2.4

Jiayan Zhang

History - Kennesaw State University

2.4
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
13%
Would Retake
107
Reviews
2.4
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
2.5
Helpful
2.3
Clarity

13%

Would Retake

107

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

15

4

16

3

15

2

23

1

38

What Students Say

Grand online teacher, never a single issue

HIST1110 - 4.0 rating

I went to his office hours and he laughed in my face

HIST1101 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

62%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 27 grades
Most common grades:
C (8)
Not sure yet (8)
A (4)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(8)C(10)D(4)F(1)A-/B+(3)
Based on 40 reported grades
C: 8
Not sure yet: 8
A: 4
B-: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (24)
Tough grader (20)
Lecture heavy (19)
Test heavy (11)
Lots of homework (7)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Tough Grader (4)
Clear grading criteria (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.70 avg change
Jan
Feb
May
Sep
Oct
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HIST2206

5.0

(1)

HISTHIST

5.0

(1)

HIST4490

4.3

(3)

HIST3374

4.3

(4)

HIST3375

4.0

(1)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIST3100

5.0

HISTHIST

5.0

ASIA3001

5.0

HIS1100

5.0

HIST1111

4.5

Reviews (107)
3.0
2.0
HIST1110
Nov 12, 2004

Overall, he is an easy teacher. The only problem is his HUGE Chinese accent. I mean, it will take you at least 2 classes for you to finally start understanding him. Test are overall easy as long as you study notes and you only have to read key pages from the book, not everything...

2.0
3.0
HISTORY1110
Nov 17, 2004

he is the nicest guy in the world but hes very hard to understand. its a somewhat easy class but you really have to study for the tests cause thats the only grades you have. the final is not cummulative.

5.0
1.0
HIST3374
Jan 23, 2005

An extremely nice prof.He is very helpful and will help you after class.he test what he lectures so dont buy text book.he give out outlines, which can also be use as study guide for test.test is essay for a 3000 level class off course.but it is so easy.have accent but very understandable.take him.

4.0
1.0
HIST1101
May 4, 2005

I loved his class, it was sooo easy!! I made a 91% in the first exam because i went to class and for the other three exams i made 70's because I never went! When i did go i was usually laughing at his accent. If ur easily amused and hate attendence policies, take him

4.0
3.0
HIST1110
May 18, 2005

Dr. Zhang was an awsome teacher, he was ver knowledgable and smart and the best thing was that he does not teach from an american-centric point of view. He is very passionate about history and although he has an accent, he does all of his lectures through powerpoint so you are able to SEE what he is trying to say. Overall a great teacher

5.0
1.0
HISTORY1110
Jun 23, 2005

Great professor! Accent is a little hard to understand but lectures are based on power point presentations. There are 4 tests throughout the sememester and they are very straight foward. Tests are based on lectures and key pages he assigns. Not much reading at all. Take his class if you can! Easy A!!

5.0
2.0
HIST1110
Aug 11, 2005

He is a very nice guy. It is hard to understand him at first because of his Chinese accent, but if you just listen you'll be fine. His tests are pretty easy, and the tests come from the key pages in the textbook and from his lecture notes.

4.0
2.0
HISTORY1110
Sep 13, 2005

Very nice guy, a little hard to understand but he uses Powerpoint for notes and is fairly straightforward. Our class has not had a test yet but he has explained how he does the questions and it can't be that hard.

5.0
2.0
HIST4490
Dec 8, 2005

Chinese history is very interesting. He does have an accent, but it's pretty easy to understand him despite some problems in pronouncing and usage. He uses PowerPoint and is very linear in his teaching style, which also helps. Very nice and willing to clarify and answer questions. He does limit your sources for the paper.

5.0
1.0
HIST1110
Jan 23, 2006

Dr Zhang knows his subject like d back of his hand. You can't skip class & do well! He explains everything as much as he can, tho he's got a heavy chinese accent. Can be very funny sometimes. Drawback, will not give u 1/2 point to push you 2 d next grade level! I made a C which was 79.5 & he blatantly gave me a C! No extra credits!

3.0
3.0
HIST1110
Apr 4, 2006

Kind of hard, chinese accent but is very nice, sometimes funny and does give a 10 point extra credit assignment if you choose. I wouldn't take him again.

2.0
5.0
HIST1101
Apr 10, 2006

this is an absolutely terrible class. you can't understand a word he says and whenever you ask a question he doesn't give you a direct answer all he says is "good question good question" tests aren't so hard but just kind of tricky.........i would not advice anybody to take his class did i mention it's also boring!!!!!!

1.0
5.0
HIST1110
Jun 15, 2006

I dropped the class bc he is the worst professor at Kennesaw. He is very narrow minded and you cant understand what he is saying. I highly recommend NOT taking this professor

2.0
2.0
HIST
Aug 14, 2006

Very hard to understand, but once you get past the accent he isnt that bad. He is an OKAY teacher. Takes attendance. Tests are not easy but not all that hard either.

5.0
1.0
HIST1110
Aug 19, 2006

he is a wonderful teacher with a very good sense of humour inspite of his accent .

2.0
5.0
HIST3100
Nov 8, 2006

hated this class, test were hard and you cant understand what he says, very boring and frustrating. No attendance policy, you can get notes from a class mate and just take the test if u cant make it to class

1.0
3.0
HIST1110
Nov 11, 2006

Not the best choice. His English is so horrible you can barely understand what he is saying. If you ask a question he can't reply clearly. No attendance policy for his larger classes but he does give pop Quizzes to substitute for Attend. Policy.Also if you laugh at his bad English, which you probably will, he will remember you and lower your grade.

1.0
4.0
HIST1110
Nov 16, 2006

Wow, he is probably the worst professors i have had at kennesaw, i cant understand a word he says and his tests are really hard. I do not reccomend taking him.. AT ALL.

4.0
1.0
HIST4490
Dec 1, 2006

wow i disagree, yes his english can use some help, but he is a great teacher, if you don't read or payattention in any class how can you expect to do good on the tests, he is fair, interesting and easy. totally recommend, just have to look past accent

4.0
3.0
HIST4490
Dec 26, 2006

Dr. Zhang is great. He is very knowledgeable and is a dedicated teacher and researcher. Learning Chinese history from a person from the culture is fascinating! He does have an accent (but his English is way better than my Chinese) -he works hard to be sure he's clear. Any serious student will enjoy this class and learn a lot.

4.0
1.0
HIST1110
Feb 13, 2007

i thought he was a great professor. a lot of people thought his tests were difficult, but those are the ones who did not prepare for it well. all you have to do for his tests is just to MEMORIZE his powerpoint slides -- he does not post them on webct, so you HAVE TO go to class and write everything down, you'll get an A.

3.0
2.0
HIST1110
Dec 21, 2007

Tests are based on powerpoint slides (go to class to get them) and identification questions which he hints during lectures.

1.0
5.0
HIST1110
Jan 7, 2008

He is the worst professor I have ever encountered. His tests were extremely difficult, you have to memorize his power points to even pass them. There are 4 tests and thats IT. I asked him for tutoring and help, all he told me was "you can only help yourself". I do not recommend him at all. His accent is hard to understand to!

2.0
1.0
HIST1110
Jan 7, 2008

if you try at all in this class you should get an A...it doesn't matter if you cant understand his poor english because the tests are straight from his powerpoints and the reading...and the reading is not long at all...i highly recomend this teacher

3.0
3.0
HIST1110
Dec 12, 2008

This class is one of those classes where you just have to read! He gives you the powerpoint notes in class and if you only study those, you will end up with a B in the class. If you read through the book and get the key points, you will get an A. I got a B because I did not realize how important the book was until the Final! Cool Guy. READ BOOK!

4.0
3.0
HIST3375
Mar 28, 2009

Overall this is an interesting class. His accent is kind of heavy, but his tests are directly from the power point so it doesn't really matter. You have to attend class or you will not get a good grade. He has high standards on the tests so be prepared; even if you're normally an A student-you'll have to work hard to get it in this class.

3.0
3.0
HIST1102
Apr 6, 2009

Nice Guy

3.0
4.0
HIST1110
Apr 20, 2009

He is very hard to understand, and his tests are a little difficult. It's definitely not an easy A, if you take this class, you WILL have to study. He is hard to understand but comes across as a very nice guy.

4.0
3.0
HIST2112
Apr 21, 2009

A genuinely nice professor. Although difficult to understand, his powerpoints are clear. I think the class was most interesting from the Industrial Revolution and onward. Attendance is mandatory, and he likes it when people speak up in class over the readings or just knowing the answers.

1.0
5.0
HIST1110
May 9, 2009

if you are a good test taker this is the class for you...otherwise don't bother.

5.0
3.0
HIST1110
Jul 6, 2009

this class is very easy if you show up and read the assignments given he is a little hard to understand but he knows that and wants people to ask when they couldn't understand 8% of the grade is just showing up to class

3.0
3.0
HIST1101
Oct 7, 2009

This teacher makes you work for your grade. He is not an easy A and do not take this class if you want to get out with an easy A. He uses powerpoints and books and his tests consist of Multiple choice and ID questions, in which he wants as much detail as possible. DO NOT TAKE HIM DURING THE SUMMER CLASSES! it is a complete nightmare!

2.0
3.0
HIST1110
Nov 3, 2009

Attendance is a must, it's apart of the grade. Powerpoints- take notes, not on WebCT. Tests weren't too difficult, multiple choice with I.D. essay questions. Need to read the chapters. Good teacher and YOU CAN UNDERSTAND his English.

2.0
2.0
HIST3305
Dec 13, 2009

Class was an absolute nightmare. Literally the WORST class I have ever taken, & it wasn't because I did poorly or his accent. I am appalled KSU gives tenure to profs like this. Completely unhelpful, didn't seem to understand any questions, grading makes no sense, changed requirements for assignments at the last minute. I learned absolutely nothing.

2.0
4.0
HIST1110
Jan 14, 2010

I would not recommend this class to anyone who does not like/is not good at World History. He is not an easy A. You have to know the material well to pass.

5.0
2.0
HIST2206
May 4, 2010

Didn't take attendance. 3 tests, 1 paper. Easy. Tests have ID-short answer questions then the rest multiple choice. Not a difficult class if you go to class and take notes.

5.0
3.0
HIST3374
May 16, 2010

Good professor

3.0
3.0
HIST1110
Nov 13, 2010

GO to class, take notes, and study.For me, his accent was easy to understand, and I thought he was funny.You learn a lot of material for his exam, but that's college.I took a hybrid class so an online quiz every week.Put effort into this class, and you will come out happy.

5.0
5.0
HISTHIST
Dec 29, 2010

In my top 3 of the best professors I've ever had at KSU. Dr. Zhang cares that his students do their best in his class, making him an outstanding professor for the serious-minded student.

4.0
1.0
HIST1110
Jan 9, 2011

His class was very easy. You just have to show up and take minimal notes because he provides the note outlines for you. Covers what exams will be on. Teacher is very funny too.

5.0
2.0
HIST1110
Mar 23, 2011

5 stars! The guy is hysterical & makes history (I hate it!) pretty dang fun. Loved the hybrid class (1 day in class room). Weekly quiz online from the book, go to class, take notes, that's it. Tests straight from notes. He gives you hints in class as to what will be on the exam. Very considerate, smart teacher. You can tell he loves his history!

4.0
2.0
HIST1110
May 29, 2011

strong accent-but speaks up and will repeat things. you can tell what he is going to test you on by what he talks the longest about and emphasizes. NOT A HARD CLASS-just alot of information. very detailed tests-mostly multiple choice (two short answers). offers BONUS- INCLUDING attendance and on tests. textbook is a MUST for reading assignments.

2.0
3.0
HIST1110
Nov 10, 2011

Just...awful. He doesn't answer questions correctly. He says things won't be on the test but they are. His grading is confusing on writing assignments. All of these ratings made me want to take him but I'm skeptical of this whole site now because of those lies. I'd pass on him people.

3.0
4.0
HIST1110
Nov 23, 2011

Very strict on policies and although he can be funny and entertaining to listen to, also gets very angry with students when they don't appear to have done the reading or who aren't paying attention. Hard to understand, but then gets angry when nobody answers his questions. Multiple choice exams are tougher than I expected.

2.0
3.0
HIST1101
May 24, 2012

very thick accent. not very helpful when it comes to asking questions but he does give a fair amount of extra credit. 4 map quizzes (easy) and one ends up dropping. 3 major tests with multiple choice and ID questions, not a bad class just know it will be hard to understand him.

2.0
3.0
HIST1110
Dec 6, 2012

He's very funny, but difficult to understand. He makes it clear what to expect on tests and is an easy grader. 2 test, 4 map quizzes (so easy and lowest is dropped), online quiz every week (each offers extra credit), final, and 2 reading reports (very short and easy)

3.0
3.0
HIST3374
May 10, 2013

Great sense of humor, and it was a pleasure learning about China from the perspective of a Chinese native. I learned a lot. However, his tests are EXTREMELY difficult (nine short essays & one long), and the required course paper is nearly impossible to write given the few resources he allows. Not an easy A, but I got one. You'll work for it!

2.0
4.0
HIST1110
Oct 23, 2013

Has a very difficult accent to understand, mispronounces things, and I don't know where his questions on quizzes and tests come from half the time. One quiz and discussion post a week, along with three tests that have a limited period of time for taking. I wouldn't suggest taking as an online course.

4.0
4.0
HIST3374
Nov 12, 2013

The only negative thing I can possibly say about Professor Zhang is that his accent is slightly hard to understand at first. You get used to the way he talks after a few classes and he outlines his lectures with PPT to help you understand him. His test are difficult but manageable and he is a fantastic teacher, very passionate.

4.0
1.0
HIST1110
Jan 7, 2014

Grand online teacher, never a single issue. The textbook is non negotiable, the tests/quizzes are basically straight from the text without being tricky to recall whatsoever if you give just a basic read through. I didn't even listen to the lectures admittedly, got an A straight from the book. Not a time consuming course, pleasant man, no complaints

5.0
3.0
HIST23305
Sep 8, 2014

Hybrid course. Great professor! You MUST come to class. Attendance is important. Reading textbook materials is crucial. Online quizzes, tests in class, map quizzes in class. He likes to make jokes and interact with students, so put your phone/tablet/computer away. He will help you as much as you need. This is an upper level class so act like it!

3.0
4.0
3305
Oct 21, 2014

Accent isn't impossible to understand just listen carefully. have to keep up with the readings, which are all super interesting. two tests, all writing, no multiple choice. Has 4 easy map quizzes, 10 online reading quizzes, 3 writing assignments, and 1 book review which sucks. MUST SHOW UP FOR ALL CLASSES NO EXCUSES EXCEPT DEATH

2.0
4.0
HISTOR3305
Dec 7, 2014

Avoid his class at all costs. He has a heavy accent which makes him VERY hard to understand. His power points make no sense, so don't even bother. The content of the class (Cold War-present day) is interesting, but delivery of content needs some work. Attendance is mandatory.

2.0
5.0
ASIA3001
May 15, 2015

By far the worst professor I have had in a four year college career. Lectures are extremely dry. He is difficult to understand and does not believe in posting power points online. (Get ready to take pages upon pages of notes.) Takes attendance not once, but twice in class. Grades as if you are writing a thesis. Tests are PAGES of essays. TERRIBLE.

3.0
4.0
HIST1110
Grade: A-
Jul 20, 2015

He's clearly knowledgeable, but he has a strong accent, and there's a cultural barrier between him and the majority of his students. Most don't know how to take him, even when he's joking. If you pay close attention, can get past the accent and don't mind taking the wheel and teaching yourself on some points (mapsgeography mostly), he's okay.

5.0
3.0
HIST3305
Grade: B+
Jul 29, 2015

His accent is a little difficult to understand & he speaks loud but he's passionate about the subject. Provides outlines that are helpful but must attend class to get material covered. Don't wait until last minute to study bc he looks for specifics in tests which are essay. Clear about what he expects & reviews before test.

1.0
4.0
HIST1110
Grade: C
Jul 30, 2015

worst teacher ever. hard to understand and relates everything back to china. Basically taking a chinese history class.

1.0
5.0
HIST1110
Nov 3, 2015

AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL DO NOT TAKE. unless you like to read from a history book 24/7 his tests are impossible and his lectures online are impossible to understand. DO NOT TAKE HIM. he might be my first c in college.

4.0
4.0
HIST3372
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2015

Professor Zhang is an amazing professor. He is really passionate and is exceptionally brilliant in his field. You do have to work for your grade; it will not be an easy A. The exams are written and lecture based so you MUST attend class. If you need help take initiative and he'll work with you. By far my favorite class this semester.

2.0
4.0
HIST3372
Nov 30, 2015

He is really knowledgable but his lectures are quite boring and he assigns a lot of material to read. He is not understanding of personal situations at all, even extreme ones. I would probably never take a course with him again.

3.0
3.0
HIST1110
Grade: B-
Dec 10, 2015

Grades by every specific standard that is given. If he says your posts should be 150 words and you write 149, he will give you a 0 for the assignment. You MUST read the text every week and be prepared for quizzes just about every week. Tests were hard for me, the questions were very specific and were hard to answer if I hadn't taken lots of notes.

3.0
3.0
HIST1100
Apr 29, 2016

Get ready to read and listen to LOTS of lectures! You will have quizzes almost every week along with a blog assignment. Do not post a blog that is one word less than 150---or you get a big fat zero for it. Tests are pretty tough. He does have a thick accent so sometimes its hard to understand him during lectures.--be aware of that.

2.0
3.0
HIST1100
Jul 27, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He will not work with you on stuff so try not to have to ask. Turn in your stuff and study without expecting a break from him. His accent is very heavy and hard to understand as well, so while class attendance is mandatory, expect to read to teach yourself. Also the quizzes are frequent and will make or break your grade.

2.0
3.0
HIST3305
Grade: B-
Nov 4, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He is absolutely ridiculous, if you miss more than 2 days of class you get points off your grade. He focus way to much on attendance. He is a hard grader. He wants you to do book reviews but don't "encourage" quotes from the book. Honestly he is just a ridiculous man. But one time he accepted my late work, so try to talk with him if you need help.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
HISTOR3305
Grade: B
Jan 7, 2017
Would take again

Great professor! He is strict, yes, but very passionate and knowledgable. Do not take the class if you aren't interested in history and want to simply get through the class. You will have to work for your grade. He is a fair grader. So as long as you do what he asks an A or B shouldn't be a problem to attain. Just be respectful and enjoy his class!

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
1.0
5.0
HIST1101
Grade: B-
May 3, 2017
Wouldn't take again

DONT TAKE AT ALL! very hard to understand, he is very rude and does not take into account anyone's personal situation. I went to his office hours and he laughed in my face. I would transfer schools before I took his class again.

1.0
4.0
HIST1101
Grade: C-
Jul 20, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He does not grade fairly on writing assignments and does not care about students personal situations that may effect their work done in the class. He will not help you if you need help and you can not understand what he says half the time. Do not wiste your time, take someone else.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
HIST3305
Grade: C+
Mar 7, 2018
Wouldn't take again

His accent is pretty heavy, and his a tough grader. I really wanna drop his class but I can't because that way I wold not be a full-time student. I wish I had never take his class.

Tough Grader
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
TEST HEAVY
1.0
3.0
HIST1100
Grade: B
May 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Good lord this guy stresses out his entire class. Discussions and 1 quiz due (based on a reading) every Tuesday. Grades on an all or nothing scale, so do one thing wrong in a discussion and you get a 0. Writes his own quizzes and tests. He is very hard to communicate with. But an easy B.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
1.0
HIST1101
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 21, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I am currently taking his class ONLINE, and it is horrible. The blog assignments are all or nothing, so don't forget to reply to 2 people or miss a couple of words on your post and its an 0! Also if you don't go to every part of the module he will not let you see the review for the test nor does he keep the material on D2L before the test.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
HIST1101
Mar 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

horrible online professor, I would never take him again.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST1101
Jun 18, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His own words only a small part of my lectures is based on our textbook; my lectures are based on my own study, teaching, and research, you cannot find them in any other places; so listen to my lectures if you want to have a good grade. Exams will be based on both lectures and reading assignments. Harder than Calculus. Why???

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
HIST1100
Nov 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

you won't fail if you're dedicated. Quizzes are over the book chapters, and the tests are extremely hard so take good notes from book AND modules. quiz/blog post every week; don't save it all for the day it is due every week because it takes a long time to read. take good notes. questions are very specific on quizzes and tests. TBH get out if u can

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
HIST1100
Grade: C
May 6, 2020
Would take again

Would only take again because if you fail quizzes, but pass blogs & do okay on tests, you can still pass. Theres two topics weekly. Blog is easy, so do those early, follow the criteria & youll get 100 on those. Weekly reading is 10-15 pages. Quizzes are tough if you dont read. Tests can be easy bc its mainly based on lectures & little reading.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST1101
Jun 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I tried taking his class online for World History and it did not work out. I ended up having to drop the classes because of how strict and hard to understand the voiceovers were. He closes the modules you viewed once the exam opens; offers no extra credit and it not flexible at all. The reason I take online classes is because of the flexibility.

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST1100
Jun 30, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I have never taken a professor so unwilling to help his students. It's bad enough all summer classes are online during this pandemic, but to have a professor who goes above and beyond to make this class as difficult as possible is upsetting. He took all test material off of d2l 24 hours before each test. Quizzes are impossible to pass. 0/10!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
HIST1100
Grade: C
Jul 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

The material shouldnt be difficult, but professor Zhang makes it difficult. His lectures are hard to understand and there are 15 of them per unit. Exams are super specific. You MUST read the text. He is an all or nothing grader. If you dont hit the nail on the head with your discussion posts you will get 0 points. Avoid at all costs.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST1100
Jul 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

RUN. This class was VERY hard to pass. Insane amount of reading, tons of voice over lectures. He was rude and not helpful at all. I put a lot of effort into my classes and have mostly As, even after lots of studying and effort I am probably walking away with a C. So frustrating. I studied a ton for the final and feel like I failed it. DO NOT TAKE.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST1110
Sep 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Does not care that most people are taking this class for a core credit. INSANE workload. Harsh grader regardless of the assignment. For the reading quizes how will ask questions about the most tiny details.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
HIST1100
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 23, 2020
Wouldn't take again

If you could rate a professor in the negatives he is the one that deserves it. Quiz every week over the reading he assigned but has nothing to do with what on the quiz. He seems very passionate about his study and that's it. some people are good students, and some are great teachers and he is the worst teacher I've had in my three years.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIS1100
Sep 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Avoid every way possible even if its your last option. Response with little to no care for the students, good luck getting full points on discussions, make you memorize everything in the book PLUS additional stuff from his voiceover, EVERYTHING and I mean it, according to him, text book is wrong and he is right

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
HIST23305
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Great ideas / very knowledgeable that being said, his quizzes are ridiculously confusing with everyone asking "which is not the answer?" tough grading on book review. Not flexible/hard exams containing ambiguou questions. I pulled off an A but saw many fail because of his stressful schedule/workload. If you must take listen to lectures on 1.5 speed

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
HIST1100
Grade: B+
Dec 22, 2020
Would take again

Pretty good history prof., but he does grade harshly. As long as you read the textbook, and TAKE NOTES in his lectures, you will do fine. He loves the subject, so if you put in the minimum amount of effort, he'll give you a mediocre grade and that's just about how he rolls. I would take him again though because his class was very interesting :)

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIS1100
Grade: C
Feb 1, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Can't understand him in his 15 online lectures a week, respondus lockdown with less than 60 seconds per question on the quiz, discussions and quizzes every week, absolutely ridiculous. This is an intro class, not a masters course. Avoid like the plague.

Test heavy
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
HIST3372
Grade: A
May 11, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Zhang has high expectations from the start, but makes you aware of them. Three exams (including Final), 4 short papers (lowest dropped), 9 Quizzes (2 lowest dropped), & an Essay. Quizzes based on readings and exams based on lectures, MC and ID paragraphs (120 word minimum). Makes you work for a good grade.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST3305
Grade: D+
Oct 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Never in my life have a taken a class that is so needlessly hard. You can study days in advance and do all assigned readings but you will not pass the quizzes or exams. Absolutely no feedback on tests of quizzes after unit is over to see where you can improve. Extremely difficult grader. Only semi easy grade is a bi-weekly blog post. DONT TAKE HIM

4.0
4.0
HIST3305
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2021
Would take again

This is not a particularly easy course, however he makes the expectations knows on Day 1 and reiterates important tasks throughout. Lectures are a bit difficult to understand, so be prepared to rewind and replay some. He gives you the exact pages ranges to read for each reading quiz but you HAVE to read them, same for the exams. E.C. on tests.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
HIST3305
Grade: C
Dec 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

This class is difficult anyways but Zhang doesnt make it any easier. There are weekly modules that you must complete including quizzes and discussion posts. DO THE POSTS THEY WILL SAVE YOUR GRADE Quizzes are reading based, mad specific and hard. Tests are lecture based with some reading and also mad specific. Good luck.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
HIST3305
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Prof. Zhang is very knowlegable about the content taught. However, this class was hard for no reason. DO NOT TAKE this class unless you can memorize A TON of information easily. The tests have so much content in them, I would study for days and never made over a B. The discussion posts and book review can carry your grade but it is a lot of stress.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2022

He is a very knowledgeable person, especially in the course. However, the questions covered in exams rarely corelate with the main ideas in the textbooks and lectures. I feel that this course could have been interesting but the amount of content tested is just overwhelming. I would NOT take this professor again!!

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Grade: Rather not say
Nov 26, 2022

This class made life harder than it has to be. This class is very difficult for no reason at all. There are quizzes every week and discussion posts every other week and you must respond to two people. And he gives three exams. Nothing is straight forward though, and the quizzes are not on anything he talked about in his lectures.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 13, 2023

Extremely taxing. I'm going to withdraw. Lots of reading, frequent reading quizzes, and lectures that are difficult to understand. The lectures started out as PPT presentations that devolved into black screens with a voiceover. Can't absorb the overload of information when it's presented so inefficiently. Please save yourself the headache!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 29, 2023

DO NOT take him, if there are no other world history classes just wait for the next semester. Took the class because I registered late and he was the only option. I've taken two exams so far and the questions are extremely complicated and with english not being his main language, the questions and answers were not very easy to read.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 4, 2023

Never again. There was only one test every week with impossible questions. I gave it my all for a few weeks but it was hopeless. There's no homework, only tests, so no easy way to improve your grade. Even if you understand the material, you CAN'T pass. He's not easy to understand. Don't take this course, it's not worth it.

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 20, 2023

Personally had a very hard time understanding the lectures and connecting them to the quizzes / tests. The lectures did not cover what we had weekly quizzes on, and each slide seemed lazily put together. Couldn't pick up the information, so I dropped before I got my destined F.

1.0
4.0
HIST1111
Grade: Incomplete
Apr 23, 2024

Truly one of the worst teachers I've had. Highly regret not dropping this class when I had the chance. Lessons are broken up very weirdly & makes them incoherent. Tests are annoying because 1.they are irrelevant and 2.he doesn't allow you to go back and review questions. Once you submit, that's it. Overall, dont recommend him and take someone else.

Test heavy
5.0
3.0
HIST3372
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 30, 2024
Would take again

His lectures were great, I always looked forward to class. There were quizzes based on the assigned reading and tests were over what he covered in the lectures. There were a few short writing assignments and one large essay, none of which were exceedingly difficult. He made class fun and is very passionate about the class. I would 100% recommend.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
HIST1111
Grade: C
May 14, 2024

Wow this professor... I could BARELY make a 40/50 at the LEAST. If you do not look over and literally COPY WORD FOR WORD what he says in his video lectures into your brain, dont waste your time! The test is worded VERY differently from what he says in lectures, so youre literally playing a guessing game

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Jul 16, 2024

Extremely opinionated course. It's clear he got his 10 year and doesn't care at all. Lectures are dragged out due to language barrier. Had to watch them at 1.5-2x speed. No text is given to students. Everyone has had to write down his lectures word for word to have a chance in exams. Also, exams are a guessing game. AVOID AT ALL COST. PLEASE.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
HIST1111
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 10, 2024

I enrolled in this course without checking the instructor's ratings. During orientation, he said a textbook wasn't required, but we later had to buy one, which is essential for quizzes and readings. The quizzes and exams are challenging, and his grading system makes it hard to track my overall grade. Save yourself the struggle and avoid his class.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Grade: F
Jan 8, 2025

There is not really much communication on what is done wrong at all.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
HIST1111
Grade: C
Feb 6, 2025

This class was quite challenging. The tests didn't align well with the lectures, and the grading system felt unfair. However, tools like unstuck ai and the textbook helped me manage the heavy workload. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this professor.

1.0
5.0
HIST1111
Grade: C
May 8, 2025

If I can give this professor zero stars I would. The class was very unorganized, and his grading style was very hard to tell what grade that I had in his class. The lectures was a drag as well based on the language barrier and the lack of information given in these lectures. Would not recommend this professor to anyone.

Tough grader
1.0
4.0
HIST1111
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 17, 2025

The class is very unorganized and nontraditional. Assignments are due Tuesdays at 8pm compared to the traditional Sunday 11:59. The grading system is super weird. Assignments don't have a description on what you are supposed to be doing it on. Its hard to understand his lectures without subtitles. Overall, save the headache DO NOT TAKE.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
HIST1111
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 21, 2025

DO NOT Take this teacher. Grading takes forever. Grading system is wack. Audio lectures are nothing like the tests. Feed back is little to none when you get a bad grade. Language barrier is bad and you have to listen to lectures in 1.5 times speed. DO NOT take him.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
HIST1111
Grade: B-
Dec 10, 2025

My friend and I signed up for this class at the beginning of the semester and didn't really put much thought into it because it was only a pre-requisite, this was the hardest class I've taken. Not because of material, but from how he grades. Every test, blog, and/or quiz, you must use "lecture information." And you still get points off.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Online Savvy
1.0
4.0
HIST1111
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2025

Some how this dude made the online class boring and difficult. One of the toughest graders out there. No matter what information you use theres always something wrong with it. One of the weirdest grading styles and point grading ive ever seen. Tests and finals are dumb long. TEACHING STYLE IS AWFUL. CAN'T UNDERSTAND A WORD. 3 BULLET POINTS FOR INFO

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Online Savvy
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

62%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

95% confidence
Based on 27 grades
Most common grades:
C (8)
Not sure yet (8)
A (4)
Grade Distribution
A(4)B(8)C(10)D(4)F(1)A-/B+(3)
Based on 40 reported grades
C: 8
Not sure yet: 8
A: 4
B-: 4
Common Tags
Get ready to read (24)
Tough grader (20)
Lecture heavy (19)
Test heavy (11)
Lots of homework (7)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Tough Grader (4)
Clear grading criteria (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.70 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HIST2206

5.0

(1)

HISTHIST

5.0

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HIST4490

4.3

(3)

HIST3374

4.3

(4)

HIST3375

4.0

(1)
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Difficulty by Course

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5.0

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5.0

ASIA3001

5.0

HIS1100

5.0

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4.5

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