A true professional - helpful, informative. Great class with lots of helpful feedback. I learned alot!!!

He was an awesome professor. But READ the book! He relates to things in his lectures and makes the class fun which makes it easier to remember!

tests are hard if you dont study hard, but he is one of the best teachers at sam, he is very interesting! but study!

I took him about 4 years ago...great class, but I still remember that you needed to study hard!!!!!!!!!!

Best prof on campus

I hate history and he has made it so much easier to understand and like. He is a great teacher but you do have to read the book in order to pass the test.

hes an awesome teacher makes class interesting hes also funny :) best prof!

Great teacher, but he doesn't make it easy either. He told our class that we should read whatever chapter we were covering about 3 times. HE WASN'T KIDDING!!!

The professor is great and gives very interesting lectures, never boring. His tests are real hard though. To do well in the class, you must be able to read a lot and be able to understand/study it. Good professor, but tests can be tough. Not easy to get a B.

I LOVED HIM!

Dr. Olson is an amazing professor. I learned alot in his class, and his lectures were so interesting. Although he makes class interesting and fun, the tests are VERY hard..most of the answers come from the reading, and the corresponding books are hard to understand.

one of the best profs on campus.. he is a great teacher and easily held my attention and I got adhd

Great prof. Very interesting, very knowledgable. You had better come prepared to study, because he isn't fooling around. Don't miss this guy!

Fabulous! His tests are detailed and not everything can be found in the book. His lectures are way more interesting anyway!

His lectures are very good. His tests cover alot of material but its well worth taking him for hist

I LOVE This Prof! He was so entertaining, always made my day.It is true, u must study for his exams. But they're passable.I Do NOT enjoy reading, but i just read over his notes and the items he gave for the review, and i did fine! Take him! He's one of my Fav. Profs so far!

Dr Olson's class if by far the best history I have ever taken. His lectures were really interesting and you could tell he really enjoyed the subject of history. His tests were easy if you studied your notes and some of the reading prior. Overall his class is easy and he is a great Prof

GREAT Teacher, but he sometimes gets offtopic with his anecdotes (though they're interesting). He lays out his notes very clearly, so the lectures are easy to follow. The only way this class could possibly cause trouble is if you don't attend or read the books (which cover some things not covered in lectures but will appear on the tests).

One of the best teachers on the SHSU campus.I strongly recommend that you take this class.The tests are hard but if you study you will do well.

fantastic teach. funny, tells alot of stories, but they relate to topic. lectures everyday for the full time. tests aren't too bad as long as you study. has makeup tests if you miss. sometimes curves, if class average is bad.

THE MOST AMAZING TEACHER I HAVE HAD IN A LONG TIME. HE IS SO EASY TO UNDERSTAND, HE PUTS THINGS ON YOUR LEVEL.

He is worthy of his own auditorium. His lectures are amazing. Best history teacher I have ever taken by far. My only complaint is that the Tests usually contain too many questions not directly covered in the book, class, notes or review. The tests can be difficult for the wrong reasons.

He is a true story teller. I think he would teach history even if they stopped paying him. One of the few instances I hoped a prof would veer off topic because the stories were so great. He wants you to understand the material and will bend over backwards to do it. Funny, knowledgable, fair and competent. Just take him if you can.

Very interesting, which is why I am taking him next semester for the follow up to this class.

LOVE LOVE Dr Olson. He is a great guy, very funny and cares about his students. I recommend only sitting up front if you are ok with being asked questions, b/c he WILL! Never disrespectful if you are incorrect, but it is a little embarassing in front of the entire auditorium! Definitely take Olson!

He is the most amazing professor I've ever had. The first few weeks of class can be kind of boring, but one he gets into his stories, it's really good. Reading is important, but 60% of the test come from notes and lectures. As long as you understand what goes on in class and do the review, you should be fine.

Dr. Olson is the best proff. i've had. He is very funny and tells alot of stories. What is on the test comes from different spots, notes, textbooks, etc. Study, and you will make a good grade. Can't wait to take him again!

He is a really good teacher. he makes class interesting. you have to read a little his tests are like 50% lecture 50% book. as long as you study you should be fine. he is willing to work with you. he does extra credit from time to time. he is really funny too.

GREAT PROF. Never appreciated history until i took his class. He gives you crystal clear outlines of what you need to study and then he wrote the book that your supposed to read so he pretty much goes over everything in class anyway. Tests right off of lectures. AWESOME PROFFF!

DR.OLSON IS A GOOD PROF. HE LOVES 2 INTERACT W/ HIS STUDENTS AND TALK!!! HE HAVE ALOT OF STORIES 2 TELL, SOMETIMES TOO MANY, BUT OVERALL YOU'RE ABLE TO TAKE GOOD NOTES. MAKE SURE YOU STAY FOCUSED AND PAY ATTENTION IN HIS CLASS BECAUSE I OFTEN GOT SIDETRACKED.

Easily the Greatest professor at Sam Houston. Couldn't find a more knowledgeable prof or nicer guy.

He is a good professor! The class isn't hard. Make sure you read the books and buy them! Too many people don't buy the books and then fail the tests because of it.

Good Professor! His class is pretty easy just listen and attend. Gives occasional extra credit. Dr. Olson cares about his students. Highly recommend him.

one of the most popular professors at sam houston. he is a really good teacher and makes jokes to keep the class entertained and he makes history interesting. tests aren't too bad either. they're 60% lecture and the rest is the reading assignments he gives. you can't go wrong with dr. olson, unless you absolutely don't care. i highly recommend him.

He is hilarious, very intelligent. Attendance isn't mandatory, but if you want the bonus at the end of the semester you have to go to class. test are pretty much from the lecture.

This professor is both brilliant and funny. He cares about his students (not that the students always deserve it). I loved his classes ~ they were full of stories that may or may not have had to do with the topic, but make History lovable. The exams are from the books, so get them, people. And the man has enough to do, so edit your papers!

Great teacher! So interesting! LOVED the class!! I would take him again if I had the option to!

INTERESTING READINGS AND LECTURE! You'll never want to miss a day!

Dr. Olson is AWESOME!!!

Best history teacher I've ever had.

Dr. Olson is so funny and jokes about his one arm all the time. He makes class interesting and is very passionate about his work. He only gives 4 tests though, the last being a final test that's not cumulative. Study his lectures and look over the readings and you'll do fine on the test. Also, participate in the extra credit because it's worth it.

Dr.Olson is soooooo AWESOME!!!! American Experiences, American Saga, and Lecture Notes are all that you really need to look over and read for tests & extra credit assignments. He calls his arm "stumpy" & he is hilarious! I loved the class & NEVER missed one day. I'm definitely recommending him for everyone!

Dr. Olson, you are the man! wouldnt have missed your class for the world, I hated history in high school, I am glad I took your class. Thanks so much for making a difference.

He makes everything clear in what he says. Best thing to do is take all the notes you can and study that for the test. Test arent too hard. He gives extra credit when there is a bad test class average. He is very and i recommend to everyone

AWESOME TEACHER!! ID RECOMMEND HIM TO EVERYONE!! HE IS VERY INTERESTING YET HE IS AN OLD MAN BUT HE IS VERY FUNNY, AND EXPLAINS EVERYTHING AS LONG AS YOUR IN CLASS YOULL PASS WITH FLYING COLOURS.

BEST HISTORY PROF EVER!!! He is such a good professor and his class is very interesting. Just go to class and you should to well. He is funny and laid back but his exams are a little difficult if you don't read. But his books are interesting too:)

AWESOME professor. Loved this class. I never missed a single day. I'm actually waiting until next spring 2013 to take his part 2 of this class just so he will be my professor. Read your books and it will be a breeze for the tests and take good notes. Gives frequent extra credit which is easy!

He always makes jokes, especially about his fake arm. He's a funny guy. You need to take notes in class and pay attention because most of the test is over the lecture. but if you dont pay attention in class, everything in his lecture is out of his "Saga" book. He sends a review before each test. Read everything he tells you to read and take notes.

You have to read and come to class, but he is really nice and very helpful. He replies to emails fast.

He is very interesting, he has good stories. You need to attend class and pay attention. He does give extra credit after every test the points normally range from 8 to 12.

He is a great professor!! The class was easy, but you must be in attendence to take good notes. Makes everything clear and relatable. There is NO HW, only test which has a provided study guide. You have to actually study every aspect of the subjects in order to get a good grade. I highly suggest that everyone take him. Also gives extra credit.

Dr. O is the best thing that has ever happened to the history department as SHSU. TAKE HIM!! It will change your life. History sucks! but Dr. O will make it seems like learning your ABCs. A+ for him.

I loved him!! I took him for both HIST1301 and HIST1302. He is very good about making sure the student know all the important info. He curves the whole class at the end and gives a lot of extra credit. His lectures are extremely interesting. The only downside is that he takes notes randomly all over the board.

Dr. Olson is a very good teacher! Some of his lectures are scattered and he tends to go off on tangents, but if you listen and take notes along with doing the study guides provided you should do well on the tests. Trying to get him for 1302!

This guy is great!!! I liked him a lot. Very helpful and makes a good connection with students even in a big classroom. He is very passionate about his teachings and keeps you interested most of the time. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

He is great. His reviews are a little long, but be sure to take everything because it is a guarantee that they will be in the test in at least one way or another.

This professor is pretty good. He gives a review before the test and test usually comes from lectures with a few questions in the book. He is interested in the subject he teaches, he tries to get class participation ALOT from the class. He let's class out early, and he cares about his students. This class was easy to me.

I love Dr. Olson. He is seriously such an incredible person. He is very inspirational. As long as you put forth the effort, you WILL do good in this class. I was a little confused as to how to study the key terms for the test, which is why I received a B instead of an A. Class lectures and the textbook are both just as important as eachother.

BY FAR THE BEST PROFESSOR I HAVE HAD! He truly wants kids to learn which most professors dont care whether you do or not. Just truly a great professor. Do the extra credit and do the reviews he gives you, and you will do fine.

One of, if not the best teacher I've ever had. Attendance is recommeded considering 70% of his tests are based off his lectures. He does a lot of student involvent (walks around and asks questions every day). Typically a funny guy, with a story for just about anything. I took him for both 1301 and 1302 because I loved his teaching style.

I transferred to SAM from out of state. Dr Olson was the first professor I took here and WOW was I impressed. He is a great lecturer! He teaches history as it applies in a social context, which helps you understand why things occurred the way they did. He is very fair, very funny and extremely caring. The best professor! Highly recommend!!!

He is the best teacher I have ever had. He is very good at what he does. The only grades are extra credit and the tests. Class is very easy he tells you what is on the test and all you have to do is look up the terms in the book or your notes. EASY A!

I love Dr. Olson. He is a fantastic prof, he makes sure the students understand the material and if they don't he encourages helping them. The class takes work, but this is college. He expects you to work for your diploma. But he makes it really easy to understand the material. He's awesome :)

I love Dr. Olson! This was the first history class I've taken that I can pay attention and remember it. He can be a little scatterbrained but just take notes and do the study guide and you will do fine. I made an A. The final is just another test.

I'm graduating senior and he is still the best teacher I have ever had. If you actually go to class and half ass pay attention, it will be an easy A!

Dr. Olson is amazing. I was worried about taking a class with 200+ people in it, but his class was pretty easy. You need to take notes and use the book for the reviews and you'll do great!

Dr. Olson is truly an amazing professor. Tests are easy ONLY if you pay attention to the lectures and do the study guide he provides. Don't worry if you do bad on a test; he gives extra credit. He is very interactive with all of his students. He expects you to work hard, which you should. Bottom line: TAKE HIM! You will not regret it.

Awesome teacher! He teaches in the auditorium that's named after his which is cool. There is only test which is a good thing. He gives extra credit on test!! He tells you to read two short articles before and in class will pick one and say write as much as you can about it. I read the articles the day of in class and got full credit on all of them.

Olson's Vietnam class is the best I've ever taken and he's easily my favorite professor, having taken him 5 times. He doesn't use powerpoints or post notes online, so although attendence is not mandatory, you need to go. Just read the text and study and he'll do the rest.

He is an amazing prof. I got a C but that was because of my own decisions not his. He latterly tells you what is on the test before you get it. Study guide is actually simple, do not over analyze it, but do not under analyze it. Very helpful as long as you ask and participate during class. If he knows who you are he is more likely to help.

He is a great pro, he knows his stuff when comes to about talking about history. however he can talk little too much sometimes but worth taking. what's in the lecture is in the exam so attendance is important :)

Good lecturer, but tends to ramble a bit. There was no homework, but attendance was taken. Tests were multiple choice. He gave extra credit a few times, but don't bug him for it or he won't give it. Read the book and attend class; you'll get a good grade.

Best History professor out there! I will be taking him for 1302 next semester. He makes you want to pay attention because you never know what he is going to say. Oh and only 4 test! The test are easy as long as you read and take decent notes in class. Take him you won't regret it.

Very smart and funny man. If you read his chapters and attend his class everyday and take good notes then you will get nothing lower than a B. His lectures are long but if you pay attention and are good note taker then you shouldnt have a problem in this class.

Doctor Olson is a very well-respected professor at SHSU. He is honest, dedicated, and is there for you as long as you put in an honest effort. 4 exams and attend is a must. Go to class and do the study guides and you will be fine. I am a history major and loved him. If you aren't you should do fine.

Coming into Sam as a freshman and being horrible with History, I was so afraid I was going to get some mean professor and fail miserably... Instead I got one of the sweetest older men (: Mr. Olsen really made history a but more interesting for me. The lectures are long, but his frequent sense of humor really keeps you listening. I loved him! (:

Dr. Olson tends to ramble and get off topic, however, it's really interesting. He has published his own textbooks, so he was grateful enough to just email everyone a copy of the text that we needed. His tests are based off of the reading and lectures, so take good notes and study. Other than that, he's a really nice dude.

When I took the class the questions came right out of the book material, the book is a must because everything we went over was word for word out of the book. He isn't a technology person so it is important that you pay attention and highlight the material because all multiple choice questions and short answers are straight out of the book.

Dr. O is amazing. Be sure to listen to the lectures and pay attention, he pretty much tells you what to study for. He wrote his own book so he just emails you the chapters you need to read for each exam. Don't play on your phone bc if he catches you he won't talk to you. Awesome class, just study for the exams and don't be afraid to ask for help!

There's four tests over the course of the semester with random assignment days for extra credit opportunity. tests are based off of lecture and the textbook so make sure to read!

Dr. Olson is a great professor, he made a hard topic to discuss easier. Loves to make the class laugh at themselves, at him... He takes the material serious but is absolutely easy to have an open discussion with and will absolutely answer any questions you have. The tests aren't easy but an A or B isn't impossible with a little effort.

lectures are as good as a history lecture can get, gives random extra credit in class, attendance is mandatory and you choose your assigned seat at the beginning of the semester. Take good notes, study them and you'll get an A. He keeps the class entertained with small jokes, would take again if i needed anymore history hours

LOVED dr. O! Great professor. Read read read read and read and GO to class! If you read and go to class there is no reason not to make an A! He really cares for his students and gives you life advice. TAKE HIM!

He emails the book so no need to buy one. Tests are based on reading and part lecture but participation matters because he doesn't post notes on blackboard. is TA held helpful study sessions and he was very nice and helpful if you had any difficulties or missed a test.

Olson is an amazing professor, and has amazing lectures. However, you honestly HAVE TO read all the material and study hard to get good grades on the exams. So if you are taking this course for basics and history isn't your best subject, i'd take someone else ESPECIALLY if you are a freshman and still adjusting (like I was).

I took him for 3392 American Indian which no longer exists. He's a great teacher! If you just take the time to study and read you will definitely pass his class. Not too much reading just a chapter here and there he will give you. He is straight forward and doesn't give you test questions that haven't been taught in class or in the book.

Olson is an amazing professor. if you don't read or take notes you will fail. its not hard at all, and I like how he give modern day situations to help us understand the material. He's a very funny guy and you will enjoy his class a lot. History is not my fav subject but he makes it enjoyable and I would deff take his class again.

I really like this professor. His lectures were really interesting and he's really quite personable. He's definitely in my top 5.

He is a great professor I loved him.

I love Olson. He is so awesome. His lectures are catchy. He wrote the book for the class meaning we did not have to go buy the book because he would send it our email. He gave LOTS of extra credit. His class consist of only a few test. The readings arent hard. BUT if you dont read you WILL FAIL. Reading is KEY! Took him for His1301 and His1302!

He is really funny and makes history sort of interesting. Some people had issues because he is older and laid back. He is really open with his students and helps as much as he can. You probably wont get through the whole syllabus though. He is very easily taken off track. He gives extra credit after each test.

His exams are not always the easiest, but not the hardest thing ever. He emails his textbook to you, so there is no buying the book. He will call on you during class to make sure you have the information he is presenting, so I would suggest to make sure he knows your name so that he can call on you. Don't worry though, he won't embarrass you.

My Mom took this man 30 years ago and I have now had him for 2 classes. I can not say enough how terrific of a teacher (and person) he is! I thoroughly enjoyed his class and would take him 100 X more if I could. Thanks Dr. O for making my Freshman year a great one by having you for a teacher.

Easily the best professor at SHSU. Dr. Olson has taught history for decades and is a master of numerous topics. I took several of his classes and enjoyed all of them. Just read the book and take good notes and you'll do fine.

I've taken Olson for both Hist 1301 and 1302. He's an incredibly test-heavy type of guy but he's an amazing professor. You do not need to purchase the book - I never picked it up. All you need to do is show up everyday (or close - you can miss a day or two before the tests) and take decent notes. I said DECENT notes. Copy everything you see.

Great professor. Really knows what he is talking about and makes history interesting. Gives extra credit often which is nice. Tests aren't bad as long as you study your lecture notes and read the textbook. Used an online book so you didn't have to buy one. Cares about his students and wants them to succeed.

Olson is an amazing professor, easily the best professor ive had. I absolutely recommend him. tests are based alot on text but he provides the textbook for free. remind him of things on the outline he forgot to teach bc he gets carried away with stories. be nice and take care of him bc hes a cute old man - hold the door open bc he has one arm :(

Hands down best professor ive ever had!! He is so funny and a great teacher. His test are hard but he is worth taking.

Dr. Olson is the most caring professor I have ever had. He gives lots of extra credit and the only grades are tests and a research paper due at the end of the semester. Tests are difficult, but the extra credit makes up for any points you need. He's very liberal and makes so many jokes; just the sweetest old man! Wish he was my grandpa, honestly.

He was the best history professor of my entire education history. I had him in 1998-1999 and hes the only guy who made me enjoy history. His lectures were amazing and if you didnt come to his lectures you wouldnt pass. Half his test questions came from the lectures and since his lectures were so good and well thought out, it was easy.