4.3

Todd Culp

Political Science - McHenry County College

4.3
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
93%
Would Retake
96
Reviews
4.3
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
4.3
Helpful
4.3
Clarity

93%

Would Retake

96

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
96 total ratings

5

63

4

22

3

2

2

6

1

3

What Students Say

Personable, interesting, passionate, total genius

PLT251 - 5.0 rating

Very good professor, dont use phones in his class

HIS170 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 20 grades
Most common grades:
A (11)
A+ (3)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(14)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 24 reported grades
A: 11
A+: 3
B: 2
B+: 2
Common Tags
Respected (8)
Get ready to read (6)
Inspirational (5)
Amazing lectures (5)
Participation matters (4)
Hilarious (3)
Gives good feedback (2)
Skip class? You won't pass. (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.02 avg change
May
Nov
Jan
Apr
Jul
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

151

5.0

(1)

USHISTORY3

5.0

(1)

USGOVT

5.0

(1)

VARIOUS

5.0

(2)

PLT151HIS172

5.0

(1)
+29 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HISTORYIII

5.0

PLT151HIS171

5.0

151

4.0

INRELATION

4.0

USHISTORY3

4.0

Reviews (95)
5.0
5.0
PLT151
Feb 25, 2003

No Comments

4.0
3.0
PLT151
Mar 19, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
PLT251
Apr 9, 2004

Culp is a really great guy. His class is a good time and he knows his stuff. Culp liberally follows the syllabus and class materials. A good alternative to Lenio, although Lenio really knows his stuff, too. Check out Culp's vast collection of vests.

5.0
3.0
PLT151
Apr 26, 2004

No Comments

4.0
4.0
INRELATION
Apr 28, 2004

Fun teacher, knows his suff very well. lots of personal experience. He does grade kind of weird though, not a lot of quizzes, it would be an asset to have an outgoing personality to score high in his classes.

5.0
3.0
PLT151
Apr 28, 2004

Awesome guy! Really knows what he is talking about, he seems very interested in his subject, but in the same respect he makes it interesting to his students. To help with your learning, he tells actual stories he has experienced to help you understand.

2.0
3.0
PLT251
May 4, 2004

No Comments

3.0
3.0
HIS172
Oct 13, 2004

Greatteacher-inspired me to become a history teacher!!!

5.0
3.0
HIS172
Nov 11, 2004

Dr. Todd Culp he is a wonderful teacher who truly enjoys what he is doing aand really connects with his students while sending a message and teaching us the material.

4.0
5.0
HISTORYIII
Nov 18, 2004

Hard class, but does a good job on explaining the material. but, i hate the fact that he grades on participation

5.0
4.0
USHISTORY3
Jan 5, 2005

Very smart, but tough

1.0
4.0
PLT
Feb 26, 2005

unclear- boring- uninterested- does not respond to e-mail in timely manner-

4.0
3.0
PLT151
Jul 20, 2005

unclear, uninterested, boring............. did you ever go to class? This guy is an amazing teacher. I have never been interested in any sort of politics, but he makes the class fun and really interesting to attend.

5.0
4.0
PLT151
Grade: Rather_Not_Say
Aug 18, 2005

Amazing teacher. One of the best that I have ever had! Class is very involved but you really get a lot from it.

5.0
4.0
USGOVT
Aug 24, 2005

No Comments

5.0
4.0
VARIOUS
Aug 27, 2005

culp is one of the best teachers i have had. but you have to be willing to get into the class. yeah, he wants you to participate, but you will be glad that you did.

5.0
2.0
VARIOUS
Aug 31, 2005

Quite possibly the best teacher I have had at the college level. He makes things interesting if you are willing to participate. Class can be tough, but you actually learn.

5.0
1.0
PLT151HIS172
Grade: A
Aug 31, 2005

He is quite possibly one of the best teachers i have ever had! He tells history through stories and personal experiences, making the class awesome!

5.0
4.0
INTRELATIONS
Aug 31, 2005

One of the most intelligent and experienced proffesors I've ever met. His stories are some of the most amazing you'll ever hear. A challenging class, but in a good way. He gives you a world of knowledge.

2.0
3.0
USHISTORY2
Sep 8, 2005

No Comments

5.0
5.0
PLT151HIS171
Sep 20, 2005

he is the hardest teacher i have ever had, but i have actually learned something that i can carry with me for the rest of my life! basic knowledge that everyone should know! Awesome always willing to help just a great guy that is very interesting and knowlegable. If you want a challenge and to actually learn something that you can take with you for the rest of your life take DR CULP

4.0
3.0
HIS172
Sep 22, 2005

culp was pretty good guy. i didnt do so hott in the class because he requires participation. if you dont like participating, then dont join this class. hes a good teacher, but its kind of a difficult class.

5.0
4.0
INT251
Sep 29, 2005

Dr. Culp is awesome!!! He's a great teacher with a lot of real world experience in what he teachs.

2.0
5.0
IR
Oct 6, 2005

No Comments

5.0
4.0
IR
Oct 10, 2005

An a amazing teacher. Not sure about his grading, seems like only the midterm and final are all that is counted. I recomend this class anyway even if it involves failing. It is an amazing class.

4.0
5.0
PLT151
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Oct 19, 2005

One of the best i have ever had.

5.0
1.0
ALL
Oct 31, 2005

Culp is probably my favorite teacher of all time, and a damn good person too. He knows what he's talkting about and he teaches in a way that helps you retain information and makes you want to learn more. Plus, I, and many others totally dig his vest collection.

5.0
3.0
PLT151
Jan 19, 2006

OUCH! Mercy!!!6'6" tall dark and handsome. I think this will be my favorite class...no matter what the subject. He's smart, funny well travel and not afraid to break a subject down to the idiot level. I know he's married with kids but this does not decrease his hotness factor one bit! Seriously!

4.0
3.0
IR
Mar 30, 2006

Good class, good instructor. made the class easy to understand

4.0
3.0
HIST172
Aug 22, 2006

Hot. Smart. Sexy. Cool. Smart. Haha. Id recommend him.

5.0
4.0
HIS172
Sep 5, 2006

Best teacher ever-can be intimidating at first. I really learned alot. He gives real life examples and doesn't just stand and lecture.

5.0
4.0
PLA151
Jun 29, 2007

Culp is awesome

1.0
5.0
PLT151
Sep 11, 2007

not the best, by any means!

5.0
4.0
PSC251
Feb 12, 2008

Knows what's important.

5.0
4.0
PLT251
Jun 27, 2008

I love hearing the real life stories he tells in class. He has seen so much of the world, it's so cool to talk with someone who has been through so much. He is also super encouraging and funny.

5.0
4.0
PLSC211
Jul 11, 2008

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5.0
4.0
PLT251
Jul 16, 2008

Had him for Government and International Relations, great teacher highly recommended.

5.0
3.0
HIS271
Aug 27, 2008

Great teacher...and he's funny:)

5.0
3.0
PLT251
Nov 12, 2008

I'm currently in 2 of Culp's classes; International Relations and American Gov't. Culp is probably one of the best teachers I've ever had. He has an amazing amount of knowlege about the world and includes very interesting personal experiences. His classes have truly changed the way I think and have led me to pursue a career in Political Science.

5.0
4.0
PLT155
Nov 17, 2008

One of the best teachers I've ever had!!!

4.0
3.0
PLTSCI
Feb 17, 2009

Dr. Culp is gifted story-teller, however, with time it becomes easier to notice how often he actually drifts into story-telling. Most of the time the stories are about "how much I've been through and seen" and "I am a fairly large, strong man". Fascinating the first time in international relations but annoying the second time around for U.S. Gov.

5.0
1.0
PLT251
Mar 2, 2009

THE BEST EVER- crazy if you dont like him- in any way;)

5.0
1.0
PLT151
Oct 14, 2009

Unbelievably great teacher. great if you are acctually going into the area of political science for your major. if your not willing to give 200% every class, then dont bother.

5.0
4.0
POL252
Oct 26, 2009

Culp is a great professor. Instead of using often one-sided, college mandated textbooks...he does his homework and uses literature that actually makes you understand what and WHY things happened. Highly recommend!!

5.0
5.0
PLT151
Dec 3, 2009

Todd Culp is without question, the most life changing teacher I have had my entire life. He is gifted beyond words and it is incredible to see how much you can tell he actually does care about his students. If you are looking for an easy A, go elsewhere. If you are looking to have your eyes opened and minds challenged, take this class.

5.0
4.0
PLT151
Dec 17, 2009

I have never been into politics, ever. Culp made it extremely interesting. We did these simulations which gave a hands on experience. I'd advise not to miss class especially during a simulation. His lectures are amazing, but somewhat distracting because of his good looks.

5.0
1.0
HIST172
May 18, 2010

Good teacher, I took him online and was a breeze. If had any questions all I did was ask and he answered quickly. I'm taking another class with him in the Fall. Just do you work and you'll pass easily.

5.0
4.0
POL151
Jul 28, 2010

hands-down the best professor you could possibly find. Smart, helpful, caring, funny as hell, real, honest, and sincere. You couldn't ask for a better person to be teaching you, let-alone professor. It may get overwhelming at first, but it's all worth it. I would take every one of my classes with him, he's that great!!

5.0
1.0
HIS172
Aug 10, 2010

Outline is clearly written. He will typically respond within 24 hours to all emails. Lenient on late material if you do all of your work. Quizzes were probably the easiest that you will ever have to take.

5.0
2.0
HIST153
Sep 28, 2010

Awesome Awesome teacher. I recommend him to anyone and everyone!!!

5.0
3.0
HIS170
Oct 21, 2010

Take this class- plain and simple. I have never enjoyed a history class until this one. He is an excellent storyteller and that is why you will remember what you learned in this class.

5.0
1.0
HIS172
May 6, 2011

took online, very good very easy A or B! Culp also has real life experienace, be prepared to read his book but it is an easy read.

5.0
2.0
HIS172
May 9, 2011

He was awesome! So much passion, very knowledgeable, and a incredible speaker! Highly Recommended!

5.0
2.0
PLT151
May 17, 2011

Great man who had a lot of experiences in his life. Very good speaker and sarcastic. I enjoyed having him as a teacher. The only thing that I have to complain about was that he had people read his book. The book was overall OK, it was easy but didn't understand why it had to do with US Government. Overall great teacher. You either love or hate him.

4.0
3.0
PLT251
Sep 22, 2011

Culp is a very intelligent man with a passion for what he does. He is an exceptional teacher but he seems a little self-obsessed. His self-promotion and egotism can be trying at times. Overall, very good; I would recommend him to anyone.

5.0
2.0
PLT150
Nov 2, 2011

Great teacher, learned a lot

4.0
4.0
PLT151
Mar 7, 2012

He's a bit egocentric but a very good teacher. Learned a lot about the Middle East and their problems in a American Poly Sci class. Go figure. He will make you buy his book. Not a bad read- more of a story book than a text book so that is a bit of a break.

5.0
1.0
HIS170
Mar 23, 2012

He's a good teacher. Very clear, and willing to give very good help. You have to buy his book, even though it's on Palestine in a U.S. History course, but it's not very long or expensive. Other than that, he's a fantastic teacher. Some people seem to think that he is a difficult teacher, but he really isn't.

4.0
3.0
US151
Apr 19, 2012

Hey is a good teacher, and really knows what he is talking about. I would tell anybody to take him beacuse you really come out of the class with a better understanding

5.0
3.0
PLT150
May 10, 2012

He's a great teacher. His online course was a lot of work, he expects students to write pretty long discussion posts, but they aren't hard to write. A lot of reading, but that is to be expected of an online course like this. He's a great teacher, but he does require a bit of work.

5.0
3.0
HIS170
Aug 9, 2012

Amazing teacher! keeps you involved. NEver a boring class!

5.0
2.0
HIST172
Dec 15, 2012

very very easy class if you pay attention. show up to class and he keeps it very interesting and fun. best teacher at the college.

5.0
1.0
PLT150
Jan 22, 2013

I recommend this teacher and class to everyone I know who goes to MCC. He uses simulations instead of notes and tests to gain your interest and understanding on how the government works. The simulations are always fun and actually made me want to attend class everyday. Plus, his lectures are more like hilarious stories with history added to them.

5.0
3.0
PLT150
May 12, 2013

I took the online class, and I have no interest in politics at all. I thought he dd a good job teaching the class, and giving students the chance to do good even if they do not fully understand. If you read the assigned reading you will do fine in this class.

1.0
3.0
PLT151
May 15, 2013

A good class with a bad teacher. He is very unclear and does not help you through the class at all. If you have questions he is very unclear in his responses. He does not help out students when they ask questions. He can also be extremely rude in his responses to students. I would not take this teacher again!!!!!!!!!

4.0
2.0
HIS170
Aug 6, 2013

Professor Culp was awesome! He has personally visited the occupied territories in Israel and his expertise really showed. Very interesting class and not too difficult. Thank you!

5.0
2.0
HIS172
Aug 6, 2013

Todd is such a great teacher, I felt like instead of lecturing us on historical events, he told them like a story that made it interesting to listen to! There was a LOT of reading for homework that had pop quizzes and the points do add up, but the reading is interesting too. I'm taking another one of his classes cause I loved it so much!

4.0
3.0
HIST101
Aug 8, 2013

He was awesome. So awesome. It's a little tricky taking notes in his class you really have to listen. He does random quizzes and they're two questions 5 points each. If you read the books you're fine. he was amazing and I'd take another class with him in a heart beat. He's very funny and laid back.

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Oct 17, 2013

Honestly the best teacher I've had in my entire life, I could just listen to him talk the entire class period and not be bored. He is very genuine about what he talks about. I now judge teachers from 1-Dr.Culp. Not a single teacher I've had from both NIU and UWGB have come close to how amazing he is. I wish more teachers were as passionate as him!

5.0
1.0
HIS172
Grade: Pass
Nov 6, 2013

I took 20th century history and he makes history actually fun to listen to. Participation is part of your grade, the mid-term and finals are essays and you get to write a notecard for assistance. You will also need to read his book and write a paper but it's super interesting! GOOD history buff.

5.0
3.0
PLT151
Mar 6, 2014

Dr. Culp is the best teacher I have ever had. His lectures are incredibly interesting and fun to listen to because he speaks from real life experience and is an amazing story teller. It is refreshing to have a teacher that has as much real life experience in his field like Culp has. He has traveled to the middle east in war zones for 20 yrs

2.0
4.0
HIS170
Grade: B
Oct 7, 2014

This guy doesn't set dates for big assignments leaving students wondering when they're due, then when a student asks when they're due he makes them feel humiliated. This guy is terrible, I will never take one of his classes again. I am getting 100% on all the quizzes and tests but the second you miss one DISCUSSION your grade drops a whole letter.

5.0
3.0
PLT171
Oct 27, 2014

I took three online classes my first semester and his was by far my favorite. Everything's really organized so I know exactly what to expect. Although there is a lot of reading and interpreting the info I enjoyed it. I'm still taking this class but I have already registered for two other classes he teaches for next semester!

5.0
2.0
HIS172002
Grade: B
Dec 4, 2014

Todd has a pretty good background in the stuff he teaches... U.S. history was covered in depth, and yet I learned more about the PakistaniIsraeli conflict and European history than high school ever taught me. Thanks, Todd.

5.0
2.0
POT151002
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2014

Todd uses humor and his life experiences to get his point across. I learned about things that influenced me to be a smarter, more aware citizen of this country. 5 easy quizzes worth 10 points. 3 simulations which are very hands on interactive and fun if you are social and willing to do basic research.

2.0
5.0
PLT251
Apr 7, 2015

Honestly this class was so interesting until it got to where you have to write papers. You have to write a lot of papers and do a lot of stimulations. Basically you have to write a lot and participate. He's rude when you ask him questions.

4.0
3.0
HIS172
Grade: Not sure yet
May 8, 2015

Dr Culp is a pretty good teacher. His lectures are really interesting and he uses personal stories to enhance them. Assignments are few and far between and while they can be challenging, he is an easy grader. You do need to buy his book in order to do the term paper but it's cheap and somewhat interesting. You can live without the other 2 books

5.0
4.0
151
Grade: B+
May 18, 2015

Really great professor, Dr. Culp is so funny, and is willing to help you if you don't understand something. We did in class simulations that help you understand how government works, which was fun from the typical lecture type class. I recommend taking this class with this professor, just be ready to put in the work.

4.0
4.0
PLT151
Grade: A+
Jul 23, 2015

Interesting guy and classes are awesome (for the most part)! Looked forward to every class. Do the reading. Culp Challenges you to challenge yourself. Great at teaching students how to be critical thinkers. Extremely knowledgeable in his field of political science. Participation and attendance are totally necessary for success. Mind Opening

2.0
4.0
PLT251
Grade: B-
Apr 18, 2016

Culp has been my least favorite professor so far at MCC. He is an easy grader, but is standoffish, unhelpful, and a little full of himself. Do not take his classes if you do anything other than school as you cannot miss a single class. He doesn't follow a rubric or schedule whatsoever and does not care to work with you if you need help.

5.0
2.0
PLT251
Grade: A+
Nov 29, 2016
Would take again

Personable, interesting, passionate, total genius. Kind of felt like a "cool uncle" you only see once a year and you're always hyped to hear his amazing stories. As far as the class itself goes, I learned things I never would have elsewhere. There were exactly 0 tests, a few easy papers. Easy pass.

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
PLT151
Grade: A
Jun 13, 2017
Would take again

His class was one of the few classes that really taught me valuable lessons that I apply to everyday life. He's not an easy teacher but he isn't harsh either. If you're going to ditch class and email your classmates, you won't pass this class.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
3.0
HIS170
Nov 11, 2017
Would take again

Very good professor, dont use phones in his class.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
HIS172
Nov 29, 2017
Would take again

He is a very genuine, hilarious guy. He knows what he is talking about and has very interesting stories because he has had such a unique life. I would HIGHLY recommend taking a class from him. It shifted how I approach history.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
HIST153
Grade: A
Jan 14, 2018
Would take again

Mr. Clup is a very good teacher. His lectures are interesting to listen to and his connections are easy to understand. Do to the fact the class was a twofer relating to the history of soldiers returning home from war, Mr. Culp offered much insight to the topic because of his experience as a vet. This offered a deeper understanding with discretion.

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
HIST153
Grade: A-
Jan 15, 2018
Would take again

Although I watched videos by Dr. Culp & read his book, I never met him; this was online. He is clearly knowledgeable/passionate about history. I often had a difficult time determine what he was looking for in the weekly discussion assignments; he rarely gave any feedback; just a grade. US History should not focus on Palestinian/Israeli conflict.

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
3.0
PLT251
Grade: B+
Nov 9, 2020
Would take again

Culp was a great choice when I was desperate to add an extra class. I added his class solely on his grade on this website. His zoom classes are actually quite entertaining and his book is an interesting read also. It's insane how much he knows about this stuff.

Respected
Get ready to read
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: A
Feb 3, 2021
Would take again

LOVED Todd! Super cool and just wants you to do the work to the best of your ability. Teachers in a different style, but it makes history way more interesting. He really does care about his students and if you ever need help (school or not) he'll be there for you! Great story teller for both history and personal life. Wish I could've had him again

Respected
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
4.0
2.0
HIS170
Grade: A
Apr 27, 2021
Would take again

Assignments were the same every week. Read section, discussion, quiz, and one midterm paper. Two history books are read simultaneously in both USHIS 1 and 2. It was straightforward and grading was not tough. I would take this professor again.

3.0
3.0
PLT251
Grade: A
May 6, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He has no grading criteria. He gives super vague assignments and expects you to read his mind to know what he is looking for. He will take points off and not tell you why and just write " Great paper!" with nothing else. Very few homework assignments so the papers and projects mean everything but you're rolling the dice every time with your grade.

Participation matters
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
PLT251
Grade: A
Nov 9, 2021
Would take again

Todd Culp has left me with plenty of stories to tell people during his time in the Middle East, which also allows him to have great insight into the class he teaches. Being so experienced in the field he teaches (Political Science) means you will easily understand the curriculum. Moreover, Dr. Culp slots time to just ask questions and discuss.

Respected
Get ready to read
Inspirational
4.0
2.0
PLT151
Grade: A
Jan 17, 2022
Would take again

Really enjoyed this class and got through it pretty easily. 5 question quiz and a discussion post every week. Just make sure to use sections from the book and reference because he is a stickler about that. He didn't give much feedback, but if you do what he wants, it shouldn't be too hard.

Participation matters
Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
5.0
3.0
PLT151
Grade: A
Apr 14, 2022
Would take again

I took Todd Culp's PLT-151 online. You had short quizzes and discussion posts per chapter. You also had to complete a term paper. The class was pretty easy, just be sure to read the textbook and cite it in you posts. Overall, he gave great feedback on your thoughts and challenged your perspective.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Respected
5.0
3.0
ALL
Grade: A
Jul 21, 2022
Would take again

Very lecture heavy, but he makes the lectures so interesting and makes the time fly so fast with his amazing stories about his personal life and throughout history.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Inspirational
5.0
2.0
PLT251
Grade: A+
Dec 8, 2025
Would take again

I took his International Relations class and absolutely loved it. He draws from book knowledge and real-life experience when covering many heavy topics, with his lectures being a highlight of my time in the class. The class was smaller, and that made some scenarios we played through fun and exciting. 10/10 would take this class again and again.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 20 grades
Most common grades:
A (11)
A+ (3)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(14)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 24 reported grades
A: 11
A+: 3
B: 2
B+: 2
Common Tags
Respected (8)
Get ready to read (6)
Inspirational (5)
Amazing lectures (5)
Participation matters (4)
Hilarious (3)
Gives good feedback (2)
Skip class? You won't pass. (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.02 avg change
May
Nov
Jan
Apr
Jul
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

151

5.0

(1)

USHISTORY3

5.0

(1)

USGOVT

5.0

(1)

VARIOUS

5.0

(2)

PLT151HIS172

5.0

(1)
+29 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HISTORYIII

5.0

PLT151HIS171

5.0

151

4.0

INRELATION

4.0

USHISTORY3

4.0

Similar Professors