2.6

Molly Worthen

History - The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

2.6
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
34%
Would Retake
115
Reviews
2.6
Quality
4.1
Difficulty
2.6
Helpful
2.7
Clarity

34%

Would Retake

115

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
115 total ratings

5

25

4

14

3

14

2

18

1

44

What Students Say

Literally the worst class I have ever taken in my entire life

IDST190 - 1.0 rating

Professor Worthen treats her students as if they are in middle school and makes it hard to succeed in her class with her various technology policies

IDST190 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

76%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 62 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (21)
B+ (18)
A (18)
Grade Distribution
A(19)B(10)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(31)
Based on 92 reported grades
Not sure yet: 21
B+: 18
A: 18
A-: 13
Common Tags
Get ready to read (61)
Lecture heavy (40)
Tough grader (33)
Beware of pop quizzes (23)
Graded by few things (15)
Lots of homework (13)
Amazing lectures (11)
Respected (9)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.57 avg change
Dec
Jan
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HIST360H

5.0

(1)

HIST121

4.1

(29)

IDST122

2.5

(16)

IDST190

2.1

(62)

IDST132

1.6

(5)
Difficulty by Course

IDST132

4.2

IDST190

4.1

IDST122

4.1

HIST121

4.0

HIST360H

4.0

Reviews (113)
4.0
5.0
HIST121
Dec 1, 2013

She is a very tough teacher and takes up every bit of her lecture. If you blink for more than you normally do, you miss a ton of information.I have about 120 pages of types notes for this class for the whole year. However, she is a great lecturer and very easy to listen to, it just gets a little long.

5.0
3.0
HIST121
Grade: B+
Dec 16, 2013

Professor Worthen is an exceptional (Yale-educated!) lecturer, but the class I would say has a very low work-payoff ration. In other words, you do a lot of work and get very little payoff (i.e. high grades) in return. Studying for the midterm and final was a nightmare. There is almost too much material to cover. You'll do a lot of reading, as well.

5.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A
Nov 10, 2015

Dr. Worthen is an incredible lecturer and very interesting to listen to. She really knows the material and you'll learn a ton in her class. That said, the lectures are very fast-paced and there are a lot of notes to take. There are pop quizzes and the tests and papers are hard. Great class, but be prepared to do work.

3.0
5.0
HIST121
Grade: B+
Nov 12, 2015

She was very particular with how things went. One of the smartest professors ive ever had, but also the hardest class ive ever had. Be ready to write long papers, and read a lot of material. This class is so thick with material and hard to keep up with unless you are very devoted to it. Hard class if you arent willing to put in the work.

4.0
3.0
HIST121
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 30, 2015

Dr. Worthen gives amazing Lectures over interesting material. Only History class I haven't fallen alseep in. The class is worth taking, but does require quite a bit of work.

4.0
3.0
HIST121
Grade: B+
Nov 15, 2017
Would take again

Worthen is a great professor. I never felt overwhelmed in the class; it is heavy on reading and lecture info but if you take the notes & study consistently you will do well. It is definitely a lot of notes, I had about 4 pages of notes per class, plus two 6 page papers & the final. She made the lectures clear and outlined so you could follow along.

Get ready to read
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A
Nov 28, 2017
Would take again

I cannot say enough good things about this class - Professor Worthen is incredibly knowledgeable and interesting, as is the material. Lectures are engaging, and projects are really interesting. If you have any interest at all in history or religion, TAKE THIS CLASS.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
3.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: B+
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Worthen's lectures are super interesting but the class is very reading heavy. There are very few grades that are basically just writing, but overall the class is really interesting but not an easy A.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: B+
Dec 19, 2017
Would take again

Dr. Worthen had the best lectures of any professor I've ever had. They are really fast paced, so it's initially hard to get all the information, but you learn what's important to write down over the course of the semester. Your grade is dependent on your TA, who may be strict and condescending if you're unlucky. Good class, not an easy A though.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: B+
Apr 8, 2019
Would take again

Professor Worthen had incredibly interesting lectures, but the class was pretty difficult if you wanted to be successful. I really enjoyed the class and the subject matter but if you aren't willing to put in the work then do not take this class. Studying for the midterm and final was pretty difficult and time consuming and there are 2 big papers.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
HIST121
Grade: A+
Jan 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Honestly rather uninspiring and at times had me questioning my own interest in the religious history of the United States. Also very quick to attach her personal viewpoints where they were unwanted and most likely unwarranted. I would advise avoiding if you can. There are plenty of better lecturers out there.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A-
Apr 29, 2020
Would take again

Best class I have taken at UNC so far. Incredibly interesting lectures and while the class is very difficult, you can be successful if you are willing to put in the work.

Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
IDST190
Nov 4, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Lectures were very boring and hard to keep up with, she moved on very fast. She was very critical and strict on class rules, i.e. threatened to ban computer use for the whole class if she caught anyone using any website besides for their notes (got a kid in trouble for using coursicle...). I'd avoid if you can unless you're a true history lover.

Get ready to read
4.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 5, 2021
Would take again

Professor Worthen is very accessible. She is lenient on make-up exams and is very committed to helping the students. It is clear that she knows about the topic and is willing to explain further if someone is confused. The readings are heavy, but she explains them very well. Notes are fully lecture based, very few PowerPoint slides to copy.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
2.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: B
Nov 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Very very lecture heavy class. You will learn a lot, and I recommend this class for any History majors. However, Professor Worthen was extremely vague. She didn't know a single students names in a small sized class. She lectures the entire class period every class, and allows no room for discussion. Not an easy A whatsoever. A lot of reading.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: B-
Nov 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She is very boring during lecture and comes off as very passive aggressive. She is super strict and would not allow us to look at anything on our computers during class other than notes like not even coursicle or student email. Also so so so much reading.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 17, 2021
Would take again

Worthen is a gem at UNC! She's one of my favorite professors. She is incredibly accomplished and seems to know everything about everything. I love her office hours because she will really dive deep with you. She cares about her students but also has high expectations.

Respected
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: A-
Nov 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Worthen is very knowledgeable but she can appear offputting when interacting with the other teachers in this course, and seems unapproachable. She gives a decent amount of reading but it is difficult to be interested unless you are passionate about history or religion like she is. She also gives pop quiz grades for attendance

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 5, 2021
Would take again

I took Prof Worthen's Triple-I course and her lectures were immensely engaging and interesting. I would often spend time just pondering the stuff we learned in class. The work was also manageable and was meant for a first-year class! Highly recommend this professor!

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
3.0
3.0
IDST190
Dec 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

She definitely knew what she was talking about, but it felt like I was back in high school every time she threatened to ban computers because one person in the 300 person class went to a different webpage. I enjoyed this class, but it felt like she was talking to little kids half the time she wasn't lecturing

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: B-
Dec 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Worthen's lectures are very interesting. Not many slides to help you with notes so you need to listen carefully. Very few grades in the class and they are weighted pretty heavy. If your TA is a tough grader, good luck! Was not terrible but would not take it again.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Beware of pop quizzes
4.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2021
Would take again

Prof. Worthen is SO brilliant and I loved the content of the class. It is an incredible amount of work, so if you are not a humanities major or not interested in history it will be tough. It's hard work but incredibly rewarding. Too hard for a 100s class, but I would take Prof. Worthen again later in my undergrad!

Respected
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2021
Would take again

Gives great engaging lectures

Respected
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2021
Would take again

The class I took with Dr. Worthen had three different lecturers, and Worthen was by far my favorite. Her lectures were very well outline, she explained concepts so well, and kept the class engaged. It was a lecture class, so everything was graded by TA's, not entirely sure how tough she is in particular as a grader.

Respected
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 13, 2021
Would take again

Out of the 3 professors that taught this triple-i course, I liked Prof. Worthen the best. Her lectures were straight-forward and engaging, and although this class BROKE ME, I enjoyed her lectures thoroughly.

5.0
5.0
HIST121
Dec 13, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Worthens class was not an easy A!! It was probably the most interesting class I took this semester but it was definitely very fast paced and easy to get lost in. There are 2 papers, a midterm, and a final. The midterm and final pull from readings and lectures so make sure you keep up with them!

Amazing lectures
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: B+
Dec 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Worthen is very organized, clear, and knowledgeable about what she is teaching, and in that regard, she is a great professor. However, I often felt like I was still in high school. She threatened to ban computers if people were off task, yelled at us for talking when we weren't, and got angry at us for packing up early.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2021
Would take again

Dr. Worthen was by far one of my favorite professors this semester! The information she presented was interesting, and the 75-minute class flew by whenever she gave the lecture. The class itself consisted of 2 papers and 2 essay-based exams (plus 10% participation), so be prepared to do a lot of writing! 100% would take another class with her!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A-
Dec 21, 2021
Would take again

I LOVED Professor Worthen's class! She did a great job breaking down the history of religion in North America, all while weaving in her own experiences and interesting stories. Fair warning that she speaks really quickly, so be prepared to write/type from the get-go and go back to lecture recordings (if she still does them in a non-COVID semester).

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A
Jan 7, 2022
Would take again

I took hist 121 with Dr Worthen and it was a really good class. she is an engaging lecturer and did a good job of making the content flow in a narrative way. The class has a midterm, two papers, and a final. The papers take a good bit of research and the midterm/final have essays and short answer. It was work, but you can do well if you try.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: B+
May 5, 2022
Would take again

Super knowledgeable about what she was talking about. Super heavy lectures though. Expect to basically write from the beginning to the end of class, but she did record class when she taught our class so you could catch the things you missed. Loads of reading and exams were more difficult than you might think, so definitely study.

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: A
Sep 13, 2022

Literally the worst class I have ever taken in my entire life. Stay far away from this course. The professors are extremely unorganized and just speak about nonsense the entire time.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
IDST190
Sep 20, 2022

She's pretty strict and passive-aggressive, especially for a freshman foundation. She will ban electronics in her classroom and make you take notes by hand if 3 people go off of their documents page. Do not take this class. I was disappointed by the direction the class went and the lecture on Jewish beliefs was inaccurate and insulting

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
3.0
IDST190
Sep 24, 2022

dont take this class

1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 26, 2022

Worst course I have ever taken. It is extremely difficult and subject matter is so complicated. Assignments every week with TONS of reading. The reading is so difficult that you have to read and reread. There's a lot of philosophy and physics. The papers are 5-6 pages and the topics are impossible. Stay far, far away from this class.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 27, 2022

Professor Worthen treats her students as if they are in middle school and makes it hard to succeed in her class with her various technology policies. Despite there being 2 other professors teaching the course, she frequently interrupts their lectures and seems to have no respect for her colleagues or students. Avoid at all costs.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: B+
Sep 27, 2022

DONT TAKE THIS CLASS!!!

1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 27, 2022

Worst professor. Worst Class. Worst experience. If you see this and you thought Humans and the Cosmos would be cool and about astronomy. You are dead wrong. Nothing in the class makes sense. You will work yourself to the bone to get a decent grade. If there wasnt a limit of what I can say you would see a paper detailing how awful this class is.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 27, 2022

if i were to be honest my review would get banned lmao.

1.0
5.0
IDST190
Sep 27, 2022

she rlly banned laptops. i bet the other two professors don't even care abt the whole computer thing at all. i dont see why she can ban laptops for a 300 student lecture when some people go off of their notes for just like 3 classes. that is absolutely absurd.

1.0
5.0
IDST190
Sep 27, 2022
Wouldn't take again

I do not like her at all.

Online Savvy
Lecture heavy
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
1.0
IDST190
Sep 27, 2022

Way too strict, literally banned laptops in a COLLEGE CLASS. We're ADULTS

1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 27, 2022

She banned all technology in a college class!! We are not in kindergarten. Gives insane amounts of outside readings. Do Not Take

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 27, 2022

Do not take her, banned technology in a lecture with 324 STUDENTS. Then having a grading scale of 10/10, but no is one able to get a grade of 10/10, the max someone can get is a 9.5, like what?? I thought it would have been a fun and interesting class just from the name, but I was completely wrong.

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 27, 2022

The content of Prof. Worthen's lectures makes sense but is presented in a bland boring way that makes it hard to follow along for the entire class. Wouldn't recommend the class itself as it's all over the place, with lectures ranging from the big bang to adam & eve, to ghost stories. Lastly, she banned technology which is very high-schoolish.

Beware of pop quizzes
So many papers
1.0
4.0
IDST190
Sep 28, 2022

She treats us like we are in middle school and tries to control us in every way possible, such as by banning our laptops and shushing us every 10 seconds. She shows her colleagues no respect by consistently interrupting their lectures. The class as a whole is extremely boring and disorganized.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 28, 2022

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!!! Prof Worthen treats all of us like we are children. She banned electronics and sent a very passive aggressive email exclaiming it to us! Beyond this ban all of her lectures make very little sense and do not tie in at all with Trop or Drut's lectures. She is also very disrespectful of her colleagues during their lectures.

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Sep 28, 2022

Banning electronics due to the actions of a few in a 300-person lecture hall is absolutely ridiculous and makes the class needlessly difficult for someone who prefers typing notes. Her lessons are hard to follow and scatter-brained compared to her colleagues' captivating lectures, in which she is constantly interrupting; very disrespectful.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 28, 2022

absolute joke of a class. banning technology in a college lecture is very immature and she does not respect her colleagues.

Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 29, 2022

If you want to be treated like you're still in middle school or high school where the professor bans all electronics, including note taking laptops/tablets, and gives you a bunch of homework just to grade it as tough as possible, this is the class for you.

Get ready to read
So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 29, 2022

Horrendous. Very condescending. Atrocious test structure. entirely too much information to know in detail for a class that was required for first year students. i a not in a major where i have nothing to do and she acts like her course is my entire major. never have this course.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Incomplete
Sep 29, 2022

Molly sucks.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Sep 29, 2022

I have professor Worthen for Humans and the Cosmos, a first year required lecture. Of the three professors that teach the class, Worthen is the most difficult. She frequently interrupts other professors and obsesses over the class's stringent technology policy which monitors student's screens and prohibits digital note taking.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
So many papers
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Rather not say
Sep 30, 2022

Horrible teacher. Never taking her class again. Always does the most with every class and her tests are hardddd. You have to really try to get a decent grade in this class and you have to grind for every assignment. She does give extra credit but it only adds like 2 points to an assignment. She takes away electronics as soon as she sees them.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: B
Oct 3, 2022

Allows her TA's to grade unfairly. Shows no respect for students or her fellow professors by interrupting and trying to disprove their points in lecture. Treats everyone like children. The lectures she gives dont coincide with the topic of the class at all, but she will make sure the only things you are tested on are what she thought. So Horrible.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 3, 2022

She has an extremely egotistical nature and a selfish disposition. If you are expecting an easy triple-i, do not take this class. She interupts the other professors and shows no remorse while doing so. Also, she took away laptops from a 300 person lecture when 3 kids were "off task". I mean, are we in kindergarden or what?!

1.0
4.0
IDST190
Oct 4, 2022

For Humans and the Cosmos (IDST190) she is beyond repulsive. During lectures, she frequently interrupts other professors and speaks her opinion which has to be corrected by other professors. She glares over the seats and interrogates individuals during class discussions. She will ban all devices from lecture and treats you like you are in 1st grade

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
4.0
3.0
IDST190
Oct 5, 2022
Would take again

I am disgusted by the blatant misogyny displayed in these reviews. Prof. Worthen is far from being the worst instructor at UNC; she is knowledgeable and gives lighter readings than her male counterparts in 190. While this course does lack from structure and rubrics, it's not surprising that most of the anger is going towards the female instructor..

1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: B
Oct 6, 2022

All I can say is do not take this class! Molly is a very educated woman but is very strict. She banned technology which is very inconvenient and I think should not be allowed from a teacher. She also interrupts other instructors and TA's during their lecture. Overall, Just take any other class over this one !

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Beware of pop quizzes
2.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 11, 2022

Professor Worthen is very unprofessional, she interrupts her colleagues and often shouts things out from the back of the room. You would expect a first year class with 400 people that has tests and papers taking up the majority of your grade for hw and participation to be relatively easy. Overall would not recommend.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 20, 2022
Would take again

Professor Worthen is excellent and the other reviews are unfair. They seem even to be written by the same person. She has high expectations for her students, and that is good. Banning technology maybe was not the best thing to do, but it makes sure that students will pay attention. The course is mostly interesting.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Respected
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Oct 23, 2022

Way too advanced for a freshman course!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
2.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 9, 2022

I thought this class would be interesting but it's just a disorganized course with confusing lectures because it switches between 3 professors. Molly seems knowledgeable but she's too strict and expects a lot from her students for it being a new first year class. All the lectures are hard to follow and banning technology was inconvenient for notes.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 18, 2022
Would take again

Prof. Worthen is very passionate about history and demands respect from students, which I think is a good thing. She did ban technology in our 200-person lecture hall, but the guidelines for tech use were outlined in the syllabus. Occasional (very easy) pop quizzes. Worthen is an acquired taste -- a really interesting woman with life experience.

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Respected
2.0
5.0
IDST190
Nov 22, 2022

I'm not opposed to taking hard classes at all. But this style of teaching was just way too much to the point where it was unproductive.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
3.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 28, 2022

There are three teachers for this class and she is my least favorite. She banned technology from class because there were "too many distractions" and it is difficult to take hand written notes because they talk too fast and there is barely any information on the slides.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Beware of pop quizzes
1.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: B+
Nov 28, 2022

Don't take if you want to save your sanity. She's awful and doesn't care about her students. She assigns too many readings and I thought the class was about space, but no it's about history and religion.

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 30, 2022

Read the other reviews and believe them. Enroll at your own risk.

Get ready to read
5.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: B
Dec 2, 2022
Would take again

Prof. Worthen is very respectful and always willing to answer additional questions. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about what she is teaching and it is not her fault that the class was not about space. She did assign readings for class, but both of the male professors did this as well. Hard grading is also not her fault as TAs did grades.

Get ready to read
Accessible outside class
2.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2022

Her lectures were fine, but she decided to ban laptops because a handful of students were not using them for notes. Overall, the class wasn't really worth the struggle, there are much easier Triple-I classes than you can take. Lots of reading and writing.

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
2.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: B+
Dec 15, 2022

I STRONGLY DO NOT REC HUMANS AND THE COSMOS. It's a very interesting class but it is structured terribly. Worthen specifically made this class particularly annoying. She has a disposition better suited to teaching high school. Highly controlling of not only students but other professors and TAs. I will say though her lectures were highly engaging.

2.0
3.0
IDST190
Grade: B+
Dec 24, 2022

Professor Worthen, while a great lecturer, was disrespectful towards students with regards to acting superior to them. She was too serious during the classes, which made her lectures less interesting. She is very smart, but her attitude towards students is a bit condescending.

Get ready to read
2.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: B+
Jan 2, 2023

While Prof. Worthen is clearly highly intelligent and passionate in regards to history, she treated the students and other profs of this course with little respect. Her demeanor was very condescending, and she was the only of the three profs who had that sort of attitude. Decent prof (thorough lectures, relevant readings), but not so friendly.

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
IDST190
Jan 6, 2023

Prof Worthen was definitely excited to teach her lessons, but this course structure was not great. Very extensive readings for each class, and very little guidelines for the essays and reading responses.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: B
Jan 9, 2023

I strongly do not recommend anyone to take Human and Cosmos. The class involved so much reading and technology was banned halfway through the semester which made it difficult to take notes on everything the professors were saying. The papers and midterm were graded very harshly which left little to no room for improvement.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: B+
Jan 11, 2023

Humans and the Cosmos was a class I was thoroughly excited for, but Molly really pooped on my expectations. I liked the other two professors a lot, but overall, this class was a waste of my time and effort. And don't even get me started on the TA's. I put way too much of my beautiful brain power into this class to come out with a B+.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
3.0
5.0
IDST190
Grade: A
Jan 19, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Worthen is very knowledgeable and at the top of her field in religion during the 20th century but she is a bit harsh and rude when she runs the class. She banned laptops and interrupted professors and she can be a bit testy at times as well.

1.0
5.0
IDST132
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 6, 2023

She is passionate about what she teaches, but it's difficult to follow what she's trying to say. Other people have mentioned this too, she can be condescending and rude to other TA's and professors. The other two other professors had great, interesting lectures, but I didn't end up learning much during her lectures.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
IDST132
Grade: Incomplete
Feb 20, 2023

Lowkey bad but loses at least 3 points from personality. Sleepy lecturer and hates humanity from the bottom of her soul.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: C
Feb 22, 2023

DO NOT take this professor. Her lectures are hard to follow and make you sleepy. And she is rude to other professors and TA's. She also banned electronics from class and we had to take notes by hand. its a waste of money to buy a computer/tablet to take notes just to have it banned from class. Do your mental health and grades a favor; do not take

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST132
Grade: A-
May 1, 2023

I did not like her teaching style.

Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST132
Grade: B+
May 2, 2023

Lectures were difficult to listen to (imagine, saying something without actually saying anything), not super helpful insights for any exams, was condescending to other professors on multiple occasions. She assigned the most readings out of any of the other professors, the bulk of which did not contribute to my understanding of the content.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: A
May 2, 2023

She is a very divisive person but overall she is knowledgable in her subject area. Her antics however are a different story. She can be extremely rude and treats you like middle schoolers some times.

4.0
4.0
IDST190
Grade: A
Aug 1, 2023

You can tell she knows what she is talking about, and she promotes creative thinking when it comes to combining historical/philosophical concepts in class. She sometimes came across as testy in class, but I mostly perceived it as attempting to spark a meaningful debate in class. I went to her office hours once, though, and it was quite awkward.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Respected
3.0
3.0
IDST132
Grade: B+
Aug 21, 2023

fine. good lecturer ~

Get ready to read
So many papers
Lecture heavy
2.0
1.0
IDST190
Grade: A
Jan 11, 2024

I think overall she had one really good lecture in this class. She had a lot of cool ideas and seemed like a really cool person! She gave lots of extra credit opportunities outside of class as well. However, she took away all electronics, threatened grade deductions, and wrote a lengthy email about "basking in the sound of 300 pens writing".

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Beware of pop quizzes
5.0
5.0
HIST121
Grade: B
Nov 22, 2024
Would take again

Her lectures are long-winded and complex but very interesting and it is clear how knowledgable and passionate she is about religion. She has harsh grading standards and expects a lot of reading but it all helps you actually remember the content. She is the reason I added a religious studies minor. Take this clasa; the suffering is worth it!

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
5.0
5.0
HIST121
Grade: A
Dec 15, 2024
Would take again

Worthen is the most knowledgeable and passionate professor I've ever had. The class is NOT easy, and she grades to VERY high standards, so be prepared for that. Her lectures are long and fast, but her style is very engaging and interesting. Overall, Worthen is an amazing prof, but I wouldn't take the class if you aren't interested in the material.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A
Jan 5, 2025
Would take again

For me, the hardest part of this class was studying for the midterm and final. The papers were super interesting and so were the lectures. But this is not an easy 100 level class. Only take it if you are interested in the class content!!! If you are interested I 100% recommend!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
HIST121
Grade: A
Jan 8, 2025

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. I remember I looked at the rating and ignored it. The class itself is very lecture heavy. I recommend doing all the readings before the class. The professor was very theatrical while lecturing. The TA is a very tough grader and incredibly rude. The class is passable, but the exams are tough.

Tough grader
EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A
Mar 6, 2025
Would take again

Professor Worthen has quite the reputation but she truly is a master of her craft. If you put in the work for this class and make a genuine effort to show interest in the subject material, then you will do well in this class. You don't need to do all of the readings to succeed but make sure you attend every lecture and take great notes.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST122
Grade: A
Mar 21, 2025

Passionate about her field, but an incredibly condescending person. She's rude to the other HOC professors, doesn't allow tech in the classroom, talks down to students, and fails to explain concepts clearly in lectures (her slides don't even have words on them, just tangentially related paintings). Stay away at all costs.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST122
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 24, 2025

Please do not take Humans and Cosmos IDST course. Do not fall into the trap of interest. This class horribly organized and is VERY harshly graded. There isn't criteria for any assignments, and fully WRITTEN exams are 80% of the grade. It should not be a triple I course at UNC at all. I hope that administration takes a hint and removes it.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
IDST122
Mar 25, 2025

She is "professional," yet it is hidden by her arrogance and demeaning tone. Lectures by her are long, unstructured, and not engaging whatsoever. It is immensely difficult to take notes in class due to her disorganization. If you question her view, she seems upset, and yet the fact that there is no testing and paper rubrics is even worse.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
IDST122
Mar 25, 2025

Worst class and teacher. I am a STEM major who's taken bio, chem, and anatomy yet this is my lowest grade. It is absurd that a freshman year course is this toughly graded. Also the most boring and hard to follow lectures. This class had so much potential to be interesting.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
IDST122
Grade: A
Apr 22, 2025
Would take again

Ignore the negative reviews, they're mostly left by people who weren't prepared for a college-level class. Professor Worthen is an expert in her field--as long as you show genuine interest and an effort to understand, she's very eager to help you through the content. This is the type of professor you want as an advisor for high-level research.

Inspirational
Caring
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
IDST122
Apr 23, 2025
Would take again

Put in the work, engage yourself in her lectures, and be prepared to actually be a student in a college level course. All of Worthen's policies about note taking, tech, and class expectations are in your best interest. She's incredibly passionate, talented, and thoughtful. There are high standards, but she gives you every route to succeed.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
HIST121
Grade: B
Apr 25, 2025
Would take again

While the class was challenging, Molly Worthen is a wonderful professor and lecturer. She is very passionate about her field of study and continuously encourages students to learn and grow.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Respected
3.0
3.0
IDST122
Grade: A
Apr 25, 2025

Her lectures were a bit hard to follow as her slides were more of a background than an aid, but overall I understood her lectures pretty well, she was a bit stricter than her colleagues who taught the class but still fine

5.0
3.0
HIST121
Grade: B
Apr 25, 2025
Would take again

Absolutely wonderful professor and lecturer who is very passionate about her studies!

Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
HIST121
Grade: A-
Apr 25, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Worthen is super nice and extremely knowledgeable. I really enjoyed taking her class, but if you are looking for an easy A I would not recommend. To be successful, you have to pay attention and study names and general dates. Exams were difficult, but you will succeed if you put in effort. I would take this class again, it super interesting.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
1.0
4.0
IDST122
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 28, 2025

Among the most useless courses I have taken in my UNC career (which hasn't been very long, admittedly, but I should have spared myself from this back when I could). Drones on in her lectures, midterms were based on questions that barely reflected the lectures, busywork assignments. DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
IDST122
Grade: A-
Apr 30, 2025
Would take again

Ignore negative reviews. Prof. Worthen is a passionate and entertaining speaker. She comes prepared and expects you to pay attention and do your part. I think some give her low ratings because they don't want to do the readings and she gives some random easy quizzes for attendance, but if you came to learn, she is great. Engage and you will fine.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
IDST122
Grade: A-
May 1, 2025

Professor Molly Worthen was the singular worst choice for a Freshman Triple-I professor. Her level as a professor is far above what any freshman who is not an intended history major should be able to match. Yet, she expects you to match her level if not exceed it. She constantly degrades and condicends her students and fellow professors.

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
IDST122
Grade: A-
May 1, 2025
Would take again

Prof. Worthen is incredibly knowledgeable in her field, and I find her lectures engaging and easy to follow. IDST 122 requires a lot more work than I would expect of a first-year foundation, and it can be hard to earn a good grade. I personally find the class really interesting but would not recommend as a triple I due to the complexity.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
2.0
5.0
IDST122
May 5, 2025

Whatever you do, do not take this as your Triple-I requirement. It is the hardest one by far. Grading is very subjective based on who reads it, and your TA can purposely take off points without giving clear reasons why. I attended every single lecture ready to learn and studied profusely for each exam, and never got higher than a 90.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Beware of pop quizzes
4.0
4.0
IDST122
Grade: A
May 5, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Worthen had really engaging and interesting lectures, but I wouldn't recommend taking IDST 122 for your Triple-I. It's an interesting enough course, but you're only graded on the midterms, paper, and final, and the expectations they have seem unrealistic for people fresh out of high school.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
IDST122
Grade: B+
May 9, 2025

She's is horribly condescending to students and most surprisingly the other professors. On multiple occasions, she has humiliated her colleagues in front of a class of 300+ students. Unnecessarily harsh grader and a rude person at best.

3.0
4.0
IDST122
Grade: A-
May 11, 2025

Prof Worthen clearly cares about her field and talks about it passionately. My main critiques are the lack of rubrics, tough grading (which is mostly on TAs), and the way she sometimes speaks condescendingly. I wouldn't take a course with her again, but I did feel I learned from her. I appreciated that she gave multiple extra credit opportunities.

EXTRA CREDIT
Beware of pop quizzes
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
HIST121
Grade: A-
May 18, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Worthen provides excellent feedback and constructs a class that challenges and greatly improves one's thinking and ability to communicate and write. Dr. Worthen was also extremely available and eager to talk with students about the class and general questions about life and the world. Dr. Worthen genuinely seeks the good of the students.

EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
Accessible outside class
2.0
5.0
IDST122
Grade: B+
May 26, 2025

Lectures: dry with a bad aftertaste. Only talked about Christianity; on the one day we were supposed to talk about Buddhism, spent half the class talking about "New Atheism" wrt Christianity. Don't take it, its horrid. You're graded on ~5 things, all graded harshly. Final question was "what is the meaning of life," answer imo is "not this class."

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
HIST121
Grade: C+
Dec 13, 2025

Dr. Worthen is a very intelligent and engaging instructor. She is very intellectual and cares deeply about the content. However, I've never had an instructor grade as harshly as she does. Be aware that she wants near perfection on assignments and doesn't compromise on expectations. I took this class for fun and ended up with a C+ so be weary.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
5.0
4.0
HIST360H
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2025
Would take again

Professor Worthen both hadwith high expectations and was willing to work with and accommodate me as I went through a rough semester. Getting less than perfect scores from her pen felt in many ways more meaningful than the perfect scores I got in other classes, and I would recommend courses with her to anyone who wants to grow as a student.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

76%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 62 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (21)
B+ (18)
A (18)
Grade Distribution
A(19)B(10)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(31)
Based on 92 reported grades
Not sure yet: 21
B+: 18
A: 18
A-: 13
Common Tags
Get ready to read (61)
Lecture heavy (40)
Tough grader (33)
Beware of pop quizzes (23)
Graded by few things (15)
Lots of homework (13)
Amazing lectures (11)
Respected (9)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.57 avg change
Dec
Jan
Mar
Apr
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HIST360H

5.0

(1)

HIST121

4.1

(29)

IDST122

2.5

(16)

IDST190

2.1

(62)

IDST132

1.6

(5)
Difficulty by Course

IDST132

4.2

IDST190

4.1

IDST122

4.1

HIST121

4.0

HIST360H

4.0

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