VERY interesting and intelligent "good ole boy". very hard tests.

Great Professor, fair-but you need to work

The class is just really hard. There's too much material. Nice guy, crazy accent

great class, learn a lot. but you need to be willing to work

hard prof but a great teacher and knowledge

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he's military so make sure you go to class & read & be attentive.

go to class! not only is he a good prof but he's got a sexy accent and he's hot.

very entertaining!

one of my favorite profs. he makes you learn and work hard but a nice guy

Awesome teacher. You will work hard but learn a lot. Great accent, too!

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Great Speaker, knows what he's talking about. Must attend class and study

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Read & participate in class & you'll do fine. Great accent keeps you listening.

the class was great - thanks!

so intelligent, very helpful, challenging course but worth it if you like american history, has the hottest southern accent and sense of command in the classroom

fun class - a lot of talking (blah-blah-blah) and no preparation and some field trips...nice professor and fun topics...not sure if very useful - but worth trying!

cool guy

best professor I've had

VERY nice guy with a great southern accent. When he talks quietly, pay attention. Very intelligent man. One of the best professors I've had here at JMU. Discussion can be a pain, but he makes it interesting. Highly recommended!!

An excellent teacher, I don't know what the 2 frowning people are talking about, they either didn't show up to class or are thinking of the wrong teacher. He's the best teacher I have, just don't fall asleep in class, he doesn't like that. TAKE HIM IF Y

I love him. He's my little Forest Gump with that cute accent. He's also got a great sense of humor.

class is ok...he yells a lot and once he threw a girl out bc she was falling asleep...a lot of reading (that i didn't do) 2 papers and 2 tests, and a few quizzes, takes attendence occassionally for extra credit...sometimes hard to follow

Awesome professor, so passionate about subject material. Read the book before each class to keep up. Tests are essays, but he gives you the questions beforehand. Workload not too bad. Great guy!

very good teacher and nice guy, would recomend him to anyone.

so fun. hottest southern accent + military personality=entertaining lectures. don't fall asleep in his class. pay attention to any "quotes" (tests based entirely on them.) essays sorta rough.

An amazing History teacher. I had the class at 8AM and never fell asleep. Coolest southern accent which gives the class even more flavor. OH YEEEAAAAHHH. Take his class if you have the chance. You wont regret it.

This guy is so funny! He really knows the material and his accent makes him incredibly sexy! Make sure you stay awake and PARTICIPATE! If you don't participate, you'll have a hard time getting above a C. Read the novels and the book=very helpful on tests.

Somewhat hard (2 books/papers), and essays on tests, but overall a great professor. Probably the best lecturer I've had at JMU. Makes a history class very interesting, as he really knows his stuff. Only problem is u dont know ur grade until finals r over.

If you are lazy and stupid i wouldnt take him. People dont like him because he isnt your easy A professor. If you like war books, he has two good ones for the class, one being a cartoon book. You wont get a bad grade in the class if you show up.

great guy, lots of experience (was an army commander for 11 years), knows his stuff. lots of lecture/discussion. exams count for most of your grade and are one essay, so need to study and know the questions well (he gives them to you before the exam). good teacher, interesting class

Great teacher, always very interesting. Not an easy A class but if you do work you will do well. Tests are essays that he gives you before exam. Definitely recommend taking him. Talk to him about baseball and he'll love you

This guy is great. You'll never be bored in lecture, you'll never want to gnaw your own arm off. You will work, but everything has a purpose, and nothing is superfluous in Dillard's classroom. One of the best profs I've had at JMU, hands down.

He knows his stuff, very smart. not many grades though, 2 papers, midterm, final. Class is ALL lecture, but interesting for 8am. i would recommend him.

He's really passionate about what he does and very fair. Not an easy A but if you read and just go to class you'll be fine. Finally a history class you can LEARN something valuable in!!!

Born to teach history. Obvious that he loves it. Extremely interesting even at 8am. Never even felt sleepy. Makes interesting points. You have to study hard for the tests, but it WILL pay off. Great guy. If it weren't for the tests, I could sit and listen to him all day. He's that interesting.

Dr. Dillard is a great professor. He makes history interesting and tells personal stories and shows images to make it more realistic. Not a difficult class, just have to know the information for the midterm and final. Definitely take him, it will be worth your time. I never missed an 8am lecture

such a nice guy willing to help you out if you need it! a lot of information, but as long as you attend lectures, take lots of notes, and do the reading you'll do fine. 2 papers a midterm & final. no extra credit but he's more than willing to help you if you need it.

pretty entertaining during lectures. knows his stuff about civil war. reading he assigns is more so for your enjoyment. tests are a joke. paper is only thing that should be done with effort. speak up in class and you get an A

Even though I'm certainly not a history fan, I loved Professor Dillard's class. He flipped through PP slides too quickly, but he was always willing to go over something if you ask. He got so passionate during lectures that he was near tears! STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!

Dr. Dillard is passionate about history and his lectures are interesting, but if you don't participate and talk when he asks questions, he gives pop quizzes (but we've only had 2 all semester). The tests are kind of hard but if you know the stuff, you'll do fine.

great to listen to and very easy on the eyes

I love him! Extrememly nice teacher and approachable. He knows a lot about the topic and enjoys teaching. It's not an easy class, but if you do the reading you should be fine.

Very nice man. The class is kind of challenging, but if you put in the work you will do fine. The tests are all identifying ALL the significance of quotes, so it can be tricky. Good class overall, with a great teacher

Dr. Dillard was a great professor. I hate history but he made it enjoyable and he kept me awake. The TA was horrible for the discussion groups- try to get dillard. The tests were hard and he gave pop quizes if you were quiet in class. I would definately take his class again.

He is so nice and knows SO MUCH about what he is teaching. I had him at 8am and I actually enjoyed going because it was so interesting.The class can be challenging but if you study the terms he gives you then you should do ok.

Excellent teacher with a great way of teaching US history.

You'd be an idiot not to enjoy his class.

Dillard plays favorites like no other. While the class wasn't too hard and there wasn't an attendance policy, he created pointless BB assignments and his tests were not related to the readings.

Dillard is a wonderful professor. His class is interesting in the information and with not only his changing tone, but his amusing jokes. He truely is the type of professor who seems to really care about his students learning and he tries to make learning an enjoyable experience. There is no attendence policy, but it really helps to attend clas

Dillard is a cool guy. hes funny and says some pretty funny things. you don't really need to read. no attendance but it helps to show up. he does assign two pretty hard research essays. he has two teacher aides who grade tests sometimes and they both suck. they always assign bad grades but dillard is an easy grader.

Dillard is a funny guy. There's a lot of reading assigned, but I didn't do any and got a B+ in his class. He was in the military so its interesting when he tells his own stories that relate to combat and what people went through in the civil war. tests include maps, IDs, and essays. Sometimes some random things are on them, but not too bad.

Overall, he is an average professor. Uses TA to grade essay test, which I strongly disagree with. Furthermore, he does play some favorites which is totally unacceptable. I understand if you remember previous students, but playing favorites is not for the college level. Honestly, avoid taking him, there are better History professors out there.

Dillard is a great professor. He knows so much about Virginia history and is really passionate about it. There are 3 tests which are very easy as long as you keep up with notes and DEFINITELY go to the class before each test bc he basically tells you everything on it. Two research essays are kind of hard. Overall pretty easy very interesting class

Strait Forward, helpful, entertaining lectures. He keeps it interesting.

This guy is an amazing teacher. you can tell he really loves the subject, and teaches is to everyone in a way that makes in interesting and easy to understand. Tests are pretty straightforward, go to class, you'll get at least a B. TAKE HIM.

Dillard is by far my favorite history professor at James Madison. He's extremely helpful and obviously loves teaching. If you get the chance, take Virginia History- you won't regret it! Tests are straight forward and if you pay attention, he'll tell you what is on the test.

Prof. Dillard is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He makes every class great and you really want to come to every one even though he does not take attendance. He is helpful outside of class. Take this professor and you wont regret it, he gets really fired up about history.

Awesome professor and awesome class. Dr. Dillard relates Virginia history to the history of America and knows his subject very well. 4 exams total, not cummulative, all straight-forward. Take him if you get the chance. Very nice and extremely intersting. Southern accent won't bore you :)

I LOVED DILLARD!!! Take VA History with him if you get the chance, it's an amazing class. He can be a little hard to follow at times, but he will clarify if you ask. Most of the books were easy to read, and the tests weren't too bad. Dillard is by far the most entertaining teacher I've ever had!!! He's THE MAN!

I had Dillard for the summer workshop in VA Civil War History. Hands down one of the best months of my life, and I mean in general! Field trips were amazing and he's an incredible tour guide. Spent a lot of time on the road with him and he's a blast to talk to--and actually makes an effort to get to know you. By the end we were basically friends!!!

funny - goes through PP's REALLY fast - recommend you bring a laptop because you're more likely to get everything down off the slide if you type rather than write. he's big on people speaking up - if he asks the lecture class a question and only one or two people respond, he makes you get out a sheet of paper and take a pop quiz on the reading

TAKE GHIST225 WITH DILLARD! If you go to his office hours once with an essay, he will remember you and you'll be on his good side. He is a fair teacher, but be sure to answer his questions in class. even if you dont know the answer, just say something. otherwise you'll have a pop quiz on the reading. He is funny and attractive :) i DEF recommend!!

Dr. Dillard's class was pretty awesome. You have a iscussion group one dya and the two other days in the week are lectures. he goes through them really fast, but he is more than willing to help you if you stop by during his office hours. He's very friendly and funny! Exams are really hard though, pay attention to pictures on the slideshows!!!

Dr. Dillard was my freshman advisor and he has been so far my favorite teacher. He is almost like a preacher when he gets into the lectures, which are always fun and interesting. This class is a must for all history majors with a concentration in American history. As long as you read the book and take notes, the class is easy. Sit up front.

Prof. Dillard is a great teacher, he really has an interest in the subject he teaches.He will make you want to become a history major.Though classes are not mandatory, if you don't go you're screwed, there are so many note and constantly writing off his powerpoints.Great teacher and brings in personal experience.

Definitely have to pay attention during class, because he will keep you on your toes. Excellent lectures, great sense of humor and very engaging. He moves quickly through material, but is very willing to give help if needed and tries hard to make sure things are clear with students. Highly recommend him for this class, one of the best!

You will think he's a jerk in the beginning, but he turns out not so bad. It's a challenging class, but if you are willing to work hard, you will see good/OK grades. He really knows his stuff and his southern accent keeps you attentive.

If you are reading this go back to e- campus and sign up. He is amazing, if you are a student of history you will really love Dr. Dillard. His tests aren't that easy, but trust me they are doable. Got an A- with a decent amount of work. Do the reading it really helps. 4 tests (one is the final) 6 or 7 online reading quizzes and one other project.

This is a really interesting class and he's a funny and engaging lecturer. You've got to keep up with him though because he can move pretty fast. The tests aren't too hard but you really need to study. There are 2 short papers and several reading quizzes. This is a really good class. You have to put work into it but it's not too time consuming.

Mr. Dillard is great. It can be kinda hard to follow his lectures since he's so chill and just skips some things, but he's still real funny and will clearly explain anything you ask about. Make you you take notes on the pictures in his slides, because on his tests he gives you the pictures and you have to free-write about them.

Phil Dill!!! he is an awesome teacher all really have to do in Ghist 150 is speak you mind with some facts to back it up and you'll be good. only had to write 2 page papers at the most. make sure you read the books b/c he gets pissed if you don't talk about them in class, they are interesting anyway so why not!!!! sign up Fast!!!!

I took 5 classes with Dr. Dillard and he is by far the best Prof I have had a JMU. Very nice guy and willing to help you with any questions. I think everyone should take a couple classes with him. His test are fairly easy and he does not grade too hard on papers. Take any class with him and you will enjoy it

Dr. Dillard is amazing. He's such a sweetheart, and is really enthusiastic about the class material. Readings are expected to be done, the exams weren't too bad, and the paper and presentations were very do-able. Wish I had taken more classes with Dillard, he's the man.

Had him for History 300, best class I have ever taken. Yes you do have to show up and pay attention to get a good grade but his lectures are very interesting and is very helpful when you ask questions. Take Dillard, I cant wait to take him again.

I love Dillard. I have taken classes with him before and he is just awesome. His lectures are extremely interesting his personality keeps you paying attention. Do the readings and take good notes and you should be fine on his tests.

Dr. Dillard or DA DAWKTAH as I call him is the best history professor at JMU!! Do the readings, pay attention, and attend class (don't be like a student in one of his class who never came!). Some may feel that he expects too much out of students but COME ON you're in college!!

He is very knowledgeable and does an excellent job of covering 400+ years of history with his lectures. He walks throughout the classroom and really gets to know all of his students through participation. Lots of reading, but a great class and an amazing professor.

Great class and even better professor. Really knows what he's talking about and manages to make it very interesting. Wasn't a huge fan of his TA as she was way too harsh in the grading, but Dillard was fair. Tests are somewhat difficult if you aren't well prepared. Attend lectures, I never did the readings and still managed good grades on quizzes.

If you understand the military/authority then you'll understand the motive to Dillard. He's not rude, just expects common courtesy. He's entertaining. Just go and listen during lecture and at least skim the book. Online quizzes, one out of class essay, an in class essay midterm and final. Easy B.

Best professor I've had at JMU. Knows more than anyone I have encountered about the material and genuinely wants students to understand the importance of it. Not going to give away grades but willing to help if you are willing to try. A is possible with effort and especially if you care about the material.

Professor Dillard is hilarious and SUPER passionate. My favorite professor this semester. He assigns a couple of group projects for the class but aren't incredibly difficult. He will try his best to make himself available to you. I will definitely take him again.

Dillard is blunt, hilarious, and extremely knowledgeable. Go to office hours and he will help. If participation is low in lecture/discussion, he'll throw a pop quiz SO TALK! He grades participation in the discussion section. One paper and a few quizzes that weren't too bad. Midterm and final are each one essay and multiple choice questions. READ!!!

Prof Dillard is very passionate about history. His lectures are interesting and he is a GREAT public speaker. But if you're looking for an easy gen ed, HIST225 is NOT it. He really makes you work for the grade. If you want to do well, you need to read and take notes during the lecture. I found him fascinating, but the class was stressful.

I love Dr. Dillard I would take him for every History Class! In 425 which is Civil War & the Reconstruction he covered from the entire Civil War and how reconstruction went in the south. The midterm was harder than the final & for us the final he said we could take it orally which was easier than the written. Overall would take all of his classes

Great class but can get extremely boring. You only have to write one paper and he is very nice. There is a separate discussion section and you will have to show up and talk to get a good grade. Over all good class.

Dr. Dillard is a great professor! He's very passionate about history, he's got a charming South Georgia accent, and he gives great lectures. He sounds a little mean at first but you quickly realize he loves to laugh and he is quite approachable. His papers are hard, but his exams are easy (just one essay), not too tough of a grader. Good class!

Dillard was an awesome professor.... but this class was also one of the most difficult I have taken. There is just such a vast amount of information that it becomes difficult to separate what you need to know vs what you don't. I read the textbook but it wasn't necessary as long as you take notes during lectures. Long class but not boring.

Dr. Dillard made history WAY more fun than it should be. He brings these historical figures to life with humor, historical accuracy, and honesty. He will often times walk around the room and talk to individual students which keeps everyone awake and alert. His class is difficult, but if you attend every one of the lectures and labs, you WILL pass.

Really good lecturer. Makes good points without boring the class. Super helpful in office hours as well.

Dr. Dillard is awesome. He gives really interesting lectures, and will sometimes let some stuff slip about his time in the Army, which can be super cool. He truly cares about teaching the class. A lot of the people complaining on here obviously didn't go to class or meet with him during office hours. If you put in the work, you'll do fine.

I had to take HIST 350 and Dillard was the only option. He is a really cool guy who swears a lot in his lectures which made me laugh, but this class is very tough. You have to take good notes or you will not do well on the midterm and final. The online quizzes are supposed to be a grade boost but they are far from that. Don't expect to get an A.

he is SO passionate about this class and makes it so fun and interesting! i was actually sad to leave it. he really works with the class and changes assignments to benefit everyone. there are occasional online open note quizzes so your notes in class are essential but they're easy overall. he takes attendance randomly and in the discussion classes.

I really enjoyed Dillard. Retired military so kinda has that feel to him- really smart dude, cool lectures, knows what he's talking about. I didn't have any problems and enjoyed his class. Also, Mrs. Hesslin his GA is the sweetest kindest little lady ever. one tip though- don't fall asleep in class, he'll stop entire lecture to you kick out.

I'm an IDLS major and took this class for my concentration and it wasn't an easy class but he will help you!! I did not do well on the midterm and I went to his office hours 4 time and he helped me SO much! Can be a tough class if you aren't a history major but it's interesting and if you do all the readings and go to office hours, you'll be fine!

Professor Dillard is amazing!! His history 350 is a great class. His lecturers are interesting and you can tell he has a lot of passion for what he teaches. Honestly, go to his office hours and talk to him he is so helpful and kind. I would definitely take another class with him if I could. Do the textbook readings, go to class and you'll be fine.

The lectures may not follow the power points super well but they're interesting and he includes personal experience from Desert Storm. Dr. Dillard is passionate about what he teaches and surprisingly woke, it keeps your attention in class. He cares about his students and his lectures are engaging. He takes time to talk to students during class.

He gives a good lecture and the course contains 2 discussion grades, a midterm, a final, an essay, and 4 easy online quizzes. Its an easy a class because he is not a tough grader at all as long as he sees the effort you will be ok. The quizzes really help your grade and I only got a b because I forgot to do one. Definitely take him if you can!

Took history 225 online over 4 weeks in summer and it was definitely a lot of reading. Only graded by about 8 assignments but 4 quizzes are relatively easy. He gives really good feedback on midterm so you can do better on the final. Easy grader on essay as well. Answers emails quickly so very helpful for an online class.

His syllabus is confusing but his tests and quizzes are very simple and easy to get an A on. Take notes during his online lectures and use them for his tests. There are quizzes each week on reading but its simple history. He is a liberal and says things that could make someone that disagrees angry. Make sure to participate in lecture. 10/10

He is absolutely one of the best professors you will ever have. He is always my first recommendation. You will not be disappointed.

Dr Dillard isnt a bad guy but this class was definitely tough for a gened. him and his TAs are very tough graders and his exams are extremely subjective since they are all free response. lectures arent very engaging and you will read a decent load each week. Dr Dillard is a cool guy though and has always responded quick to my questions.

Good teacher. I knew most of the material from my High School history class. The midterm and final are graded really hard, but the quizzes aren't bad. Funny dude, go to class and take notes and participate, you may get extra credit. The paper was easy, about 800 words on whatever document you pick. But again, prepare for the Midterm and final.

Professor Dillard is a great guy and is very knowledgeable about history. The lectures are very heavy but, he provides a recording so you can go back and review. Those recordings become very helpful for the midterm and final. Participation is important in the discussion section. A decent amount of work but is very manageable if you put the time in.

Class has a discussion section. It was thought-provoking & easy to participate. He called on people who hadn't spoken to get them participation. Class had 4 quizzes & 2 exams total. Textbook has all the answers, so READ. Exams felt like essays, pay attention in class. Don't copy down the slides, take notes on what Dr. Dillard says, he's a good guy.

Dr. Dillard is amazing! While he only grades on a few assignments, he is super kind and loves what he teaches! You can definitely feel free to ask him any questions or meet in or outside of office hours! I gained a lot of knowledge I didnt know! So, do the readings and come to class and youll be fine!

Dillard was very knowledgeable about Virginia history. The lectures were a bit long at times but, overall, the information was very useful. You have to write one paper and there are 4 unit tests along with a midterm and a final. The midterms and finals are not super difficult but it does test your knowledge well in my opinion.

I am currently in this class and I love it! Dillard is so nice and if you are struggle just go to his office hours and he helps so much. We have a few quizzes and test, but they are all notes from the class. I highly recommend going to his office hours. He is also one of the funniest professors I have ever met.

Super nice guy. Class often was boring but he would randomly ask you questions to keep people motivated. He KNOWS HIS STUFF, and office hours got me a 100 on the midterm. Read the textbook that he writes and its exactly what's on his quizzes (online). Simply print the midterm slides study guide and write a quick summary for each, you'll get a 90+.

Professor Dillards lectures were hilarious, and he is clearly passionate about the material he teaches. Very easy to understand the content, and gives you all of the options for the questions on the exams to study beforehand. Would definitely recommend.

Professor Dillard was hilarious and easy to listen to. The exams are tough, but shouldn't be too much of an issue with adequate studying. Presentations are posted but coming to class is much more imperative to retain the information. Attendance wasn't mandatory but attending class is the only way to get a good grade. Essays were tough but doable.

Dillard is a passionate prof who makes lectures engaging. Textbook is optional, but his recordings are super helpful for exams. Quizzes are tough, but unstuck study and the discussion section can really aid study prep. Overall, manageable class with a good prof.

Dr. Dillard is one if the best professors I have ever had. As long as you care about learning and show minimal effort you will be fine. I got a perfect score on one of his exams and a pretty good grade on the second. He is kind and cares deeply about his students. Please take his classes!!!!!!!

Hard class but great professor. This class was harder than normal but worth it. Dr Dillard is so kind and caring, please take one of his classes!!!