4.9
Quality1.5
Difficulty99%
Would Retake99
Reviews99%
Would Retake
99
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
88
4
10
3
1
2
0
1
0
What Students Say
“great professor very easy classes”
GEOG470 - 5.0 rating“He demonstrates a strong knowledge of material without patronizing even 100 level students”
MET421 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
8%
Textbook Required
26%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.07 avg changeRatings by Course
350
5.0
(1)GEOG470
5.0
(1)GGEO200
5.0
(1)MET421
5.0
(1)GEOG327
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MET421
3.0
GEOG210
3.0
GEOG327
2.0
GEOG311
2.0
GEOG410
1.5
Reviews (99)
TAKE BENTLEY. He is probably the best professor I have ever had. Bentley knows that the class is a gened and does not try to make the class difficult, he just wants you to have an understanding. Bentley is always willing to help and is so sweet. If you have him talk to him and answer his questions in class! The work and tests are easy.
great professor very easy classes
Professor Bentley really focuses on making sure that you understand the content, rather than cramming for tests andor exams. By alleviating some of the normal pressures associated with class, learning with Mace is extremely rewarding! Don't be afraid to ask him questions. Show up, do your part and you will receive a decent grade.
He's so sweet and really cares about his students despite the class size being pretty big. The quizzes are more like mini tests that are 25 questions with an hour to answer them on canvas. He just reads from the powerpoint during his lectures so attendance isn't mandatory but it helps to go because he shows movie clips that may be on the test.
Dr. Bentley is very knowledgeable about his field and that is evident in his lecture. The assignments are very easy and flexible, you will get an A on them. He has a couple quizzes a semester that are online that are really easy if you took notes in class. Kind of boring unless you are passionate about it but an easy gen-ed.
Awesome guy, very knowledgable. A if you do the work.
Bentley's class was the best decision I've made. It's basically an online class (I rarely show up to class), all of the material is online. He just reads the powerpoints he posts online as his lecture. EASY A. He definitely understands that it's just a GenEd. I would recommend this class to anyone! Definitely a GPA booster.
I don't even know where to begin with Professor Bentley. He's AMAZING. Hands down my favorite professor. He knows how to make the information interesting and loves movies so there are a lot of movie clips in his powerpoints. NO tests, just quizzes that if you study for and go to class you'll have no problems getting a good grade! TAKE BENTLEY!
Dr. Bentley is such a wonderful professor. He is easy going, kind, and his lectures are easy to listen to. The class itself should be an easy A if you do the work and know his powerpoints. His online assignments aren't difficult, and there aren't many. Tests are open note so come to classkeep up with power points and take good notes on them.
He's very easy! I barely went to class and got a good grade. He's a great professor and the lectures are fairly easy to follow. The book was not mandatory. Everything you're quizzed on is pretty much on the PPs and he posts those. Quizzes (the final is a quiz as well) are all online. I would definitely recommend taking his class. He's awesome.
Dr. Bentley is the cutest man in the world. He tries to keep you engaged in his lectures and his assignments are really easy. For online quizzes, three online ethical debates, four small newspaperfilm assignments, and a web quest. Super easy, but interesting class. Do not need to buy the textbook, he tells you it is optional on the first day.
He's a pretty cute professor. His lecture's are pretty boring powerpoints that he puts up online. The highlights of class were when he plays video clips--he plays a lot of them! No tests! He does online open note quizzes and he tests on the video clips. Video clips are not posted online, you must be in class to see them. Easy A class.
Mace is the man! Take his class! No required attendance, but I always wanted to go. Don't get the textbook. Never opened mine and still got an A. He says himself that the textbook is not required.
Mace was my professor for several classes at NIU, and was the most effective professor in the department. He demonstrates a strong knowledge of material without patronizing even 100 level students. Seek him out during office hours just to supplement lectures, completely worth it.
Bentley's class was one of my favorites. His lectures are awesome and he assigns projects that are watching movies of your choice and answering ten questions about them. He is a great professor who genuinely cares about his students and wants you to do well. He knows his stuff, and if you pay attention it's an EASY A. TAKE BENTLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BENTLEY IS THE DUDE!!!!!!!!!! No tests, only 4 online quizzes and a few article assignments. The class is the easiest you'll have at JMU
A easy A
Dr. Bentley is the nicest professor I have ever had! He keeps you interested throughout his lectures and literally gives you everything you need. Everything is online (4 quizzes, about 6 assignments, no final) and he gives you a good 7 day window to take the quiz whenever you're ready. One of the easiest, most enjoyable classes you could take!
Dr. Bentley is one of the greatest and most informative teachers/professors I have ever had. Attendance is non-mandatory however I found myself there every class. He makes the content interesting, while at the same time does not give anywhere near an unreasonable amount of work. As long as you put in some effort to this class you will do well.
such a cool guy! passionate and easy going take this class! so easy
He's a really nice guy. The class is an easy A.
Professor Bentley's GEOG200 class was my favorite class freshman year, he always brought up current events in class, and rarely put me to sleep. The short film clips he shows in class were an added bonus.
Bentley keeps the class interesting and the few online quizzes and assignments are not demanding at all. Classes are lecture based from powerpoints that he keeps on Canvas. While going to class isn't mandatory, it is helpful and Bentley makes his lectures enjoyable by including video clips and just being a cool dude.
Mace is probably the nicest human being I've ever met in my life. He cares so much about the environment and people and makes the class really interesting. Really cool guy
Bentley is incredibly knowledgeable about globalization; listening to him speak about his experiences around the world is great. That being said, the lectures can be mundane - a large portion of the class never shows up. The lectures, quizzes, and assignments are all online, with no final at the end of the year. Interesting class, I would reccomend
He was awesome. Can easily get an A without going to class but his lectures are interesting. Clear assignments that are graded so easily and no tests or final, only 4 short quizzes online over the semester. He's such a nice guy and really passionate about teaching. Can't say a bad thing about him or his class, would definitely take again.
I showed up for the first 4 classes and the very last one. 4 quizzes online (easy to half ass without studying) and very fun film assignments which forced me to watch some amazing films I otherwise wouldn't have. I came out with an A, and I could have halfassed it more than I did and still get an A. That should tell you to take this man.
Easily one of the best professors I've ever had. You don't have to show up to pass but his lectures are really interesting. He really cares so much about his students and the environment and wants everyone to gain something from his class. No tests, just some online quizzes and some cool video projects. Super easy class and very worthwhile.
Love this class! If you want an easy A GenEd this is the class. You dont have to show up, but I highly recommend that you do. His lectures are always great and we usually get out early.
Such an easy class and I definitely recommend as a GenEd. He is a very funny person and attendance isn't mandatory at all. There are 4 25 question online quizzes throughout the semester and a couple other really easy assignments. Take him if you want an easy gen ed that you don't have to put in much work for.
Professor Bentley does a great job of making geography interesting. His lectures aren't too long and he shows lots of movie trailers to keep you involved. Definitely pay attention to the trailers he shows in class because they're on the quizzes! 4 easy quizzes, film assignments (which are actually fun), and one easy powerpoint. Love this professor!
Super easy class! He posts his notes online, which is nice for review. Not a lot of assignments, and only 4 online quizzes. He makes geography interesting, and he is super passionate about everything he teaches.
Dr. Bentley is an amazing professor! He makes Geography so much fun to learn through awesome lectures. Attendance is not mandatory. He is also a very kind man who is easy to talk to and a funny guy. The only problem is that the online quizzes will basically determine your grade, which can be either a good or bad thing.
SUPER boring class but very easy to get an A in. I never took notes and I didn't show up for the last three weeks of class and I still got an A. If you don't take him it's your loss.
This was one of my favorite classes ever. You will always get out early and the entire powerpoint is on canvas. Attendance isnt mandatory but he shows video clips that are always on the online quizzes, so just go to class and he is super funny its worth it. No memorizing places, and 4 assignments are watching movies
I LOVE this guy. He made class interesting and easy to follow. To add to the awesomeness, he doesn't do tests in this class, just a group project for the final. There are a few quizzes and discussion days, but it's easy to handle. please take him, especially if you love climatology.
He's super chill and is really passionate about what he teaches. He's really funny and usually ends class early. I found his class really interesting even though it didn't relate to my major but I recommend taking this if you need a gen ed!
Really chill guy, funny. I took this class as a gen-ed and it ended up being my favorite class. There were three discussion posts, four online take at home quizzes, and four assignments where you watch a movie and write about it (actually super fun). Make sure you take good notes in class on the film clips he shows you!
Great prof. He really cares about the class and what he's teaching. He is really understanding and in tune with what goes on in the lives of students. He is one of few professors that understand his class isn't our only class. Go to class, pay attention and you'll do fine.
Take this class! He is so caring and passionate about what he does. There are a few exams on a lockdown browser online, discussion boards, and newspaper and movie assignments. He is one of the most genuine professors and he truly cares about his students!
Dr. Bentley is a great guy but his class is SUPER boring. He lectures the entire time and doesn't give you enough time to write down the slides if you hand-write notes, but he puts the slides online. He shows you lots of movie clips that are on the quizzes, but the quizzes are pretty hard. You also get to write movie reviews.
Dr. Bentley is a great professor! All of his quizzes are open note, and the only other assignments are 4 newspaper/film reviews. His lectures are very interesting and include relevant films that display geographical locations and regional issues which make the class very interesting. He is also very funny and approachable!
love this guy! no textbook, all slides are posted, quizzes are all online and from the book. only attendance check is videos he shows in class but can be easily looked up when taking the test
Literally such a good class. Professor Bentley is an awesome professor if you choose to actually go to class. All quizzes are online and open note. A couple of discussion boards and film reviews which are also all online and very simple. Only attendance check is movie clips he shows in class that he asks questions on the quiz.
Don't ever expect a test from Bentley in this class. Your grade is composed of four quizzes and little assignments. This may sound like a challenge, but I promise, they are probably the easiest grades I have ever received. He's super passionate and funny about what he teaches. Great professor!
Honestly it was really easy. There are 4 quizzes which are online and you can take them with a friend. He's funny and really makes you think about what we're doing to our planet. There are also 4 total film assignments but they are pretty easy and aren't too hard to do. Overall good class. Easy A.
Dr. Bentley is an amazing professor to talk to one-on-one, so go to his office hours! His lectures are amazing and he includes many films in his lectures which is very fun. He really knows what he's talking about, and he is an advocate for young people to start changing the world. All the geographic science majors recommend him!
I am so happy that I took this class for a gen ed. There are 4 lockdown browser quizzes and a few other assignments. Easy A, and didn't need to go to class much to do well. Take him!
TAKE MACE BENTLEY IF YOU GET THE CHANCE!! Literally the best class, your grade is made up of 4 quizzes on lockdown browser based on the notes in class but he uploads them all and 4 film/newspaper assignments. You don't need to show up to pass but it helps a bit for some questions on the quiz.
Read any positive review about Dr. Bentely, they are completely correct. Take this class. This man is the GOAT
Super nice guy. The class is really interesting too. There is no midterm or final, just a couple take at home tests, and film reviews. Awesome choice for gen ed.
Mace is the MAN! Interesting lectures filled with segments from movies and trailers. He normally ends class at least 30 mins early. Just show up and pay attention and you'll do fine. I highly suggest going up and talking to him some time; he's a really friendly and approachable guy. Super easy class with a phenomenal prof! Take for Gen Ed
Took him for maymester, super easy. Got an A, a lot of reading but overall it wasn't bad. Replies to emails/questions fairly quickly. Grading criteria isn't clear but he's lenient. 4 discussion boards, 1 paper and poster.
He uploaded lectures asynchronously. there are 4 film/newspaper assignments, 4 quizzes, and 3 discussions. Overall the class is pretty easy. I do not feel like I learned anything, but the assignments are not hard. If you need GEOG 200 credit, TAKE HIM
Ended in an A and literally did nothing all semester. He assigns only a few assignments which are easy. There is 4, 10 point quizzes, no final. Responds to your email quickly and is super kind. LOVE HIM take him for sure! Very easy class. He used to let us out of class early before we were online.
Dr. Bentley is phenomenal. He shows film clips in his lectures which make them so much more interesting, does film assignments and group discussions, and no exams! Super easy class. I have watched some amazing films because of him!
Mace is a great professor who actually takes time to make his lectures interesting by adding film clips from various movies. There are just 4 quizzes, 3 discussion boards and 4 film assignments which were actually fun to do because I got to watch films it wouldn't have otherwise watched. I actually feel like I learned a lot.
Couple tests given on material straight from recorded lectures. Has other work to help balance grade fairly well if completed with thought.
Pretty straightforward course. A lot of the material is confusing but no tests and the projects are very open ended. Would reccomend!
100% would recommend Dr. Bentley. He is very knowledgeable and gives great lectures that really make you think. No exams/quizzes throughout the semester, he wants you to learn the material not memorize it. Big group project you work on throughout the semester but was very easy to do. Online modules every few weeks due but were easy and interesting
Professor Bentley is so nice and he makes his lectures very interesting. I really like how he is very easy going as well so any inconveniences a student may have, he is willing to help figure it out. He is also very educated and invested in what he teaches so it makes him an even better professor.
He is such a great guy and professor. He cares about the material and his lectures are interesting. The class is super easy and he doesnt make it any harder than it has to be. Great choice for a gen Ed.
He has awesome, interactive lectures that really make you critically consider the material. There are a few labs, but they're interesting and easy to do. He's also a really great guy and will always meet with you if you ask!
Prof Bentley is amazing. There are only 4 quizzes, 3 discussions, and 4 newspaper/movie reviews all year. The lecture can be boring at times, but he's awesome. The only thing I would say is that he incorporates movie clip questions in the quizzes, so it's a plus if you attend. But it won't hurt your grade if you don't. Quizzes are open note.
Dr. Bentley truly is the only reason that I am still in school right now. Not only is he a fantastic and engaging professor, I also had the honor of having him as my academic advisor. He's energetic, an expert in everything he teaches, and is an absolute gem at JMU. You won't regret taking him, he's the best professor and mentor I've ever had! :)
Easiest class I've ever had. Interesting classes, but you don't need to attend to pass the quizzes or do any of the work. Quizzes are open note; use his lecture slides and imdb to take the quizzes. If you try *at all* on the graded assignments, you will pass. Only downside is that he uses the Lockdown Browser.
Love Professor Bentley! He's so sweet and knows so much about what he teaches. 4 quizzes that are open everything. He does just want to expose you to the material, which I appreciated for a GenEd. Lectures are kind of long, but he's so nice I always showed up loll Just put in the effort and you'll be fine
He is the very best. You only have four assignments u watch a movie and write some sentences about it and his tests are easy and u can use notes He cares about your time and only gives u tests when u are not busy and they are open for a week. NO FINAL EXAM!!!!
Super sweet guy, really caring! There are no exams in his class which is super nice, just 4 quizzes and 4 movie analysis' the entire semester. The quizzes can be a little tricky at times but overall very manageable.
He knows a lot about our planet, and he's taught me a lot. This was a pretty easy class--a B should be guaranteed as long as you do the assignments.
Really nice guy, super easy class. Would definitely recommend as a gen ed.
Professor Bentley is the most down-to-earth Professor I have ever met! He really cares about his students. We only had 4 quizzes and 4 movie assignments in this class. No final exam. He doesnt want his students to memorize the material but just get to learn about it. We watched fun movie clips and the lecture were amazing and so interesting!
Mace bentley is actually such a cool professor. He is so sweet and really loves what he is teaching. I did not really go to class a few weeks in and I was still able to complete the quizzes and the movie assignments. He ended our class 3 weeks early and went to Asia. he sent videos it was cool.
All you have is a couple full writing assignments, discussion boards, and quizzes, NO midterm or final. Easy class but the assignments are pretty writing heavy.
TAKE HIM. This was by FAR the easiest Gen Ed class. There is literally barely any homework (a few discussion posts and 4 film/newspaper assignments) 2 are due halfway through the semester and 2 by the end. they literally take you barely any time and are honestly fun/interesting. he is super kind and respectful. he also ALWAYS lets out class early.
If you need a GenEd course take this!
Lectures are given on a shared PowerPoint. The class material is easy and the four exams are online with lockdown browser. It isn't required to come to lectures, but there is some material not on the slides that are on exams given in class.
Very interesting lectures with some creative and collaborative film-review assignments and group discussions. Four online exams. Dr. Bentley will help you get a better understanding of the world with his detailed lectures. No midterm or final.
Mace is the BEST! I took this class on a whim, but ended up LOVING it and learning so much. Very straight forward lectures and quiz material is straight from that content. No attendence so it's ok to miss, but you won't want to. He's the nicest guy, and is always willing to talk and help you out whenever. If you need a GenEd TAKE MACE!!!!
Such a good class! He is amazing! He really has good lectures and shows lots of engaging videos while taking about current issues in geo. No final no midterm but graded discussions and multiple quizzes.
Professor Bentley is an amazing human. He is very kind and funny, with lots of fun stories to share. This class is very lecture heavy and lots of information is covered, but it is an easy class. Definitely recommend him!
Gives great lectures and makes the content interesting. Really easy to get a good grade if you put in just a little bit of effort. Class was finished before Thanksgiving Break which was also really nice.
Professor Bentley is the best. He is very passionate about what he teaches which makes lectures so much more fun and engaging. Assignments are all very easy to complete. This class was such a nice break in the day and I was genuinely interested in what we were learning. We also were done with class by Thanksgiving break. 100% would take again.
Such an easy and interesting gen ed
Class isn't too hard. 4 online tests, 3 discussion boards, and 4 super easy movie reviews. Professor Bentley is fun and tries to make the lectures interesting. Attendance isn't mandatory and he posts the slides on canvas. He also cancelled class after thanksgiving break because he went to Europe, which was dope.
Take detailed notes throughout the films, because they'll help with the thesis papers and give you an idea of what to write for the director's paper. Engage in the class discussions and don't procrastinate, respond throughout the week for full credit. Do more than the bare minimum for an A. There's lots to talk about for each film, good choices.
Bentley is an incredible professor. He makes class fun and interesting and is so laid back and caring. Keep up with the assignments and you will do great. He is knowledgeable and passionate about what he teaches and does an amazing job of delivering the material. Bentley has a great sense of humor and overall one of the best professors out there.
BEST TEACHER EVER! I would take Bentley 100 times over! lectures are not boring (tip: copy/paste the powerpoints). Homework=movie reviews! He intentionally ends class 10 min early. He gives you all the slides for quizzes. If you don't take him...you are missing out on an easy A and one of the best teachers JMU has to offer (: NOBODY BETTER!!!!!!!!
LOVED professor Bentley!! He is so funny and caring and his class is amazing! There is limited homework just various assignments throughout the semester!! He really cares for his students and is super approachable and will want to help in any way! I would take him again for any class!!!
Professor Bentley was a great professor. Class consisted of 4 online take-home tests that are all based on the notes from class, 4 movie reviews/newspaper summaries, and 3 online discussion boards. Bentley made his lectures entertaining and was overall a really nice guy. I would definitely take this professor again if I could.
Amazing professor and easy class, no final, the only grades are 4 tests, 3 discussion boards and 4 film assignments; all super easy. Would take Bentley again!
Dr. Bentley is a great guy! His expertise & travels really shined through in this class. It was graded by 4 quizzes, 4 film / newspaper summary assignments, and 3 geographical ethics discussion boards. Because this was a large lecture, the professor didn't really make personal connections with the students. He was also 1-2 minutes late every class.
One of the easiest gen eds, very few assignments (all online), attendance not mandatory. Still gives good lectures and is pretty engaging even if you don't care about the class.
Professor Bentley creates a very educational and interesting environment. His lectures were interesting, and I was a bit wary before taking a geography class (because I am not very good at it). Only regret is skipping class!!!
I LOVED this class and Bentley's energy. This class made me feel much more informed globally. Only grades are exams/quizzes. They're online and exact class content. He gives you two weeks to complete them asynchronously. Amazing teacher, gen ed or not. Only reason I didn't get an A is because I forgot to do an entire exam and still ended with a B-.
Prof. Bentley is the BEST!!! One of the funniest and kindest professors ever. His class was so interesting and easy. 4 discussion boards and a few quizzes throughout the semester. Take him!!!
He is a great teacher and is very well informed on many topics however, his lectures often feel very biased towards china and other eastern ideal nations. During many of his lectures he puts eastern ideal nations on a pedestal and the two seconds he reflects on the bad of the nations is nothing in substance.
Professor Bentley is great and is passionate about what he teaches. His quizzes are easy and based directly on the lectures. The film/newspaper assignments are fun and easy. The online discussions are interesting and easy as well. Highly recommend him!
Pretty easy class. A caring and funny professor. Quizzes are hard because the material taught in class isn't usually covered on them. Quizzes are generally about the movie clips he shows in class rather than the lectures. Quizzes are done at home. Discussion posts and film assignments, but generally low workload.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
8%
Textbook Required
26%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.07 avg changeRatings by Course
350
5.0
(1)GEOG470
5.0
(1)GGEO200
5.0
(1)MET421
5.0
(1)GEOG327
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MET421
3.0
GEOG210
3.0
GEOG327
2.0
GEOG311
2.0
GEOG410
1.5