3.2
Quality4.1
Difficulty44%
Would Retake96
Reviews44%
Would Retake
96
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
29
4
18
3
19
2
17
1
13
What Students Say
“Bontrager is a really kind and intellectual man”
AMHIST2111 - 5.0 rating“The reading is excessive”
HIST2111 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
71%
Textbook Required
76%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.10 avg changeRatings by Course
HIST2100
5.0
(1)HIST2
5.0
(1)1111
4.5
(2)HIST1102
4.5
(4)HIST2222
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HIST101
5.0
HIST2100
5.0
HISTHIST
5.0
HIST2200
5.0
AMHIST1
5.0
Reviews (96)
His classes are interesting, but his tests have nothing to do with his lectures. He expects you to study 15 hours a week for his tests. I felt prepared for the first test and I failed b/c the material didn't come from his lect or from the book. If you take his class just watch out for his tests.
Well, if you want to be completely confused all semester you can take him. But I don't recommend it at all. He gives this ridiculous project which is almost impossible to please him with unless you are one of his favorite students. He doesn't use the book AT ALL. His class is useless.
Probably one of the worst teachers for the subject ever.
Bontrager is very enthuiastic in the classroom and it very easy to stay interested throughout the class time. His test are hard but if you have a good understanding of the material, an A is possible.
If you enjoy being patronized and having tests based off of nothing on lectures then be my guest and take this class.
He's a terrible teacher. The test material doesn't come from his lecture or from the book. He expects 15-20 hours of studying every week. Ridiculous project. Do not take his class
His class isn't that bad at all. I think it's interesting, and the tests aren't too bad. However, his tests are mostly based on his lectures. The book is almost useless. As long as you take notes, listen in class, and asks question, you'll be alright.
Not a great teacher. Talks way to fast. Never goes from books. The project is awful. None of the documentaries are NOT available for most students. Only some librarys have what you need, and have to sign up for stuff just to get what you need for his class!
Cool teacher with good intentions,....but honestly his tests are a little rediculous. Even if you pay close attention to the lectures, and copy down notes not just from what he offers you but also from what comes out of his mouth..you'd swear 70% of the questions of the tests have never even come across in the class.
Great professor. I actively enroll for his classes. Gotta watch out thought, his tests are tricky. All subjects were covered in the lecture, never had to open text book at all (didn't even buy one)Great guy and very good teacher. He's tough, but you'll learn something
Does not use the book at all! Attend every class and pay very close attention! His tests are really hard as well as his projects. Start the projects early and read over your notes every night. Do not be scared to ask questions though he was very helpful.
Tests and projects are very hard and that is most of your grade.
Shannon Bontrager is the worst professor I've had at highlands out of 50 credit hours. He offers no alternative areas to study. He doesn't go by the book at all, it's worthless to even spend hundreds on the books he requires. None of the material even comes from the book. And some of his test questions are more political. Do not take him.
Took his class twice. A great guy. Tests are hard but if you study and know the material well should make (no higher than a 85 sorry) but he will teach you something important. He loves answering students questions!
Well I thought he was a great teacher. I made an 88, and two 90's on his exams. I typed my notes whiched help me a lot. You have to know everything he says pretty much and writing your notes is not going to work. Hes a great guy and great teacher. The project he gives is extremely difficult do not wait until the proposal is due to start, START EARL
This is a hard class but he is the best history teacher I have ever had. I took his two of his classes and loved them both. His tests are hard but his class is interesting and you will learn more in this class than any other one
Devoted to his work, loves his job and wants to help you love West Civ too
Love his lectures, chases rabbitts a bit, but very interesting to listen to.
He teaches like he has something to prove. tests are only concepts not facts. projects are ridiculously hard and do not have anything to do with his class. dont take him unless you have no live and love studying every second of everyday
Hot Tamale!!!
I have a 4.0 GPA after 4 semesters, and I might barely pass this class. He gives notes in the form of lecture, 2 different online sources, AND the book. The test questions don't seem to emphasize the important concepts, but seem more like he picked random sentences blind-folded. If you appreciate organized teaching DON'T TAKE HIM!
For the sake of your acedemic career stay away from this man! Though most students today care more about getting through college than getting anything out of college, in that case this guy is for you. He is to lazy to make up group projects so hands out 100's. He cannot even pronounce America. He is counterproductive to your intelligence!!!!!!!!!
Took him for World Civ and he is the hardest teacher ever! Nothing in his lectures has anything to do with the tests and he contradicts the book. Make an A on the map exam and that will be your only A so make sure you do good on it.
Worst teacher I've ever had. Class and tests are based on concepts & his own opinions.. Not facts. Has a ridiculously vague project that he's NEVER pleased with. Don't even bother buying book, you never use it. Seriously, do not take this man. You will hate your life as much as I do right now.
I really enjoyed his class! I think some people complain because you actually have to try to get a good grade. Tests aren't overly difficult, pretty easy if you take notes and study. He expects people to go outside their basic knowledge and apply it, which is great! The project was a lot of work, but it was very enjoyable! His enthusiasm for the subject is like no other. He does go off on tangents here and there, but they're usually very interesting. I would take him again.
Very interesting and extremely knowledgeable!
We had a test over a learning module that wasn't even due yet! It seems his test are about impossible to do well on! I have always been very motivated to do well in college, but his class has shot me down! I do not suggest taking him for anything... I definitely will not ever again!!!
Tests are ridiculous, short answer means essay & essay means short story. You'll never get full credit for either. Project was a joke, had nothing to do with class & got no feedback. Does NOT respond to students at all unless you track him down & even then you won't get a satisfactory response.
Must attend class, books are useless. Write down every word he says, as that is what is on the tests. During his lectures he tells you flat out the important points. YOU MUST BE ATTENTIVE! He has awesome lectures that are amazingly interesting. An A is possible, but hard. Will answer any question you have. Will definitely take him again!
THE WORST TEACHER EVER!! On his tests he will give you questions that he didn't even go over in the class lecture and then make you feel stupid for asking about it by stating that he in fact did go over it. I am a good note taker! and when something is not in my notes..then the teacher did not go over it!!! And that is exactly what he did! >.<
Bontrager flaunts that he has his PhD all the time! He is so full of himself and hates ALL of his students. He tests over material that is not covered in class, and he talks smack about America, God, and specific people! He is very Liberal and anti-religion, but he will oppose your views even if you are too. DROP HIS CLASS IF YOU HAVE HIM!
I found his class to be rather hilarious and engaging. He is a rather difficult professor to have if you can't make connections about things on your own. All of his little comments about God, America, and society in general really make you think about things in a different light if you give him a chance. I am taking him again in the Spring!
Pros: I hate history, but this professor made it interesting. Cons: Seemed apathetic about student's progress, never touched the textbook(waste of money), tests are over the lectures and very difficult, and his grading on the group project was tough.
He's a good professor. He knows what he's talking about. His tests aren't hard if you just listen to his lectures. Most people rating him badly want the notes and everything handed to you, he won't do that. But his class is definitely passable and easy if you just pay attention.
Great lectures every day in class. You really leave feeling like you learned something. He never uses the textbook, so showing up to class is mandatory to make a good grade even though attendance usually isn't taken. He's also a pretty funny dude from time to time. I'd definitely recommend taking his class. Pay attention and you'll do well.
This guy is pretty rad. He describes things in a way that is easy to understand and he also makes it fun. He would joke around during class which helped keep the class focused and awake. He is somewhat tough but it isn't bad because he will help you whenever you need it. Overall I would say that he is one of my favorite professors.
Good at delivering the lecture but his test are pretty dang tough! Overall I enjoyed his class! I recommend taking it only if you are already pretty good with history.
Very fun and clear, makes you do alot of essays and think outside of the box but it helps come test time.
Took the guy twice now, and just barely making it. It's true, he wont go by any book or guide, he'll do his own thing. Yet you can tell he is passionate about the subject(s) he teaches and the students thorough knowledge of it. However, I'd only "recommend" him though if you are a history major or just really good in history.
Hard class, but good teacher. You learn alot. If you love history, take this class. If you want an easy A, do not take this class. A's are nearly impossible to make in this class.
He makes you buy three books and barely uses them. He hardly uses power points and you aren't allowed to record his lectures. I will never take him again.
He was by far the meanest and most uncaring professor i have ever had. He spoke to hear himself talk and had no interest in actually making sure we understood the subject. I am normally a straight A student and i worked harder than usual in there to come out with a C. I always warn my classmates about him.
Brilliant man defiantly passionate very opinionated not text book oriented people who say that he does not cover test material are wrong he expects u 2 critically analyze reading material The fact that the text book isn’t used I think is helpful because I feel like he gave me the real facts of history, not the diluted stuff book publishers release
Brilliant man defiantly passionate very opinionated not text book oriented people who say that he does not cover test material are wrong he expects u 2 critically analyze reading material The fact that the text book isn’t used I think is helpful because I feel like he gave me the real facts of history, not the diluted stuff book publishers release.
Bontrager is tough. He is incredibly biased from day one which gets old quick. That said, he is an excellent professor in that he is able to get students to see events from less taught perspectives. I firmly believe that no one straight out of high school should take his class. and FYI 2/3 withdrawal rate.
He has great passion for History and is a very smart teacher. However, being my 4th semester, this is the hardest class I have had yet. He is an honors teacher and I would agree that he teaches all of his classes (nonhonors) on that level. Wouldn't recommend him if you don't have deep interest in history.
He had interesting things to say. if you are looking for a class to boost your gpa DO NOT TAKE HIM. he is the only C i have ever made. very rude and uncaring
Extraordinary Instructor! Ivy-league worthy instruction from a singularly gifted and brilliant professor. He is passionate and unique in perspective and will require the student to reach into the deepest and best part of intellect to do well. DO NOT TAKE HIM IF YOU ARE LAZY! But if you are ready to learn history anew,this teacher is for you.
Super hard professor. you need to take him only if you have an obsession with history. hardest class I have yet to take
He's very passionate about what he teaches. You definitely need to pay attention and read the articles he assigns, be cause they are on the tests. I enjoyed his lectures, but unless you love history......I would advise against.
His lectures are interesting and thought provoking, but i feel like its more so just listening to someone on a soap box. He gives massive work loads, and I have no idea where he pulled the material for the tests from. I am normally an A student and i was praying just to pass, when i tried to talk to him he was demeaning and didn't listen to a word.
Lectures are so interesting I never wanted to leave his class. This man is so inspirational and smart. Will make you want to go to class.
This is not an easy class. If you are looking for an A you better commit yourself. His lectures are very interesting though, & he gives you new perspectives on history. He will work with you. I didn't struggle in his class, but lots of people did. Adapt to his teaching, honestly. It is definitely not traditional, so open your mind. Enjoy!!
Bontrager is a very interesting guy to listen to, but only take him if you're passionate about history. His tests are extremely tough. There will be multiple right answers but he wants the "most right" answer. Assigns a ton of readings and teaches from perspective more so than fact. I wouldn't recommend him.
The reading is excessive. The ONLY grades are exams, and top problem is that the exam questions are not clear. I assure you I understood the material but the questions were ridiculously worded. I have all a's - only one B - his class, and i really enjoy history. Plus he is extremely offensive to Christians. Way too difficult. Never again.
He is funny. The class isn't a breeze but pay attention and you'll do good.
I thought his class was one of the best i have taken since at georgia highlands. He is VERY passionate about what he is teaching and it makes the class enjoyable. I love history so for me this was the perfect class. That being said i did take him in the summer and he had a lot going on so the class was a little more laid back. But loved him!
Mr. bontrager was an excellent professor. His lectures were extremely interesting, and the class was structured to fit the summer semester, which was great for pace. He is definitely passionate about history and puts a great spin on how its interpreted. As long as you pay attention in his class you will be fine. Would take again!
You have to work, but he is passionate about what he does.
Very smart teacher who does an incredible job at delivering you sometimes boring information. Brilliant man who takes pride in his job, and genuinely wants his students to learn. He gives out a lot of information, but it is far from intimidating as his methods of teaching are rather motivational. Always had me looking forward to my Friday 8AM.
Professor Bontrager lectures incredibly well. He makes the lessons extremely interesting. The message he delivers is clear but the tests are definitely difficult. There is never a single answer that is correct, but rather a more correct answer to every exam question. Bontrager is also very biased and often times rude concerning religion.
Professor Bontrager is very passionate about history and its effects on todays society. He presents information unbiased to allow students to form their own opinion of other cultures, religions, and walks of life. Very intriguing teacher.
I took Bontrager as a senior in high school & was by far my favorite class while dual enrolling at GHC. Each class is lecture based & every week or so there is an online module and quiz. You are allowed to "corroborate" on tests (work with the rest of the class). The class was definitely eyeopening & focused on historiography rather than "facts"
He seems like a good professor. I just think our personalities clashed. He has a hard time with neutrality when it comes to sensitive topics. If you miss his lectures you will not pass the class
The professor himself is a great guy. With that said, his test are incredibly difficult and hard to understand. Most of the questions are opinion based or they ask about specific facts you may read that are not lessons he stresses on in class. With my class we were able to take the test in groups though we still never made above a 78.
I took him for American History, and I just felt like the way he teaches did not really work for me. History is a subject I struggle at and he grades so hard. You really have to pay attention. No study guides, we mainly just listen to his lectures and took little notes here and there, but you mainly have to remember what he just straight off says.
Well informed, excellent lectures. Nice guy. Literally saw him give a student money so they could make class.
He is nice but the test are worded in a way that makes you double guess yourself, even though you get to work in groups for the test it was a very hard class. Especially since you had to write your own notes.
Gives really long boring lectures. Very biased and teaches his opinion. Gives lots of papers and grades them rather harshly. Even if your answer is correct if it doesnt go along with his opinion then he counts it wrong. Test and papers are very easy so long as you think like he does
this is basically a straight lecture class. there isn't a book that you follow along to for the class so it is very beneficial for you to pay attention and take notes. theres a few online quizzes and 3 group tests (not easy tests, they really make you think). you can get a decent grade if you are in a good group lol so sit next to the smart people!
He only teaches his opinion and the test are extremely hard even though you are allowed to collaborate. The test are based off criteria that he doesn't teach because he only gives his opinion and NO notes or anything to study by. Yeah there is texts books but they are a joke because they are based on the authors opinion.
He is one of the smartest professors I've come across, and loves what he does. His class though was incredibly hard! The only notes you have for tests are what he talks about in class, which can be hard for people who need to see information to retain it. You can collaborate on tests, but make sure you sit by someone who is smart!
He is very passionate and the best lecturer that I have ever had at GHC. With that being said, his tests are collaborative (which is great and all) but they are kind of hard to adjust to. My test grades improved as the semester went on but he really makes you work for your grade and dig deep to understand the subject.
Bontrager is honestly one of my favorites. I will warn, if you're not a liberal, don't bother. Only because lectures are very clearly swung to the liberal side (I enjoyed that feature). Every exam is in class with the bonus of them all being "group exams". They are very wordy and analytical, but not the worst.
Hes passionate about what he does! Just pay attention in class and take notes and you should pass. The way he lectures keeps you interested. In class exams are from lectures and based on his opinions, pro is you get to collaborate with others during the exam.
Bontrager was a wonderfully passionate professor. His passion helps him bring the subject across with great understanding for the students. Only thing I didn't like was that he was a strong liberal democrat and pushed his views into every lecture and points. You can collaborate on exams with other students. You'll be reading all the books assigned.
I took him for World Civilization. He is an absolutely wonderful professor. He makes history very interesting. His lectures are thought provoking too. The tests are not too difficult, and this class can be an A (But you will have to work for it though). Don't expect to breeze through.
Bontrager is a really kind and intellectual man. Though let me tell you this story, of one time I ran into him while ghost hunting. It was in Moon River Brewing in Savannah. I was minding my own business, trying to communicate with ghosts. Then all of the sudden I heard very loud yelling like someone trying to provoke the ghosts. It was Bontrager
Lectures are super interesting! Grades on the bell curve which means he expects the majority of the class to only make a 75%. Tests do not match lectures. If you want to learn about history and do not care about your GPA definitely take him. If you care about your GPA DO NOT TAKE HIM. Studying the lectures and notes did NOT HELP on tests given.
I loved him so much he was always so nice and caring to his students! But, the online work is kinda hard.
Don't take him! Never have an idea what is going on, EVER! He only teaches what he thinks. Test are way more difficult than needed and we take the SAME NOTES EVERY CLASS!! And he's loud.
The lectures are very opinionated. There is no point in reading the books nor doing the work as the tests mainly consist of his opinions and what he talks about in class. So taking notes is a must but it probably wont help much. You are allowed to work with other students on the exams but you are probably going to make a mediocre grade anyways.
If you can take another professor, DO IT. I wouldn't take him. his class is hard. i swear his notes don't even match up with the exams. i don't think anyone in my class made higher than 80s on the exams. And on top of that hes rude. LOL DO NOT take him. let this be my warning haha
Professor Bontrager does not give his students any feedback and comes extremely judgmental when opinions are spoken on. His class solely depends on lectures that are repetitive and hard to stay focused on. It seems like no one in class is interested in what he has to say.
Difficult to follow and understand. The test are difficult if you have no previous knowledge of subject.
He was very smart and interesting. However, when it came time for tests and quizzes, they were nearly impossible. I did all the reading and work and was participating, thinking i knew the material... but still could not get above a 60. It was rediculously hard. Also all the questions were analytical, not just something you could memorize.
I had to do entire "group" projects by myself. I did not have the decision to pick my group, instead I was placed into one. I did the work of 6 people while managing my personal life. I made it aware to him that I was the only one active in the group and doing work. In the end, I was still graded out of the entire group criteria. Literally broke me
Biggest complaint with this professor is that he openly admitted to being a stickler for the bell curve on exams, meaning he expects the class average on exams (and I suspect overall class grade) to be a 75. I studied a TON and put 80+ hours into my final project and ended the class with a B, but my grade was somehow an A on the final transcript...
Do not take him. Hands down the worst professor I've had. The entire semester was angroup project with uneven workloads. I am a straight-A student and this was my only B.
Professor Bontrager is a great teacher whose lectures kept me interested the entire class. He used a flashpoints game and a textbook in class. His grading is made up of assignments on inquizitive, tests and some in class assignments. You must come to class and participate in learning in order to make a good grade. The tests can be taken in groups!
Professor Bontrager is very knowledgeable, but his lectures are heavily biased. He is very liberal, which is alright, but you shouldn't be incorporating your own views into your class lectures in my opinion. Don't bother studying for his tests, most of the time they have nothing to do with what is actually taught. Just read and think really hard.
Professor Bontrager did have very strong opinions, but was also passionate about what he spoke of. We had 2 tests total. 2 group projects. 1 personal project. Many of the grades come from an online site where homework is done. Pretty easy tests too. 8/10 would recommend.
I had him my very first semester of college, and it is such a pleasant class to start out with. It is lecture heavy, but he keeps it very engaging. Participation isn't huge, but it definitely helps. Exams are collaborative, the only hard assignment is the final project, and it's more time consuming than difficult. Just don't miss deadlines!
Most of his classes are about him talking a lot and us writing notes. He grades the class out of a 1000 point scale and can be very complicated.
Would be perfect if not for the group projects. Lectures are amazing, sprinkling in his own viewpoints and accepting any as long as you could articulate them. He really challenges how you think about history. Tests are amazing, and really rewarding. Just wish the projects weren't so awful.
An excellent professor. His class is lecture heavy. However, if you pay attention and participate when he engages in discussions, you should have no problems. The textbook is supplemental to the lectures and expands upon what is taught. His tests are not difficult and are collaborative. Group projects are graded based on individual participation.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
71%
Textbook Required
76%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
+0.10 avg changeRatings by Course
HIST2100
5.0
(1)HIST2
5.0
(1)1111
4.5
(2)HIST1102
4.5
(4)HIST2222
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HIST101
5.0
HIST2100
5.0
HISTHIST
5.0
HIST2200
5.0
AMHIST1
5.0