2.4
Quality4.1
Difficulty47%
Would Retake94
Reviews47%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
13
4
13
3
19
2
21
1
28
What Students Say
“DONT TAKE HIS CLASSES”
HIS116 - 1.0 rating“Would highly not recommend taking his class”
HIST136 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
64%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.24 avg changeRatings by Course
HIST121
5.0
(1)HIS117
5.0
(1)HISTORY104
4.0
(3)HISTORY101
4.0
(3)HIST137
4.0
(4)Difficulty by Course
HIST105
5.0
HIS102
5.0
HISTORY103
5.0
HISTHIST
5.0
HISTORY136
5.0
Reviews (94)
Will not consider helping you. He feels that all you need to know is in the book. A monotoned voice in the class. Bring a pillow.
there is a reason why people like him teach at community colleges
He already hates you
Besides the fact that he goes off on irrelevant tangents and doesn't really "teach," you can often ask questions and sometimes even get answers to those questions. Consider telecourse.
Some times humerous beware of test, essay
He's a lot of fun to listen to, but often rambles and it's impossible to know what's going to be relevent on a test. Tough essay grader. Interesting class, but will kill your GPA.
im what you would consider a great student, but without fail i fell asleep in his class EVERYDAY! he's the first person to ever make history boring for me. sit in the back of the classroom.
No Comments
hates running start kids
very smart man. he always asks if anyone has questions and students should seek help if they need it. Essay tests are usally very broad but are not to bad. i only studied about 2 hours a week and i still managed to get a 3.4. if you are a running start student do not tell him that.
Awesome teacher, made history interesting and I took every class I could from him. Absolutely FABULOUS
Really just a great guy
His knowledge is remarkable. If you love history, take this class!
No Comments
Rambles alot, but in a cool way. Is kind of abusive, but not if you pay attention. He is incredible knowledgeable. Plus he dropped out of college 6 times and lived on the beach in Mexico. Cool guy.
No Comments
SOOOO BORING!!!! and so overwhelming workload....if you dont mind straight lecture, with no enthusiasm then two thumbs up....other wise......
Well, if your a Running Start student forget it. Besides that, the monotone voice and the never ending lectures killed me.
It's very true about the running start kids, he HATES them. Also, if you have any faith whatsoever and he finds out about it there is no hope for you.
Prof. Schaefer was the worst prof I've had-bar none. I was actually interested in learning about the development of western civilization before I took his class. But due to his monotone voice, rude behavior to students, and funny but crass comments, I lost all interest for history at the time. I was shocked the first time he put in a video of the prof with an accent and left class for the rest of the hr. By the end of the quarter however, I began to watch and hope for the days when the videos were put in.
Good teacher, makes clear what is expected. I think people didn't get his sense of humor (very dry) but, admittedly he did hate a lot of running start students, probably because they were rude and disruptive a lot. As long as you wrote something on the subject of his questions in his tests, he gave you some points. Fair.
Personally, I thought he was pretty funny. But thats about the only thing he's got going for him.....
I don't even know what he grades people on the 2 tests we take which he grades like madman...he even admits he failed college i dont know how many times. It is so hard to go to class and not fall asleep you just watch tapes that you are not tested on but attendance counts!!
Oh my gosh he hated me so much for being running start...he was boring, not helpful and laughed at me when I went to his office and said I didn't understand some of the material and when I said I have a reading problem...laughed more! I have since told all my friends not to take him...he is hard and a jerk...beware!
Needs to stop teaching
wonderful professor, yes he's a hard teacher. just pay attention and its very easy to pass the class. I was running start and was treated respectfully (went to class and paid attention). This is actually a very good example of college classes. you aren't coddled as in high school. some people (running start students, among others) need to grow up.
Hard class, but very interesting. He has extensive knowledge and tends to get a little too deep sometimes.. Lots of videos too. Tests are hard, but not unbearable if you study in depth. I learned a lot, but it wasn't an easy A!
Pay attention to his lectures, because the lessons are your cues as to what to focus your studies on. When in doubt, ASK him what you should know by the next class. His knowledge is impressive & he's always good for explaining the intriguing stuff the books leave out. Very dry humor, which is my cup of tea, so I thought he was terribly funny.
I took the telecourse and that was my mistake. I think I would've done better had I had him for lecture. If history is something you don't retain well then take the class. Mr. Schaeffer was always polite to me when I had questions, although it took him a while to respond. He is tough but good. He wants the best from his students... don't slack off.
I took the telecourse and it was a HUGE MISTAKE! I don't know how he is in the lectures, but if you are taking the telecourse then forget it. You have absolutly no idea what will be on the tests. He just tells you to memorize the entire textbook and then expects you to remember every little detail. I will never take another telecourse again.
This teacher is a good guy but he is DRY. I love history and he made me hate it. He takes all the most boring tiny details about history and asks you questions about them on the test. He teaches history without context so it is SO boring. There is a lot of reading and his lectures were basically people trying to come up with questions to ask him.
Don't get me wrong, this guy is SMART and NICE. He's not your average history teacher who has to look up answers from the book, he knows his stuff. But he's boring, unhelpful, and all-around difficult. DO NOT TAKE HIM UNLESS YOU ARE A HISTORY BUFF. HIS CLASS WILL TANK YOUR GPA OTHERWISE.
It is true that Schaeffer doesn't really like Running Start students, but that is because he's had so many of them that couldn't handle college work. Once you show him that you can keep up with the material, he is sweet and helpful. He makes fun of all religions; know your stuff if you want to debate. The class is hard but very informative.
Schaeffer's class was interesting. It was difficult, but mostly your performance on the tests depended on whether or not you read the material. Anyway he gave me an A, so I give him an A.
Tedious class. He expects you to have the time to read the first five chapters of both books within the first week. And it's not like they're really page turners... Unless you're a history buff, great with essays, and have a photographic memory, I'd advise not taking him. I think he's funny...but funny doesn't teach me.
Try not to fall asleep. On the plus side, if you don't fall asleep you can learn a lot about the history of anything you want to. He really knows his stuff, so the learning potential here is great. A lot of reading involved, and going to the class and listening through to tne lectures will improve your chances of passing immensely.
Okay, so this teacher is a sarcastic, synical, cranky old man. Sometimes he's funny, but mostly he's unbelievably hard. I am a straight A student and got a D on the first test; I even did the reading! He can't stand running start students and expects all of his students to know history as well as he does or he fails them. Avoid him like the plague.
extremely easy, bear with me now. There is a trick to this teachers class. I only read chapter one and like four stories in the reader. All I did was look up all of the vocabular words which he gave us in the book in the two days or so before class and made notes on them (this took about 4hours)and read a few of the stories in next entry->
I got a B on the first test because I forgot to look at the reader. That was my worst score. He likes to give "pop quizes" when he notices that not very many people showed up. but lastly, little disclaimer, he is fair with his grades, however, I thought that you should know that he is crazy. Oh and about the hot question: HaHaHaHaHa. Have fun.
Ok, if you are in running start, just don't say it. He's tough, but I really enjoyed his class, I think I would take it again, mostly because I like history. On the Machiavelli book, I got a good score and I got to read the titles mostly haha and my friend read the whole thing and got a lower score.
Worst teacher I've ever had, completely unhelpful, HATES running start students, lectures are useless wastes of time, the tests are all based on useless minor details from the copeous and insane amount of reading he assigns. AVOID SCHAEFFER AT ALL COST.
I'm in running start.. of course I didn't tell him that!! he obviously did NOT like the running start kids.. loooong classes very dry. but you can tell he is very knowledgable. it was the hardest class i have ever taken barely pulled out a B. 3 of my friends in the same class failed.. running start kids AVOID
if you cant spend every moment reading and rereading and memorizing the whole book word for word, dont take this class
Mr. Schaeffer would do better to eliminate his current teaching style and adopt one that allows students to feel comfortable when expressing their opinions. His coldness alienates people such as myself, a future historian, otherwise interested in working in the field. A change must come.
Took four classes with Shaffer and managed to get a 3.5 or higher in each one. If you're failing the class, you're not doing the reading. He tells you which chapters he will test on and clearly hints at what he will do essays on. If you do the reading you'll easily get a B or higher. Does go off subject a bit to interesting place.
He spends too much time going off on useless tangents making the class a big waste of my time and a bit confusing. He shows movies that you are required to take notes on cause they could be on the quiz but he turns the lights all out and blocks the windows making it next to impossible to take said notes. I would never take a class from him again.
he is an awesome teacher... i hate to break it to you he has never said anything bad about vets or people her serve our country. He gets off on tangents but tells you that he will and ties them into his lecture if you pay attention.
Prof is difficult to get in touch with, demanding, and does not post grades when grades are required.
DONT TAKE HIM, there is no way of getting a good grade in his class, if you value your good gpa, then dont take him because he will take it down.
He hates Running Start because most RS students are lazy. I'm a RS student, and I got a 4.0. All you have to do is pay attention, take notes, and read the book. If you like being challenged in school, take this class. If you're lazy or don't like reading, then avoid this class at all costs, because you will fail.
Mr. Schaeffer is extremely knowledgable and it shows through his lectures. Tests are essay and identification. On tests, use generalizations and back up with specifics. If you don't know, put something down, you will still get some points, unless the guess is utter nonsense. Don't ever leave questions blank on his tests though.
Be careful when taking his class. Make friends and get together a study group before each test. Go through the terms he gives you on his study guides. Being in class, although boring, helps greatly when he gives you a heap of information. Notes help the most when he lectures. If he gives you a handout to read, READ IT. It WILL BE on the next test.
His class is extremely difficult to maintain a high GPA. It took me off the dean's list. If you just need a history credit, avoid taking him.
He lost our first exams...You MUST do the reading, re-read often. Make sure you are ahead of him or you won't understand what he's talking about. When he talks about something often, put a star by it. it will be on the exam.
This is the worst professor I have ever had. We have been reading the 11th edtion of the course textbook for 90% of the quarter and he just now realized that he has been using te 9th edition. His lectures are boring pointless and they don't even remotely prepare you for the exams. Registering for any of his classes would be a huge mistake.
Schaeffer is a fun professor who is passionate about history. He is extremely lenient in his grading. If you read the book and watch the videos you will pass his classes.
He goes off on some random tangents when he is trying to answer a question so listen carefully to what he is talking about to get the important details. Take good notes or find someone who takes good notes. And organize study groups days before the tests and watch the videos, they have far more useful information than the book.
Take notes in class... if you don't, you will not do good on tests. He wants specifics on test, generalities not good enough. I know from experience... first 2 tests... D. My fault though. Not good at taking notes.
Phil was a great history professor, he knew the subject matter and I found his sarcastic world weary humor and nature very entertaining, you MUST study the material! Tests are all essay, so generalizations followed by spot on specifics, class was easy for me, you get what you put in. Earned a B with normal effort put in.
Schaeffer is extremely difficult to follow in class. I have only been in his class for 3 weeks and I have no clue what's going on. His lectures are impossible to follow, he has a sporadic teaching style, he doesn't prepare you at all for the test and leaves you unprepared for exams. If you have the choice, don't take Schaeffee. Spare yourself.
This classwith Schaeffer is VERY HARD and not because you don't do the work, but because you can attend every class and do the reading and still not be clear what you're being tested on. He will tell you that most people fail his first exam or do poorly.He lectures are rants back and forth about history and it's hard to follow
I am a history buff, love it, obsessed. But when professor schaeffer said to the class ” my class is hard. If you muster a C average you're doing a great job. Maye one or two of you will recieve A's.” It was obvious his syllabus is flawed & so is his teaching if you're basically lucky to pass. Tests were impossible! Studied for wks, still failed.
Very knowledgeable, but as others have said, you MUST study for his tests. Pay attention in class, do the reading, make notes of stuff he brings up in class because it will be highlighted on the exams. Do. The. Reading. Also pretty sure he is more generous with grading to people who speak up and participate in class.
If you're reading this, there may still be hope. DON'T TAKE HIS CLASS. I tried to take notes… but I couldn't. I asked relevant questions…. and received hour long "answers". He makes raunchy jokes to relate to students as well. Testing? total mystery. No way to know what was coming. he expected expert level knowledge but didn't help in getting it
Do not take his class! I've asked questions that I never get clear answers to, it's impossible to know what you're being tested on, and he is very unhelpful in preparations. Classes are dull, and non-informative, and it's basically self taught.
The worst guy to teach.He constantly talks about how he HATES running start students. His lectures don't make any sense. He is rude and hates his job. Don't become one of his students.
This course felt like it was a lot harder than it needed to be. This was my first ever online course, and the very first thing he says to the class is "If it seems like I'm ignoring you I am". He does not apparently base much of the exams on the text or the video lectures. Expect him to give the lowest possible grade he can.
If you have any other options, and I mean ANY, do NOT take this class. It is a complete waste of time, incredibly difficult and often irrelevant test questions, and his pointless rants make the class 100% self-taught. If you do take the class, I recommend showing up though. He may decide to kick you out completely and not tell you if you font show.
I didn't really fund the course that difficult. I aced western civ 1 and 2 while honestly not putting very much work into it. I did have him online and he just kinda would guide our studying for the exams and one essay. 3 exams and one 3 page essay were all the work expected of us, plus of course studying for them. I am taking western civ 3 now.
Professor Schaeffer is a nice man, not an excellent teacher. I found his lectures very interesting but the overall grading is very tough. The class was based on three tests, small book review and small participation points. The three tests are all written essay questions that were graded harshly and were confusing. I am a 3.5 student, I got a 2.2.
I loved him! He is not a great teacher, hes an old fashioned man who has a passion for history... But that makes him perfect for teaching WW2. His class is mostly (long) lectures but the material is very interesting and relative. His tests arent the easiest but if you do the reading it is a breeze. Define major namesevents and two essay questions.
This was one of my hardest classes. Although he was fast to reply to my emails, he tests were beyond crazy hard and he asked too much of all the students
I ended up enjoying this class more than I expected. It isn't that hard, just make sure to show up to class. He gives out study guides before each exam and most of what is on the guide ends up on the exam. I honestly wasn't expecting to do well in this class, but I received a 3.0. Schaeffer is also a pretty funny guy, he makes lots of jokes.
Hardest class I've ever taken. Lecture topics depend solely on students' questions on the reading; not all subjects or topics in the reading are discussed. Often characters or events mentioned in passing are in the exams.
The class consisted of reading, reading, and more reading. Grades were based off of three exams and a book review to be taken at any time as long as they were completed by the end off the semester. Professor was vague and hard to communicate with. I turned in all my work in time and was still given an incomplete. Avoid this "teacher"
In my particular class I had many high school students with me, most of whom performed poorly. You MUST study for his tests, they are difficult and require rereading a chapter at least twice. Lectures have no defined direction but he will talk on any topic you give him. If you are a high schooler who won't participate or study, don't take his class
He's a nice man and knows what hes talking about. However, his class is all lectures based on questions other students ask, and he often gets off topic. His tests are extremely difficult and you have to read and reread the material in order to even do okay on them, and even then, good luck getting a good grade.
The entire class was graded on one book report and three tests. His lectures were vague and often jumped off topic to the point where you would forget what the original topic was. He stated on syllabus day that his class has a 50% pass/fail rate and that says more about him than his students. Would highly not recommend taking his class.
He was late to class every single day which is not a big deal usually but if you expect as much as he does out of his students at least be in class on time or earlier. He did not act in ways to suggest that he is looking out for his students best interest. Doesn't offer much help or explanation. This is the lowest grade I have had!
I took HIST 136 & 137 with him. The class isn't hard, just a lot of studying by yourself. I recommend reading the books chapters a couple times, flashcards, and not studying the day of the test. Show up most days and ask a few questions to look studious. He does a sign in sheet about once a week. 3 tests and 1 book report. Give him a chance.
Professor Schaffer was very hard man to got a hold of he does not reply to emails, but when you catch him he is very helpful. Lots of reading and really work to understand the work if not you will fail the test.
This teacher really does mean well. However, his lectures are based off students' questions. This means that if students have stupid questions, we have a pointless lecture. While responding to a question, he more often than not trails off, and ends with "did that answer your question?" There are three tests and a book review, don't forget the rev.
Literally the worst class I have taken. The lectures are long a boring and he trails off. The tests don't relate to the material and if they do you have to search through several chapters to find a single answer. He also hates running starts students so if you're trying to graduate don't take him.
He answers questions in class and you read the book by yourself. He has a good sense of humour, but the class is really boring!
Professor Schaeffer takes his instruction seriously, which should be expected of a college professor. His lectures are engaging, he will answer any question, and is willing to work with you if you communicate with him. Most of the people who have issues with him might not be ready for college. Show respect and come to class. Not that hard...
Phil is an old school guy. He doesn't expect the world from students, he just expects them to try hard and study outside of class. His humor is dry and callous, and he borders on belittling his students. His lectures (when premeditated) are amazing, but hit or miss when led by student questions. expect to lead your own studies. Grade is 100% essays
He's a great teacher but not for my style. He is willing to work with anyone and help them pass! He doesn't often have a lecture and just goes of what the students ask so you will really need to read ALL of the chapters assigned. If you have questions, he will be excited to answer them. He doesn't use canvas or his email very often so beware.
He's incredibly smart, and loves to show it. There is always a couple students in the class who think he's the best and ask all the questions. Goes off on tangents, shows incredible favoritism and can be patronizing. Tests are not based on the books.
He is a good professor but overall doesn't stay on topic or the lesson plan. If you enjoy history and like to learn/read about it than this is a good class but if you just need a history credit take a different course.
Phil is a funny and caring professor. Read the material, have a love for history, and you're golden. He always kept me entertained. A brilliant guy
I'm your average student looking to get a quick history credit, get out of college, if this is you. DONT TAKE HIS CLASSES. But if you enjoy history then heck yeah, go for it. No homework, no lesson plan, just 1 book report and exams. If you don't study all the chapters and write down the vocab. words and then some. You're done. Don't take Phil.
Would NOT recommend it. Received an A, but I had to wait till after the quarter to find out what my grade was. No feedback on work. Left me a nervous wreck. VERY Hard to reach him. Homework is straightforward -- 3 exams with 4 or 5 "identification" short essay as and 2 long essay qs, 1 book report, and video reviews. Wouldn't take online again
If you do not read the chapters you will not pass. his study guides do not help. ask as many questions as possible, but all i heard was i dont know. read a chapter before every lecture and you should be up to date. doesnt test on main parts of text.
This was one of the very best prof i had. He inspired me to want to learn more about history and why history occured the way it did. I took 3 classes from him in the 1980s and i still remember how i loved to listen to his lectures. Thankyou Mr. Schaeffer for creating in me a bottomless hole for wanting to know.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
64%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.24 avg changeRatings by Course
HIST121
5.0
(1)HIS117
5.0
(1)HISTORY104
4.0
(3)HISTORY101
4.0
(3)HIST137
4.0
(4)Difficulty by Course
HIST105
5.0
HIS102
5.0
HISTORY103
5.0
HISTHIST
5.0
HISTORY136
5.0