2.8

Shannon O'Bryan

History - Greenville Technical College

2.8
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
23%
Would Retake
124
Reviews
2.8
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
2.9
Helpful
2.8
Clarity

23%

Would Retake

124

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

38

4

13

3

15

2

17

1

41

What Students Say

The course itself is not hard but he makes it hard

HIS104 - 3.0 rating

There is no test review nor study guild for online students

HIS201 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

86%

Textbook Required

88%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 50 grades
Most common grades:
A (23)
B (8)
A+ (8)
Grade Distribution
A(31)B(9)C(3)D(7)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 66 reported grades
A: 23
B: 8
A+: 8
Drop/Withdrawal: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (41)
Participation matters (24)
Tough grader (23)
Lots of homework (21)
Test heavy (8)
So many papers (6)
Graded by few things (4)
Lecture heavy (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.78 avg change
Jan
Mar
Apr
May
Oct
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HIST201

5.0

(4)

HISTORY

5.0

(1)

WESTERNCIV

5.0

(1)

NONWESTCIV

5.0

(1)

HIST101

5.0

(3)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIS104W02

4.5

HIS102

4.3

HIS104

4.1

HSS295

4.0

HIST105

4.0

Reviews (124)
5.0
2.0
HIST201
Jul 21, 2005

Great teacher. Always had jokes with the lectures. Made the class very interesting. I loved going to that class. Very funny guy, made the class lots of fun!

5.0
1.0
HIS201
Aug 24, 2005

Mr O'Bryan was one cool teach , always interesting and he really is helpful in describing the facts insted of just giving you name and dates.

5.0
1.0
HISTORY
Aug 25, 2005

Very nice guy- Always in a good mood..And told lots of jokes. He always made class fun and interesting. Plus, he grades pretty easy..just do his little assignments and youll be fine!

5.0
2.0
HIS202
Aug 30, 2005

He's the man!!!!!!

5.0
2.0
WESTERNCIV
Oct 10, 2005

No Comments

5.0
3.0
HIS108
Mar 3, 2006

Shannon is the man, he has helped me out alot and makes an effort to make sure students understand the material. I strongly recommend the class-by-committee HIS 108 since he teaches with two other profs. If interested in E.Civ. take this class.

5.0
1.0
NONWESTCIV
Apr 9, 2006

I love Mr. OBryan! He's so fun to listen to in class, makes you actually want to pay attention!

5.0
4.0
HIS201
Apr 19, 2006

He's a great teacher, he kept coming to class even though he was losing feeling in his back (he threw it out). Hope he feels better soon. Makes history interesting.

5.0
5.0
HIS101
Aug 14, 2006

Mr. O'Bryan is a great guy and knows his material, but his tests cover a wide range of material and are very hard to study for. His idea of a study guide is to post his entire lecture (20-30 pages) for your review. He does care deeply for his students and I would enjoy having him again. Thanks Shannon... for everything.

4.0
4.0
HIS101
Dec 1, 2006

Mr. O'Bryan made history interesting. I always had this theory that history was just a lot of boring stories from the past. He linked the lecture material to a present movie or a method that you would understand. This helped you understand the lecture material. I had his His-101 course this summer. Mr. O'Bryan will work with you as long as you are

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Jan 16, 2007

Mr. O'Bryan is awesome. He is so funny and makes learning fun and interesting. His tests are pretty easy if you study. His outlines however, are very difficult decipher. I enjoyed this class (made an A) and hope to take another one of his classes in the future.

5.0
2.0
HIS112
Nov 29, 2007

He's great! He gives you everything you need to pass. The tests are easy if you study. The class moves fast and you will take a lot of notes. Definitely would recommend.

3.0
4.0
HIS102
Dec 11, 2008

He gives interesting lectures, but his tests cover a lot of material! Actually, a lot is an understatement. He offers many chaces for xtracrdt! Very easy going, but make sure you are in class! He even said once, that anything he says, draws on board, or is in the book is all fair game, to be on the tests. So, make sure your STUDY!!!

5.0
2.0
HIST104
Apr 24, 2009

He is a great teacher! i hated history before i took his class but he makes everything really interesting. If you attend classes then the tests are very easy. The tests come straight from his lectures so they arent hard! He offers extra credit too! He is awesome!

5.0
3.0
HIST104
May 5, 2009

I was a student in Mr. O'Bryan's History 104 and 112, he is a great teacher. He always tells stories to keep students interested. He gives alot of information, but also offers extra credit. He makes history interesting and enjoyable. I deffinately recommend him to anyone.

2.0
4.0
HIS104
May 13, 2009

Nice guy. Way too much info on exams, so much so you can't keep anything straight. Tends to jump around from one topic to the next in class which makes things that much more confusing. The first 20 mins of class every day are wasted by answering the same questions students asked over and over to run through time. Won't take again.

3.0
4.0
HIST104
Sep 24, 2009

O'Bryan is ok, but not the best. Kind of confusing. Jumps around topics alot. He gives alot of stuff to cover for tests. I would not reccomend to take him.

5.0
3.0
HIS101
Oct 10, 2009

He is good and tries to keep it fun in class. Be sure to follow his direction to the letter.

5.0
4.0
HIS105
May 5, 2010

Awesome guy and a great instructor. Funny, funny man who jokes a lot. Make sure to go to class tho as his lectures are largely what the tests are based on. He's very fair, just do the work and show up to class and follow his instructions closely. You'll cover lots of material, so take good notes!

4.0
4.0
HIS104
May 5, 2010

Ok teacher, alot of workload, gets off topic too much, tests are challenging but not too hard

2.0
5.0
HIS102
May 25, 2010

Jumps around too much! Gives alot of lectures, just doesn't really help with telling you what you need to know.

4.0
3.0
HIS101
Jul 17, 2010

Funny teacher. I got an A in the class as a senior in high school. Just make sure you go to class and take notes because the tests are based off the notes. And if he writes anything on the board memorize it! =)

5.0
1.0
HIST202
Jul 22, 2010

Probably the only professor in the world that can make US history interesting. Very funny, likes to keep students interested in lectures. Tests are based off lecture so class is pretty much mandatory. Tests are very easy. Tells you whats going to be on it on review day. Only history teacher to take.

5.0
1.0
HIS101
Jul 28, 2010

Great history teacher. Made an A in the class and the tests were so easy. Almost no workload and he's really funny. Cool guy and definitely take him for history.

4.0
3.0
HIS202
Aug 12, 2010

One of Tech's better teachers. Lectures & you take your own notes. Does not follow text book but gives some test questions from it. Does not give study guide and my class only had 2 test reviews that didn't cover all test material. Lots of extra credit. Overall good guy who cares about students. It was challenging to me and I still made an A.

5.0
4.0
HIST101
Sep 29, 2010

One of the best history teachers ive ever had the pleasure of being in class with. He takes a true intrest in the materials and in your understanding of the lectures. I've had him 4 times now (american and world history) each class has been full of new information i had never known. Tests for the most part are easy if u pay attention and study.

2.0
4.0
HIST105
Dec 4, 2010

Terrible. Does not follow syllabus with his teaching but expects you to still turn in journals and maps even though he has not tought about any of it. So behind that he only taught 2 days on our last chp then gave a test to fit it in before the exam. Very unorganized. Does not grade half your work until the very end of the semester.

5.0
2.0
HIS105
Dec 9, 2010

Mr Shannon is a great teacher with an interesting point of view on everything. I took his online class and passed it with ease. The tests are all easy to study for by taking the practice quizzes. The journals are free form, letting you think instead of just reporting. There is an active exchange of ideas and information. A great instructor.

3.0
2.0
HIS105
Dec 12, 2010

Mr. O is an enthusiastic teacher who makes learning the lessons fun, easy and interesting. He's extremely engaging. However, he is very unclear about what he expects of the class and always answers all questions as "refer to the syllabus."

4.0
4.0
HIS104
Mar 12, 2011

Cool guy. Makes class somewhat interesting. Maybe it's me, but he would always get off topic and overload us with journals and maps. Personally, the maps never helped me as we never looked at the textbook. I NEVER opened the text and still made a B+ for the class. You have to take good notes, or you WILL fail.

5.0
2.0
HIST201
Mar 29, 2011

LOVE THIS TEACHER! He's totally awesome and hilarious. The material is extremely interesting and as detailed as it can get in an intro class. I'm enjoying it thoroughly.

4.0
3.0
HIS105
May 6, 2011

Best teacher at tech. He is corny but fun and goofy. Is very willing to help and makes sure you know the material. I never took notes or read the book and made A's on all test because he goes over everything and puts notes online. There is a good bit of work (about 1.5 assignments per week.). Grades assignmetns within 24 hours.

2.0
2.0
HIS105
May 10, 2011

Prof. only somewhat helpful. Course was very confusing. It was like a puzzle to figure out where everything was and what was required. I would not recomment but if you do take this expect to be frusterated throughout. Not a bad guy. I get the impression he really tried but still..oh yeah, dont do the reading, just study the quizes and lectures

5.0
4.0
HIS201
Aug 19, 2011

I love this teacher, I took a few different classes of his. He is fascinated by history and teaches it like he sees it. It's nice to see a teacher actually care about their material. He's helpful, funny. But if you're looking for an easy A this isn't the class for you. There's a good bit of work outside the classroom, its a pain.

2.0
5.0
HIST104
Sep 25, 2011

Professor O is a horrible teacher. His lectures have no clear direction and absolutely no organization. Also, all his assignments are subjectively graded (i.e: creative maps and journal entries). History major and he makes me hate history. Nice guys, means well- should not be teaching.

5.0
3.0
HIST201
Oct 27, 2011

Mr. O'Bryan is quite possibly one of the best teachers. I had him for 101, 201, and 202. By saying that, there is effort that goes into the class. He is a tough grader, but usually curves tests. He requires a paper or journal entries (paper is preferred). It is all lecture, and you have to take good notes, never read the book once. Do the work!

5.0
3.0
HIS104
Dec 14, 2011

I really liked Mr. O'Bryan's teaching style. He's a really nice guy and if you actively participate in the lectures you'll do much better in his class. His class is not easy as he expects a lot of work from his students but that is his way of making sure they truly learn and don't just memorize facts. He makes a mundane subject more interesting.

5.0
3.0
HIS105
May 3, 2012

He looks great and is an awesome instructor. He has to be one of my favorites and I will take him again! You have to take a lot of notes and study, but he is so much fun.

5.0
2.0
HIS108
May 3, 2012

Best professor at Tech! Amazing lecturer and really cares about his students. He does have a lot of assignments but grades them in a timely fashion. He made me feel like I was somebody and that history matters!

5.0
3.0
HIS104
Aug 1, 2012

Online class. Not my favorite material, but not impossible if you take the quizzes (lots of test questions come from them even though they don't count towards your grade). He is the kindest and most considerate teacher I had this semester. Follow his directions precisely and you will do well.

4.0
5.0
HIS104
Aug 5, 2012

If you're looking for an easy class, this is not it. Mr. O'Bryan is a good teacher but requires ALOT of outside work. His test are also extremely hard and half the time they are over material we don't cover in class, due to so much. (very frustrating) However, if you do all the extra credit, you will pass his class with a surprisingly good grade.

5.0
3.0
HIST201
Sep 12, 2012

Excellent History teacher. Knows his stuff. Follow his lectures and read the chapters he tells you to, and you will pass with flying colors. Complete any extra credit he gives, do all journals or essays, do all maps if assigned. You will do awesome. Also he is really funny, he loves joking with the class, and best of all he WILL help you if you!

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Apr 2, 2013

The man has a gift. You will learn through his intriguing enthusiasm for his passion for History...What a treat to of run accross such an outstanding instructor...Hope to bump into him in Patagonia one day!

5.0
2.0
HIS105
May 6, 2013

His tests were the exact same questions as his practice quizzes (which you can take multiple time). Unfortunately, I didn't realize that until my 3rd test!

2.0
2.0
HSS295
Dec 15, 2013

He seems to be a liked teacher, however he wasn't a very good teacher for HSS 295. This was his first semester teaching the course. he was very unorganized and could be really rude. There are no tests in this course though. The course was pretty easy, but the Mr.O was not a very teacher for this course. Try to take someone else if you can.

1.0
5.0
HIS201
Grade: Fail
May 6, 2014

Mr. O is a terrible teacher. I had him for HIS 201 online and he said that chapter quizzes were due the morning of the first day of exams. Little did I know that the morning of constitutes 12 midnight on the day of the exam. This dropped my grade to a 37 in the class. I will never take his class again! Very rude on email communication also.

3.0
5.0
HIS108
May 8, 2014

He doesn't take good papers, if you fail to show him the power point. Was a little high on power. Never taking another one of his classes.

5.0
3.0
HIS108
May 10, 2014

This is one of the best teachers in Gvltec. He is very knowledgeable and teaches classes in a fun way. l would definitely recommend taking his classes. You can get an A in this class, take the projects seriously (good grade booster). Read the powerpoints in and out for the exam and you will get an A.

1.0
4.0
HIS104W02
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Jul 7, 2014

Probably the worst teacher I have dealt with at Greenville tech thus far. Preaches using netiquette in his online course yet shows blatant disrespect towards the students. Just terrible teacher with lectures unrelated to tests.

1.0
5.0
HIS104W02
Aug 8, 2014

Requires so much reading out of the book, and then his assigned lectures are all written as a conversation. There are NO study guides and the chapters are broken up with a page from several different chapters... OVERALL TERRIBLE TEACHER--Barely passed, and I had a 3.8 GPA.

4.0
3.0
HIS105
Grade: B
Aug 17, 2014

Professor O'Bryan was very straight forward with his expectations, and when ever I had a problem or question he responded asap. I have no complaints about his class. There is alot of Info from 1500-Present so be ready to do some studying.

2.0
5.0
HIS201
Sep 24, 2014

Not a good professor.

1.0
5.0
HIS104
Grade: C+
Oct 20, 2014

I was so excited when I started HIS 104 because I love History and from the first day I could tell O'Bryan was a brilliant guy and so fun. And class is very interesting, but he does not giving any notes or study guides, so it is very difficult to study for tests.

2.0
4.0
HIS104
Grade: A-
Nov 21, 2014

I was really looking forward to this class because I love history, but I am so disappointed. His tests cover lots of information at one time, which is fine, but I never really know what to expect on the test because the lecture notes are so all over the place.

4.0
4.0
HIS104
Grade: A
Dec 9, 2014

If you are not passionate about history, andor won't work hard, then Mr. O is not the teacher for you. His class is difficult, because there are centuries of material to cover in only one semester, but Mr. O provides extra credit opportunity to make up a bombed test. Willing to help you understand the material, but doesn't put up with laziness.

4.0
3.0
HSS295H01
Dec 10, 2014

Professor O'Bryan made this class more enjoyable . HSS-295 Honors takes a lot more time outside of class doing readings and assignments, but it is all worth it. You get to know more about leadership in this class and know your own leadership style and qualities. Be prepared to work and you will do great.

3.0
4.0
HIS104003
Grade: A
Jan 11, 2015

Mr. O'Bryan was alright

3.0
3.0
HIS105
May 14, 2015

Do all the quizzes and do them several times! The test is based on about 85% of all the quizzes. Do the journals and especially do the extra credit its pretty simple. At first everything is confusing to find, but you should be fine.

2.0
5.0
HIS101
Grade: C-
Oct 15, 2015

Hes a very hard teacher. When taking notes he'll say somethings going to be on the test, then it ends up not being on the test and other things we briefly went over will be. It's annoying not knowing whats going to be on the test because you learn so much at once. He does give extra credit, but its almost mandatory because you do so bad on the test

3.0
5.0
HIS104
Nov 30, 2015

The course itself is not hard but he makes it hard. His map assignments are very unorganized and time consuming. I had to label at least 5x more than what I had to label in GEO 102. When I study history, I want to know happened and why. What he does is make you memorize lists after lists and facts related to the events/historical figures.

3.0
4.0
HIS104
Grade: B
Aug 5, 2016
Would take again

O'Bryan is a very difficult teacher. I heard other students complain about him, but I LOVED his teaching. He was funny and interesting. He's been a lot of places, and his stories or jokes helped me remember things. Lots of things on the tests are from the book rather than lectures. If you enjoy a challenge and history, this is for you.

1.0
4.0
HIS104W02
Grade: B
Nov 16, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Love history or used to. Textbooks were written in the order they were for a reason. No need to dissect the book into 100 confusing sections on a spreadsheet. Grades heavily on grammar and sentence structure yet his lectures are so full of typos, misspelling and poor overall grammar they are a challenge to read. Awesome class though.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
5.0
3.0
HSS295H01
Grade: A+
Dec 18, 2016
Would take again

Professor O'Bryan is very helpful and does a wonderful job teaching leadership. The class setup in a conference room was an amazing choice. There are many readings that you are expected to read outside of class in order to discuss them in class. The study guides are long, but if you do piece of them after every lecture they will not overwhelm you.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
HIS104W02
Jan 31, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The worst. Very tough person to learn anything from. I spend more time looking for the chapter (work to read) than actually learning and reading about it

5.0
2.0
HSS295
Aug 2, 2017
Would take again

I loved this courses layout and Mr. O! He did such a phenomenal job teaching and demonstrating leadership. There was A LOT of reading so be mindful of that when choosing your classes for the semester. The book is mandatory to have. Your mind will be blown during this course and you will love the class discussions. I would take again!

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Caring
3.0
2.0
HSS295
Grade: A+
Oct 29, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The material covered was interesting but very repetitive. He's a good person but tends to talk about it a lot. LOTS of reading and directions for projects are very limited so you'll find your self "winging it" luckily not a tough grader. Takes points if you don't contribute to class discussion.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
4.0
HIS104
Grade: B
Nov 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Does not give you a clear guideline on what will be on tests. Doesn't seem like he cares about his students' success. Gives you a lot of extra reading material outside of the textbook. Very unclear journal assignments. Some criticism has been very constructive but I still feel like this course is very poorly put together. Would not recommend him.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
2.0
HSS295H01
Grade: A+
Dec 2, 2017
Would take again

He really hyped this class up at the beginning of the semester saying it'd be the best course we'll ever take- it's not. There's a lot of reading you have to do in order to stay on pace with class discussions, and the study guides are long, and taking 4 other classes as well is tough. That being said, discussions were cool, and he's a good prof.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
SO MANY PAPERS
3.0
2.0
HSS295H01
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2017
Wouldn't take again

No tests, but lots of reading material and study guides. There's also essays and a few projects to do. His grading criteria is practically nonexistent. I had to do a group project and we pretty much had to wing it because the rubric was so confusing. A good guy, but a little too disorganized for my liking.

Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GROUP PROJECTS
2.0
3.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Sep 29, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He takes off major points if you don't participate in class discussion and you have to catch a football in class to be able to speak?? Even if you do participate it seems to not be enough for him which will hurt your grade. Talks lot about himself and what he's "accomplished" so you have no real excuses to him if absent or late.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
4.0
HSS295
Sep 29, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Teacher pushes participation but even if you participate every class and answer every question it is not enough. Nothing in this class has clear guidelines. Anytime you ask questions in this class he makes it a point to make you feel stupid.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
3.0
HSS295
Grade: A+
Nov 30, 2018
Would take again

I loved the class and topic itself. O'Bryan is a good guy with good intentions, but I felt that his talking on and on robbed the students of great discussion time. If you disagreed with his opinion, he explained why you were wrong (politely-ish) but still made you feel dumb. It's reading and work heavy, but there are no tests, which is fine by me.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
HSS295H01
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2018
Would take again

O'Bryan is a teacher with quirks. This class has a changing schedule which can be difficult because he is rarely good at communication. He follows the philosophy of less-is-more to a detriment; you WILL have to ask about every assignment in order to get a clear answer. Go in knowing this, and it'll be one of the most inspiring classes you'll take.

Participation matters
Inspirational
Caring
1.0
4.0
HIS201
Grade: C+
Mar 4, 2019
Wouldn't take again

There is no test review nor study guild for online students. You have to write and do quizzes every week. The test includes everything! So basically, you have to study everything (the PP, quizzes, and everything in the book). This class is just too much. I barely have time to work on other classes.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
HSS295
Grade: A-
Aug 6, 2019
Would take again

OBryan is the best teacher I have ever had! All of these comments about harsh grading at him being rude is completely wrong. As long as you do what your supposed to, you will he just fine. This class is a life changer!

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Participation matters
5.0
4.0
HSS295
Grade: A+
Aug 12, 2019
Would take again

Mr. O'Bryan is a wonderful professor! You have study guides due almost every week, which take a while to complete, but just read the syllabus on how to answer the questions and you will be fine. Put in the work and you can make an easy A in this class. Read all material and be prepared for discussions. He cares about every student. Highly recommend

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Caring
5.0
4.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Aug 14, 2019
Would take again

This class requires a great amount of reading the textbook, watching films, evaluating yourself along with your morals and ethics, and Mr. O'Bryan is a phenomenal instructor to have. He is transparent, and understanding. The assignments are lengthy, so don't procrastinate on starting . I loved this class and taking it changed me for the better.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Inspirational
1.0
4.0
HIST108
Aug 27, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I love history- Im majoring in history, and he is the worst professor I have ever had in that subject. Spends his time talking about himself instead of teaching. When he does talk about actual history, its not on the test. I dropped his class. Do not recommend!

1.0
5.0
HSS295
Nov 6, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I took this class as one of my pre-reqs for the nursing program along with BIO 210, expecting it to be easy. This class was the opposite. He assigns a lot of busy work for the class and the class is discussion based. He is a smart teacher, but expect to be doing a LOT of busy work on top of your other classes.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
HSS295H01
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He was disrespectful to students, shaming them for not attending or having a bad grade. His directions were often incomplete. He forgot to post instructions one time, but he lied and said they had been there but he took them down, even though no one in class ever saw them. Would not recommend.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
2.0
4.0
HIS104
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I would not take Prof. O'Bryan again. He was a very tough grader and his tests were hard. He would completely reword and rearrange things for the tests that made it hard to understand how to answer. I passed but it was a hard class and since I'm not really into History, it was difficult for me to get into the material and really understand it.

Graded by few things
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This professor is extremely strict, I don't suggest him you will be extremely stressed out and overwhelmed. He raises his voice ALOT

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
So many papers
2.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A+
Jan 2, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Took this class along with BIO210, HUGE MISTAKE; this class required more time and effort. Lots of reading & watching long clips/films. Long study guides due every other week, super time consuming & impossible to complete even a couple of days before. Instructions were unclear & he often took back things he said, such as extra credit opportunities

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Group projects
3.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Jan 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Mr. O's class is very tough. I wouldn't suggest taking this class with your major classes because you would be stressed to the MAX. Be ready to PUT IN WORK. Attendance and participation are mandatory! You will not pass if you do not come or participate. I barely passed with an A.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HIS104
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 1, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This is by far the worst class that I've taken since being at Greenville Tech. OBryan is condescending, rude and outright disrespectful to his students. His lectures are just ramblings and it takes a lot of digging and luck to figure out what will be on the test. Save your GPA and wait to take this class, or pick a different instructor.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Test heavy
4.0
3.0
HIS105
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2020
Would take again

The negative comments had me worried but this class is fine! The assignments were a little confusing, but I mad 100's. The tests were EASY, you just gotta study. He also gives AMPLE opportunity to get massive amounts of EC! I am not a history major, but this class was informative and I learned from it! Maybe take this class online; I had no issues.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
EXTRA CREDIT
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Aug 6, 2020
Wouldn't take again

There is a lot of reading, you have to do participation. If you want to maintain at least a "B" in the class, I recommend taking participation serious and do the extra credit. Please make sure you do the study guides, it's worth a lot of points. No late work, will be accepted.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Aug 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Does not extend due dates on assignments. The instructor can be rude and sarcastic a lot in class. I recommend getting a different instructor, if you want to take humanities. This is the only instructor who does study guides smh

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Aug 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Class stressful. Barely got any sleep, staying up 2-3 o'clock in the morning still working on study guides. I would not recommend taking this course because it does not transfer, and if you decide you want to this course I recommend getting a different instructor. The instructor does not always go by the course schedule and it's confusing.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
HSS295H01
Grade: B
Aug 8, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Professor O'Bryan was iffy at best, on his good days, and plain rude on his worst. Lots of reading and study guides, 2-3 "short" stories/narratives per day 2 times a week. Could teach very well, but was overly critical when it came time for students to teach back. Had multiple projects that took weeks to do and had all students sign an NDA.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
3.0
2.0
HSS295
Grade: A+
Apr 23, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took HSS295 online and it honestly was not that bad. All you have to do is answer questions on a discussion board two times a week in order to get points for participation. He also doesn't do tests, but assigns study guides which also are not that bad. You also have to do a shadowing project which will take some work, but overall it was fine.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
4.0
4.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Jul 30, 2021
Would take again

Overall I enjoyed the course. Study guides can be cumbersome if done all at once. I suggest getting a used copy of the book to highlight and take notes. Made it was easier when filling out study guides. It is a lot of reading / watching clips or movies. You have to stay on top of it, but not impossible. I took with 3 other courses.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
So many papers
2.0
4.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

O'Bryan lacks empathy/understanding. The course is very confusing, unclear, and cumbersome. He is very short and impersonal when communicating. The "Study Guides" (not sure what they are to be 'studied' for since there are no tests) are SO time-consuming and he takes off massive points for menial things even when SO much effort went in. DON'T TAKE!

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
HIS104
Grade: B+
Feb 23, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Learning the material is never a problem for me but his tests are outrageous. The standard multiple choice is easy but then he wants an essay response. Like a literal ESSAY response on a complete random subject that you most likely only got 5 sentences about during his lecture.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
HIS105
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 15, 2022

Mr, O'Bryan was the worst instructors I have taken at Greenville Tech.I was sick with Covid and had a missing test and quizzes.He still didn't let me make up any work and said he would "need to do research" to see if I could make up anything when I had covid.He doesn't care about students passing the class. The work is very extensive.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Mar 28, 2022
Wouldn't take again

Hes organized the classs content/assignments into the most confusing modules Ive ever seen, and doesnt even follow them in the order hes set. He assigns far too many discussion boards in one week, and half the time I couldnt find the readings Ive needed to access to complete assignments. Not easy to ask questions to either.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
So many papers
1.0
4.0
HIS102
Grade: A+
Jul 28, 2022

Overall I did well in this class. The material was "Busy" and usually unnecessary. I could keep up well with the material and my grades. However, Dr. B was the downfall in this class. Often times he was rude, and thought very highly of himself. Even advisors say to avoid this Professor due to so many complaints. TAKE ANOTHER PROFESSOR!!!!!

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
HIS105
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 5, 2022

This is by far the most confusing and difficult online class I have taken during my 5 semesters at GTC. The professor is no help at all and has very little communication with the students. He is a very harsh grader and gives little-to-no feedback on the grade you received. The course is also hard to navigate on Blackboard.

Tough grader
5.0
4.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2023
Would take again

This class has a TON of reading, and the study guides (which r ur tests) are long. But class is super fun and interactive. If you do the readings u should be fine. I learned so much in this class and would definitely take it again

Get ready to read
Participation matters
So many papers
1.0
4.0
HIS104
Grade: Not sure yet
Aug 2, 2023

I did not like this class at all. It was supposed to be a easy online credit and he made it so difficult with so much work. He emailed back quickly but was always very short and rude and never actually answered my questions. He did not care about personal concerns. The tests are long with 5 paragraph essays most of the time.

Get ready to read
EXTRA CREDIT
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Aug 30, 2023

The layout of this class online is confusing and stressful, this professor does not do a good job at clearing things up. He hides assignments to where they cannot be located anywhere and then asks you why they're late. Does not have course schedule only a hard to read google Calander. I decide to withdrawal from this class after a week.

Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: Rather not say
Sep 30, 2023

Absolutely horrible, would never take his classes again. Minimal communication; calendar and due dates do not reflect the grade book, and hard to reason with. Had him as an advisor; same issues before. I should have known he was like this from earlier experiences, but I thought wrong. Unwilling to be lenient in anything or to provide extra credit.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIS104
Grade: B-
Oct 7, 2023

This is a man that thinks he can change the educational system with a snap of his fingers. His goal is for student to reach a higher level of learning and thinking with little to no effort in doing so. The lectures include him having a hypothetical conversation with himself. He includes a full essay on every test.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
HIS105
Grade: Rather not say
Jan 7, 2024

Most of the course is reading the textbook. As someone else mentioned, there are "lectures" that are just hypothetical questions, they don't take long to read. You will have four practice tests with at least 40 questions and a test with a little over 80 questions due each unit. I personally didn't enjoy this class, but maybe you will.

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
2.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Mar 5, 2024

Would not work with me in the event of a family death. Had to leave my fathers side five minutes after his death to report to this class and let him know what was going on. Threatened the entire groups grade off my situation. He knew I was a full time caregiver.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Group projects
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Apr 18, 2024

honestly, this class is my collage horror story. The students bonded together because we are all traumatized by how unkind this man was. Horrible class, horrible environment. Hated every moment. Spent majority of my time trying to figure out how to find the work he assigned.

Tough grader
So many papers
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jun 6, 2024

If you're reading all these bad posts and saying "he can't be that bad." You're WRONG. He is that bad. He is dismissive, unhelpful, and an extremely strict grader. His Blackboard is an absolute mess, his assignments are legion, and there is quite a bit of reading. Any of these traits alone are not worrisome, but altogether they are awful. STAY AWAY

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
HIS104
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 22, 2024

The content is not hard, however, the teacher insists on not teaching. He writes "lectures" which are imaginary conversation with himself. I wish we were able to ask questions and have him answer those instead of the ones he makes up. He does not teach, you teach yourself. He always seems like he hates his job in all of the assignments given.

1.0
4.0
HIS201
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 29, 2024

If I had known what I know now, I would have tried to have a different professor. It is truly so much reading. He does not do lectures for online class, so you have to read, read, READ! I spend so much time reading and taking notes of what I think will be on the test. It is interesting in ways yes, but I should have learned this in High School.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
HSS295
Grade: B
Jan 13, 2025
Would take again

Be prepared for a challenging yet engaging class. The workload is heavy, but the content is interesting. Utilize study tools like Unstuck ai alongside the textbook to stay on top of the material. Overall, a worthwhile experience if you're willing to put in the effort.

2.0
4.0
HIS201
Grade: B
Mar 3, 2025

On one hand, he's funny and has interesting bits of history that others will not teach because it isn't in the textbook, or they don't want to get into it. On the other hand, he expects you to remember or note full paragraphs on his lecture that he does not include anywhere else so better hope you catch the right section.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 18, 2025

There is a lot of reading and he does not do any lectures. Blackboard was all over the place and didn't know where to start.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
2.0
HSS295
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 22, 2025

I dropped this class even with an A. If you have other major classes and a job, it's so over. Then top it off with an egomaniac professor. This professor has no idea how online or blackboard even works. This leadership class was relatively easy as long as you had the time. I wouldn't take this professor again if it saved my life.

Get ready to read
Lots of homework
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2025

Inconsistent and unorganized and tends to share way to personal stories in class.

4.0
4.0
HSS295
Grade: A
May 2, 2025
Would take again

This class is HARD and he is a tough grader but it forced me to become a better writer. Don't sign up for this class if you think it's going to be an easy A. Reading instructions carefully is crucial, and you must take the time to put in the work. Hard work in this class pays off and there are many opportunities for extra credit.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
2.0
4.0
HIS101
Grade: A
May 3, 2025

Veryyyyyy disorganized blackboard and hard to keep up. Made the class so much harder. Be prepared to read so much material and do so much work for a class that's doing too much. Gets way too personal, do not need to know that much about your personal life. weird.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: B+
May 3, 2025

if you want a class that: - relies on oversharing about himself or his past students - feels like you are walking on eggshells - gives unprofessional responses to questions and emails - has a horrible blackboard set-up - grades inconsistently - gets passive aggressive when you disagree with him then you have come to the right place! enjoy

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
HSS295
Grade: A
Oct 16, 2025

Don't take this professor unless you are okay with receiving homework everyday and receiving very unclear or ambiguous questions.Doesn't always respond to emails was only able to reach him through blackboard.Always copy and pasted the same response for every assignment response he just added the questions which were wrong with no information on why

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
1.0
4.0
HIS201
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2025

Whenever I reach out to him and see he's responded, I grit my teeth EVERTY SINGLE TIME. Even when "walking on eggshells," as other users have said is necessary, he's extremely passive aggressive. You're best off skipping over this teacher. No good will come of taking his class.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
5.0
3.0
HIS101
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2025
Would take again

Dr.O'Bryan is awesome. Teaching style is engaging, enthusiastic & thorough. He's funny & clearly loves history, teaching like it's a book, which makes such a difference. Class is lecture heavy, but keeps material interesting, relates history to real life. Holds panel discussions & review sessions out of class. He clearly cares for his students.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
HIS201
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 14, 2025

way too much work for an elective and disorganized especially if u hv other major classes. don't take this class unless u hv all the time in the world to teach urself literally everything 🥰

Tough grader
Lots of homework
So many papers
1.0
4.0
HIS101
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2025

He has these blackboard assignments, and you have to turn them in 5 minutes after class starts, or you get a zero. On the final day, class started at 11 rather than 11:10 like normal, and I got there at 11:08. Since this is longer than 5 minutes after 11, I got a 0. Grade went from an A- to a B+. Lost 3 points of my whole grade due to 3 minutes.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
3.0
HIS104
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 18, 2025

Worst teacher. Do not take.

1.0
3.0
HIS104
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2025

Sucks at teaching

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

86%

Textbook Required

88%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 50 grades
Most common grades:
A (23)
B (8)
A+ (8)
Grade Distribution
A(31)B(9)C(3)D(7)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 66 reported grades
A: 23
B: 8
A+: 8
Drop/Withdrawal: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (41)
Participation matters (24)
Tough grader (23)
Lots of homework (21)
Test heavy (8)
So many papers (6)
Graded by few things (4)
Lecture heavy (4)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.78 avg change
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Ratings by Course

HIST201

5.0

(4)

HISTORY

5.0

(1)

WESTERNCIV

5.0

(1)

NONWESTCIV

5.0

(1)

HIST101

5.0

(3)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIS104W02

4.5

HIS102

4.3

HIS104

4.1

HSS295

4.0

HIST105

4.0

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