The course is so interesting, it is like a treat compared to other classes. Prof is very approachable, easy to talk to. Grading a bit on the tough side, expects 3rd-year-level writing for a 3rd year course. Her lectures are more cultural, less technical/political = less boring.

This professor is one of the very best professors at the University. She in entertainig, clear, helpful, and informative. Take a class with her if you possibly can! Her marking is tough, but fair. She expects work that should be expected in a 300 level class.

Claimed that she didn't mark based on previous assignment but actually did. I wouldn't take a course with her again if someone paid me (bad for the self-esteem). Unreal expectations of students during seminars.

Excellent teacher. I don't know why people think she's a hard marker. I missed 1/3 of the classes, handed in two barely proofread papers, didn't go to seminars, didn't really study for the exam, and I still got an A in the course. If you know how to write a decent essay, this course is an easy A.

Great prof if you are interested in the cultural aspects of Nazi Germany. I was a bit disappointed that she barely talked about the actual fighting in the war itself. Fair marker, reasonable expectations. Great use of visual material (ie. overhead and videos)

The class is very interesting and Dr. Semmens is an awesome teacher. She is so enthusiastic and full of knowledge on the topics we discussed in class. She is very helpful and sweet as well. Take a class with her if you can!!!

Helpful, smart, bright, and cheery. Hard marker, Nuff Said.

Kristen is an awesome prof. she claims that she is a hard marker, but isn't really. As long as you know how to write, then you'll get an A. She's very intelligent, funny and a sweet person. At first her course looks intimidating (TONS of reading), but i would denifetely take it again.

She's hilrious, so dry. Her daughter sounds like a handful. Great class. Great teacher.

Professor Semmens is an incredible instructor! She is very knowledgeable of the subject matter of this course and expertly imparts her knowledge upon the students. She offers lectures which are interesting, thorough, and then points you to the readings to back them up. I will definitely be taking another class with her next semester!

Kristin is super sharp and I really enjoyed her class. If you're interested in Weimar and Nazi history, she won't disappoint. Also, while she is quite pretty, I imagine she would find the whole hot/not rating system really silly.

Dr. Semmens is awesome! One of the best profs I've had at UVic. She's intelligent, caring, and an excellent lecturer. She's not the easiest marker, but she's fair.I would recomend her to anyone!

Great Prof! Fast hand cramping lectures but worth it. She gets to know her students too which is nice. Funny and intelligent. Take a course with her!

Great prof, can get away with not reading textbooks if you go to all the classes and take good notes. 2 research papers, 2 midterms, and 2 finals all year. Great class, great prof, recommended.

Loved it. This is the only prof I've had so far at UVic that didn't let me underachieve. She expects third year writing from third year classes, and doesn't suffer fools. That being said, she's approachable, has an excellent sense of humour, and is willing to work with you to ensure that you get the most out of her courses.

Dr. Semmens is an awesome instructor. She totally rewards the effort you put into your work. She's also a great lecturer. I would attend class to hear lecture about paint drying - she's that good. She also has really interesting stories and frames the things she's talking about from a cultural perspective. Absolutely wonderful.

One of my favourtie profs! SOOOO interesting, great stories, her lectures are like being told a wondeful story each time. I learnt so much. Tough marker but fair. She expects a lot from students but gives a lot too. You can get away without reading the text book. Bring a lap top to class, its hard to keep up writing notes as she gives so much info.

Great Prof. If you are easily offended then i guess she may seem mean, but its obviously sarcasm, if you have anything resembling a sense of humor you will find her entertaining. Entertaining lectures, makes you want to attend. Easyish marker too, brings in cookies, and is hot, what more can you ask for

Dr. Semmens is a great public speaker. Her classes are enjoyable to attend. The only thing is that she has a level of arrogance to her and takes things like a student yawning in class as severely personal. Very hard marker and would never be understanding if something went wrong in your life.

I disagree with the below comment. When Dr. Semmens thought I was tired in class she actually approached me out of kindness to make sure I was okay. She is a great public speaker and her lectures are very entertaining! A++++

Dr. Semmens is great! She's a tough marker, but fair as well. Most of what she tests on is in her lectures and slides, but reading the text is helpful, especially when it comes to specific people (that are mentioned extensively in the text). She's really hilarious and I've never had to go to her for help but is seems like she'd be really helpful!

Great Prof. The effort and enthusiasm she puts into the lectures force you as a student to put in the same level of work. I definitely recommend her

AMAZING prof. She had such a passion for what she taught and it really showed. Marking was quick and I liked that she did it herself instead of having the TA do it. Midterm was fair and not hard if you studied. Quick email replies/always able to talk if need be. Lovely prof.

One of the best History profs I've ever had. Other profs should be made to sit in her lectures to see what a good lecture looks like. Her lectures and power points are amazing. She is a fair marker, she is always helpful outside of class as well. I highly recommend any of her classes.

Dr. Semmens is a History student's dream. Incredibly engaged with her subject, both intellectually and emotionally. I think it's a damn shame UVic doesn't recognize the value of prof's like this. Would take another class under her instruction any day.

Semmens was a great lecturer- her classes went by quickly (good for 8:30 on a Monday!). Claimed to be a hard marker but I didn't find that to be the case. Readings could mount up but the texts assigned were interesting and quite readable. Take notes in her class and you should do fine. I'd definitely take another class with her.

Such a great professor! I would take any class she teaches, just because she is so amazing.

Great teacher who i would recommend her to anyone! I personally found myself slacking and constantly playing catch up (slacking while doing this too). Just make it to all the classes and review your notes once in a while, you will do fine.

Classes with Dr. Semmens feel like a cool breeze. She's so passionate about what she teaches, and places emphasis on the idea that history is a story, not a list of facts. She gives different sides to the story and encourages you to think about history in unconventional ways. I continue to seek out her classes year after year, and so should you!

Semmens is the best teacher in the history department. Her classes are always interesting. She is a fair marker, and you are inspired to do well on the projects. If you have a chance to take any of her classes you should!!

Absolutely loved Dr. Semmens. Super intimidating at first but not conceited like some other profs. Will go out of her way to help you. You can tell that she loves what she teaches! Marking was tough at times since she is an expert.

She is an amazing teacher! If I could complete my whole minor with her, then I would. I have taken all but one of the classes she teaches and have yet to be disappointed. As long as you engage and show effort (don't text in class or be an idiot) then you'll get along swimmingly! She is quick at replying to emails AND getting assignments back! A+++

Best prof Ive had at UVic! She's extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Her lectures are engaging and very interesting; however, if you miss a lecture you're screwed as she doesn't use moodle to post notes. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND HER!!!!

Dr. Semmens is a gem, an excellent professor. I loved every minute of the class, and while you should attend every lecture (nothing is online) a good mark is doable. A lot of weight is on your research essay, but if you put in the effort you will succeed.

Easily one of the best profs at Uvic. She's very clear and concise in her lectures, and she makes attending class worth every minute. She's not going to let you get away with any crappy research, and if you're willing to put in the time then she's a great teacher. I found her really approachable during office hours as well

AMAZING prof!! Would take many more courses from her. Fair marker.

Semmens is one of the best History professors at UVic. There is a reason she has won the Most Valuable Professor award several years in a row. Handled the topic of the Holocaust in Germany beautifully through creating a strong connection to the victims. Very passionate and respectful in office hours. Exams are fair, make sure you attend class!

For her WWII class, she warns you from the start that she talks quickly. This will matter differently for different people. I found myself able to take notes properly during her lectures. She is very clear and concise, and she clearly has a passionate interest in the topic. Seminars were productive. Great class, great teacher.

Dr. Semmen's made her lectures interesting and easy to follow while still covering a lot of material. The lecture notes do not get posted online so attendance is critical to receive a good grade. She is very clear with her expectations and outlines her assignments in depth. She is a difficult marker, but she gives a lot of good feedback.

Extremely easy marker. Was shocked by how much my grades suddenly went up. Lectures were very superficial: she only spent half an hour on the Holocaust. She doesn't mark participation in discussion groups, so people tended not to say anything.

Dr. Semmens is great! Her lectures are interesting and she is incredibly concise. She doesn't post her slides online so attendance is critical, but she does have very effective power points for students who attend. She isn't an easy marker, but she isn't unfair either and she always explicitly outlines her expectations.

Dr. Semmens is BY FAR the best professor that I have had. Dr. Semmens comes over as intimidating in the beginning, but if you go to her office hours, it really helps. It is essential that you attend her classes and on exams and papers she is an extremely fair marker and highly appreciates your thoughts and ideas. Take a class with her!

Wonderful lecturer, spends a lot of time with students to make sure that we all understand to the best of our ability.

Fantastic professor! Engaging and insightful. I would recommend taking her Weimar and Nazi Germany (350B) course if you have any interest in the change in Germany after the Great War.

I went into HSTR 240 thinking that it was going to be a boring survey class... I walked out deciding to major in history, in large part because of Dr. Semmens. She is an engaging speaker, and is always willing to help if you reach out to her. Her tests are not difficult if you study the lecture notes, which she does not post online.

Her lectures are both informative and entertaining, and the notes are very clear to review before exams. I'm an international student but still got a decent grade in her class, and I've just decided to major in history, which is partly because of the inspirational experience I had in her class. I would be glad to take more classes from her :)

Great professor, good lectures and very fair grading with expectations made clear. I only have one complaint and that is we were forced to buy a basically useless, high-school level textbook for $110 with "essential" online materials for the discussion groups. It was plagued with technical problems (not her fault), but still a huge waste of money.

If you are interested in studying the history of the Holocaust, then Dr. Semmen's HIST450 seminar class is where you want to be. She can be a challenging professor but if you stick to your readings and participate in the seminar discussions you will achieve high marks. I highly recommend her 350B class (Weimar and Nazi Germany) to be prepared.

Absolutely loved dr semmens, her lectures were easy to follow with lots of pictures to keep you interested. Research paper was graded thoroughly and the final exam wasn't too hard as long as you studied. Overall very engaging and open to discussion.

I am beyond devastation that I only discovered Dr. Semmens in my last term at UVic. She is an absolute gem of a prof. Her lectures are amazing (such enthusiasm!), and really makes you want to learn more about Nazi history. I had fun doing the primary source essay (gives you a lot of freedom for finding your own), and overall a fair exam marker.

Dr. Semmes is probably the best prof I've had in my 4 years here at Uvic, I've had her for 4 courses and all have been phenomenal. Her lectures are amazing, you can tell shes invested in the subjects shes teaching, and she really cares about her students. If you're interested in WW2 and you haven't had her as a prof yet you're really missing out.

Dr. Semmens is a fantastic professor, she is absolutely invested in her teaching, and gives her students ample opportunity to thrive. I only found out about her in my last semester, and although unfortunate, it was a fantastic class. If you are interested in Nazi Germany, or Holocaust studies, take 350B and 450 with her, and you will not regret it.

I am not going to say anything that has not been said before. Bravo Dr. Semmens! Keep being awesome!

A really great prof all around. Shes very knowledgeable and engaged in the course content. Dr. Semmens made me interested in an historical period that I found boring before her class. The only thing that could be somewhat of a downside for some people is that Dr. Semmens is very attractive. I was distracted by her appearance on several occasions.

Dr. Semmens' is an amazing history profs and her lectures were absolutely amazing to go to and had to be the highlight of my Mondays and Thursdays!!! By no means is this an easy A, but if you go to class and take time on the assignments you will get a good grade. Absolutely loved this class by Dr. Semmens and will be looking at her other courses.

Kristin is the best history prof at uvic, yet. She explains things so cleary and she's an easy marker.

Dr. Semmens is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the Weimar and Nazi eras of Germany. She helps students become better historians by getting them engaged in class (ex. seminars, asking questions during lecture, analyzing primary sources as a group, etc.). She talks fast and her notes are not online but the content is awesome!

Dr. Semmens is a perfect combination of inspiration, kindness, knowledge and organization. Marks were fair and back quickly with lots of comments. Discussions were easy A's if you showed up. Final was fairly easy and even had a creative writing option for a WWII class. I'm not a morning person but I never had trouble waking up at 8:30 for HSTR 115.

Really knows her stuff and lectures in an easy to follow way which makes you interested. Great use of slides. Make sure to start your essay early!

Dr. Semmens is without a doubt my favourite prof at uvic! She really knows what she is doing and she knows how to structure her course. If you go to class and pay attention, take good notes, and put in a good effort in the final paper and midterm you should be able to easily crack a B. Gonna miss her history courses.

Took this course as an elective, and Semmens proved to be a great choice. She really cares about the material and her students, always was accessible outside of class. Don't need the textbook and don't need to attend lectures, although they are really good. I mean its WW2, I guarantee wikipedia has the material you missed. Essay & Tests were easy.

GPA booster , you can skip the midterm if u do a mini paper instead, easy to get an A on the final exam if you review the keywords she posts on course space

One of my favourite professors I have had. Very good lectures, with some humor at the appropriate times, and is very good for feedback.

She has a real presence in her lectures and is a caring person. I took her class in my first semester and it was amazing! She has a fun approach to world war two!

Amazing lectures that simplify material into what is manage in 50 minute segments, while still maintaining the story. Very caring woman who wants her students to succeed.

Very sweet prof. Knows a ton but doesn't go crazy in lectures. Highly recommend.

Dr. Semmens is without a doubt one of the best professors at Uvic. She is caring and completely accessible outside of class. You really feel that she wants you to succeed and do well in her course. TAKE A CLASS WITH HER.

What makes Dr. Semmens so great is that she really cares about her students and tries to make learning fun and engaging (with a few history jokes here and there). Attending class is a must and prepare to take notes and pay attention. Dr. Semmens is very approachable and understanding of circumstances. Overall, I would recommend this class.

Very sweet prof. Gives super informative lectures and makes the class super enjoyable and interesting

Dr. Semmens is definitely the best prof i've had at Uvic. Shes hilarious and makes history really fun and exciting. her lectures are very content heavy tho and she doesnt post the slides but she makes them as interesting as possible. shes a fair marker and really cares about the wellbeing and success of her students. Take a class with her if u can!

History 240B is my favourite history class I have taken at UVic and that is due primarily to Dr. Semmens. You have to show up for lectures but they are interesting to listen to as she delivers them well. I went to her office hours multiple times seeking help with various assignments and she always provided it with a smile. Definitely recommend.

Dr. Semmens is literally the best prof at Uvic. She's extremely caring and accommodating with her students and does whatever she can in assisting her students to succeed. Her lectures are also amazing and she is hilarious. you will NOT regret taking her class!

Dr. Semmens is by far the best prof I've had. Her lectures are fascinating, no matter the subject, and are always fun to listen to, especially when she adds a few jokes here and there. She's available outside of class to chat, and has some great stories about her experiences in the history field.

I cannot stress enough how amazing of a professor Dr. Semmens is. She is so kind, cares about her students, and genuinely wants you to succeed. Her courses are not loaded with work and she is a fair marker and gives you good feedback to improve for next time. She is an entertaining lecturer and she cares about her students mental health as well.

No need to say anything more. Dr. Semmens is a top-quality Professor - Uvic does not deserve her. I have taken every class Dr. Semmens has offered and I still cant get enough. If you have the chance, even if you arent a history student, come take a peek at how it's done. You won't regret it.

Kristin Semmens is a real gem, always willing to help and give good feedback on papers. She's very considerate, and although attending class is not mandatory, I would advise people to still go to class to familiarize themselves with both the prof and the lecture material. Kristin is the kindest prof I've ever had at uvic.

Best teacher I've ever had in any learning capacity. Dr. Semmens is a gem and always displays the utmost professionalism. For example, she is always on time, the lectures are carefully prepared, all assignments and expectations are very clearly laid out. Everything is neat and tidy. She is truly passionate about WWII and Weimar Germany. The best.

If you have the chance to take a class with Dr. Semmens, do it. She is fair, passionate, and very informed on the topics in the class. Every lecture is interesting, and even when trying to tackle the entirety of WWII in a single class she made everything clear and concise. Always there to help and genuinely cares about her students.

Easily one of the best teachers Uvic has to offer. This an exceptional class.

Dr. Semmens is an amazing lecturer and manages to pack a LOT into her classes, but in a way that does not make you feel overwhelmed. She genuinely cares about the well-being of all of her students and provides timely and helpful feedback on assignments. She is hands-down my favourite professor at UVIC.

Hands down one of the best professors in the history department, if not at all of UVic. Lectures were fantastic and she would engage with people on a personal level before class started, creating a more personal experience. An easier history class solely because of how thorough she is in instruction. I can't say enough good things about her.

Semmens and the class were both fantastic. The assignment and final exam are heavily weighted. The final exam is based on her book which was very interesting. Overall, great prof, great class.

Super engaging lectures and a good marker (I did far better on my final than midterm as she made it clear how I could improve). Assignments were enjoyable and not overwhelming.

The class is a seminar, so you work in a group with your prof & 19 others which depending on how the course is organized can sometimes feel awkward or forced. Dr. Semmens' style of teaching guided us through discussions and let us leave having fully understood the content while also providing everyone with a chance to contribute. TAKE THIS CLASS!

Dr. Semmens has been the best prof I have found in the history department. Her lectures are engaging as she is very knowledgeable and obviously cares about what she does. Which is something I consider very valuable in a prof. I have taken many classes with her and would 100% recommend this seminar.

Dr. Semmens is awesome. She's passionate & knowledgeable. She gives incredible lectures, definitely try to attend every class! She is also understanding that we have lives outside of class. 100% need textbooks for the class. Class participation encouraged during lectures & mandatory in seminars. 1 essay, 1 midterm OR essay, 1 final, 2 seminars.

Understood the topics really well.

It is hard to find a prof who cares as much as she does! Incredibly fair grader and will always work with you if you show up, try, and are respectful. Assignments are simple and explained ad nauseam. PLEASE take a course with her if you can! I love this lady so so so much!!!!!