I absolutely LOVE going to class everyday. Plus I love that he is from the south

An all around amazing professor. Very interesting. Loved going to class!!

Amazing professor! Makes Ancient Greece more than togas and philosophers!!

The best lecturer in the university-TAKE HIS CLASS!

Samons is great, I don't know how anyone could ever skip this class.

Fantastic lecturer, makes all topics very interesting. Love the class.

incredibly funny, amazing charisma, the best professor i've had

Soooooo amazing. V. funny; fantastically charismatic. TAKE HIS CLASSES!

The best, most interesting prof I had in college, but his classes are HARD.

Lectures are hysterical. Great outlines, very detailed and clear.

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Amazing lecturer, charismatic, witty, and brilliant. he's tough, but fair. TAKE HIS CLASS!

Samons rocks my world! The best teacher I've had at BU. His lectures are always well organized, clear, and often amusing.

Most amazing professor I've ever had--incredibly intelligent and funny, a really great teacher who genuinely cares about his students and has a passion for the material. Take his class--you won't regret it!

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Best teacher I've had since 4th grade. School of Education students should be required to take this course to learn how to teach from a pro.

He is the best professor I have had at BU and he makes lectures worth going to. His tests are comprehensive and hard, not and easy course, but worth taking if you enjoy history and an amazing professor

He is the best professor i have had at BU. I enjoy the lectures, he's funny, knowledgable, and made me love greek history. Run dont walk to take this class!!!!!!

The best teacher ive ever had. Lectures are interesting, clear, easy to follow ... like listening to a story. Stickler for dates and specifics on tests and papers. The amount of material covered makes tests tough not the test questions.

Samons is by far the best professor I have had at BU! He is extrememly helpful in his office hours and his lectures are very clear. Class goes by v. quickly because he is so interesting!

THE BEST PROFESSOR ever! extremely funny, lectures are fantastic. midterm, final, two papers. CRAZY about dates. readings are relevant and very helpful.

Excellent. Everyone should take a class with him. So enthusiastic about a potentially very boring subject, it's hard NOT to pay attention. Very accessible, always willing to answer questions unless out of time. Tough grader though, but worth it.

even if you are not interested in ancient greek at all, take this course merely because he is the epitomy of a good college prof. going to his lectures is like storytime. he made ancient greek history interesting and relevant..who else can do that?

Awesome teacher, his class alone was worth the $20,000 I paid to come here this semester. If you have an opportunity to take any of his classes, don't hesitate, do it.

anyone who can make greek history interesting and funny is amazing. the class goes by very quickly and never puts you to sleep. the only problem is that the midterm and final are difficult.

For being the smartest person I've ever met, he's very down-to-earth, friendly and helpful. You will be glad you took this class.

prof. samons is amazing...the best lecturer ive ever had. he acts out greek history in such a comical way (his arkansas accent helps) and it really makes the course interesting (though the material itself is interesting too). take this course

He only did maybe a lecture or two but he was fantastic! I sat in on one of his classes just because it really is storytime. Takes you back to the days of library in elementary school, animated voices, personalities and all.

Samons is one of the best profs I've ever had. He's funny, nice, & extremely clear & organized. The classes are almost over too soon, & you won't (even if you don't do well on the exams or papers) regret the class - it's great. What all classes should be.

He gives incredible lectures that are both funny and informative. Study hard for his tests. You need to remember every detail to do well. Also, always take your papers to him before you hand them in. It made the difference of two letter grades for me.

A wonderful teacher who I would recommend to anyone no matter what their major. Watching him lecture is pure enjoyment!

great

I took Greek History with the same professor and he really is the greatest lecturer in the world. I highly recommend taking any of his courses, even just for fun. Exams are hard because you have to remember every little detail mentioned in lecture.

Great professor, one of the best at BU. Makes the material interesting and fun; you'll learn a lot. The tests are hard, but the effort is well worth it. Definitely recommend his class.

Also took CL321. This class is slightly easier, with shorter papers. He's still excellent though. Take any class with him! Exams are hard, but he gives the IDs on the board every lecture, and he tells you exactly what he wants in exams.

Honestly, he's the reason I became a classics major. When a scheduling conflict made it so I couldn't take his 200's level class, I ended up sitting in on the class whenever I was able just for the sheer enjoyment of it. Just WRITE down the ID's.

the man makes teaching an art form. a funny, highly intelligent professor. he makes greek history interesting. lots of reading but he'll keep you into the subject. take his class even if you have no interest in it, just to see what a real prof is like :)

I had him for the honors section of this as well, and it was my privelage to be in the presence of someone so truly deserving the title of "The Man." He can make anything interesting, and i'd lie under oath for him.

No person I've met has been as knowledgeable, helful, enthusiastic, or entertaining when teaching History of any kind, especially Greek. Samons is a veritable King among Men.

He is such a good speaker and professor, he is soo funny too! He treats the students very well and is pretty straightforward with what he wants from you on tests. Definatly take a class from him simply because he so funny.

He's a pretty good guy, although I think the class does a pretty good job of inflating his ego. What bothers me is that he doesn't give out his e-mail. I was afraid to e-mail him. The class is pretty interesting though. YOU MUST LIKE TO READ. Be prepared to suck.

The best professor...ever! Take this class, even if you don't like the subject; it's worth it just to experience his greatness! It's really not hard because he makes it so fun, just study and you'll do well. I was so depressed when the class was over...seriously the coolest guy!!

Samons is the most amazing professor; I took this class only bc he taught it. The class is hard: take notes w/ your laptop and make notecards from the IDs on the board. He is a Southern gentleman, and the funniest, smartest prof at BU. He loves what he teaches, and it definitely shines through!

I have no interest in Greek History, but getting to listen to Prof. Samons speak on a subject that he's so knowledgeable and passionate about makes it worth being totally out of my depth in the topics. Outside reading a plus, and be sure to take notes!

Absolutely amazing class. He is a wonderful speaker; totally hilarious. He's very passionate about what he's teaching. I never missed a class all semester, no matter how sick I was.

Best class I have ever taken. period.

Ditto what everybody else said. They're all pretty accurate. Be prepared to work harder then you have had to work for almost any other BU class.

Samons is awesome! I learned SO much and loved going to class. Tests are super hard, but he wants you to do well. Take GOOD notes. Write down IDs. Remember dates. GO TO OFFICE HOURS. He will help you SO much on papers. He is a great guy!!! Wish I could take more classes with him.

Absolutely the best professor I had during my time at BU. Really understands ancient warfare both tactically and at the soldier level. Decline and Fall of Rome and Warfare in Antiquity easily the two best courses I took at BU.

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read "what's Wrong with Democracy", everyone!

MY FAVORITE BU PROFESSOR! TOOK THREE OF HIS COURSES!! FANTASTIC, BRILLIANT, EXCITING LECTURER! HIGHLY RECOMMEND:-)

Funniest teacher ever! Def. take him

I thoroughly enjoyed this class. And I HATE history. That should tell you something.

Professor Samons is a great teacher, but an very tough grader. Don't take his class just because you want to have him as a professor. Be prepared to work for your grades.

A fantastic professor. Writes down all relative terms. Has fantastic lectures. Simply amazing. There is no other way to put it. Beware, however. His class is NOT easy. Entertaining and good for you, yes. But still tough as heck to get through.

Very engaging lecturer, but don't take the class just for a divisional if you have other, more demanding classes for your major that take priority. I'm used to science classes with 55% exam averages and thought I was in good shape when I got an 80 on the exams and papers. Yeah, not so much =/

He is soo funny. Each class is like hearing a comedy act. Who else can make old dead emperors hilarious?

This professor is by far one of my favorites out of any teacher/professor I have ever had. His classes are incredibly entertaining and you will laugh probably every class, as long as you get his dry wit sometimes, but it is in no way an easy class to get through. You will work, but in the end it's worth it because it's simply awesome

It seems the more I know him the harder he gets. Professor Samons is a mostly honest, diligent professor who holds many office hours. He has high standards though to the point where he rarely gives A's. He's tough, a bit unfair, and his classes generally border on being overwhelming. Not a GPA booster.

He's a like drug - fun to use/take, until you hit the aftereffects. However, just like a drug, you will keep going back for more coz he is just that good. Your grades are akin to your health with respect to drugs though.

Each lecture is entertaining, you forget you're learning about a potentially dry subject matter. Take good notes though, because they are your primary study material. While Samons is a great lecturer and a funny guy; he has VERY high expectations and grades accordingly. Don't expect a high grade or an easy course load. Lots of hw readings.

Funniest guy ever. I had no idea Greek History could be so fun! The reading wasn't that heavy for a history course, but take really good notes during lecture! His is a tough grader and most (if not all) exam questions are from lecture. He grades hard on papers too, but talk to him about it and he'll help you out.

i took every class i could from him, and i remember him as the best professor i ever had. such fond memories! hell, i still treasure my old class notes - i can't believe how much we learned (and WANTED to learn) from samo... oh, and don't ever call him that in class.

A very entertaining lecturer with an impressive knowledge of the subject. Is genuinely enthused about the subject and wants his "scholars" to be as well. Also an exceptionally hard grader; papers and tests are NOT easy...I found it necessary to study for about 20 hours for the final. Fantastic if you like the subject, but do NOT take for an A.

Probably the best professor I've ever had. Somewhat difficult grader.Lectures are a joy to attend.He is hysterical in class,his enthusiasm for Greek history is fantastic, and he is incredibly knowledgeable.Ended the final class with a monologue so epic that the entire class clapped and cheered for him when it was over. Take his class.

I took Greek History and Warfare in Antiquity with Samons - both were AMAZING. He's a fantastic lecturer and a little intimidating, but it's DEFINITELY worth getting to know him at office hours. Reading only really necessary for papers/background info; exams are right from lecture. Wish I had time to take more, take anything you can with him!

Warfare in Antiquity was a very interesting class; but don't take it if you're only fulfilling a history requirement. Samons is funny, intelligent, knows his stuff. But he's a very hard grader, and you need to know massive amounts of info for the exams. Books are useless-don't buy them. Exams are 100% lecture based.

I took two classes with Samons while at BU and I loved every minute. I still consider him one of the best educators I have ever encountered, and if I could take more classes from him I would do so gladly. Don't look for an easy A from him, look for a class that really makes you appreciate learning.

Prof. Samons was amazing for Greek History. He is both extremely knowledgeable about the subject and hilarious, making his lectures a joy to attend. He is also very helpful in office hours; definitely go for help on your papers. Exams are long and require much studying, but he gives the IDs on the board every class, so there are no surprises.

So funny and really makes the Greek world come alive - you can tell he's so passionate about the subject. Also really wants students to do well and is so helpful in and out of class. Take his class, even as an elective because he's that good!

Best lecturer I've had in my four years at BU, by far. Intelligent, engaging, sensitive, and humorous.

Best lecturer you could ever hope for. You're laughing for most of the class, yet you learn so much

Great professor. Very engaging...I was never bored in his class! He's really funny, and doesn't throw curveballs on tests. Hard grader (at least, his TFs are), so expect to have to work to get a good grade. Still, the class was so good that the extra work was worth it.

Samons is the best lecturer I have ever heard. Going to class every day for greek history was a treat. He expects alot of memorization for dates and vocab, but the tests are simple and straightforward. He tore apart one of my papers and I still got a B. Take this class for an amazing college experience

Makes Greek history, even battles, very fun even though I usually hate military history. When details about events aren't known he makes up his own fun versions to keep it interesting but still makes it very clear that it is not true so that you don't get confused. Relates events and politics to present/himself for even more humor. One of my favs.

Samons is hands down the professor I've ever had. He makes you want to go to class and keeps you entertained the entire lecture. Be warned though, as awesome as he is, he expects a lot from his students and an A is not guaranteed. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS. He'll go through papers with you and give you great advice. Samons is the best. The end.

Samons is a good natured professor who wants to see his students do well. Quizzes are frequent, so it's important to keep up. I do not agree with how often he puts students on the spot (it can be embarrassing and painful) but other than that was a pretty enjoyable class. He's very willing to answer questions as well, and expect some good laughs

I LOVE PROFESSOR SAMONS!! Easily the best professor I've ever had. His lectures are amazing (and critical to passing the class), he's hilarious and completely changes your view on classical and modern warfare. Loved it and understood the material because of him. Beware though- lots of reading (DO IT) and difficult exams. Totally worth it though!

He's great. He has passion for the subject and channels this passion into his students. He's also extremely clear and absolutely knows his stuff. The exams are somewhat difficult because he requires a ton of date memorization and details but everything comes from the notes. The papers he assigns are straight forward and he grades generously.

I LOVE this professor. He is hilarious! He is a tough grader, but taking the class is totally worth it. I really enjoyed learning the material of this class and it helped with CC101.

Even if you're not interested in Greek History, it's impossible not to be entertained by his lectures. The way he incorporates the history into a dialogue for every class is incredible; super interesting and fun! Looked forward to every class. Be prepared to take notes.

Easily the best professor I've had at BU. I'm currently switching my major to business but he was the sole reason I questioned my decision. The man is an absolutely amazing teacher and person. My eyes usually glaze over at the thought of classical literature but he has given me a whole new perspective and love for the subject.

Professor Samons has been my favorite professor and Warfare has been my favorite class even though I'm not a classics major. Samons is hilarious and gives some really life changing lectures, and always makes sure to connect history to present day. Absolutely recommend taking any class with him.

Professor Samons loves the material that he teaches, and you can really tell during lectures. He conveys so much information in an hour, yet he manages to make it feel like a stand-up comedy routine rather than a history lecture. Hand down the best lecturer at BU and definitely one of the smartest. If you need to fill a requirement, he's your guy.

Professor Samons is probably the best professor I've ever had. He's one of the funniest human beings I've ever met and can make literally any topic amusing. I had him for Ancient Greek language (CL161) which is one of the hardest classes (if not THE hardest class) I've ever had to take in my life, but he made it fun and was fair. I adore him.

Samons is really funny and makes a boring subject interesting to people who aren't majoring in it. Attendance is not mandatory but you should go to class because everything he goes over in lecture is on the exam and he doesnt use textbooks or posts any notes online. The exams and papers are hard but theres only two of each so it's fine.

One of my favorite professors at BU so far. Definitely one of the best in the Core Curriculum. He makes boring material interesting, is super easy to talk to outside of class, and really helps his students succeed. He is particular with what he wants regarding essays, but your writing will improve and the work is worth it.

The best professor I've ever had at BU, and I'm not even in this department. His lectures are just him telling stories in the most beautiful, realistic way. Everybody should take a class with him. My only regret as a graduating senior is that I couldn't take more!

One of the best professors EVER! He does expect a lot because of his passion. He gives great lectures and is always willing to help his students. Midterm and final, 3 short papers. He doesn't give study guides and expects you to buy a lot of books. Just take notes every lecture because thats what the tests are on. He is very entertaining

Professor Samons is an absolute unit. The way he lectures might not be for everyone but I found it entertaining and the rest of my class seemed to vibe w him as well. Don't skip class & definitely take notes... anything from lecture is fair game on his tests. Grading is tough but fair. I'm not a classics major but I highly recommend this class!!

Professor Samons is great. I took this course for credit but thoroughly enjoyed my time in this class. I am not particularly interested in Greek Civilization but still found this class entertaining. The only downfall to this class is there are about 4 grades in the grade book but as long as you study for the exams, you should be fine.

Gives a stand-up comedy routine about Ancient Greece disguised as a classics lecture and is constantly laughing at his own jokes. His energy at 9:30 is unmatched especially for someone of his age. Assignments are dense but relatively straightforward. Some assignments assume some familiarity with classical texts, but you can still get by without it.

An overall easy class course. No assignments and a few midterms + papers + final. Readings are optional and only necessary for the two paper assignments. Content might seem heavy, but only the most influential parts are really worth knowing in depth. Lectures can sometimes be entertaining because of his great storytelling skills.

Samons is an absolutely incredible professor, but you definitely need to know how to approach the class. Here are some concrete things you can do to get a good grade: - DO NOT USE "To Be" verbs in your writing!! Points will be deducted for the use of these verbs. - Go to office hours to discuss papers and exams! He will help you with anything!

this class improved my writing more than any other academic experience i've ever had. prof. samons was definitely my favorite professor at bu :')

Professor Samons makes every lecture so enticing that you will actually want to attend class. He conveys topics with a deep understanding, and also happens to be incredibly kind and funny. There is very little work to do outside of class, and only 2 exams in the whole course, which will both be easy as long as you show up to lecture and take notes

So hilarious and theatrical. Engages with the audience during lecture. Be prepared to take notes the ENTIRE class. Pop quizzes when there's low attendance, be warned. Very accessible outside of class. SO content heavy but so interesting. Essay criteria is a lot to take in but isn't impossible. Final exam only focuses on last half of the course.

I LOVE Samons. 1 of the best professors I've had. If you have any interest in greek history, and tbh even if you don't, his lectures are extremely entertaining and he is the sweetest. He covers a lot of material and barely uses slides so TAKE NOTES and attendance is def mandatory. The grade is 30% midterm/final each, 15 each essay (2), 10 for disc.

i loved this class. prof samons was so funny and engaging in class but make sure to go to all lectures because he covers everything in them and sometimes does pop quizzes. I wish he graded on more than 4 things but overall the class was so good and I really enjoyed it.

Samons truly loves Greek history and you can tell. His (self proclaimed) main goal in class is for him to have fun and he is absolutely hilarious. There's a lot of content for the class and lots of names and dates and events to memorize but it is definitely doable.

Took this class for a HUB and it ended up being my favorite because of him! Lectures are basically just him talking the whole time but he is hilarious and theatrical so it's always engaging and enjoyable! Take notes and learn the terms he specifies and you'll be fine for the tests. Favorite prof at BU by far!

Best professor @ BU

For CL101, professor Samons is the best. Yes, you have to go to lectures if you want the notes (nothing is online), but you really only need to know 1/2 of the material for the exams since you can choose what to write about. Prof. Samons is hilarious and makes the lectures worthwhile. Take a class of his!

easygoing and entertaining guy, class isn't too difficult but is definitely memorization-heavy. took this for hub credit and would recommend given that it isn't too much work.

Although he makes his lectures entertaining, he speaks quickly, making it difficult to take notes, especially since he doesn't post anything online. He assigns a lot of readings, but you don't really need to read them to do well on the exams. There are many dates and people to memorize, so if that's not a strong suit, I don't recommend this class.

Great lecturer, no recorded or notes (so you have to attend or have a note buddy), Discussions are run by TAs so it's different by section, 2 exams and 2 essays, easy class I am taking for hubs I'm a stem major, Bare minimum studying needed, easy exams (ID the term, short essay)

Nice Professor with somewhat interesting lectures, a lot of readings, very tough grader, class was a bit dull at some points