Okay, honestly, these people are giving him a really terrible rep. I learned a lot from this class! But,the trick is you have to ask questions if you are confused. If you do, he would be more then willing to help. The only issue I have with this class, his tests are a bit hard. Not your typical Scantron, you WILL write a lot for it.

He does a good job with the class and tries to make it interesting and if you don't pass the first time you can redo your work. And the average grade was a C he said, not a D, so the only way you won't do well is if you don't really try hard--he is really nice and helpful and cares about us.

great class, learning a lot, he tries to make the class fun, if you do the reading and take notes you will do ok

great class and good mix of notes, slides, and film... he knows his stuff and to do well you have to do the readings. tests are hard and you write a lot

Had a hard time getting the swing of this class at first. TONS of reading and some video watching, plus lecture notes. The trick is to recognize the reading and videos as context for the lecture notes. Tests are tricky but designed to let you choose the material you're best at. *Extremely* nice man. Would take again if I needed another HIS class.

really nice guy and great professor! his notes are hard to follow, but it forces you to read the book which helps you in the end. only homework is to read, write 4 papers and you have 2 tests. A LOT of writing- but it's fair. will "wave" your lowest paper grade & tests.. but not completely. take him!

Nice Guy tries hard to help. Grades mostly based on written papers, which he grades harder than English teachers do. I am an A student and really worked hard in his class to get a B I would be surprised if there is anyone who did. Find someone easier is my advice.

Okay, honestly, these people are giving him a really terrible rep. I learned a lot from this class! But,the trick is you have to ask questions if you are confused. If you do, he would be more then willing to help. The only issue I have with this class, his tests are a bit hard. Take him if you are willing to work hard.

He's a nice guy and he does try and relate to his students, but he's a weird grader on papers, he'll take off points for little things. He made class slightly interesting.

Great class, very interesting and I learned a lot. Take it if you like history. Class is a mix of lecture, film, and slide shows.

Interesting class, I liked the topics, mix of papers and essay tests, no scantrons

Wonderful Intructor! The only way to fail his class is to not care and not show up. There is alot of at-home reading, but it's spaced out over a good chunk of time. The essays are given so far in advance that it is easy to complete within the time limit. I recomend him to any intrested history strudent.

This professor made this course very interesting for me! Great lectures and pp! Never was interested in history but after his classes I learnt so many new things! Take his class if you really want to take smth from it. Strictly follows the textbook and requires attendance. Took couple of points off my grade because of grammar mistakes:)

Well, he is a nice man. He allows anyone to use textbook and notes for tests(which is written). I hope many people will agree with that.

He is a pretty good instructor but very hard. i am a straight A student but for some reason i get C's in his class

He grades tougher than most english professors. Watch out for that. Otherwise he is a good teacher, a nice guy and he is very patient. Though, that said, I would recommend his class only if you are REALLY good at writing history essays

Probably the only history professor who can actually make history interesting! His teaching style is great because he uses several outlets to teach material. He likes discussion and people who speak up so make sure you read the assigned readings before each class. His tests require a lot of writing! I def recommend him - do the work and an easy A!

Aewsome professor!! Really knowledgable and presents class using ppts, videos, and lectures!! The midterm/final are take home and as long as you try hard, you will do fine! He is one of the best professors I've ever had!!

There is lots of reading and writing, you need to take notes and do the reading--mix of lectures and powerpoints and some films. You can use notes and books for the tests; I like the class.

great class ... didn't like history before and then took this class, now I really like it.

It is ELI, two exams; you can get an A, but you need a textbook and you need to study--the professor has lots of study guides including exam reviews. It goes quickly and you need to keep up.

Lots of lessons and only 8 weeks, got lots of feedback and there were lots of study guides and resources. You have to take the exams on campus. You can get a good grade, but you have to work a lot and keep up with the syllabus and schedule. Exam review guides were helpful, so look for them.

six week class, lots to read, i liked the class, tests were lots of writing but open book and i liked the mix of powerpoints and letures and the professor was good too i recommend the class--i got an A, but you have to read and take notes and must go to class.

Great class and I am going to take the next history class also.

I liked the class and Dr. Schmitz made history fun. Take him for the Western Civ class also. Great class and exams are open note and open books, take notes thoug because he looks for notes.

Makes history fun, love this class ! You can use the book and notes on he exams. One big paper to write. You have to go to class and take notes and he checks to see if you read.

Great class and I liked the mix of lectures, films, and powerpoints--he likes history--tests are open book and a there is a paper.

One of the best courses I have taken. He gives you the exams at the beginning and you have lots of time and it is a lot of writing and there is a paper so you need to read the sources and textbook so get them. The films and powerpoints were great. Take notes and read and you will do well, but you have to take notes.

I liked the class--you have to take notes on the lectures and films and powerpoints, and if you do you will get a good grade. He likes it if you participate, and you need to read the book. You can use notes and the books for the exams, which is easy. I really liked the class and you can tell Prof Schmitz likes the history !

I took this as a 6wk Summer course. I loved the professor! He really cares for the subject and his students. He's very helpful and doesn't judge you based on how silly your questions may be. A lot of writing involved in class and you HAVE to do the book readings in order to follow class material. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this teacher to anyone taking HIS!

Schmitz is generally just a great guy. Talk to him and you'll really appreciate what he has to say. This class is entirely writing based, not a single multiple choice quiz or test. Pretty easy class, watch movies all the time, interesting professor. ask him about his pugs and the book he's writing.

Great professor, great guy! Enjoyed his class a lot.

Dr. Schmitz was a good history professor. Although, everything you do in this class is PAPERS. If you're the person who enjoy typing papers, I would suggest taking his class. It's important to read chapters from the textbook and come in to class PREPARED.

Very good class, mix of lectures, powerpoints and films--be prepared to participate and if you do the work and reading, and you need to read, you will do well. Very interesting classes!

I got a C in his class but it is because I put no effort at all and still he was nice enough to work with me and help me out a bit. He is a nice guy and is very interested in history and wants his students to know all about it. I recommend him to everyone.

Great class, tests are given at the beginning of the course and you can use your notes and the books too. Two exams and a paper and you need to go to class and take notes which you can use on the tests. He will help you, very helpful and nice.

Yes, you read a lot. Yes, you write a lot, but that is a history course. He loves history and I enjoyed learning from him. He doesn't require memorization, so throw the flash cards away. I would recommend him if you are willing and motivated to learn and not just looking for an easy A. Excellent course.

Great class--world war 2--liked the books and lectures; films were awesome and learned a lot. I would take again.

Loved the class--you write a lot but he gives you the exams at the beginning of the course and you can see all the work you need to do. You also have to write a paper, but you can pick your topic. You can get a good grade if you do the work, take notes, and read the book. Will take him again for another course!

I read the negative comment and of course he decides, that's why he has the PhD. The syllabus is clear and you can start working on the exams at the beginning. You need to read and take notes and see him, he will help you and it is worth it, I would take the class again! You write a lot, but it is easy to pass.

I took this class online. With my busy schedule it is sometimes difficult to completely plan out my assignments and whatnot. Dr. Schmitz used the BB site very well and had all the assignments and notes I would need as well as the readings. You will have to read and work but dr. Schmitz had a way of making the subject more enjoyable for me.

Second class with him and I learned a lot--tests are open note and open book--there is a lot of writing but if you go to class and do the reading and take notes (the usual) you will do well--easy to get a B or A if you do the work and read the feedback. He uses lots of information from other books, so you need to take notes. Highly recommend.

Professor Schmitz is an amazing professor. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. If you love writing take this class because that is how the format of the assignments and tests are .Tests are online with an unlimited amount of time. He always offers his help if you need it. if you put in the effort and time, you will do well

Professor Schmitz is an intellectual firehouse. His exams does not demand student to memorize facts, rather it tests the student's analytical, research, and writing aptitudes. His exams provides the opportunities to improve these on skills, as he allows plenty of time to ask questions. These exams are open-note, class is difficult but fair.

Very Knowledgeable and passionate, with a sense of humor so lecture are not too rough. There is a lot of writing in this class so I highly recommend not taking this course in conjunction with an ENG class. Make sure you read ahead, and stay on top of all of the assignments. Again lots of writing.

I took 121& 122 with Professor Schmitz. Participation is important. Clear syllabus and the beginning of the semester you can start working even on final exam which is some essays. Writings are a lot for exams (open book and notes) but that is the way you learn, instead of memorizing.

Professor Schmitz is a caring and respectable professor. If the student needs help and they reach out to him, he will definitely work with you. He shows clear expertise on what he teaches, and the work for the accelerated 6 week classes is demanding but very rewarding, I highly recommend taking this teacher for history class.

Professor Schmitz is a very analytical professor. His class was hard and he makes you WORK for your grade, but that's what college is all about. He is absolutely ready to help in whatever way possible if you put in the effort and reach out (he even offered to help me in any future endeavors). Work hard and you will get a very rewarding class.

Took HIS 121 last semester and it was a great class-- professor Schmitz is very enthusiastic and knows his material-- lectures combine other sources and books so you need to read and participate and you will do well. Go to him for help and he will help you. Very interesting stories and I liked the lectures and the online films were really good.

He has tremendous analysis on american history. His lectures follows up with required reading and video sources to watch. His lectures are very informative and very entertaining. He will help you if you ask for it. Would recommend him.

The lectures are great--lots of information from different authors and the films are great too--he knows his stuff and you have to read the syllabus-- the exams are open note and open books, a lot of writing but you cannot fail unless you just don't do the work. Highly recommend and saw previous post, so just read the syllabus all info is there!

Great class and I liked the mix of lectures, funny and interesting stories, films and power points. Exams are a lot of writing but you can use your book and class notes, so easy if you just take notes and do the reading.. he gives them to you on the first day also ! Ask for help and he will help you! I am going to take him for 122.

Very good teacher, probably the best I ever had. Listen, read and you will get good grade.

Best class I've had at NOVA and just amazing--very interesting stories and lectures and I liked the videos and power points too, I learned a lot. You have to attend class and you need to read. Tests are online and you can use your books and notes so the class is easy if you take notes and work. He helps you if you ask. I will take I22 with him.

Great lectures and funny and interesting, exams are a lot of writing but you can use your notes and you see them from the first day, so you can work on them at your own pace. All power points and lots of lecture notes are on blackboard. He will help you and he loves history and made the class fun. I liked the films also. Will take him again!

Loved the class, a hybrid, so lots of reading and films outside of class; you can use notes and books for the tests and if you take notes and read and watch the assigned films you will do well. You write one paper and have all semester to do it. Good feedback. He loves teaching history and knows his stuff. I will take him again and recommend!

Professor Schmitz gives good lectures and makes the class entertaining! There is a midterm, argumentative paper, and a final which are open-note. You can start working on those assignments any time as well. He gives good and helpful feedback on assignments. Just show up, take notes, do the assignments and you should be good!

John Schmitz is an amazing professor. He inspires you by his love to history. He remembers all phrases from all movies he shows and seems so excited to talk about any key event of American past. Most of the class is based on writing papers using classnotes, powerpoints and movies, so it is better to attend lectures and keep track of the information

Took history 122, I learned a lot from the lectures and movies. Book was good. Two exams that you can use books and notes and work at your own pace which I liked. One paper and you have the whole semester and you get feedback for each part. Will take him again and would highly recommend. Take notes and read and you will do well.

Great class; I had some personal problems and Dr. Schmitz was understanding and gave me more time which I appreciated. He is caring and while he expects a lot he will help you if you ask. The exams were a lot of work, but you can use the books and your notes which helped. Will take him again for sure and highly recommend . He loves history!

Professor Schmitz is definitely one of the best professors I've had. Yes you have to do a lot of writing for his class(the mid term and final exam you will need to write about 8-10 pages for each) but you have all semester to do it. It's also open note. Show up to class, take notes, and read the textbook and you'll be good.

He is very passionate about History. He really wants you to learn and understand the history. He's very understanding if you can't submit things on time. Overall, he's a really good professor. Down to earth, nice, and cares. Textbook is online, but be prepared for videos and text book reading. Exams are essays, submitted through BB.

This professor has taught me more than I have learned with all my classes within the two years I've been here. The exams are essays based on discussion questions. If you don't understand something, ASK HIM. He will give amazing feedback, and will answer your question fully! He truly cares about the students. I loved his class! understanding + nice

tbh history isn't my thing and I had a hard time for this class. But Professor Schmitz is awesome. He gives great notes and lectures. Still haven't received my grade but I'm expecting a B

I want to tell you how much I enjoyed this class. It's one thing to learn dates and battles, but another and altogether more enjoyable one to learn context and get a real feel for how the thoughts and behaviors of US history continue to reverberate today. I am truly disappointed that I've met my history requirement and can't take another class.

Summer class went by fast, lots of work, great class, open note and you can use yawp and films. Answers emails quickly and helps you; I needed more time and he gave me more time to work on the paper so he is very helpful and knows the material very well, brings in books and shows different viewpoints. Do the work and you will pass, no surprises.

Love the class, summer US history; good stories and mix of films and lectures and readings-- you need to read; open note and open book exams-- lots of writings but no memorization and cramming, so you learn the information and everything builds from the questions to the exams. He will help you if you ask him. Would take again for sure !

I really enjoyed his accelerated online Civil War class (8 weeks). The reading was extremely dense, so studying for the exams (which together comprised 60% of the grade) was a bit nerve-wracking, but he cares a lot more about big-picture ideas than memorization. Definitely take if you are a history major or inherently good at essays.

Online class-- text is Yawp online and all the films are online too--very simple and easy to follow and a lot of reading and writing but the exam questions are given in advance, so if you prepare you will do well and use the exam reviews. Response questions prepare you for exams. Great class a will take him on campus this fall, highly recommend.

Helped me with my paper assignment and with the exams, you can use your notes and books and films-- a film for each chapter, very helpful. The paper is done over the whole semester and you get feedback for each part. You can see the exams at the beginning of the semester, so work at your own pace. Great class!

Great teacher! Very energetic and engaging with his students. With that being said there's not much structure to the course. Mostly class discussions, reading, and films.

Took Western Civ in the summer and he gave me more time after the semester to finish because I had family issues; he cared about me and I would have failed otherwise-- so he gave me a chance, I did the work, he's a tough but fair grader which is how it should be-- will take again for sure! Do the work and he will help you, great professor !

Online class-- mix of online reading and films-- a lot in 8 weeks, but it is 8 weeks. He works with you if you need help. I liked the class and will take his class on campus next semester. Very good feedback and help with online class.

The class is hard, Ill admit I slacked off a little bit toward the middle and had to work so much harder toward the end. I ended with a 68% and I was able to retake my midterm exam and that raised my grade up to a 74%. Prof is very understanding and caring. He sees if you put in the work, dont slack and youll do just fine.

Great class, watch the films, read Yawp online, do the work as you go. Exams are writing but you can use your notes and the text and films too, so if you do the work you will pass. He is very passionate and knows his stuff, so read, keep up with the assignments and you'll do great, he helps you if you ask. Great class and will take again !

Class mixes one paper and two exams, you see the exams from the beginning and you can use notes and online text and resources, and it's essays, so lots of writing, but you have lots of time for all work. Will take again and love the lectures and films, very helpful and online too. Great class and you do have to do the work, it's college.

He's a great teacher, now personally I was having problems at home and I wasn't able to turn stuff in and I missed a few classes but he was caring and let me turn stuff in late. Though I personally don't know if he marked me down at all for it, he is definitely willing to work with you, just talk to him. He is great, 10/100

Tough grader, but fair. I loved this class. Keep up with the reading and film and everything is online, so no pressure on exams-- you see them on the first day. Ask for help and he will help you-- I learned so much and will take the next class. He loves history and now I do also. Definitely recommend and one of the best classes I have had.

Excellent Professor; really knows his stuff. His class is tough because his expectations for you are high. He really tries to make it like a 4-year college experience. Do yourself a favor and read the textbook chapters when he assigns them. Youll have to read them whether you like it or not in order to do well on the exams. Great class!

I enjoyed the course. Not a ton of work in the class but there is a good bit of homework that you need to do in order to be prepared for the class. If you stay on top of the work its easy to keep up and if you don't its still possible to crunch and pass. Great class and I would take him again. Anyone looking for any easy class, this is it.

Great class, knowledgeable professor and you can tell he loves history. Tests are essays and you can use the text and films. A lot of writing, but you have all semester to do the paper and it builds, so keep up and turn in the work. Read Yawp and watch the films and take notes and you will do well. Definitely recommend and will take again!

He is a good professor, and I can relate to him. Knows a lot about history. Also his Seinfeld references are good.

The professor is very nice, and all exam are open notes. Copious amounts of writing and reading for this class. Put in the work, and you will get a good grade!

Professor Schmitz is a caring and great professor. His knowledge of history, insightfulness, and ability to relate to students is what makes him unique. There are no multiple choice tests, rather lots of writing. The discussions are very in depth and interesting. He is also very funny !

Dr. Schmitz is an amazing teacher and even though I already liked history, he made me like it even more. The thing I enjoyed the most was that he showed the class many viewpoints and got us to see things from different perspectives and this made class very interesting, all the stories and the videos were good too. Loved the class!

I took professor Schmitz 6-week history 101 class and... it was overwhelming to say the least. He is a good professor and really knows his major, but he assigns copious amounts of reading and videos to read each class. Which are the focal point of the papers. The term paper length is 5-8 and each exam is roughly 10 added all together.

Pretty hard class. A lot of reading is needed to do well in the class and participate. He's a good guy who knows what he's talking about and wants you to do well. Listen to lectures and take notes as these will be helpful in the midterm and final and you'll come out with a solid grade.

He's an interesting professor whose lecture are definitely good and are make it easier to remember than the textbook notes. However, he gets easily side-tracked by other topics and tends to go over class time to finish the lecture. He's extremely helpful if you go to his office hours, but don't take if your schedule is very tightly time pressed.

One of the easiest/best professors in the school. While he is a tough grader, all of your assignments are listed on blackboard at the start of the semester, so you have plenty of time to work on them and get feedback early. The textbook is free and online, make sure to read it and take notes, a lot of the answers to the tests are inside.

Civil War class that had a great book and I like the films too. I like studying the war and the information helped me learn even more. Great feedback and you can do a paper or project and choice of essays on the exams. A lot of writing, but you learn a lot.. would recommend for sure!

Pretty clear structure and reading and films, do the essays and writings and use the exam reviews and the class builds on the essays and concepts. Great feedback so you improve and you know what to expect. I learned a lot and recommend!

I enjoy history so enjoyed the civil war course-- great and interesting text and I liked the films too; a few exams with exam reviews and you work on your own on online class-- would recommend If you like to learn! Feedback very helpful and he was there to help me.

he is a great professor and an even nicer person. There is one paper, one mid term and one final, all posted on Blackboard. NO tests and no quizzes. Everything is posted on Blackboard so the class is self paced. call him Dr. Schmitz not Mr. Schmitz.

If u dont want history class to be a pain- take this guy! Classes are very chill and prof is super nice, funny and super knowledgeable. detailed feedback on paper, easy grader. TAKE AS MUCH NOTES AS YOU CAN on everything he says, books and films because you will use those on exam. Midterm and final take home but a lot of writing. Understandable

Dr. Schmitz is great and I learned so much the class is solid prep for me going to Mason with focus on reading and writing. Class is challenging and tough but you will learn a lot from him. Take notes, participate, and all the work is online. One of the best classes here. Ask about the pugs, funny.

Professor Schmitz makes you work for your grade, it isn't just given to you. You need to come to class prepared ready to learn and write notes. If you don't come prepared on the assignments that are given to you, you will be behind. He is a chill and knowledgable guy, it's the work that is an easy grade!

Dr. Schmitz posses the rare ability to take complex historical trends, events, and figures and break them down into digestible chunks of information. Take advantage of his lectures and take good notes. I wish I had taken even more notes because I used them a great deal on the exams. He was accommodating when standard work/kids issues popped up.

I took HIS101 and HIS121 with Professor Schmitz, simply because I really enjoyed the first class I took with him and wanted to take another. He is very kind and very passionate about history. In both classes the only assignments were 1 midterm exam (take home) , 1 final exam (take home), and one paper that we work on throughout the class. :)

The exams are pretty clear. They are usually essays. he is very nice and understandable. HE CARES. Take lots of notes, pay attention. If you do your best and work you would pass!

There is lots of essays to do and if you need extra time he is very understanding. All his assignments are on online, so there open notes. His lectures are verbally so take good notes, stay on top of your reading, and stay on top of your assignments. You do not want to procrastinate.

I have not had a history teacher that taught ideological aspects of history as much as he has and I really learned a ton. He did outstanding work to help me. Recommend.

Great professor, very personable. Makes class interesting and is good at answering any questions and helping with assignments. There was not a terrible amount work, very doable. Overall a great class!

Prof. Schmitz was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He gives great feedback on submitted work so you know what is expected. Make sure you know how to write proper essays is taking this class. Prof is willing to work with you to make the most of the class.

Professor Schmitz is informative and engaging. I like history and listening to the narratives told by a knowledgeable person who truly made it a fun experience for me. You can tell he has a deep understanding of the material and I found him very approachable and will take him again. Recommend.

I recently took Professor Schmitz US History 121 class and very much enjoyed his class. I am applying to be a history major because I have a strong interest in getting a bachelor's degree in history. Great class. He is very knowledgable. Take notes, watch the films, you will learn a lot; highly recommend! Will take him again if I can.

Professor Schmitz was so helpful and more than teaching wrote a recommendation and helped me get into UVA! His class pushed me to read and write at a higher level, I definitely wouldnt be where I am now without professors like him who push you to work hard-- take notes, read, and learn--so truly thank you--recommend him!

Professor Schmitz is an awesome and inspirational teacher, very caring, he gives good feedback, and is very helpful. He gives great lessons in class, and the material and books you get for his class are really informative and educational and will help you in class. Overall, I highly recommend you take him for History 121.

I took his course online! he is very easy to talk to. He is a fair grader and will tell you his honest opinion . He is good at responding to emails! If you have a question, he is always happy to answer!

This class was not easy. There was not enough time in the week to watch/take notes on the documentary/instructional films that he assigned. The take-home essays/exams take a LOT of time/effort. But he really cares about students and if you put in your full effort, he will do everything he can to help you succeed. He expects a lot, but he is kind

He is a good professor. The exams he gave us were A LOT of work so make sure you dont leave things last minute (approx. 12 pages of answering different questions from the films he makes us watch) The paper he makes us write throughout class was a PAIN. DONT BUY THE 5TH EDITION textbook. I have no idea why he even had that as an option.

Professor Schmitz loves teaching and you can tell. He cares about students and gives fast feedback for assignments. I missed the lectures after we went online. Talk to him and he will help you, it is a lot of work, but pace yourself and use the resources and films. Love the class and will take him again. Highly recommend!

I liked prof. Schmitz classes, interesting and a mix of lectures, films, and canvas; everything is online and while lots of reading and writing you know the exams and he will help you. definitely recommend and am taking another class with him. He is a tough but fair grader and he looks for improvement and helps you, recommend!

Prof. Schmitz knows his stuff, take him. CLasses are a mix of lectures, and take notes you can use, films and online resources. . He will help you so just ask and will take him again. You don't memorize you learn concepts and ideas and writing for the exams and the paper. Prepares you for after nova. Definitely recommend if you want to learn.

Great class, take notes, work everyday. Everything is on canvas, films, notes, and lectures too. Will take again. Recommend

Prof Schmitz is an amazing teacher. He is kind and cares about his students. His lectures are great. My only regret is taking HIS121 in 6weeks. Its A LOT of info and 6weeks is not enough time to fully grasp key concepts. There are 2 exams, one 5pg paper and questions on each of the chapters. Yes its a lot of work, a lot of reading, but worth it!

it was an okay class. i did an online 6 week summer class. attendance is a grade so make sure you attend all zoom meetings. grades are based off of a research paper (including topic, outline, & rough draft), midterm exam, final exam, and attendance. make sure you do all of the readings and watch the films. also take lots of notes during class.

Enjoyed the class, lots of work but it is college. The canvas site has lots of resources so use them, book and films and lots of help for the exams and paper. A lot of writing but you have the whole semester to do work as you go. Do the work and get help and you learn a lot. Definitely recommend and will take Prof. Schmitz again, cares a lot.

Just finished taking Prof. Schmitz's 6 week summer class. All the work is outlined in the syllabus, so you can study ahead. There are two exams, along with a five-page paper. He responds to e-mail in a timely manner, and stays after class if you have questions. Great teacher, recommend taking his class!

Prof. Schmitz has wonderful lectures. I learned so much from this short 6 week session. I willl take him again in the fall to get even more information, he stays after the online class end for questions and answers, and that really helped me succeed. Definitely recommend him!

Great class with mix of lectures and discussions of online text and films; good pace and Prof. Schmitz responds quickly to emails and helps you a lot. Lots of online resources to help with paper and exams which you can use your notes and films and online resources... do the work and you will do fine. Recommend and will take him again!

Professor Schmitz is very nice, but he assigns too many papers. He gives good feedback and is willing to put in the extra time to work with students if they need it. I do not recommend this class to anyone who does not like to write.

Zoom class with lectures and with zoom more films, read the book watch the films and ask questions, good combination of information and he is very helpful, also very caring, do the work and you will do well, highly recommend, great professor!

Great professor, really cares, mix of lectures, notes, films... he is very helpful and will take again!

Love the stories he tells and good mix of readings, films and notes you need to take. Exams are much of the grade plus the paper which is in four parts. Very helpful and he knows his stuff he told us about his book, interesting. Great and will take again, recommend! Read, pay attention, watch the films and you will do great.

I want to take more history classes, he knows his stuff and ask him about his book and pugs, he loves history you can tell so there is a lot of writing, but you have weeks to do each assignment and you get to use the online text, notes, films and the canvas resources for help. Dr. Schmitz is very helpful, highly recommend, very smart and caring.

Prof Schmitz is amazing! There is 1 primary source analysis paper which is spread out throughout the semester, 1 open note midterm exam, and 1 open note final exam. The exams are essays so be prepared to write! Exams are available to begin from day one. Keep up with the reading and DO NOT PROCRASTINATE on exams!

Prof. Schmitzs assignments are all essays and theyre fairly long. The syllabus and instructions for the papers are very clear. Youll be using the textbook frequently, but dont worry because its free. I was dealing with family medical emergencies throughout the semester and he was very lenient when I had to submit a paper late.

Professor Schmitz's class was a great class! I appreciated all of his support and help, he made the effort with students and his knowledge. Recommend!

I thank Dr. john, the semester was hard but he was a great teacher this semester, very professional and really funny also, he is one of the best teachers. Will take him again and recommend, it was a very difficult semester but he helped me so much.

Dr. Schmitz is a great professor! You can tell how passionate he is about history! Gives many good book recommendations and really informative videos. Graded on one major paper broke up in 4 parts, midterm, final, and participation (he loves talking with the class) TAKE NOTES!!! You will appreciate it when its time for writing!! Take him!!

Wow this was one of the hardest classes I've ever taken. The midterm and final are multiple long essay questions, short essays, and IDS. This came out to a total of 20 pages typed each time, plus the other 20 page paper we do throughout class. If you love history this IS the class for you, NOT for an easy A. He has a great sense of humor and pugs!

He is very nice and cool. If you like lectures, then hes the perfect teacher for you. I dont like lectures so everything that hes talked about when through the other ear because Im more of a participant leaner. He doesnt do homework or quizzes. However, he does like to do big paper grades. If you dont do them correctly then you can get an F.

easy paper to write.

Professor Schmitz's assignments are pretty easy and straightforward they just require a LOT of time. Definitely a lecture heavy course but he's very entertaining. He seems to genuinely love history and teaching and is quick to respond to questions. Essay + midterm were 20 pages of writing each, so this is not a class you can procrastinate on.

Prof. Schmitz knows his history. He is super knowledgeable and funny, I learned a lot from his class! Easy to talk to and willing to help his students.

He is clearly passionate about what he teaches and is very knowledgeable. Expect to do A LOT of writing, literally everything you will be doing in that class is nothing but writing, but what helped me a ton is the textbook. Please buy it and thoroughly use it along with primary sources, then thank me later!

Class is a mix of lectures films discussing and all work is open resource With many weeks to work on each assignment

Great class and he knows his stuff take notes and do the reading and watch the films lots of time to do the exams in the paper pace yourself. If you need help ask him very helpful

Prof. Schmitz Mixes lectures with videos-- exams are easy if you spend time and you can see the exams all semester so work on them. One paper to do and feedback for each part. Take notes and ask for help he will help you. Great class and learning a lot. Use the notes on Canvas for help.

Enjoying the class, so many stories from lot of sources and he knows his stuff, has a book out too and talks about that. A few assignments and all you can use notes and book and films to answer. recommend and very helpful with feedback

I had a lot of fun taking this course, but beware, if he says the only way to pass this class is to not do the work, that is not true at all. He has very high standards for papers and exams, which granted could be a good thing. He will also give very good and specific feedback if you ask for it and discuss it with him. Overall would recommend.

Tough but good grader and preps you for next level, not easy A but if you want to learn take the class and read, watch the films and take notes and everything is open notes and you have weeks to do each assignment, so do work every day and no problems. Interesting internment talk with his book. Recommend!

My favorite class this semester and like the stories and films too. Your choice of paper topic and he was very helpful making the paper better. Writing heavy but weeks to do all assignments. Very knowledgeable and knows sources too. Recommend and work hard and you will do well, daily work is important.

History class with writing assignments and everything is open resource, you can use the text, notes, and take notes, films, and there is lot of info online for help. Very friendly and knows his stuff, highly recommend and will help you, not an easy class but do the work and you will do fine. Very smart prof and nice, recommending!

Professor Schmitz is great at his job. He does not remember any students names in class. His grading is fair, but try not to end up writing a 17 page final in the day its due. You should listen to his classes attentively and take notes because he does give the answers to the tests. His lectures are very fun to listen to.

A historian that is so pumped about history that he makes you feel excited it about it as well! A real lovable guy, wants his students to succeed. Textbook is free/ online (American Yawp). He gives access to the midterm / final at the beginning of the semester (series of long answer essay questions). Lots of writing! Only 6 graded assignments!

Professor Schmitz is an EXCELLENT TEACHER. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about what he teaches. OUTSTANDING LECTURES. The class consists of a mix of lectures, films, discussions, and all work is available as an open resource. I definitely recommend his class.

Great professor all the way-- take notes, make sure to attend the lectures, watch the films and read yawp, that is all there is to it. He knows his history, very smart, and kind too, willing to help and advise. Highly recommend and will take him again.

Make sure to go to class, not because it's mandatory, but because there's a lot of information he gives that can be used on the Midterm and Final. Gives helpful feedback on papers. Heavy emphasis on learning to learn and not learning to be tested which was refreshing. If interested in history, I would definitely recommend him as a professor.

Go to class, take notes, great lectures and lots and lots of feedback to assignments which are all writing but Prof. Schmitz lets you use the book and notes and films for help. Work as you go pace. HIghly recommend and will take again, he knows his history, ask about his book and pugs.

I learned so much, lectures were amazing and easy to follow and he encourages discussion. Take notes, watch the films, and you can use text and notes on the exams which are not timed--several weeks to work on midterm and final. one paper. Recommend and will take for another class, very helpful and passionate about history! Recommend!

Very caring prof, helps you and no timed exams. All assignments are open resource and weeks to do each one. Smart and helpful, take him! Ask him about his book and pugs, very funny also! Will take again. Recommend highly.

Class is mix of lectures and video, and exams are essays-- all access to notes and films and lectures, not timed. Recommend.

Prof. Schmitz knows his stuff about history, all kinds, definitely recommend. Class is normal amount of reading and writing, you have 6 weeks to do each exam and the whole semester to do the paper so as he says work as you go and you will do well. Classes are mix of lectures and films, study every day, great class and he is very helpful!

Classes are mixed with lectures powerpoints and films and use class notes and films for the exams; class has one paper. Prof Schmitz is very knowledgeable and helpful, will take his other class next semester. Recommend!

Prof. Schmitz knows history, loves teaching and cares about learning. Exams and assignments are not timed and you use books and notes. Classes are lectures, power points, and films and discussions. I learned a lot and he focuses on ideas and concepts and no memorizing is required but you write a lot. Definitely recommend--excellent prof.

Prof. Schmitz uses lectures, films, and online resources for a class where you will learn a lot and all available for the exams; choices for paper and exam questions, so lots of writing but it is easy if you work as you go. Highly recommend and no memorization, he focuses on ideas and concepts and makes history interesting and fun!

Prof. Schmitz makes history enjoyable and I learned a lot. He knows so much and you can tell he loves history. There is a normal amount of writing for a history class and you have weeks to do each assignment. Classes are his lectures and films and there are notes and powerpoints online so it is easy to pass if you do the work. Recommend highly!

Not a history person but Prof. Schmitz relates history to events today and knows his subject and great mix of lectures and films. I learned a lot and while the class was challenging it is easy to do every assignment gives you weeks to work on it. Take the class and you will learn so much. Ask him about his book and the pugs.

Dr. Schmitz is an amazing educator and really makes the material interesting. He uses creative learning resources and he wants to work with you. I had some difficulties this semester and he was very accommodating while still holding me to a professional standard. His teaching style is unique, challenging, and sets you up for long term success. 5/5!

Great class. Would take Prof again.

Prof. Schmitz is a great teacher he is lecture heavy and uses a textbook. Assignments are few and are worth a lot. Tough grader but is willing to work with you on improving you grade.

He is a passionate professor, but this class was a lot. I didn't know exactly what to take notes on so I just went with it. The grading criteria is clear and he breaks into your papers telling you exactly what needs to be fixed. So many movies! It seems nice but can be overwhelming. You have weeks to do the work so DON'T PROCRASTINATE!

Caring Prof who knows his stuff inside and out-- most of the lecture he just knows and details that make it interesting and fun. Wants us to succeed and feedback is helpful and detailed. Lots of time for assignments so work ahead and it is easy, make sure to take and use notes with the book, films, and other resources for open exams. Recommend!

Best class I had at nova, prof Schmitz cares about success and it is a college class like anywhere else and not high school. Work every day and take notes watch the films and use the resources on canvas. You can see his exams and work on them all semester. Lots and lots of feedback for the paper and grades on improvement. Recommend!

Engaging lectures and great feedback on the essays.

Prof. Schmitz course was so much fun. I enjoyed it and learned a lot! There is a lot of work and effort required, but I've really enjoyed it and learned far more than in any previous history classes. His knowledge and enthusiasm for history motivated me to learn more. Will take another class with him. Recommend!

I recommend students to History with him

One of the best professors I ever had in my lifetime. Very caring and considerate. He makes the class as simple as possible. Make sure to read, start the HW/Essays early, and pay attention to everything he says during lectures. And also go to his office hours if you have trouble understanding some assignments, he will clarify for you. Take him!

H112-Wrld Civ Post-1500 CE: Amazing professor. The class, covering 500 years of history, is geared more towards giving you the foundations of historical facts. This class was graded on your ability to express, through writing, your opinions of the historical facts presented. Graded by 3 wrt. asgnmts. with prompts given at the start of semester.

Prof. Schmitz was why I changed my major to history-- now love it and he helped me and the class. I am thankful for profs like him who know their stuff and care about what they teach and want us to succeed. Everything is up on canvas, exams, instructions, lecture notes and more. Nothing is timed and you go at a good pace. Recommend!

History 112. I truly enjoyed Professor Schmitz. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about history, There is a lot of reading and watching videos but it was very informative. The class is writing heavy but you are given the assignments at the beginning of the course, so you have plenty of time to complete them. I will definitely take him again.

Easy class. Midterms and final exams are already accessible on canvas by the first day of class. Just make sure to take notes during lectures, and incorporate those notes into the exams. The only challenging thing is the final paper. Analysis of a primary source, make sure to be very analytical and not descriptive. he was tough grading it so yeh

Overall he is a good professor, big assignment of primary analysis. Which is slightly weird to understand at first but after he gives feedback on your work it gets easier. Hw is really easy just 4-5 mini quizzes. Personality wise....he is subtly condescending. Will call you stupid without doing it. Personally that annoys me.

Very caring and smart professor; class is challenging but manageable. Put in the effort and he will help you and clearly wants us to succeed. It is definitely a college class, not high school. Will take his next class, definitely recommend and all assignments are open-- no cramming but you have to do the work and take notes and watch the films.

Very lecture heavy, and you can tell he cares a lot about his field and his students! You have to work hard in this course, but it's so worth it for the knowledge you walk away with. Every week you have to: read the textbook, do quizzes, and watch films. No tests in this course, just papers. He's always more than happy to help his students!

I learned so much and will take another class. Highly recommend.

Very interesting and it is a college course, not high school. A combination of notes and films along with the textbook and a few writing assignments, all allow you to use your notes and class information. Recommend.

He's a great professor who cares, he does not lack when teaching. It is true that not all professors are the same, this John is just a clear statement of that, he shows care, talks and explains great, and overall gives great feedback, he also saved me from a 0 due to my own personal mess ups with not citing properly on the final, amazing professor.

Professor Schmitz is passionate and dedicated to teaching history. He is a published author of "Enemies Among Us." His class is well resourced with numerous films and lectures for each chapter. The greatest benefit I attained from this class is improved analytical and critical thinking skills when writing my essays. Expect to write 18-22 pages.

Great Professor , will advice him for everyone ( recommend)

Professor Schmitz is an excellent professor. Classes are interesting, but there is a bit of writing to do. One main paper and two open book exams. For exams we were allowed to use movies, books and notes and you can work on the exam throughout the semester, since questions are available at the beginning of the semester. Great class!

I took John back in 2016 and forgot to grade him, but he was always a memorable professor. had to withdrawal for medical reasons but wanted to write a review if this professor is available snatch him up! he left an impression on me still 7 years later. Fantastic person!

Highly recommended! Professor Schmitz is an excellent instructor who is dedicated to the success of his students. He is committed to providing you with an experience that will prepare you to be a better college student. He provides you with a ton of resources to help you learn - notes, videos, documentaries - amazing course content.

He is only a difficult professor if you are the type of student who is quiet in classes and does not participate often. Not saying there is anything wrong with that, but he is definitely a professor for students who love to engage and ask questions. He is accommodating towards work if you communicate.

Amazing prof. You have to write a lot but as long as you stay on top of all work it's manageable. He is very helpful and will look over your work just to make sure you have the right idea. I didn't take a history class for three years before this because I'm a bio major but this course made me remember why I love history. Keeps course interesting!

Take his class, he is very knowledgeable and passionate about history. I learned a lot from him. He shows how history relates to all aspects of life. The midterm and final are writing assignments, which are easy, if you follow along and take copious notes from his lectures. He looks for material from his lectures in the writing assignments.

Professor John is a great teacher but the format of the course lets him down He gives great feedback and is very good at accepting late work. But the workload is too tedious. The amount of expected work might be a little unrealistic. Also the final and mid-term were to long for my liking. Overall a good class with some inconveniences.

Dr. Schmitz was a great professor and you could tell he cared about the students. There was a lot of work when it came to reading, watching films, and answering discussion questions. The exams were quite easy since you were able to use your responses to the discussions to answer the questions. Overall, it was a great class.

An excellent teacher overall. He provides great feedback for essays and exams and seems to really care about your work. The lectures provide interesting information, but I wish they were longer. There was a lot of weekly work, but it was all manageable. His lectures are relatively hands off, but he is open to questions or comments anytime.

I took his class once a week zoom. He really likes history. During class is slightly boring. He gives AMAZING feedback on papers. He available by email and VERY nice and understand. He wants his students to succeed. If you enjoy history you will love him. But he is still a very good teacher. I 100% recommend Dr. Schmitz.

The Professor is great and will listen to student's problems. There is a lot of writing but he will teach you how to do it. Books are necessary to do many work. Gives lots of reading resources to the students.

I took HIS 121 online with Professor Schmitz and he was an awesome professor you can tell he loves teaching and he helped me a lot and helped me to find my own writing style his grading was very good too I would 100% recommend him to anyone!

This professor is great! His lectures are interesting and easy to follow. The videos we watch in class are also very interesting. When I wrote my paper, he had useful feedback which was very easy to understand. As long as you show that you care about the class and put in effort, you will do great!

Professor Schmitz is a great professor. He provides great and detailed feedback on the writing assignments to help prepare you for the Final Paper and Exam. Whenever I had a concern about anything, he always made the time and helped me anyway he could. For this class there is a lot of writing so following along the videos and notes is required.

Professor Schmitz doesn't just read the textbook during lectures, instead, he gives useful information. There is a lot of writing in the class, but as long as you follow the rubrics, you will get a good grade. He also gives great feedback on your writing making future assignments much easier. Overall, a great history professor and worthy of a 5/5

Dr. Schmitz is a fantastic professor. He's very approachable, understanding, and very knowledgeable about history. You can tell that he puts effort doing his own supplementary research so that his lectures don't just regurgitate information from the textbook. Not sure why his classes seem so under-enrolled, perhaps b/c they're more writing-heavy?

If you are really into history you should take him. he goes deep into every topic. I would say that his class is class is a little bit hard. Instead of quizzes or tests you have to do essays. Honestly not a bad professor but lots of writing.

Really great professor, lectures were very interesting and he is very insightful, would definitely recommend to take his class. There is a good amount of writing, but if you pay attention in class, take notes, and are able to analyze primary sources you will do well.

The professor's pragmatic approach to teaching helped me understand things better rather than making everything feel so mechanical, quantitative, and stiff. I'm not a history buff by any means and I'm amazed at how much I know now in the short duration of the class like the origin basically everything lol.

Dr.Schmitz is a great professor. Get ready to do a lot of reading and watching films. There will be a lot of writing. Make sure you take notes on his lectures. Analyze primary sources and you will do great in his class. Attendance is mandatory.

Dr. Schmitz has a great teaching style, his lectures are great and he makes the course material more interesting. Being present in class and taking detailed notes are essential to success. Every assignment is longform writing so be prepared to write!

Awesome professor! His lectures were very informative and engaging. I love history as well, so it was really interesting to learn new content in his class. Super understanding and helpful with feedback. I would definitely take him again for another course. The writing is a lot but that is expected when taking a history course.

Professor is amazing. Each class engaging and shares historical stories and facts that you wouldn't find in regular readings. He is transparent and provides great feedback. He is extremely responsive and stays available after class. I wanted to take another one of his classes. Highly recommend taking his class.

genuinely a great lecturer, a very charismatic and off-beat funny guy. Stay somewhat on top of the assigned readings/documentaries and take notes and class and you're good. would recommend his surveys of american lit to anybody.

Great experience with Dr. Schmitz! Expert historian who guided us through a tough subject with ease and made it interesting and relevant. Really approachable and put in a lot of time with students outside of class who needed extra help. Fair grader who provided plenty of feedback for improvement. Would take classes with again!

Dr. Schmitz is overall a great history professor, highly educated in history, super friendly, accessible outside of class, and quick to grade with in depth feedback. However, if you aren't passionate about history, can't dedicate 1-2 hours everyday in this course, and don't have the strongest reading/writing skills this class isn't for you.

I highly recommend taking Dr. Schmitz classes. My HIS112 class had no proctored exams and was very easy. Dr. Schmitz is also extremely helpful and his grading criteria is clear.

He was really great, and I highly recommend taking him if you're looking to satisfy your history requirement (or if you just take history classes for fun)! There is, however, a lot of writing, so don't be surprised when he asks you to turn in a 5-8 page long essay for just a single paper. Pro tip: cite your sources and use in-class examples.

Enjoyable class to take with lots of good information. Professor Schmitz is very passionate about teaching. Highly recommend.

Dr. Schmitz is a professor who is truly passionate about the subject he teaches, and it shows! His lectures are thoroughly engaging, and he truly wants every student to succeed. I nearly withdrew from the course over a lack of confidence in my writing abilities, but with his encouragement and guidance I passed. If you love history, take his class!

Professor Schmitz is really easy going and caring. His lectures were very fun and slightly heavy. I took him for HIS 121 which was a 15-week class. One thing I would say is that there was a whole lot of writing. In total the assignments we had were Mid-terms, finals, a paper which was 6-8 pages (yikes), and weekly Packback assignments.

Amazing! He makes the material engaging and relatable. He provides valuable feedback, and is both understanding and helpful. His teaching style and course work makes you think and feel accomplished by the end of the course. Highly recommend.

Dr. Schmitz gives a lot of work for a 100s level class but he gives you all of the resources you may ever need and gives good lectures. You'll have to write about 25 pages worth of papers but I found researching, writing, and editing the primary source analysis paper to be particularly rewarding. He makes history really fun and engaging.

He's really great! Yes, you will be writing, but it isn't bad, and you will work on the assignments all semester, so no surprises(weekly Packbacks). He is really considerate, and lectures aren't just reading off of slides; you get pretty diverse sources. If you hate reading, there are enough listed documentaries that work, too. TAKE NOTES!

A lot of writing but super easy with the lectures, ppts, videos, and textbook. Every paper I submitted was returned with comments that not only highlighted what I did well but also pointed out areas where I could improve, with specific suggestions on how to do so. He is always available to help you. I 100% recommend this professor!

Dr. Schmitz is an amazing and knowledgeable professor. A lot of writing but with open notes, films, and ppts, makes it seem easy. He provides useful feedbacks and is a fair grader if you put enough efforts. Highly recommend!

Absolutely loved this class, Prof Schmitz made it fun and engaging and brought an excitement to learning history that I never thought id experience. You can really tell he loves the subject and wants to teach and for his students to be successful. There is reading and writing - but tha should be expected. 10/10 definitely recommend!

Overall he is a good professor and very passionate about history. Makes lectures fun and engaging. You will have to read a lot of the textbook. All assignments must be written and will have to write about 25 pages in total by the end of the class. So I would say if writing isn't for you or you are not a fan of history, this class isn't for you.

Doctor Schmitz was the best professor I have had and he knows the material and is patient and understanding and funny, the class is not too hard. He has a sense of humor and is caring. The class and professor Schmitz is amazing, the course was great and Dr. Schmitz cares about us succeeding. He responds to emails and helps you.

Professor Schmitz is an amazing teacher! He is always willing to help out students when needed. His class consists of lectures, discussion questions (Packback), and writing papers. We had to write papers analyzing primary readings and do Packback. Professor Schmitz is a kind, respectful professor; he is always trying his best. God bless him truly!

Dr. Schmitz is very knowledgeable in what he teaches. lectures mostly consist of going through textbook chapters sometimes watching films. I would say it's a lot of reading and writing but not an unbelievable amount 1 analysis paper, and one midterm and final all papers, and can be started at anytime of the class.

Dr. Schmitz is terrific and class is a mix of lectures and notes and films mainly. Each major assignment gives plenty of time, several weeks, but all essays and writing. He is very helpful and caring and knows his stuff-- he wrote a book that is interesting and I am learning a lot, definitely recommend, and easy if you just do the work.

This is my third class with Professor Schmitz. His teaching style is engaging, and he is the most helpful and responsive professor I have had in an online/Zoom class. I highly recommend this class and professor.