with high expectations and it was an interesting lecture class. I began studying for the class's first test a week and half in advance taking careful consideration into the things spent most time on in class. The test consisted of fragments of information barely spent time on. As a result, I had to drop.
I recommend going to class everytime because all the information on the quizzes is based on the lectures, take really good notes. And the paper isn't that bad as long as you do it with time and focus on the topic he gives you. Best history professor at FIU hands down! Highly recommend it. Its not that hard, and the final isn't hard at all. Take him
Love this class. Lecture based so you have to take good notes- better yet, invest in a recorder. Tests are not easy. Not an easy grader for papers, but it was a fun class
You learn a lot in any of the classes you take. Just make sure to go to class and take notes. You never get bored in his class he is extremely prepared and keeps you paying attention. Take one of his classes if you want to learn and put your time to good use! Grades a little tough on the essays but its because he wants you to learn to write better
i love how people call him an awful professor because you have to pay attention, go to class and read to pass. I'm sorry, I though we were in COLLEGE. seriously people, get a grip.
He is extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter and his lectures are very interesting. You MUST show up, take notes and study - but you will learn a lot. If you're looking for an easy A avoid his class, but if you want to really learn about ancient history..take a chance.
Toughest professor I've ever had, but one of the best. I learned so much about Ancient Rome. Easy A? Forget about it. Wanna learn about Ancient Rome from an awesome lecturer? Take it!
Tough, tought class. If history is not your forte, try and find another class that will satisfy your gordon rule requirements. Tons of reading (needed for the quizzes and final) and 2 very hard essays. Professor is very knowledgeble and expects you to be really detailed and into his class. Again, this class is for people who truly love history.
Don't ever take it. If you have to, wait a few years until they hire another prof. He's hard! so if you want to drop your gpa go for it! Also, the way he and his assts grade the essays and the test is so careless they give you unfair grades. I'm an architecture major and the no 2000 type of class had been graded this way. Besides the test are open.
He's got a british accent but you can still understand what he says. Does well in making his lectures interesting and engaging. His tests are NOT easy, so EVERYTHING that he says in class should be written down and studied for the tests. Tape recorder recommended! He's very nice, and very helpful, but won't give out grades...you must earn them!
He is the best professor I have ever had. He knows his stuff and will make you know your stuff too. Yes, he's pretty difficult by essay standards, but for the essay you can just show him an outline and he'll let you know if you need anything. No book, but class notes are crucial, so that speaks for attendance. Tape record him if you must. :D
Nice guy and helpful, and he knows his stuff inside-out. Teaching method isn't so great. All he does is lecture intensely, and you're expected to know EVERYTHING for the tests, which are purely notes-based. Very tough grader on essays. You really need to stay on top of everything in this class. RECORD his lectures and review them every day.
Davies was always very knowledgeable and an expert in his field. He proved to be a great asset to the Reacting to the Past game, and personally spent goodness knows how many hours with students working on individual and group endeavors. He brought a whole new dimension to the course, and I appreciate everything he did for us!
I love Prof Davies! He knows his material and I think he tells a story to keep you interested. His Welsh accent is adorable, in my opinion, and he is easy to understand. RECORD THE LECTURES. The lectures are intest and loaded with material. The tests are random, you will be responsible for anything at all that he mentioned in the lectures, eve
Awesome professor. He's adorable with his Welsh accent and his stories are funny. It's not an easy class but its worth it because you learn a lot. It consists of 2 essays, 2 class tests, and a final.
While he knows his stuff, his voice tends to be monotonous and there is hardly any variance in his lectures. His tests are very difficult, take notes word for word or you will find it difficult to study later.
Stuck up professor who thinks he is superior to us stupid Americans because he is from Wales.
Adorable and a good professor. He is not necessarily easy, but you learn a lot. I highly recommend him. Take good notes and keep up though :) And attendance is important!
Very hard and has expectations that are out of this world. I love Greece and knew a lot going in to the class but he wants to talk about all the things that aren't interesting about it.
Dr. Davies is an incredible lecturer and I absolutely loved the class and actually learned from it. The caveat is that is grading is atrocious. He uses the British scale and if you think that getting an A is easy because it start at 80, you'll be in for a rude awakening. This was the first time I got B in any of my major courses.
The reality about this guy is that he doesn't know how to teach and knows very little about history. He talks about events randomly, without following a chronological order, and half of what he teaches is words in Latin. This guy is a disgrace to history, a pathetic example of mediocrity. Go home, Davies. Livy will laugh at you!
Ancient Rome is interesting, but he talks about irrelevant things like Roman toilets, streets, columns, etc. He lacks talent as a lecturer, and I consider him the negation of history itself. His lectures are pure idiocy and charlatanism. I don't know how such an intellectually poor person can possibly teach at a university! What a shame to FIU!
This professor thinks he's better than all of his students and goes on ranting and raving about irrelevant history topics. He will make you fall asleep with his boring lectures and than not even review it. He is one of the worst professors I've ever had.
This professor doesn't cut you any slack...be prepared to show up for class every day and take notes...this is where the exams will come from. He expects hard work, and the grade you get is the grade you deserve...one of FIU's excellent professors...definitely take him but only if you are serious about history
Pretty hard class. Assignments are graded on a curved scale, but don't let that fool you. He's a tough grader, and it is difficult to keep up with the material. Take lots of notes. I barely passed, but if you give the effort, you should pass. He's a very good lecturer. Most of the time, class is actually interesting. He is challenging but fair.
This professor is extremely difficult! No exam reviews and alot of notes to take. Your exams are based off of your notes. The textbooks he wants you to read them, but there really is no need to read them. They don't appear anywhere on the exams.
I have taken like 8 courses with Prof Davies as an undergrad and graduate student. The negative reviews are false. They are all just sour grapes from losers that cant cut it in a real history class. Davies doesnt kiss your ass or hold your hand. Your fate is in your own hands. He'll jump through hoops to help students but only those who work hard.
Extremely knowledgable. Real college professor, you choose to take the notes, attend the lectures and study. If you don't do those then you do badly. As simple as that. He's probably one of the most intelligent and friendly professors I've had at FIU.
Great professor and lecturer, but too few grades. 2 tests and a huge comprehensive final worth 40% of the entire grade! He was trained as an archeologist and therefore stresses archeological elements more than classical historians might. SHOW UP AND TAKE REALLY GOOD NOTES! No reviews, no study guides . Just you and your notes.
The quizzes are extremely specific so they're really tough and he grades the essays pretty harshly as well - only essay I've ever gotten a B on. It's worth it though. You will learn so much more than your grade reflects. He knows EVERYTHING and does a great job of teaching it. It earns him a lot of respect, but makes him a bit intimidating.
Dr. Davies is a brilliant professor who knows a ridiculous amount of history, even outside his area of focus. His tests are tough, but they are worth very little. The big chunk of the grade lies with his paper and final, which are thematic and open ended. They are tough to fail unless you just never paid attention in class.
Make sure you read everything. There are weekly quiz's, 5 questions in 5 minutes so if you miss two, it's a D. Weekly discussions which he is really good about feedback. I just wish there were more assignments to balance the 5 minute quiz.
An amazing professor that expects you to apply yourself in the course. Take thorough notes, review them, and you should be able to succeed. He's extremely knowledgeable!
If you love the Classics then you have to take a class with Dr. Davies. He won't give you anything for free but he also won't make you deal with fluff. His courses all follow a similar formula. One paper worth 40% of your grade, a final worth 40%, and 2 in-class tests worth 10% each. Show up and take notes, that's what you'll be tested from.
This class was terrible. I thought I loved Greek until I took his class. He does nothing but throw 2-3 books at you and expects you to regurgitate all the info in one comprehensive final. no study guide and NO HELP. he responds to his students with such disgust.
I took his class online. He gave 5 quizzes and 5 discussion on the 3 books for his class, then gave a final worth 40% of the grade. The final had 10 possible short answer questions, and three essay questions. You had to choose 6 from the first and 1 from the essays. He is an extremely tough grader, and expects you to read everything.
Dr. Davies is an absolute gem. His class is difficult. You have to show up and pay attention in the lecture, because that is all the material you will be graded on. There are a few supplementary books, but most of the info comes from the lecture. His lecture are entertaining. if you're willing to work, take this class. you won't regret it.
Professor Davies remains among the best professors in my eight years of undergraduate and graduate school. He maintains a unique capacity both to crush your soul and inspire a lifelong love of the material. FIU is beyond lucky to have him.
Took his class online and he made his TA pretty much grade all of his work. His TA was a horrible grader and never gave any feedback on any of the assignments and when you emailed the TA he would literally just copy and paste the same response for every student. Definitely don't recommend.
Davies may be knowledgeable about ancient Greek history, however he does not promote learning in his teaching approach. His lecture notes are dense and highly specific, and make for a miserable 6 week course where he expects you to retain every detail. His TA does ALL of the grading and provides non-specific boiler plate feedback. Avoid if possible
Professor is not helpful in the slightest and allows TA to do whatever they want. Standoffish when you have any questions and does not help in any way. Will not provide study guides but expects you to know everything by the end.
Took this class online & professor was not helpful at all. His TA was the one who graded everything and if you had questions he would always default you to her. TA also never gave feedback and would grade you on criteria that was never stated in the assignment nor the syllabus. He gives no study guides and expects you to know everything at the end
I added this class because I was so excited to learn about Greek history but it just broke my heart. Davies just dumps all of his knowledge into PDFs and gives extremely specific quizzes with a 5-minute time limit. His TA is on a power trip but he doesn't seem to care as long as stuff gets graded. No study guides, so get ready to fail the final. :(
Quizzes: 5 mins to answer 5 obscure questions. Discussions: no rubric/guidelines provided up front, graded by condescending TA on power trip docking points for arbitrary requirements which change week to week, had to message for feedback. Final: 40% of grade, all essay, 6 short 1 long, no study guide given, and module objectives do not prepare you.
The worst professor ever in my years at FIU! five question quiz for only five minutes to complete with discussion questions that require a two page essay. You literally have to have no life to have a chance on passing this class. If you are fortunate to still have a job, and take multiple classes than this is not the class to take.
I picked this class with excitement. Unfortunately, Dr. Davies did not show interest in teaching us, which made these six weeks course excruciating. Five question quizzes for only five minutes to complete. TA graded everything and would dock points for self-contradictory requirements. No study guides for the final, so get ready to READ.
Seems every negative comment here is identical - people who could have learned from facing their hardest obstacles, and overcoming them. THAT's what Dr. Davies provides to the student experience. Thank you Dr. Davies for changing not just my education but also my life. You are a gift to FIU. Difficulty is a road to overcome, not a wall.
Never encountered a more distant professor or unprofessional TA in my life (pursuing 2nd degree). Very haughty. The course IS challenging as other reviews have addressed, but that is not the problem. It seems like Davies connects well w/students in his in-person courses, but I would skip this if you are online-only. It's a disappointment at best.
He expects his students to pass a five question quiz in the span of 5-7 minutes that are full of specific questions that any student would likely pass over in any readings of his required lecture notes than actual required texts. Final exam was nothing like his quizzes, full of detailed writing and essays. Mostly archeological over historical.
Prof Davies is knowledgeable about his subject matter and his lectures are very interesting. He expects you to put in the effort and will make you EARN a good grade. There aren't many assignments so each weighs heavily. Prepare to do a lot of reading and essay writing. Tests and quizzes are based almost entirely on his lectures so take good notes.
I haven't failed a class until now. TA does all the grading & nothing is enough. Expects you to absorb knowledge by bombarding you with 3-4 hrs worth of reading every week. For quizzes good luck trying to remember anything from the 80 pgs to read a week since you never know what he will ask, oh & you only have 7 min. Final is nothing like quizzes.
Professor Davies is the toughest grader I have seen in a while, but he is an amazing lecturer and will meet with you and help you if your request. Need to attend every class and take notes. On essays please discuss expectations with him outside of class. Tests are tough but fair. Hard grader on essays.
Took this class over the summer. The TA grades everything and takes points off for the most bogus reasons. The grading criteria are very unclear, and I received points off on assignments due to unlisted rules. He requires that the books are mandatory; however, all the assignments are based on his notes. I would not recommend him to my worst enemy.
This professor in my opinion is the best history professor at the school. He focuses in ancient military history, he is an archeologist, and is very knowledgeable. Thing is with him, his class is lecture heavy, although there are no assignments aside from the class tests and the Essay. He is a fair grader and if you like lectures you would enjoy it
Dr. Davies lives rent free in my memory as the highest representation of what a university professor should be. Hard, knowledgeable, engaging, passionate yet temperate. A true gentleman without question; I have seen and learned much in his courses, from those who gave up, to those truest of students who in-spite of struggling did not succumb.
Davies is extremely knowledgeable about military history and fortification. Be prepared to write down every word he says and review your notes often. 3 tests on facts and vocab (10%) (make a Quizlet!) 1 paper , written final (40%). The hardest history class I have ever taken, but worthwhile for constructive feedback and engaging lectures.
Barely grades anything, but has no proper structure for quiz and exam criteria. You have to write an extensive amount of notes from his lectures, and then memorize everything in order to pass. His essay criteria is great, but an A+ in his class is extremely difficult to get, which can ruin your GPA. Others will completely fail his class.
Readings feel more like analyzing than absorbing knowledge. There's little interaction with the professor. The TA grades discussions with minimal feedback. Discussions based on textbook reading & quizzes based on his lectures. The final is monitored and fully written. Easy work if you are good at writing, but tough nonetheless. Proceed w/ caution.
He cannot use grammar to save his life but types like he's the most intelligent person to write a lecture, resulting in huge notes that are impossible to study from. Incredibly rude and disrespectful in emails, and is inconsistent on grading. His class singlehandedly dropped my honors level for graduation. Hope he gets hand sanitizer in a papercut.
Bitter little man who clearly is on a power trip. Uses unnecessarily long, irrelevant notes, and is wildly disrespectful to students if they dare attempt to get clarification on assignments from him. Ruined my desire to learn more about Greek history and likely is only a professor to fulfill a power fantasy. Avoid at all costs.
I have been lucky enough to take multiple classes with Professor Davies. He is a great lecturer and facilitates interesting discussions in his seminars. That said, you have to show up to his lectures, take notes, thoroughly read the books, and participate in class.
This is a tough class. My only B in 45 credits at FIU. The tests are 5 questions in 7 mins and the TA grades the discussion and takes off for points that shouldn't be taken off for. I took it for an an easy elective and oh well. Very little coursework overall, just tough to get an A.
Tough class with unclear grading criteria. TA docks points for obscure reasons. Mandatory textbook but quizzes focus on lecture notes. Unstuckstudy was a lifesaver for preparing for the challenging final.
My favorite professor in the entire history department. Took three classes with him (Alexander, Roman Provinces and Ancient Greece). Everything is self-contained, no dumb discussion posts, no random textbooks - just him giving super engaging lectures. Few assignments, only 2 quizzes and 2 papers, he is a generous grader though. 10/10
Tough grader for a summer course. Asked for a 24 hour extension and barely got 12 hours. TA does most of the discussion grading and you lose points if you don't cite his lecture notes as a source. You also only get 8 minutes for the quizzes. Final exam was all essay questions and worth 40%. Interesting material, but a heavy workload.
Professor Davies has been without a doubt my favorite professor in my college career. He is by far the best lecturer I've had, his lectures are extremely interesting, well paced, and informative. And his attitude towards teaching is honorable and very appreciated.
Thought this was going to be a history class, but it ended up being more of anthropology class with history in it. This is not an easy class and dropped by GPA a little. There is NO study guide for the final. Good luck reading over 70 pages of notes for it without knowing what he will ask. I did learn A LOT. But still!
Honestly, he's amazing, charismatic and hilarious. Participation is 30%, so be ready to speak in every class. He gives about 20 pages of homework a week; it's not difficult, just annoying. Do the work and you'll pass, especially if you participate and love history like i do.
I took this class online, and honestly it was not terrible, but the homework and discussion that was required felt very redundant. Throughout the semester you read and write about various topics, culminating in an exam, that feels that you cannot really prepare for, due to the lack of teaching, as you do mostly is read and discuss.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
44%
Textbook Required
75%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.06 avg changeRatings by Course
EUH4049
5.0
(1)EUH4915
5.0
(1)EUH5905
5.0
(3)IDH2003
5.0
(1)HIST4406
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
WESTCIVEARLY
5.0
IDH2004
5.0
HIST348
5.0
ROMANPROVINCE
5.0
EUH3400
4.6