2.7

James Leonard

Geography - Marshall University

2.7
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
21%
Would Retake
136
Reviews
2.7
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
2.6
Helpful
2.8
Clarity

21%

Would Retake

136

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

36

4

15

3

13

2

33

1

39

What Students Say

Like hello its just FYS, get over yourself buddy

FYS100 - 3.0 rating

Incredibly rude and short with students

GEO305 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

48%

Textbook Required

58%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 19 grades
Most common grades:
A (8)
B+ (3)
Not sure yet (3)
Grade Distribution
A(8)B(3)C(2)D(3)F(2)A-/B+(3)
Based on 27 reported grades
A: 8
B+: 3
Not sure yet: 3
B: 3
Common Tags
Lots of homework (10)
Tough grader (7)
Graded by few things (6)
Get ready to read (5)
Tough Grader (4)
Test heavy (4)
TEST HEAVY (2)
EXTRA CREDIT (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.21 avg change
Nov
Dec
Apr
Jun
Nov
Sep
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

GEOS

5.0

(1)

GEO280

5.0

(2)

GEO203

5.0

(1)

GEO200

5.0

(1)

GEOG305

5.0

(1)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

317

5.0

GEO300

5.0

GIS426

5.0

FYS100214

5.0

GEO110

5.0

Reviews (136)
5.0
3.0
GEO317
Feb 21, 2003

Lots of material, but if you listen tests are fine. Great prof.

5.0
1.0
GEO317
Feb 26, 2003

super nice. very helpful

5.0
2.0
GEO
Feb 26, 2003

Great Guy, good teaher.

2.0
3.0
GEO317
Mar 1, 2003

Hmmm I thought he was a dork and he screwed up alot. He would tell us things that were just flat wrong in class. I didn't really like his class.

5.0
3.0
GEO317
Mar 2, 2003

Leonard is a pretty good prof. his class is a little boring, and he is a little dorky (when he is trying to make the class less boring) but overall it is a good class.

5.0
5.0
GEO
Mar 3, 2003

Dr. Leonard is one of the best prof's ever...

5.0
3.0
GEO
Mar 3, 2003

Very humorous!!!!!!!! The only good professor in the department.

5.0
3.0
GEO
Mar 4, 2003

No question...he's HOT, if you can get past his overwhelming dorkiness!!

5.0
3.0
GEO
Mar 6, 2003

Best teacher I have ever had at Marshall. He knows his stuff for sure!

5.0
3.0
GEO317
Mar 11, 2003

He is a very good teacher, but i would have to agree that class can get boring at times, but that's ok.

5.0
2.0
GEO317
Mar 14, 2003

He's a really nice guy, he still says hi to me when I see him. I think that's wonderful for a professor to do that. Yeah his class was work but it turns out ok. He's a good guy.

3.0
3.0
GEO
Mar 19, 2003

nice guy......but that class was extremely dry

5.0
3.0
GEOS
Mar 31, 2003

Excellent teacher, will go out of his way to help. Tests aren't bad if you come to class and study. Friendly and easy to talk to. One of the best things to happen to Geography at MU. He is taking the department where it needs to go.

1.0
3.0
GEO
Apr 14, 2003

has a definite tendency to play favorites, especially for attractive females. he will go out of his way for some students to get a's but will leave others hanging. has given students higher grades than others who put the same answers on homework.

4.0
3.0
429430
Apr 19, 2003

Extremely polite and helpful. He could make the excersises a little clearer.Overall he is a good professor and cares about the student's performance.And he's not dorky.

5.0
1.0
GEO317
Apr 29, 2003

How much easier could it get. Assignments explained so well, that one does not need to ask questions on every single question. Very interesting orator

3.0
2.0
GEO317
Jun 6, 2003

The class is easy if you study, but he plays favorites bigtime (jocks, mostly) and is very hardnosed. It's his way or the highway. Shut up and listen to the lecture, don't ask questions or make comments. Some of his info was flat-out wrong, too.

2.0
5.0
GEO
Aug 5, 2003

His class was a painful experience - he's boring, wooden (makes Al Gore look like a wild man)and totally uncaring about students. He must have had issues as a child because he's devoted to being a hardnose in the classroom. Do not take him for any class!

5.0
3.0
GEO317
Sep 18, 2003

Dr. Leonard is a really nice guy who will go out of his way to help you! Tests and quizes can be a little tough; but if you study you will be fine.

2.0
4.0
GEO
Sep 30, 2003

Could care less about students and is very rude when dealing with them.

5.0
2.0
GEO317
Nov 5, 2003

I loved this cclass! One of the best I've ever taken at Marshall. Dr. Leonard is a great guy and very helpful. Take this class!

1.0
5.0
317
Feb 29, 2004

Turns a blind eye to the jocks that cheat on quizzes.

3.0
4.0
GEO317
Mar 25, 2004

He is very helpful, but needs to be more clear on assignments.

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Mar 31, 2004

His lectures are very boring. The tests are pretty hard...you have to read the book to do well on them. There is a map quiz every week, which requires a lot of studying. There are also 25 point assignments which require a ridiculous amount of work.

1.0
5.0
GEO317E
Apr 22, 2004

He is the rudest and most hateful person on the face of the earth! If you take his online class be prepared to get a C or lower. His written assignments are vague on his expectations and take a ridicules amount of work. You get 35 Minutes to take a 50

1.0
5.0
GEO317E
Apr 23, 2004

Terrible Professor worst class I have ever had!!

1.0
3.0
GEO317
May 6, 2004

He has no clue on how to lecture. The only time people came to class was when he gave quizzes because he was so boring. The quizzes and assignments are relativly easy but for exams make sure you KNOW the material and vocab.

3.0
4.0
GEO317
Nov 2, 2004

Harder than it seems! Make sure you read all instructions on written assignments.

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Nov 4, 2004

I will just put it this way...I have an A in organic chemistry, but a C in this class. THe quizes & assignments aren't too bad, but the exams are killers. I don't think it really matters if you know the info or not, he doesn't want people to pass them!!!! What a jerk!

5.0
1.0
GEO280
Nov 6, 2004

Love this class. GIS is the area where Dr. Leonard truly excels. You would do very well to take his GEO 301 class when it's offered.

2.0
1.0
GEO317
Nov 8, 2004

Boring!!!Boring!!!Boring!!! I can not tell you how boring this man is. This is an easy class but the professor is a snore!!

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Nov 10, 2004

Don't take him...online or on campus. Oh wait, you don't have a choice, only guy that teaches the class. Hope I get out with C or better because it doesn't matter how had you try, you'll be so incredibly lucky to get a B. GOOD LUCK! READ EVERYTHING CAREFULLY-book, notes, and instructions!

1.0
3.0
GEO317
Nov 16, 2004

Not helpful and he is rude...very boring lectures

5.0
2.0
GEO280
Dec 3, 2004

Excellent instructor. Extremely well-versed in GIS and its real life application. You will learn more than just GIS in this class, but also the very science of cartography. He is also exceedingly helpful in and out of the classroom.

1.0
2.0
GEO317
Dec 6, 2004

I asked him to go over a few notes becuase he was talking to fast to keep up, and he told me to badd just get them off WEBCT. What a jerk. i didnt bother going to class after the 3rd week! I managed to get a B in the class only becuase we took the tests in groups. HE IS AWFUL

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Dec 9, 2004

Man, I am SO glad this class is over. I actually got a B and I am so happy because this was the hardest class ever! If my whole class wouldn't have emailed test answers to everyone, no one would've passed. READ the book....all of it...seriously...all test questions are from the book. Good luck!

5.0
3.0
GEO317
Dec 15, 2004

You will definitely earn your grade in this class. So if you are not willing to work hard then do not take this class. Btw, Dr. Leonard is a good professor.

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Dec 15, 2004

Lectures the entire time off of a power point and doesn't take attendance. He'll email you the powerpoint which makes it hard to go to class but GO...it helps. The tests are hard, even with friends (but he's better than the other GEO teachers I hear). Seems uncaring...but recommended to others

4.0
2.0
GEO317
Feb 15, 2005

Very good professor. I was not very interested in the class, but he is nice. I ended up with an A in the class. I would recommend him.

4.0
4.0
GEO
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 23, 2005

Very dull lectures,extremely hard tests(whats on the exam is not even mentioned in class). If theres any way get around taking him.

4.0
3.0
GEO317
Apr 13, 2005

Read the chapters! Very important lots of info for tests come from the readings. I had the lecture class but I would recommend the online. They say it is pretty much the same just for the online you don't go to class. Very hard! I have worked really hard and I am hopefully going to get a B. Study!

5.0
3.0
GEOGRAPHY
Apr 27, 2005

Good teacher--knows his stuff. Learn a lot in his class--but read chapters.

5.0
2.0
GEO317
May 10, 2005

Take him. You will learn.

5.0
1.0
GEO317E
May 12, 2005

This class is easy online. All you have to do is read the book. Tests are easy because you use exactly what's in the book.

4.0
3.0
GEO317
Jul 27, 2005

I wasn't very interested in the class at the beginning, but I did learn many interesting things during the time I was taking it. Yes, he does lecture the whole time off of powerpoint and yes you do have to read the chapters and go to class. But if you do all that, then you should have no trouble. He was nice and gave us cookies on the last day.

4.0
2.0
GEO317E
Aug 13, 2005

Easy class to take. Some of the test questions were slightly difficult. Map quizzes were very easy. Very helpful and friendly teacher.

4.0
4.0
GEO317E
Aug 16, 2005

His tests were insane, map quizzes were really easy except the mountain stuff. My mother called him an sob constantly.

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Oct 19, 2005

very hard class. READ THE CHAPTERS! he will not help you out in anyway.

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Nov 9, 2005

hate him terrible, worst teacher ive ever had

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Nov 16, 2005

ummm... he sucks!!! had him online, did all the assignments, grades hard on written papers. map quizes are easy but watch out for his papers and tests, if you think you did good, think again my friend.

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Nov 16, 2005

this prof is horrible...you cant pass his tests...its impossible...my whole class failed...seriously...take him online...or dont take him at all... :(

1.0
5.0
GEO317E
Dec 13, 2005

No Comments

1.0
5.0
GEO300
Aug 3, 2006

His test questions r way to specific and his test questions do not go along with his lectures and class notes

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Oct 31, 2006

This class is impossible. I am an education major, so unfortunately it is required and I will be taking it again. I hope to do better on the online course, since he is the only one who offers. Not helpful, tests are extremely specific and very hard, oh and they do not match up with notes. Going to class everyday, studying, etc. do not help.

5.0
3.0
GEO317
Nov 7, 2006

Dr. Leonard is a great teacher. He follows his syllabus. The tests are hard if you do not study, and they incorporate both the notes and the textbook. He tells you up front to read the textbook and allows students to post test questions on WebCT from the book to help to study. The test questions come from textbook test bank.

4.0
3.0
GEO317
Nov 17, 2006

This professor is not hard, if you study the tests are common sense, he always answers your emails promptly, and if something is unfair he will fix it, this class is easy to pass with a little effort and time.

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Dec 4, 2006

I took his internet class. I HIGHLY recommend you DONT take it. Or take this **** anyway. Tests are impossible - questions are way to specific and you only get 1 minute per question. If you are late turning something in - even if its just an hour - its a 0. No exceptions. DO NOT TAKE LEONARD.

4.0
3.0
GEO317
Dec 8, 2006

The class notes are almost pointless because the tests come directly from the book. The class can be interesting but you have to have some type of interest in the class before hand.

5.0
5.0
GEO317
Dec 15, 2006

Prof. Leonard is a really nice guy. He gave us cookies and wrote us a nice e-mail at mid terms. His class is easy enough, but his tests are brutal. IF you're able to get 60's on all tests, go to class every day, and do okay on map quizzes and post your questions you get a B. Good teacher.

5.0
3.0
GEO317
Apr 7, 2007

Professor Leonard is SUPER nice! His class is really interesting and he has a great sense of humor. He's really helpful if you ask, but his tests are HARD! I'm usually a staight-A student, and I struggle to even make in the 60th percentile on his tests! But he gives the answers to the final, so it isn't as brutal as it seems. Take him!

5.0
4.0
GEO317
May 4, 2007

Professor Leonard is a very professional and clear teacher. His tests were extremely hard, but his lectures in class were interesting. Although I did not make the grade I would have liked, I did learn a lot in his class. He was very helpful and made learning fun. Beware, OUTLINE the chapters as well as read them or u won't pass the tests!

5.0
5.0
GEO305
Nov 3, 2007

Nice guy, helpful, may seem a bit dry at times, but I had no problems asking questions in class...the 2+ hour class was long, usually getting out a little early, but by the end my brain had shut down. I've learned a lot, the tests are Very Hard, sometimes a bit too tricky with that much info on one exam, but I like the class and him Would recommend

5.0
1.0
GEO317
Mar 31, 2008

I like prof. Leonard. Attendance is part of your grade. All map/ texbook quizzes through webCT are pretty easy. His tests are tougher; however, you can use your notes and textbook on the test. Reading the chapters and having good notes will help you the most in this class.

3.0
3.0
GEO317
Apr 7, 2008

took this class online. chap & map quizzes are easy, exams are HARD! if you do well on the chap/map quizzes, do all the assignments (not much & pretty simple) you can get a C in the class easy even if you do poorly on the exams. he can seem a bit rude & sarcastic but that's easy to do while responding w/ email.

5.0
1.0
GEO317
Jun 12, 2008

Prof. Leonard is a decent guy. The exams are taken at a computer lab, and they are open book and notes (so take good notes during class or print them out). He sometimes made comments showing his conservative political bias, but it wasn't a big deal and didn't affect his ability to give an unbiased account of a situation. I recommend taking him.

5.0
3.0
GEO203
Oct 15, 2008

Great prof. Very clear and a good person. His class requires work, but it is not overly difficult.

5.0
1.0
GEO317
Oct 27, 2008

Leonard is the best teacher in the GEO dept. He is highly knowledgeable. His sense of humor is very dry, but he does try! I really enjoyed this class as the topics are interesting and relevant. The tests are open-book on WebCT. Everything else is on WebCT too and it couldn't be easier really. Make sure you read the book very closely!

5.0
3.0
GEO200
Nov 11, 2008

The quizzes are online and are fairly easy. The map quizzes are really easy if you have Google open while taking a map quiz. I'm pretty sure it's impossible to get over a 90 on his tests. There are 60 questions in 60 minutes, and most are obscure facts from the book. Carefully read the chapter or you will not pass the test.

2.0
5.0
GIS426
Nov 23, 2008

Very difficult. Very intelligent and expects you to be on his level.

5.0
4.0
GEO426
Apr 6, 2009

He is a great professors! He isn't easy and expects a lot out of you, but will help with anything. He is always willing to help if you just ask.

5.0
3.0
GEOG305
May 1, 2009

Dr. Leonard is one of the most helpful teachers I've ever had. There is a lot of busy work assigned, so your grade isn't just based on your test scores. His lectures tend to be a bit dull. His tests aren't too hard. Material comes mostly from the text. If you put in the effort you should get no lower than a B.

4.0
3.0
GEO317
May 5, 2009

he does all assessments online, but they're timed and the tests are a question per minute. don't think they're easy, cuz they're not. you will do well on everything except the test if you don't study at all. good luck!

4.0
1.0
GEO317
Sep 28, 2009

Easiest 300 level class I've ever taken. Just go to class and do his busy work for attendance and participation grades. Don't study because there is no point. Just read the chapter and make good friends with the index of your book and the tests are fine.

2.0
5.0
GEO317
Feb 9, 2010

He is an extremely hard teacher and doesn't care much about students at all. He does not make what you need to know for tests clear in the least bit. If you take this class, you teach yourself. Maybe he's a nice guy outside of the classroom, but with students he is very cold.

2.0
3.0
GEO317
Apr 16, 2010

Took this class online. The state profile, GIS assignment, and debate assignment were extremely time-consuming. This would not have been as much of a problem, had they been worth more than 30-35 points. I did not feel that it was fair to ask me to spend 2-5 hours working on an assignment to only receive 30 points for it.

3.0
3.0
GEO317
Apr 25, 2010

He'll take attendance every now and then but his lectures are pointless. There is nothing on the tests/quizzes that come from his powerpoint. You should make friends with your book. He doesn't care about the students either so I wouldnt even bother to try to tell him your problems. He gives very time consuming assignments that are worth little

1.0
5.0
GEO317
May 7, 2010

Wished someone else would have taught this class. I definitely dont think he should be allowed to teach. He doesnt teach you anything. You read the book and answer questions. Questions that come from someone else anyways. Helen Keller could teach this class. The only thing he does is give assignments that take you hours on end to complete.

3.0
5.0
GEO526
May 12, 2010

Leonard seems nice, but I do not think he cares about any students that may have something come up in their life that would conflict with course work or attendance. He is clearly an extreme Christian, so wear your Cross. He can be quite a jerk sometimes too. He grades very hard and I barely know anyone that has made higher than a C in his classes.

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Jun 9, 2010

I took this class online during the summer and it wasn't too bad. Just make sure you do all of your work by the deadlines as well as the two assignments. Make sure you read the chapters thoroughly as well. The class is very fast paced but I was glad to get it over with. Overall, I'm glad I took this class over the summer.

4.0
4.0
GEO317
Aug 16, 2010

He is nice and will answer any questions you have, but be prepared to spend a lot of time doing things for this class. Lots of online quizzes and tests to keep up with. Definately a class you don't want to fall behind in; get a headstart. One of the hardest classes I've had to take outside of my major.

2.0
3.0
GEO530
Aug 23, 2010

Got an A but had to make his class my world. Project I proposed was "too much" then "not enough" then 1 week before semester's end he wanted me to switch back to the original project! Without my background in the subject I wouldn't have passed his exams. Also, I think he wants to be an english prof with the way he grades the many papers he assigns.

2.0
5.0
GEO317
Nov 16, 2010

This is the professor that doesn't help international students and is extremely american as the first day of class saying that americans are so lucky because they don't have to learn any other language. Bubble mind! This guy has a redneck accent which is awful. He thinks everybody is going to be the same fool as him studying geography.

2.0
5.0
GEO317
Dec 12, 2010

Dr. Leonard is by far the WORST teacher I have had in my entire career at Marshall University. He is not interested in helping his students. I went to his office to see if there was anything I could do to raise my grade and he laughed at me and then repeated to tell me that he is the hardest teacher in his major. DO NOT TAKE HIM! AWEFUL TEACHER!!!!

1.0
5.0
GEO426
Dec 16, 2010

Be prepared to spend atleast 12 to 15 hours a week minimum on homework assignments. His lectures are basically useless and have absolutely no relevance to what you will see on your quizzes and exams. I wouldn't recommend him to anyone who isn't a Geography major.

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Dec 18, 2010

Complete Jerk! I'm a GEO major and this was by far the worst class I've ever had in my life because of him. Does not care about students. Will not help and makes this class way too hard. Horrible Man....do not take!!!!!

2.0
5.0
GEO317
Feb 10, 2011

TERRIBLE! I missed class with a doctors excuse and he wouldn't give me the assignments for the day! Asked if I was a cancer patient because that's the only time he'd give me the assignment!!! So rude & very unhelpful! Do not take him. His quizzes are impossible!

4.0
3.0
GEO317
Jul 22, 2011

I took this class online and personally it is the only way I would want to take it. The man is a stickler for his deadlines and will give you no slack there because he isn't bad to care. The best thing about taking it online was the being able to work at my own pace which I recommend to anyone taking this course.

1.0
5.0
GEO305
Aug 17, 2011

By far the worst professor I've had at Marshall University (I'm a senior). Doesn't follow his own guidlines in the syllabus for grading assignments and is very unhelpful. I had him for an online class so I've never actually met him, but I could instantly tell he was a jerk after reading 5 sentences of the syllabus. Don't take this guy.

1.0
5.0
GEO426
Oct 10, 2011

Who ever has put this man in charge of this class does not know him at all. He may be good at GIS but he cannot teach it. His exams cover material that the class has not even started and he likes to show off..This is the worst GEO class ever, he should not be teaching, you learn nothing in his classes!

1.0
5.0
GEO426
Oct 10, 2011

Who ever has put this man in charge of this class does not know him at all. He may be good at GIS but he cannot teach it. His exams cover material that the class has not even started and he likes to show off..This is the worst GEO class ever, he should not be teaching, you learn nothing in his classes!

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Dec 6, 2011

Dr.Leonard is not helpful at all and doesnt know how to grade essays. The essay part of your test counts for as much as the questions do and NO ONE in my class got over a 15/30 on them. Do not take this professor if you dont have to.

2.0
5.0
GEO317
Apr 17, 2012

This professor makes this class extremely difficult. The syllabus says that 6 hours should be committed to homework outside of class when in realiy to get a good grade you need to spend double of that. There is also a lot of online components. I did not sign up for an online class. Overall, don't take this professor if you can help it.

2.0
5.0
GEO317
Apr 30, 2012

Most Time Consuming Class Ever! I took the online class, and everyone complained that blackboard (the software used) was freezing up when you took a test. He advised us to talked to the IT help desk... and they advised us to talk to him. Just save your chapter test, the same questions are on the unit tests.

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Jun 5, 2012

I took the class online, and I understand it is even worse in person. If you have to take the class, take it online. The map quizzes are pretty okay, Google Earth helps, but reading the textbook does not help on tests at all. Just do the best you can, and save the test answers, because he uses the exact same questions on the exams.

3.0
4.0
GEO317
Aug 21, 2012

Took his online GEO 317 class during the summer. To be honest, I was terrified of taking it from all of the stories i've heard about how horrible he is. But, I didn't think it was that bad at all and a lot of people were exaggerating. I ended up with a high B in the class, and studied some, but not an excessive amount.

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Dec 18, 2012

Horrible. Inconsiderate. Pompous. I really don't know why he decided to become a teacher when he clearly doesn't understand the term.

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Dec 19, 2013

Do not take this class with this professor. If you must, I recommend you take it online. I did not get to take it online but I wish I would have. Professor Leonard is VERY unclear about his directions on most assignments. He provides the wrong textbook page numbers on his Powerpoint slides and does not change them. Not extremely difficult though.

3.0
3.0
GEO317
Dec 25, 2013

Dr. Leonard's class is time consuming but not overly difficult. Take the practice and map quizes and that will help your grade. Also, write practice essay. He will give you corrections and it will help get a better grade on the essay part of the tests.

2.0
1.0
GEO317
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
May 6, 2014

Rude, rude, rude. He doesn't explain very well for the online class and you can just tell he is uninterested in whether or not the students do well.

1.0
3.0
GEO317
Grade: B+
Jun 6, 2014

Avoid this professor.His assignments are basic, hardly college level assignments. His instructions and expectations for essays are unclear, and will dock points for things you didn't even know were expected. This is unfair. He offers "feedback" for practice essays, but it's just the amount of points you'd earn,not what to fix, which is unhelpful.

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Aug 18, 2014

If there is another professor I would recommend taking any other professor that is available. The assignments did not seem that hard until he graded them and tore it apart. He gives little direction but expects a very specific response, yet he doesn't tell you what that is, very hard to please. I spent at least 8 hrs a day on this class and got a B

3.0
4.0
FYS100
Oct 15, 2014

This man definitely takes FYS 100 to a different level than the other professors. He constantly assigns work, sometimes three assignments in one day, and gives no consideration if you have other classes or work due at the same time. I would avoid taking him for this class at all costs. Try to get a different professor, if you can.

4.0
5.0
GEO426
Nov 3, 2014

He seems to be helpful when it comes to questions. Just to let you know there will be a ton of assignments for you to do when you take his class. His test are pretty difficult, I am not one for Timed Test because I like to take my time... and hello this is GIS you can't rush things...

1.0
5.0
GEO317
Nov 5, 2014

WORST professor I have had in my 4 years at my Marshall. He shows no empathy or consideration. I constantly went to his office (something I have never had to do until now) with questions about assignments and grades. He is not a helpful teacher in the least bit. I strongly advise everyone to avoid this pathetic excuse of a teacher.

2.0
4.0
FYS100
Nov 12, 2014

I would absolutely NOT take this professor for FYS! He is a hard grader, he has no consideration for his students when it comes to the amount of work he assigns, and you can forget missing just one class because you will be so far behind it would be nearly impossible for you to get caught up. Also, when he grades papers he leaves nasty comments.

2.0
5.0
FYS100214
Apr 22, 2015

I submitted a paper that had a few grammar mistakes and he gave me a zero on the assignment. In other words I DO NOT recommend that you take this professor for any class. He is an extremely tough grader, and there is homework every single class.

2.0
4.0
GEO305
Grade: B+
May 4, 2015

Not bad overall, but he isn't the most clear professor and he's a brutal grader. Expect assignments virtually everyday and annoying reading journals that take 3-5 hours each to do. Even if you will learn a great deal about Canada and the United States, I'd avoid him if you could

2.0
5.0
317
May 28, 2015

I have been in college awhile now and this is the worst professor I've ever had. He never answers his e-mails and doesn't care about his students. His grading is ridiculous!

2.0
4.0
FYS100
Grade: A
Oct 9, 2015

He assigns work on each day the class meets, sometimes it's more than one assignment. He goes on and on and lectures about nonsense. He takes this class too seriously, far more serious than other professors. If you happen to schedule with him I would drop the class before it's too late.

2.0
4.0
FYS 100
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 26, 2015

Gives way to much homework that relates to nothing. Rambles in class. Gives multiple assignments due the next class day. Makes mandatory meetings around campus. If you some how get put in his class, I'd drop it.

2.0
4.0
GEO317
Dec 9, 2015

Worst class I've ever taken in my life. His instructions for assignments weren't clear at all and when asking questions over e-mail, it took him days to respond. If you can find a different professor for this class, take them instead.

3.0
2.0
FYS100
Grade: Rather not say
Jan 26, 2016

He is so rude to everyone and he takes the class way to serious.. Like hello its just FYS, get over yourself buddy. He made me cry once during his office hours and told me "well, sucks for you." So I do NOT recommend taking him whatsoever. Very rude and too serious.

1.0
3.0
GEO305
Grade: F
Jun 25, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Incredibly rude and short with students. If you email him in an appropriate and professional manner, you'll get a terse, short response back, when he even decides to reply. Offers very little in the way of points or assignments to build up points. Doesn't believe students have any other obligations or responsibilities besides his class.

1.0
4.0
GEO317
Oct 24, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Doesn't respond to email in a timely manner (this was an online class so email was the only way of communication) and when he did respond he didn't really answer your questions.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
FYS100
Grade: C+
Jan 17, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He's the worst professor at Marshall. He should be on probation for the amount of students that have failed his classes. He will look your in the face and tell you to change your major because you're not good enough. He also has no concern about other class work or jobs because he assigns 10+ hours of homework a week. Don't take him, ever.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
4.0
GEO317
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 29, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This class is awful!!! He barely gives any grades. His online test are 60 questions in 30 minutes thats 2 questions a minutes or you arent passing. Iemailed him about not having enough time and he said to study and memorizes and you wont need time. You have 3 test and 5 assignments. So not many grades!And hes a tough grader! Dont take him.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
Tests are tough
1.0
5.0
GEO110
Grade: Not sure yet
Jul 10, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This "professor" needs to put out his syllabus BEFORE class starts (online course) because my laptop apparently is not compatible with Windows (i have a chromebook) so now I have to buy a WHOLE NEW LAPTOP for this 1 credit hour course. PITIFUL! Never had problems before now! PITIFUL

Tough Grader
Participation matters
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
4.0
GEO100
Nov 18, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Hes really not that difficult once you get the hang of the class. You have one quiz a week w/ 20 questions & 10 mins to complete it. Thats the toughest part of the class, but you get to retake it once more. He gives some extra credit opportunities. He gives participation points for being in class which is a part of your grade. Hes not bad imo.

TEST HEAVY
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
3.0
GEO100
Apr 25, 2019
Would take again

He's honestly one of the best professors I've had at Marshall. I would highly recommend taking his class. Timed tests are somewhat difficult but nothing is too hard.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
EXTRA CREDIT
2.0
4.0
GEO404
Grade: A
May 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Taken over Summer III because under-hours for scholarships. Legit you read & summarize the ENTIRE textbook. Not a hard class but SUPER time consuming. Given it was over summer, due dates were closer together. Only interacted with Dr. Leonard for clarification on the grading criteria.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
5.0
GEO440
May 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

His examples are not clear, and thus never understood some assignments. Grades largely determined by two exams, has weekly assignments not worth very many points in comparison. One book largely ignored except for two formulas, SPSS book used weekly.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
GEO317
Grade: A
May 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

60 question exams with 30 minutes to do so. I got an A, but stay away if possible.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
1.0
GEO490
Grade: A
Aug 10, 2020
Would take again

This was the Geography class that you are allowed to take twice (with two different companies that you take an internship at). So both times I took this class (for both internships I had), Dr. Leonard was great! :)

Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
GEO111
Grade: A
Aug 10, 2020
Would take again

This was a 1-credit online intro to Remote Sensing type course, where I learnt lots and really enjoyed it. There were some technical issues with some of the assignments, but Dr. Leonard was great at helping me through it! :)

Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
FYS100
Grade: D
Sep 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He was extremely hard, and boring

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
GEO426
Grade: C
Dec 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I really struggled in this class, and while part of it is becasue I really am not the best at GIS (it was a required class for my degree) I do feel that Dr. Leonard could have made it a little easier. I felt as though he thought we all knew everything about GIS. There are also very few opportunities to get your grade up, and the exams are hard!

Test heavy
Tough grader
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
GEO530
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 23, 2022
Wouldn't take again

I have taken a few of his classes. He can be a nice guy in the beginning, but he has insulted me through email and he's a moody grader. If he's in a good mood you will get a A if he's can a bad mood expect an F regardless of your work being right. I liked him when he's friendly but he will leave you in tears when you work your butt off and get F.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
GEO440
Grade: B
Oct 22, 2022

Dr. Leonard knows what he is teaching. Unfortunately, he gives assignments like you already know what he is teaching too. A typical "assignment" is actually 3-6 assignments. You will turn in 8-18 pages a week. If you include reading, videos, and homework it takes about 15-20 hours a week. Do not take his class with a heavy load. He is a GPA killer.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
GEO526
Grade: A
Aug 6, 2023

Very poorly designed course. No meaningful opportunities for student interaction with each other. Limited real instruction--just read third-party online materials and do assignments. Nitpicky feedback that feels unhelpful when it is not combined with actual instruction.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
4.0
3.0
GEO526
Grade: A
Aug 7, 2023
Would take again

The course was well prepared and delivered. But you really have to be prepared to work, which Professor Leonard does say in the course syllabus.

Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
Online Savvy
1.0
4.0
GEOGRAPHY
Grade: B
Nov 8, 2023

A bit of an irritable personality at times and can be impatient. Though it does seem he wants to help, somewhat. I would say avoid him if you can but with the limited geography staff at the university you might not have a great chance of finding someone much better.

Tough grader
Graded by few things
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
GEO440
Grade: F
Dec 9, 2023

GEO440 is presented as a class that needs no prerequisite yet he expects you to already know everything he's talking about. Many students walked out on him causing him to change his entire teaching style less than 3 weeks before the semester ended. His assignments changed from an entire webpage's worth to just a few after.

Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
GEOGRAPHY
Grade: A
Apr 29, 2024
Would take again

I have taken many classes with Dr. Leonard. I recommend him!

2.0
5.0
GEO505
Grade: B+
Jun 30, 2024

Summer class - synthesize readings for paper (7 pages) AND 8 page term paper in a 6 week course. BEWARE Also a quiz every week, reading questions to answer every other and a map quiz. Massive amount of work for a summer class.Would expect this for a 15 week class.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
2.0
5.0
GEO440
Grade: B
Nov 24, 2024

Dr. Leonard's GEO440 is a challenging course, but using unstuck ai along with the textbook can help manage the heavy workload. Attend class to understand his teaching style, and be prepared to put in significant effort to succeed.

1.0
5.0
GEO
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 16, 2025

By far the worst class i've ever been in. The amount of work he gives out compared to the small amount of points we get for doing it is a joke. Avoid this class at all costs if you can.

Lots of homework
So many papers
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

48%

Textbook Required

58%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 19 grades
Most common grades:
A (8)
B+ (3)
Not sure yet (3)
Grade Distribution
A(8)B(3)C(2)D(3)F(2)A-/B+(3)
Based on 27 reported grades
A: 8
B+: 3
Not sure yet: 3
B: 3
Common Tags
Lots of homework (10)
Tough grader (7)
Graded by few things (6)
Get ready to read (5)
Tough Grader (4)
Test heavy (4)
TEST HEAVY (2)
EXTRA CREDIT (2)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.21 avg change
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Ratings by Course

GEOS

5.0

(1)

GEO280

5.0

(2)

GEO203

5.0

(1)

GEO200

5.0

(1)

GEOG305

5.0

(1)
+22 more courses
Difficulty by Course

317

5.0

GEO300

5.0

GIS426

5.0

FYS100214

5.0

GEO110

5.0

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