Swensen really cares about helping you if you need it. His lectures were interesting and he's very fun. Attendance is not mandatory, however there is a small 5 point quiz every day about the readings. Tests are easy if you study and go to class.

For Spring Term, instead of doing daily quizzes, he assigns us a three-page paper every week, which can be kinda grueling at times. And although his lectures are based on the textbooks, I recommend going to class because he'll likely point out things you didn't notice before. Overall, kinda tough, but he makes the class really interesting and fun.

Do the reading from the Wren book. The other book is more useful when you know which pieces to study for the test, but it's really boring and useless otherwise since he goes over the important stuff from it in class. And also, do your best to not miss class. You'll definitely miss a few points on the test if you do.

James is an incredible young teacher. I had almost no interest in art or history, but he really brings it all to life and has great lectures. He is a real educator that gets his students to love learning. His class requires time and effort, but it is well worth it.

Swensen is awesome! He makes class interesting, and the study guide definitely helps on the tests. I wasn't interested in art history before, but after taking his class I'm thinking about taking another art history course next semester. You definitely won't regret taking his class!

Professor Swensen is rad. He takes the time to help each student understand the material, he knows the class members by name, & he's very passionate about art history which makes the class interesting. There aren't any surprises on the tests if you study and attend class. Definitely recommend this class from Swensen.

AMAZING teacher. Learned an incredible amount from him. Always interesting, always funny, always personable. Knew students personally and cared for them individually. Made me want to study hard for the tests, which were more than reasonable.

By far my favorite professor at BYU. He is so passionate about what he teaches that you become really passionate about it too. I've had him for 3 classes and he is so great. Take him!

I am not passionate about art history but Swenson made this class at list kind of interesting to me because of his passion. We had little 1-2 question quizzes each class for attendance and points, one big research paper on a piece of work, and the midterms were a killer. You have to study and memorize like crazy. Great professor though I recommend.

Swensen is SO GOOD, and funny. It was a long class and the only way I got through it was his sense of humor. The study guide has about 450x more info on it than what you need to know for the exams, so what you remember most is a hit and miss, but they're not hard. If you read for each class period, you'll get the quizzes. LOVED this class.

James is really nice and easy to talk to. He really cares about Art History and it shows. Grades are made up of daily reading quizzes, 2 midterms, 1 final (not comprehensive), and a 5 page research paper. TAKE THIS CLASS!!!

Wasn't sure about this class at first, but then I realized what an awesome professor he is! Now, this class does involved a lot of memorizing. 25 quizzes (one a day) but they are easy-really. I almost never read beforehand and get 100's on them. Research paper is challenging- but what research paper isn't? And test really weren't that bad either.

Such a life changing class. I developed a secret crush on him solely because he is so passionate about what he teaches. I would recommend this to anyone. Studying and reading the textbook were actually enjoyable for the first time in my life.

I really enjoyed this class. Prof. Swensen was really enjoyable to listen to because he was so passionate about the subject. The class was actually pretty easy. You have a quiz a day, and I hardly ever read before and almost always got 100%. You have 3 tests and the final is NOT comprehensive, and one research paper. Great class really enjoyed it!

This is a hard class because the tests are killers. All of the classes ate like this though so if you need to take, take is from swensen!

You probably can get away with less work and studying in other art history classes. However, Professor Swensen is probably the most interesting one, so if you're willing to put in the effort or don't care about your grade that much, take it from him. He's interesting, fun, and humorous, but that comes with doing a little extra work though...

Greatest teacher ever. He is passionate about what he teaches and has a great sense of humor. He is the nicest guy and is super willing to help students personally. Plus he's good looking.

Professor Swensen is a very passionate and entertaining teacher. He's a little unorganized but it doesn't really hinder the course. His tests require a lot of preparation but aren't hard. If you know how to study flash cards and review simple concepts, you can easily get an A. He does grade participation.

Professor Swensen loves art history and he is very passionate and entertaining. The tests are very easy if you have done the reading and gone to class every day. There are 3 non comprehensive tests and one research paper. There is a small quiz every class but it's very easy, sometimes it's as easy as writing your name on the paper.

Great class and great professor, I would recommend it to anyone. Lectures were very interesting and tests are extremely fair. Daily quizzes, but usually aren't too bad. A professor who understands that it is taken for a GE credit.

I am a straight married male, but someone get this man a chili pepper, ya know what I'm sayin'? These lectures were absolutely boss. James Swensen is a fascinating and down to earth individual who presents Art History in a way so that you will actually be interested if you are paying any attention. But the quizzes every period made class stressful.

Swensen makes art history interesting (I'm not an art history major) and he understands that a lot of his students have no background with it. His lectures are entertaining and he makes sure to clarify all of his points. He truly cares about his students. Tests can be tough, he gives you a list of 50 paintings you need to know the artists and title

Swenson is AWESOME! His lectures are entertaining, he's passionate, very clear in the concepts he wants you to remember, and he is hilarious. He is totally willing to take time to chat with you. Tests are not too difficult as long as you pay attention in class and take good notes. He is a boss!

Best art history professor out there. James is hilarious and even make boring things seem exciting. His daily quizzes are pretty easy and he'll even give you freebies. Tests are easy if you pay attention and follow the study guide. He is passionate, knowledgeable, and relates really well to students. Definitely take a class from him if you can!

The best art history teacher to learn from. highly recommended!

He is one of the best professors at BYU, there's a reason he is the head of the department. He is very enthusiastic about the material and is a breath of fresh air from the professors who are just there. He teaches well and is very knowledgeable about the material. The tests and essays were challenging.

If you are going to take art history, take it from this gem of a professor. Not only is he extremely knowledgeable about the lecture topics, he knows how to involve the class so you actually want to pay attention. Once you get how he does tests, it is easy to study and do well in the class. Just be prepared to show up and listen.

Brother Swensen is great. If you've gotta take art history 201, take it from him. He's pretty funny and really cares about the subject material. I've come to be a lot more interested in it because of his enthusiasm. You'll have to go to class for in-class quizzes. There's also a large paper, so don't put it off. Great class over all!

Swensen rocks. I had no interest in art (literally none) but he made me pay attention to the details and I found myself really enjoying most of the lectures. When they were boring, he would admit to it. He knows not everyone in the class is interesting in art history. Definitely study for the tests. You have to go for the quizzes, but they're easy.

Great, great, great professor. He is the best person to be the head of this department. The content can be a little difficult, but I would take professor Swensen for all of my art history classes if he was teaching all of them.

Amazing teacher!! Funny and makes a class that could potentially be very boring decently entertaining

really fun class, i enjoyed it

Honestly, the best professor I've ever taken a class from. I don't even like art history and this was my favorite class this semester. He makes the lectures interesting and I really felt like I could apply what I was learning to my life. When it comes to your Civ 1 credit, this is the way to go for sure. All professors should be more like him.

Professor Swenson is a very engaging lecturer and I especially appreciated the fact that he didn't make us memorize exact dates for the tests. I would highly recommend his class.

Such a great guy. Very knowledgeable about his teaching, I never once doubted him. He is such a kind person, understanding, and really helps you learn even if you don't know a lot about the subject.

Probably one of the best professors I have ever had. Very intelligent and passionate about his teaching. Even though I wasnt interested the subject, he developed a passion in me for it. Very caring, always helpful, and will never treat you poorly. He is a gentleman simply put. His work load is the acceptable amount to be expected for his class.

James is my favorite professor. He cares about his students and what he teaches. The work you do is for you to learn, not to simply keep you busy or to put more stuff in Learning Suite. The grades are fair and the feedback he gives is constructive. I enjoyed every minute of this class, although to be fair I was in Italy on a study abroad.

James makes art history for individuals of any major. He's passionate about art and he presents it in an interesting, understandable way. He's also hilarious. Make sure you go to class. Daily quizzes.

Awesome lecturer, he always made class enjoyable and interesting. He had a real passion for the material, and it was contagious. That being said, the exams were near impossible to study for. He gives a list of art you need to know, but 80% of the exams are short/long essays or fill in the blank and there were many random questions. TAs grade rough.

Dr. Swensen is an amazing man who is passionate about what he is teaching. Every lecture is fun because Dr. Swensen is having fun teaching. If you have questions or concerns (about the class or about life), Dr. Swensen will talk with you and help you figure it out. This is the third class I've taken from him. I am never disappointed.

BEST Professor ever. So passionate about his work and studies, and very down to earth. Genuinely cares about students and is very very funny! That being said, the class is difficult and you have to stay on top of your studying. But definitely worth it!

Brother Swensen is awesome. A great mix of serious teaching and entertaining. Great sense of humor. Really knows his stuff. If you go do the readings, go to class, and study hard a day or two before the test, you can for sure get an A. He is my favorite prof here at BYU so far. Stud.

Great guy. The lectures are dry by nature, but he readily acknowledges this and makes it interesting/funny. Very willing to work with you if you have concerns, and gives great, concise feedback on ways to improve on essays. Study hard for the tests and you'll do great.

I've never taken art history before so I didn't know what to expect but he made it really enjoyable! He taught in a way that helped people with no art history background do well. Tests were mainly essay-based but if you know the info you'll do fine. Fun fact: count how many times he says "Right" during his lectures, I counted 241 times one lecture.

Swensen made me want to major in art history! I took this as a freshman and it was my highest grade. I had to study really hard before each midterm, but besides that, this class was completely manageable and very interesting!

Dr. Swenson may very well be my favorite professor I've had at BYU. His lectures are enlightening and engaging and truly cultivated in me a passion for art history. That said, you definitely need to study a lot to do well on the midterms, and in turn, the class.

Great professor, loved his class!

Three tests. Bi-weekly quizzes. One research paper. Study guides were very lengthy and you are not tested on all of it which was annoying. Yet, SWENSEN IS HALARIOUS and a great guy. You do have to read 20-25 pages a week for your quizzes.

He is such a good Art History teacher. If you have the opportunity, take the class from him. That being said, it's not easy, but his lectures are so interesting and I realized I love art. The reason I say it is hard is because the tests are timed and you need to write 2 essays and do a lot of memorizations to do well. But if you work hard its good

Very good professor and willing to work with you if you're going through personal situations. He is passionate about what he teaches and knows his stuff.

Amazing professor, really down to earth and genuinely cares about his students. He is also very passionate about the material that he teaches which makes lectures really interesting. One note, you could probably get away with not getting the textbook for History of Photography...

Dr. Swensen is awesome. He really engages you in the lectures and makes them interesting. I have no interest in art history, but now I think about how it affects my daily life. He gives plenty of opportunities for extra credit that are fun. There is a fair amount of reading, but the amount of work is reasonable for a general.

Swenson is a solid choice. I didn't vibe as well with Art History as most other people, but I know Swenson cares about his students and helps them succeed in his class. Lots of textbook reading, but if you get the main ideas and are attentive in lectures, you'll do fine. Sometimes lectures can drag on, though. Good professor.

Dr. Swenson is such an awesome professor. I took his 202 class freshman year, and I liked it so much I took 201 from him my senior year. Quizzes are easy, tests are just based on the study guide, and the paper is simple. This class is an awesome general and the only one that was genuinely interesting AND completely fair (I hate hard GE's).

Loved his class, but you must work hard for an A. 2 midterms & a final (not cumulative), hard and graded strictly by the TAs. A quiz each class, but do the readings (very long) & you'll be fine (often Swensen doesn't give a quiz & will just give you free points). 1 research paper. Swensen's funny, loves his job & makes art history interesting.

Okay, hear me out. He is a little monotone, but I actually accidentally signed up for the class and was gonna drop but he made me interested in architectural history. People that say he is a harsh grader probably didn't get the questions right. His grading is pretty light. Study, read, and pass with an A.

I took Swensen for my Civ credit. It was a little more difficult than I would've liked, but it wasn't a hard class to get an A in. He offers a fair amount of extra credit. It's also a great class to take. Lots of information. Be sure to watch the lectures. The book is mostly used for the paper, but also provides extra information. Solid choice.

Professor Swensen is great at his job. You can tell he genuinely cares about what he is teaching. I never had any problem reaching him about questions I had and he was always clear about what he wanted to see in your end of semester paper. Tests require a lot of memorization but if you do that, they're easy.

Swensen is awesome. I am a Design student, so the course material was relevant to my artwork, but for people who don't care about art, this class may be boring at times. However, Swensen is an engaging lecturer, and tells funny jokes, (if you're paying attention) so find a friend in the class and you'll make it through.

He is truly passionate about what he teaches. He is able explain art in a way that is funny and engaging, and not overbearing. The tests are not too, hard, it is just memorization of a lot of art terms, and comparing different art pieces.

I am not a history person but ended up REALLY liking it. Professor Swensen is so passionate and super knowledgable of what he teaches. He doesn't post lectures but gives you a study guide of what's on the test. You have to go to class for participation points and to take notes (he doesn't post lecture slides).

This class was challenging. Swensen made this class as fun as it could be. There's a mini-quiz each class on textbook material that can't be made up, but I never read the textbook and got a perfect score on each quiz. The tests were really hard and it is a TON of memorization. Some questions were impossible to study for and that was really annoying

I loved this class. This professor is so funny and knows his audience. Quizzes in class that were not hard if you read the chapter. I would definitely take this class again.

He is AWESOME! I was dreading this class because I was taking it as a general, but I loved Professor Swensen. He was funny, kept us engaged in lectures, and was very caring. There's a lot of memorization but that's the way all Civ generals are. He definitely makes the best of a tough class so take it from him.

Dr. Swensen is the absolute best professor! He tries to make the lectures as engaging as possible. To get the most out of the class, I really recommend always reading beforehand and being willing to participate in class. He has awesome TA's who are super helpful at helping answer questions. Lots of extra credit opportunities also available!

Prof. Swensen is AMAZING. He understands that not everyone in the class is an Art History major/minor and tries to make the class enjoyable for everyone (plus he's hilarious). Make sure you do your readings for the quizzes each class period, that makes the quizzes a piece of cake. Take this class from him! It's difficult, but you won't regret it!

Professor Swensen is an awesome guy. Lectures can be boring at times but he sprinkles in moments of brevity to keep it interesting. There are daily paper quizzes for this class which can be stressful but as long as you skim the reading, you will be fine. Good class that I recommend.

Professor Swenson is amazing! You can tell that he genuinely cares about what he teaches. I had never been excited about learning before this class. Make sure to pay attention and take notes or you will not do well on the tests. There is one research paper for the class, make sure to start on it early or you will hate yourself.

Swensen is an amazing teacher! You can get away with not reading the textbook, but you need to go to class to pass, information for tests isn't accessible anywhere else. Great guy, kept class engaged for a 75 min class at dinnertime.

Short king with BDE. I really enjoyed the way James did this class. He kept me genuinely engaged during a 75-minute lecture at dinnertime. Exams are easy, studying the day of worked for me. TAs grade annoyingly harshly, but there is extra credit if needed. I genuinely care for art history now, and if you take 201 from James, you probably will too.

I'm gonna agree with the other review, short king with BDE. Honestly had no interest in art history whatsoever and the thought of having to sit through 75 minutes of lecture was dreadful. BUT THIS MAN. Phenomenal lectures and managed to keep me engaged the entire time. Class outline is three online exams, daily quizzes, and a paper. Overall, 10/10.

Had to get used to his humor, but he truly cares about his students and loves ARTH, which made me enjoy it too. You can get by w/out the textbook, just attend class. Daily quizzes, 3 online exams, & a paper. Graded harshly, but if you always answer the question "why" behind everything, you'll do fine (e.g. why were pyramids a symbol of power)

Great teacher, very passionate about what he teaches. Understands that 90% of his class isn't an Art History Major. If you care AT ALL about Art, History, or Architecture, take it from him, you will leave loving the class. TAs grade the tests tough, but you learn for the next 2 tests. Every day is an easy in-class quiz from the reading. 1 paper.

He is a great teacher and he is willing to help others so go to his labs if you are struggling or need help to improve on one test to another. He will throw some random curve balls in tests that you need to know but mostly he will tell you the information and if you memorize the art and know the why between different periods you will do fine.

I loved this class! I'm not an art major, and I thought I would hate it, but Dr. Swensen made the subject so interesting! He is so caring and passionate about the material. Amazing lectures! 3 tests (final is not cumulative!!), a paper, and easy, daily, in-class quizzes. The way to go for a GE! Wish he taught 202!

Thought I would hate this class, but it ended up being MY FAVORITE! He has passion, is understanding, kind, engaging, and knows the topics well. The class is well structured. Taught efficiently and to the point. He knows everyone's name and their interests. History of Photography is now something I'm passionate talking about. 10/10

Professor Swensen seriously loves art history and he is an amazing professor. He knows so much, and I really enjoyed his lectures. It is a lot of work, but I thought the class was very interesting and engaging. It is a lot of reading, but you can also get by without reading. But I really enjoyed Professor Swenson and his class a lot.

The lectures can feel long sometimes, but Prof Swensen does his best to make them interesting. It depends on the TAs, but grading on test essays can be a little harsh. Textbook reading is heavy but you can get by without reading. Memorize ~50 pieces of artwork for each test. Start the research paper sooner than later trust me!!!

Great professor! Long lectures though and mandatory attendance because of pop quizzes. Lots of reading assigned and you do have to study extensively for the exams. Long essay questions with short essay questions on exams make them somewhat stressful to take.

You get out the effort you put in with the class. The study guides seem like a lot, but prepare you thoroughly for the midterms and final, which is not composite. Lectures can be long but it is clear Professor Swenson is passionate about the material he teaches. Participate in class it will help engrain the material into your brain for the exams!

He is very passionate about art! I didn't do the readings for most of the semester & was fine. If you pay attention in class and study well for the tests you should be fine.Tests are clear & don't trick you though the TAs were tricky graders for essays. Pop quizzes were everyday so don't miss lectures. Quizzes aren't very hard if you pay attention.

Dr. Swensen is very understanding that most people in his classes are there for a G.E. and shows it. He's very humble (despite being a well accomplished man) and accepts that we all have lives outside of his class and that his is probably not our first priority. His lectures are fantastic, as long as you attend class and pay attention, you're good.

I love this man! This class was a lot of effort but it was fun! Lecture was funny and he was clear in what you need to know. One thing was the tests were essays but the criteria was a little vague and tough. Almost no one got As, but he does offer extra credit.

Prof Swensen was a super fun professor who had a funny sense of humor to make Art History slightly more interesting. He understands not everyone is majoring/minoring in art history. Only issue I had was with his TA's grading on tests, but prof swensen himself was great. Lots of memorization required.

If you are just taking this for a GE, I would not reccomend the class. Tests: memorization (Memorize name, time period, and artist for 50 art peices). 2 midterms, 1 final. Text book really isn't neccessary. 10/10 professor, but too hard of a GE. TA's were too hard when they graded. My friend took an online version, and it was 1/10th the work.

Prof Swensen was AWESOME, he made this subject super interesting and fun to study. I'd recommend this to anyone trying to fill in this GE. Only knock I'd give is that the TA's were WAYYYY too harsh with exam grading. Prof Swensen would give a clear idea what he was looking for to get full credit on exams and the TA's graded way above that.

This class made me want to get a minor in art history. Fantastic teacher, incredibly fascinating course material, definitely my favorite class I've taken at BYU. Just watch out for the TA, they grade super harsh and over the top.

I LOVED this class. I took it in the summer, and he was super understanding of it being a shorter term and made accommodations. I was scared of the longer summer class periods, but James is really good at making the lectures interesting, he is so real and has a healthy dose of humor. You can tell he is genuinely passionate about the subject.

Dr Swensen is an amazing professor his lectures are always super engaging. It is super clear he is passionate about what he is teaching which makes the class so much more enjoyable. The one downside is that your grade is dependent on a few big assignments but other than that it is an awesome class and I would recommend.

He's a great professor! I enjoyed his classes and he was very entertaining. There's a quiz for every class but it's usually not terrible. I didn't read the textbook but memorized everything before the test and did alright.

Dr Swensen was great, I took this class during the spring term and it was fast paced, as expected, but doable. Dr. Swensen and his TAs were a great help.

Prof Swensen makes this class engaging, even for non-art majors. Attend lectures, study the textbook, and focus on understanding the 'why' behind the material. Unstuckstudy can be a great tool for review alongside other study methods.

I LOVE Prof. Swenson. His lectures are everything in the textbook and more. He helps you understand the art and their meaning during the time periods. He is so engaging and funny. Tests take a minute to be graded but you only have 2 midterms and a final, which isn't cumulative. (Honestly you don't need the textbook if you can memorize things well)

I love James!! He is so funny and personable, he is also so passionate about art which makes art history so interesting and inspiring to learn about. I know I would be so bored in this class if it wasn't for him. The class is very memorization heavy but not an insane workload. I actually feel like I learned so much.

I absolutely love Professor Swensen! My major has nothing to do with art history but 201 and 202 have been my favorite classes I have ever taken at BYU. I discovered a love for art I never knew I had and I actually have remembered the terms and names of works and artists even much later, which I love knowing. Highly recommend!!

I took Professor Swenson for 201 & 202! He is a great professor and very passionate about art. 202 seemed more difficult to me than 201. I didn't read the textbook at all for 202 and just paid close attention in class and I did fine. It is mostly memorizing artworks and main points of each period. The TAs are very responsive & nice if you need help