4.3

William Holden

Geography - University of Calgary

4.3
Quality
2.1
Difficulty
88%
Would Retake
223
Reviews
4.3
Quality
2.1
Difficulty
4.2
Helpful
4.4
Clarity

88%

Would Retake

223

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

164

4

27

3

5

2

7

1

20

What Students Say

A great prof, funny, exciting, and passionate

ENSC201 - 5.0 rating

I really appreciated how passionate he is about the things he believes in and stands for

ENSC503 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

24%

Textbook Required

35%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 46 grades
Most common grades:
A (24)
A+ (8)
A- (8)
Grade Distribution
A(32)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(11)
Based on 49 reported grades
A: 24
A+: 8
A-: 8
B+: 3
Common Tags
Hilarious (33)
Amazing lectures (17)
Respected (13)
Clear grading criteria (11)
Amazing lectures (11)
Inspirational (7)
Graded by few things (6)
Test heavy (5)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.30 avg change
Feb
Mar
Apr
Jun
Aug
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

201203

5.0

(1)

ECON2012

5.0

(4)

ECON20120

5.0

(1)

ECO203365

5.0

(1)

ECON20103

5.0

(1)
+26 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ENGG201

4.0

ENSC0000

4.0

201

3.0

321

3.0

GEOG263

3.0

Reviews (223)
5.0
2.0
ECON2012
May 14, 2001

Best Prof at uofc

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Grade: A+
Jul 10, 2001

Very dedicated.

5.0
2.0
ECON201
Grade: A
Sep 7, 2001

Funny guy

5.0
2.0
ECON201
Nov 5, 2001

A huge heart, matched only by his enthusiasm.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Nov 6, 2001

whoa dude

5.0
1.0
ECON20120
Dec 7, 2001

OUTSTANDING!

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Dec 10, 2001

YOU Rule!!!! See you in 203!

5.0
1.0
ECON365
Dec 18, 2001

A unique combination of intellectual and teaching ability. Very helpful!

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Jan 27, 2002

Looks like everyone loves Holden.

4.0
2.0
ECON203
Feb 4, 2002

His act gets old. He repeats the same jokes over and over again.

4.0
2.0
ECON201
Mar 15, 2002

Holden was great! Soooooo funny! Made a boring class interesting!

1.0
1.0
ECON203
Mar 15, 2002

not very funny, all you remember from class is his antics, easy exams though

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Mar 16, 2002

He is amazing

5.0
2.0
ECON2012
Mar 16, 2002

Keep up the good work Holden...

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Mar 18, 2002

Don't let the bad reviews bug you Holden! YOU RULE DA SCHOOL!!!!

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Mar 19, 2002

I can't think of a more stimulating environment than Holden's 203 class.

4.0
1.0
ECON203
Mar 20, 2002

His course is a breeze but didn't prepare me very well for other econ courses.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Mar 26, 2002

what a great guy, somewhat crazy...but funny.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Mar 27, 2002

best prof yet..really makes school more fun!

3.0
1.0
ECON203
Mar 29, 2002

The Guys a novelty funny if you take him once twice is hell needs new jokes bad!

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 2, 2002

No Comments

5.0
3.0
ECON203
Apr 2, 2002

I never miss a class cause he's so funny.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Apr 3, 2002

An excellent teacher. The definition of teaching excellence. Highly intelligent!

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Apr 11, 2002

definitely the kind of course to save for the end of the day.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 15, 2002

The best Prof I've ever had.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 18, 2002

im not in his class but have attended lectures cause he is toooo funny

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 29, 2002

Best prof ever!!

5.0
1.0
ECON2012
May 7, 2002

Excellent instructor. Very funny and makes material easy to remember.

2.0
2.0
ECON200
Jun 10, 2002

The lecture hallis not the place to indulge such contrived eccentricity

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Jul 15, 2002

Hey Holden. Keep on trekking.

5.0
1.0
ECON2012
Oct 20, 2002

Holden is da bomb!!

5.0
1.0
ECON365
Oct 25, 2002

AMAZING!

5.0
1.0
ECON365
Oct 27, 2002

holden is my hero!

1.0
2.0
ECON203
Nov 2, 2002

All I could recall on my final was him acting like robocop in lecture.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Nov 11, 2002

Makes learning fun, haven't skip a class yet

1.0
1.0
201
Nov 27, 2002

he's disgusting and completely out of control, very inappropriate behavior

1.0
4.0
ECON365
Nov 28, 2002

no ethics: He gave all students 100% on midterm even students did make mistakes

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Dec 6, 2002

HILARIOUS. I attended the Jerry Springer lecture twice

5.0
3.0
ECON203
Dec 10, 2002

THE BEST PROF AT THE U!

4.0
2.0
203
Dec 13, 2002

He was really mean to me once for asking a simple question.Hate him for that

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Dec 20, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Jan 23, 2003

holden is the only prof that could drag me to Economics lecture

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Feb 24, 2003

Funny, makes economics interesting!

5.0
2.0
ECON365
Mar 8, 2003

I myself am an Econ major and he is the best prof at the University, period. He knows his stuff and makes it entertaining as well. The only people who dislike him are prudish. If you get to know him personally, you'll find that he is a very nice person

5.0
3.0
ECON203
Mar 19, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Mar 19, 2003

He's a great guy to have early in the morning. He really wakes you up. He's very clever with his stories and analogies, but will we ever get to meet THEE Kevin Minor most of his stories are about?

4.0
3.0
ECON203
Mar 20, 2003

Hell the guy's a legend at the U of C and for good reason. Class is like stand-up comedy, finally a prof that doesn't take things too seriously. Even if you're not interested in Econ at all the course is worth it for the entertainment.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Mar 25, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
ECON203
Mar 25, 2003

He's really a great prof. He makes a boring subject like economics really fun.

4.0
2.0
ECON203
Mar 26, 2003

Holden tells alot of stories even though he doesn't have tenure. I think every student would be happy if he had tenure. Then he'd tell us everything. Not just his frozen African plant, Gorbachev, or him flicking peanuts onto his neighbor's roof.

1.0
5.0
ECON203
Mar 27, 2003

exams use repetitive questions so if u get one wrong, u will get 10 wrong

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Mar 28, 2003

Holden is king. He's the only prof I know that has students regularily attending his class that aren't even enrolled! The highlight of 203 was when he threw a chair at the wall then went on to bark like a seal into the microphone. That is good teaching.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Mar 28, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON
Mar 30, 2003

No Comments

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Mar 31, 2003

Best teacher I have ever had, and one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I really look up to that guy!

4.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 2, 2003

Yells at students Makes fun of students Tells inappropriate jokes Wastes class time with IRRELEVANT stories Regardless of whether he is entertaining Wil Holden SHOULD NOT be teaching He is disrespectful!! Easy tests though- I never go and have a 80%!

4.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 4, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 5, 2003

Very helpful- prompt response to email questions.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 6, 2003

Gets carried away with weird/pointless stories but netherless, is definitely one of the better professors at U of C. Makes class interesting but his jokes do get old after a while. Nice person and cares about his students even though he makes fun of them.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 11, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON2013
Apr 14, 2003

AWESOME, AWESOME, AWESOME. I love him.

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Apr 16, 2003

He makes learning enjoyable with his comic relief. Best professor I've had at the UofC. His tests are a joke, so really the classes aren't necessary but he puts on a show that you do not want to miss.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Apr 18, 2003

Wil Holden is the best person I have ever met. His teaching methods are the best for university classes with large number of students. It is hard not to listen to what he has to say. He never gets boring and his stories only keep the student's attention.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
May 1, 2003

All I have to say is that Holden is da man!!! His classes r awesome .... I had da best time in his class .. he's hilarious and I learned a lot 2 ... the way he teaches makes it easy to remember things ... his online notes were great for da tests

5.0
2.0
ECON203
May 7, 2003

HOLDEN'S DA MAN!!! period.

5.0
1.0
201203
Jun 10, 2003

He's so awesome! Best prof ever. I loved going to his classes They were so funny. Cant miss the Jerry Springer show. U rock Holden!

5.0
4.0
ECON203
Jul 3, 2003

Wil Holden is the only prof. that has ever kept my attention throughout a lecture. Where in most of my classes I'm looking to the clock to see when its over, in holden's the thought of time doesn't even come across my mind. KEEP ROCKIN WIL!

5.0
3.0
ECON201
Jul 25, 2003

The best prof ever. Hilarious and informative at the same time.

5.0
4.0
ECON201
Nov 10, 2003

COOL, OUTSTANDING!!

5.0
2.0
ECO203365
Nov 10, 2003

Great prof. Only squares would not enjoy his lectures. Interesting, entertaining and clear. If you listen carfully, he is a very smart guy and teaches beyond the course. I am not a morning person, yet look forward to his 8 am lectures everytime.

5.0
2.0
ECON201
Nov 12, 2003

Most entertaining prof I've ever had. Probably ranks up there as the best prof at U of C.

2.0
4.0
ECON201
Nov 27, 2003

He's a ****. He seems to get awards by making bad jokes about geeks, socialists, people from rural areas, and people from Saskatchewan. He's arrogant and full of himself. I have no idea how he gets so many teaching awards. Avoid him.

5.0
3.0
ECON201
Nov 30, 2003

Holden you are the best!

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Dec 27, 2003

Best prof I have had yet, got me into economics. However, if you aren't right winged and you are offended easily - not for you. Other than that I guarantee you will go to almost every lecture :)

5.0
3.0
ECON203
Grade: A
Feb 24, 2004

The best prof in Uof C

5.0
4.0
ECON201
Mar 2, 2004

why are his tests so hard though

5.0
4.0
ECON203
Mar 4, 2004

Holden is the best prof I have had so far! The guy is amazing and very funny, I would highly reccomend him for any future classes, trust me, you will NEVER for get him if you attend one of his classes

5.0
1.0
ECON365
Mar 9, 2004

Absolutely the BEST prof I've ever had. Laughed so hard my sides hurt. And he also teaches!

1.0
1.0
ECON2013
Mar 12, 2004

If you want to learn anything about Econ forget it. Instead he'll force his extreme political views on you and repeat the same lame jokes. Obnoxious time waster. Whoever said he was hot must have been in the back row or at the wrong lecture.

4.0
2.0
ECON201
Mar 14, 2004

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Grade: A
Mar 16, 2004

i have taken all of the courses that holden teaches. wow. Does anyone know if he dyes his hair?

2.0
1.0
ECON203
Apr 14, 2004

Making fun of "geeks", humiliating students & wasting class time w/ stupid stories makes him popular, it does NOT make him a good teacher. He is rude, obnoxious, unprofessional and cruel; if his tests were actually challenging I'm sure you'd all

5.0
3.0
ECON201
Apr 18, 2004

Most awesome prof I have EVER had! I actually went to his 9am classes because they were entertaining, AND informative. Never thought I could actually LIKE econ, but he is amazing and makes the material memorable and interesting.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Apr 20, 2004

No Comments

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Apr 21, 2004

He's a great professor, you will have the most fun in this class, I garuntee it. He makes econ very interesting and funny.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Apr 27, 2004

TELL US THE FRIDGE STORY!!! He's a good prof - makes a dull topic like econ far more interesting. Yes, his stories have nothing to do with anything, but at least they help you stay awake for the lecture. Practice exams are always posted, so life is good.

5.0
1.0
ECON
May 20, 2004

The best prof for economics in the world? The man is a genius.

5.0
1.0
ECON201
May 20, 2004

Very helpful!

5.0
1.0
ECON20103
Jun 3, 2004

Funniest guy ever. Pretty easy to as long as you study and do old exams. Just a word of warning, his finals are 150 questions long not 120.

2.0
4.0
ECON203
Jun 14, 2004

Is very entertaining but doesn't teach you jack! Was always a struggle at exam time because you realized how little you had learned but could remember all his funny stories

5.0
3.0
ECON2013
Jul 10, 2004

Great teacher, will keep you laughing all semester long

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Jul 10, 2004

Killer Prof, helped me get an A. Study the practice exams, the anwsers are in front of you! You just have to look for them!

4.0
2.0
ECON203
Jul 11, 2004

Entertaining prof, but sometimes gets off on an unrelated tangent (which can be entertaining but it happens a lot). Sometimes unclear or contradictory about what will/will not be on exams. Not for you if you want someone serious.

5.0
1.0
ECON
Jul 12, 2004

I won't reveal our stories from the Crazy Horse either. Both of us learned more from you there than from Econ!

5.0
2.0
ECON2013
Jul 12, 2004

Holden's class was easy, but not because he marked easy, he's just so damn entertaining that you can't help but pay attention in something as boring as Econ. Congrats on being voted Hottest Prof!

1.0
5.0
ECON201
Jul 12, 2004

No Comments

3.0
4.0
ENGG201
Jul 13, 2004

ahhhhh, got****d in his final exam. Well this is a class where it is impossible to fall asleep in. The prof is soooo enthusiasticly hyper that you would wonder why isn't he in some mental hospital.

2.0
1.0
ECON
Jul 13, 2004

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ECON201
Jul 13, 2004

worships rush limba and beavis and butt-head. need i say more? the guy is an idiot. keep your right-wing politics to yourself and stick to the material wil.

5.0
3.0
ECON203
Jul 13, 2004

Like the fact that outside of class he allows you to debate with him regarding some "sensitive" topics like environmental degradation. Should be teaching ECON, Geography, and Enivro Sci all at once since he's so knowledgeable.

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Jul 30, 2004

One of the best profs ever. =)

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Aug 4, 2004

Wonderful person!

5.0
2.0
ECON
Aug 16, 2004

Excellent teacher to get you through micro and macro economics. He's so entertaining (though quite opinionated). Makes attending class worth it, and getting an A is far from impossible!

1.0
1.0
ECON201
Sep 15, 2004

He's a dork who's shenanigans are compensating for something he feels he's lacking!

4.0
1.0
ECON2013
Sep 30, 2004

No Comments

5.0
2.0
ECON203
Oct 10, 2004

Very knowledgable and fun. One of the best professors I've ever had.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Nov 1, 2004

No Comments

5.0
4.0
ECON201
Nov 11, 2004

Amazing. Keeps class interested right until the end of the lecture. Makes it entertaining so people retain the information they learned. It does not seem like a lecture when you attend his class.

5.0
1.0
GEOG321
Nov 23, 2004

Thanks for making class fun!

4.0
1.0
ECON365
Dec 3, 2004

HILARIOUS. Only class I have never missed a lecture. If you get offended and dont have a sense of humour, dont take it. for the rest of us, it's worth it!

5.0
2.0
ECON201
Dec 10, 2004

best class ive taken in university.... people who think he's a jackass need to loosen up and enjoy the only entertaining prof at our crappy university

5.0
3.0
ECON201203
Dec 13, 2004

great prof. i took both econ 201 and 203 with him, and liked a lot. he made the lecture fun, and it kept going to all the classes...

4.0
2.0
ECON201
Grade: A
Dec 24, 2004

Great Guy, Very entertaining. Has a passion for free speech, so if you get offended easily, it'd probably be best to avoid. But Holden's teaching style is second to none. The final exam is 150 questions though, so study!

5.0
3.0
ECON201
Dec 25, 2004

you know i woulda liked this class more if he didn't make his tests so frickin long and hard. that's the only part about this guy that makes him bad.

5.0
2.0
GEOG321
Dec 27, 2004

I throughly enjoyed his class! Probably one of the best prof ever!! His stories and jokes are hilarious even though they may seem insensitive at times. ^.^ But be warned, his final was tough-120 mc and 118marks from the written. For the written expect questions from unexpected areas!!!

1.0
3.0
201
Jan 13, 2005

politically insensitive and unbearably right-wing. makes bush look like a democrat!

5.0
2.0
GEOG321
Mar 6, 2005

This man is the king of teaching. Arguably the Tiger Woods of his craft. His classes are a joy to attend; his stories are second to none. It's to bad he's gotten tamer since going to a new faculty. Once he gets tenure, look out U of C.

5.0
2.0
ECON201203
Apr 1, 2005

THE MAN. Says it all.

1.0
5.0
201
Apr 1, 2005

No Comments

1.0
1.0
ECON365
Apr 1, 2005

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ECON201
Apr 4, 2005

No Comments

1.0
3.0
ECON365
Apr 19, 2005

I came to University to learn, not to listen to this guy tell his stories over and over again. Don't take 2 classes with him in the same semester, its like deja vu every class.

1.0
1.0
ECON201
May 28, 2005

right wing nutcase. exams were easy though

2.0
2.0
ECON201
Jun 22, 2005

This guy is an idiot and does not know what he is talking about. (He thinks he does...but he really doesn't). Some one call the mental hospital and let them know that Holden is teaching at the U of C!...which btw makes perfect sense.

1.0
2.0
GEOG321
Jul 2, 2005

No Comments

1.0
3.0
321
Jul 9, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
GEOG205
Aug 11, 2005

No Comments

4.0
1.0
ECON201203
Sep 14, 2005

I don't know where these people who gave him bad ratings came from. Holden is the funniest prof you could ever have, plus the easiest. I admit, if you plan on going further in Econ, you shouldn't take it from him, but if you only need 201/203, he's the way to go. I did absolutely nothing all semester other than go to lecture and I got an A.

5.0
2.0
ECON201203
Oct 6, 2005

Maybe his class was easy but it gave me the confidence to pursue a degree in Economics, something I never thought I could do well at. Not only did I leave University with an high GPA but today I have an amazing job at an oil company. I still maintain the attitude that I can accomplish things that seem impossible, and I have. Thanks Will Holden.

5.0
1.0
GEOG341
Oct 8, 2005

Come on it's Holden. Enough said

4.0
2.0
GEOG321
Dec 13, 2005

Tests are very random, assignments are super easy. If you've taken a class from him before, no matter how long ago, you'll here the same jokes/stories.

5.0
1.0
GEO321
Dec 21, 2005

Great professor. Incredibly educated and intelligent. Goes through material highlighting main points. If you read his notes and make sure you read the text (ALL the exam questions come from it) you will be guaranteed an A. Assignments are easy but take a long time to answer thoroughly.

5.0
1.0
GEOG251
Apr 13, 2006

A veeerrry interesting man. He obviously knows his stuff and lectures are filled with so many random interjections. You can't help but laugh in this class even though sometimes the stuff he says can offend people. You will be prepared for exams if you read his notes. He's one to remember who you are. Fairly good prof. Got me interested in GEO

4.0
2.0
ECON201
Jun 7, 2006

No Comments

5.0
3.0
GEOG251
Jun 21, 2006

a very caring person. coulde tell he was adament about his subject area

5.0
1.0
ECON201
Sep 8, 2006

Holden Rocks! Makes econ exciting. Teaches it so that every is common sense. Taking econ with Holden means that not only will your lectures be exciting, but you'll do better and know more at the end of the semester.

5.0
1.0
ECON203
Oct 26, 2006

HILARIOUS!! he threw a chair into the audience. He is so enthusiastic and a great guy too.

5.0
1.0
GEOG321
Dec 24, 2006

Holden was blast! Very educated on his stuff. enthusiasim keeps you awake during lecture. numerous jokes about everything are just hilarious. highly recommend Holden for any geography course!

5.0
1.0
GEOG321
Jan 1, 2007

Awesome prof. Knows his stuff, very enthusiastic, tells the funniest stories you've ever heard in class. Really nice guy too. He knows how to keep you interested.

5.0
1.0
G2
Jan 8, 2007

HOLD IT HOLDEN!

5.0
1.0
GEOG321
Jan 16, 2008

He knows what he's talking about; not one of those profs who reads straight from the textbook or prepared notes. All his lectures come straight from his brain and he knows how tiring it is for students, so he uses his stories to keep us awake. Old exams are a help, but just memorize the textbook...

4.0
2.0
GEOG321
Nov 24, 2008

Love this man! Best class ever, it was so entertaining.

5.0
2.0
GEOG341
Dec 3, 2008

Holden is the best professor I've had. He knows what he is talking about, he's a fair marker, and makes the lectures extremely enjoyable. He just wins overall.

5.0
2.0
GEOG321
Dec 12, 2008

Holy Jeebus, this man in HI-larious! The subject matter is somewhat dull, but it's pretty much guaranteed that Holden will keep you awake. His personal anecdotes relate very well to course material and make it all easy to learn. His exams don't rely on regurgitation (thank god!) but you've got to read the textbook!!!

5.0
3.0
GEOG321
Dec 13, 2008

Holden is probably one of the bestest profs around. He is extremely funny. But watch out, the final exams have questions from all over the place. Study all the extra material not just the textbook. Half the final was from assigned readings.

4.0
4.0
GEOG341
Dec 20, 2008

This guy is an amazing prof. Was worth going for 8am lecture. Midterms are easy, straight from the study guide but that's because of the course evaluations. Final's worth 50% of the mark, that's where he screws students. Be very careful. Do take the class with him .... it'll be a lot of fun.

5.0
4.0
ENSC0000
Jan 7, 2009

Indeed he is entertaining and very enthusiastic, but there is a point where trying so hard becomes offputting and needy. Haven't had a class with him, but has been a guest lecturer many times in my courses. Better than not trying or half-assing though. Good overall!

2.0
2.0
GEOG341
Jan 13, 2009

Wow, I wish I had the Holden reviewed here, as opposed to the Holden who's tests required the brute force memorization of endless lists from his handwritten notes and who spent much of the class time trying to impress his students with dated simpsons references and repeating the same awful "frat-boy" stories. Seriously, this is teaching excellence?

5.0
2.0
GEOG321
Feb 4, 2009

Fall 2008. AMAZING lecturer - he really really knows his stuff. Keeps the class interesting and constantly laughing. Pay attention to videos and examples used in class.3 Assignments were a breeze but final exam INTENSE! Should have been 3 hrs not 2. Study hard, its a freakin mofo. Class was worth it though

5.0
2.0
GEOG341
Jun 11, 2009

Straight up- i loved this prof, and went to every class only because he was so sweet, BUT he's almost like a wolf in sheeps clothing. His midterms are a breeze, which makes you like him more, and because its so easy, you assume the final will be some what similar, and thats when he gets you! I got slaughtered on the final, my grade dropped a letter

5.0
3.0
GEOG341
Sep 8, 2009

By far my favorite prof at U of C. Hilarious guy and super friendly. Easy to approach with questions. He loves what he is doing and isn't just teaching from a text book. Definitely recommend taking his class!!

4.0
3.0
GEOG341
Apr 9, 2011

Although funny he spends way too much time telling stories that are just plain stupuid and don't even relate to the class His midterms were easy but that was only achieved my memorizing over a 100 pages of his notes What's worse is that he hand writes his notes and has the writing of a child Funny just doesn't he should want his student to succeed

5.0
2.0
GEOG341
Jun 25, 2011

Amazing prof, you will actually want to go to his 8am lectures because he is so funny and enthusiastic about what he teaches. He is also very fair with marking and his exams. It is true his final exam is a lot harder than the previous ones but shouldn't that be expected on a final that encompasses all the material? Just study and you'll be fine!

5.0
2.0
GEOG341
Jul 11, 2011

GREAT PROF! His lectures are so interesting that for a class at 8 am, I still managed to attend majority of lectures. He does a great job keeping sleepy students interested by showing pictures, telling stories, and making jokes. On the first day you may be inclined to think he's a bit crazy but don't fight it, he is awesome!

5.0
1.0
GEOG341
Apr 12, 2012

Such a good prof! His lectures were EXTREMELY entertaining, well worth attending. Aside from that the class really easy to manage if you do the study questions puts on BB. If you have the opportunity to take a class with him- DO IT!

5.0
2.0
GEOG365
Apr 29, 2012

Holden is awesome. He does everything he can so students can do well in his class. However, the final exam in this class is BRUTAL. If you're going to take it do well on the midterms because you won't get nearly as high a grade on the final. Having said that I would still recommend this or any class he teaches. Funny and interesting.

3.0
5.0
GEOG365
Apr 30, 2012

Very nice guy, LOVES his job, very entertaining lecturer. However, tests were difficult. Students have to memorize a million pages notes which includes several lists and definitions for his all written tests. The final is BRUTAL, as it is cumulative and worth 50% and that's an understatement. I'd avoid based on the exams even though he'a nice.

5.0
1.0
GEOG341
May 3, 2012

The best lecture style of any professor. Lecture notes are a little out of date and there's a lot of material but he provides simple study questions - use them and this class will be easy. Final exam wasn't very comprehensive, but in another class it was. Great professor, you can learn a lot in his classes.

5.0
3.0
GEOG263
Feb 22, 2013

Awesome professor! I'm graduating this year but felt that Holden did a stand up job in class, always brought a great attitude in approaching concepts and making sure students fully understood the issue. Exams can be tricky but he provides you the tools to get good grades. Considered going for my PhD after being in his class hah.

5.0
1.0
ENSC503
Apr 24, 2013

AMAZING PROF! Funny, helpful references and he made the content super interesting and engaging. I always attended his lectures not only because he marks on attendance, but because he makes lectures fun! He is super accommodating to students. He even sang to us once.

5.0
2.0
GEOG365
Apr 26, 2013

He is one of THE BEST professors I have had. He is very entertaining and is very knowledgeable. At first he is very obnoxious and... different but you will soon come to like him if you like to be entertained while learning something. if you go to class, take notes, pay attention, you can get an easy A. He is just so awesome.

5.0
1.0
GEOG341
May 12, 2013

It is no understatement that Dr. Holden is amazing. Extremely entertaining, and made going to 8am lectures worth it. He pretty much tells you exactly what will be on the exams. The final was quite challenging and long, but I still managed to get an A. Take his classes, you wont regret it.

4.0
1.0
ECON
May 29, 2013

Very entertaining? There are very serious issues to discuss, but a buffoon approach is a little dated...time to grow up, I thought this was higher education, not h.s, p.s. If you want to known as a clown Proff, pls tell us before add/drop.

4.0
4.0
GEOG365
Jun 2, 2013

Read and memorize, memorize, old school style, no thinking required. what is there really to learn when all you do is by rote memorization for the exams

5.0
3.0
ECON365
Jul 16, 2013

Best professor I had through University. Class is excellent both interesting with entertaining stories so it holds interest; many students take it even if they don't have to b/c they hear how good it is. Most uni profs get tenure, this man should be knighted

5.0
2.0
GEOG341
Dec 19, 2013

Humorous prof who made early morning classes interesting and somewhat educational. He has online notes which are extremely handy and a lot of it is memorizing. Would definitely take a class with him again. If you're more of a left wing individual, you'll have a blast.

5.0
2.0
ENSC503
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Mar 19, 2014

I wish Holden taught all my classes! He made what I thought was going to be a boring class the one class I don't want to miss. Thoroughly appreciate his uniqueness and eccentricity. Its obvious he cares about the students. Unless you have no sense of humour, you will love him as a professor. Great man

5.0
2.0
GEOG341
Dec 3, 2014

Holden is fantastic. Made what I thought would be a plain class the most enjoyable. He is epicly funny and entertaining, but equally as good when it comes to teaching. I've retained a lot of knew knowledge from his class. He explains things thoroughly and answers questions clearly. Study properly and you'll do well. One of the best profs at U of C!

5.0
1.0
GEOG341
Grade: A-
Dec 10, 2014

Holden is an amazing prof! He is always helpful, wants his students to succeed and has no problem saying it. His classes are very enjoyable and he gives helpful hints. You won't ever get an A+ but you will get an A if you apply yourself.

5.0
1.0
GEOG341
Jan 15, 2015

William Holden is an amazing prof, he makes a boring class sound interesting and is hilarious. He gives good feedback on exams and marks really fast. He truly wants you to do well in his class so he gives study questions. Most of the exams questions are from the study questions.

4.0
4.0
ENSC503
May 2, 2016

Wasn't sure about his teaching style in the beginning, however, he grows on you and he definitely stands out from the rest. I really appreciated how passionate he is about the things he believes in and stands for.

5.0
2.0
GEOG251
Grade: A
Dec 17, 2016
Would take again

Wil is hilarious, and truly fun to learn from. Don't feel like going to his 8am class? No worries, he posts everything online. Including the exact questions on hist tests (along with some decoys), but he wants those answers word for word out of the lecture notes.

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
4.0
3.0
GEOG251
Grade: A+
Feb 14, 2017
Would take again

If you enjoy a nice shrill atonal alarm in the morning, take Holden's class in the morning, the time of the day where he still has his voice to shout as if you were standing a mile away. I do not like how he uses half of a hockey stick and a pointer or his sports analogies. Yet, he is passionate, honest, and has great respect for other cultures.

Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
GEOG251
Grade: A
Apr 14, 2017
Would take again

By far the most unique professor I've ever taken. He's so funny, passionate and respectful all at the same time. He is VERY loud when speaking so take it in the morning so he wakes you up! Also, labs are free marks thrown at you but midterms are fully written but easy seeing as he gives away exam questions in class. One of the best classes I've had

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
GEOG351
Grade: A
Nov 20, 2017
Would take again

Hands down the best prof ever! He is not only passionate about what he teaches, but is also able to convey it in an incredible way. His enthusiasm just oozes out of him. Atending his lectures wasn't necessary (as he posts everything online), but I still attended every single lecture because that's how good he was! AND IT WAS AN 8AM CLASS!!

5.0
1.0
GEOG251
Grade: A
Nov 28, 2017
Would take again

I took Geography 251 with him, and it was by far the easiest class I've ever taken. You don't need to attend lectures because 100% of the test questions come from the study questions he posts, and the answers for those are in the lecture notes which he also posts. Memorize the answers word for word from the notes, show up to tests, easy A.

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
GEOG251
Grade: A
Mar 14, 2018
Would take again

You don't have to show up to his class, he made it very apparent on day one. He literally uses his study questions on D2L for his midterms so you just have to cram those and you'll get an easy A in this course. Loved his use of sport analogies during class, and the fact that he uses a hockey stick as a pointer is hilarious.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
ECON201
Grade: A+
Apr 5, 2018
Would take again

I took a number of courses from him in the early 2000's. I think so fondly of him, I googled him to see what he is doing. By far one of the best University experiences was taking a course from him. If you want to learn about the subject he is teaching and learn valuable life lessons with hilarity, take his courses.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
ENSC201
Apr 20, 2018
Would take again

A great prof, funny, exciting, and passionate. I loved this course and the midterms were relatively easy, but make sure to do as well as possible on the midterms because the final is worth 50% and isnt easy (not impossible but alot of studying is needed). You dont have to go to class because he uploads all the notes but you'll miss out

5.0
2.0
GEOG251
Grade: A
Jul 1, 2018
Would take again

Amazing man, amazing grading. Hes the epitome of what a great prof is. He literally makes everything simple, his notes are accurate and he teaches at an exceptional pace. Take his class and you shall pass.

Gives good feedback
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
GEOG251
Grade: A
Aug 27, 2018
Would take again

I had two professors that really marked my school years and Dr Holden was one of them! He is not only a good teacher but a hilarious and great human being. + I was able to find the classroom just by hearing his voice from the other end of the hallway. Get ready to laugh! + if you do the work, you'll pass with an A.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
GEOG251
Jan 25, 2019
Would take again

Holden makes me want to change my major to geography. Hes that good. If you have the chance to take one of his classes, DO IT. Showing up isnt essential to doing well in his course as he posts everything you need online, but you wont want to miss his lectures. I always leave in a better mood than when I came. Best prof I have ever had.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
ENSC201
Mar 19, 2019
Would take again

Super funny. Impossible to fall asleep in his class.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
GEOG251
Grade: A
Mar 27, 2019
Would take again

Best prof in the school by far. Super hilarious and knows the material super well. He's engaging and interested in what he's teaching, gives you lots of hints for the exams and all the questions are based off of study questions on D2L. Any class you can take with him is well worth it- be prepared that his notes are all handwritten.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
GEOG251
Grade: A-
Apr 2, 2019
Would take again

He is so funny when doing his lectures. He's super nice too when i went to talk to him to fix my midterm grade, i thought i was going to be interrogated but hes super friendly. you dont have to go to class since all the possible test questions are online and the answers are straight from his notes. the TAs mark labs super easy too. great proff

Accessible outside class
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
GEOG365
Apr 5, 2019
Would take again

Best prof i've ever had. I have never met someone who is so hilarious, so passionate, and so caring and willing to help whenever you need it. He will do whatever he can to help you, whether its take you to the printer room and print an entire section of one of his fascinating books he's written, or just to pour you a cup of coffee. Great Guy

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
ENSC201
Grade: A
Apr 10, 2019
Would take again

He is such a good prof! His lectures are very interesting and he is hilarious. His tests are just from questions banks that you get from the beginning of the year. Memorize the specific answers and you will get 90 +

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
GEOG365
Grade: B+
Apr 13, 2019
Would take again

Best Prof I've ever had! He literally is the reason I switched into Geography

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
ENSC503
Apr 21, 2019
Would take again

Fire it up.

Accessible outside class
Group projects
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
ENSC201
Grade: A
Sep 13, 2019
Would take again

The best prof I had all year. You don't have to go to class to get an A but he is so amazing, you want to go to his class. He is hilarious and a really great guy. Would reccomend taking as many of his classes as you can.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
GEOG365
Grade: A
Nov 13, 2019
Would take again

I've taken elective courses just because Holden was teaching it, he's one of my favourite people I've ever met. Truly cares about his students and is passionate about his work. Attendance isn't mandatory but it helps the material stick since a lot of the exams are memorization. It's not the easiest class but you learn a lot and it's interesting

Gives good feedback
Respected
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
GEOG251
Grade: A-
Feb 25, 2020
Would take again

Holden is my favourite professor in university. Best lectures, and a hilarious person. Super passionate about what he teaches. Highly recommend taking any of his classes.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
GEOG458
Grade: A
Mar 25, 2020
Would take again

I wake up just to go to his classes! I loved that course so much and his way of teaching is energetic but not off the walls. I once corrected him in front of the class (I really didn't want to but he made a HUGE mistake) and he took it very well and even asked for clarification on the topic. We need more William Holden's in universities!

Test heavy
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
GEOG354
Nov 26, 2020
Would take again

Dr. Holden is the best prof I have ever had! He is so entertaining, his lectures are easy to follow, and he provides really useful examples. His stories about his research are really interesting as he has travelled basically the whole world. He also give really good advice on what places to visit on your next vacation! The labs are super easy too!

Test heavy
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
GEOG354
Grade: A-
Dec 10, 2020
Would take again

One of the most incredible profs you can take. Lectures are amazing. Very kind and outgoing.

Gives good feedback
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
1.0
GEOG458
Dec 12, 2020
Would take again

Amazing Prof. Makes the class so interesting and fun. And makes his tests and assignments very easy. If you can ever get a class with him take it for sure.

5.0
1.0
GEOG458
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2020
Would take again

Best prof I have had in university. Great lectures straight forward tests. All tests are straight from his lecture notes. I would recommend to take any class from Holden if you can.

Respected
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
GEOG354
Grade: A-
Jan 6, 2021
Would take again

Such a fun and interesting prof. Made online classes actually fun and his stories kept me coming back to class.

5.0
3.0
GEOG354
Grade: A+
Jan 7, 2021
Would take again

I really enjoyed his lectures and his assignments and tests were all manageable and pretty straightforward. He also seems like a super nice guy. His class was my favourite this semester :)

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
2.0
GEOG365
Grade: A
Mar 3, 2021
Would take again

Best pro ever. Hilarious and nice. Provides question bank which is the same as real exams. Just study with the sample questions with his class note, nothing outside of the class material at all, you will get a good mark. Course material not too complicated to understand, just about memorization. Highly suggest taking all of his classes, so fun.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Participation matters
5.0
4.0
ENSC201
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 22, 2022
Would take again

Great professor and guy overall. He goes out of his way to make every lecture interesting and fun. If you get the chance to take one of his courses, do it.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Respected
3.0
2.0
ENSC201
Grade: A-
Apr 24, 2022

Great professor, the class was fun and the grading clear. My biggest issue was that he was quite loud in lectures, and refused to use a microphone when teaching. As a student with sensory processing issues, this sent me into sensory overload more than once. Overall, a good course, but beware the yelling.

Amazing lectures
Respected
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
ENSC201
Grade: A
Apr 27, 2022
Would take again

Dr. Holden is amazing. He is extremely caring and helpful as well. He is super passionate and makes his lectures super interesting! He only draws questions from the study questions which are given at the beginning of the semester. Study hard and you will get a really good grade! Highly recommend.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Graded by few things
4.0
2.0
ENSC201
Grade: A+
Apr 29, 2022
Would take again

Passionate about the material he was teaching, environmental science 201 had only 2 midterms and 1 cumulative final. The good thing is he has a bank of study questions and every question that appears on tests are in the study bank, but you have to commit to memorizing the questions, 1st midterm caught me off guard. Oh and bring earplugs, he yells.

Hilarious
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
201
May 6, 2022

He gives amazing lectures, my only issue is that his tests are very memorization heavy. To be fair, he gives the study question bank where all the test questions are drawn from at the beginning of the semester, but it's something to keep in mind if you're bad at memorizing and your grade is only made up of 2 midterms and one final cumulative exam.

Amazing lectures
Respected
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
GEOG354
Oct 12, 2022

5000 words for a paper worth 10% in a second-year course. No reward for attending class, all you'll gain are his insane political rants. His tests are lazily written, just memorize your notes which you have to copy off of his garbage chicken scratch. The grading scale is absurd, 95-99 for an A.

1.0
5.0
GEOG354
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 22, 2022

Yes, Holden may be a hilarious professor, however, the grading scale is tough. a 94% is needed for an A. The exams are created lazily. All the questions are taken from a study guide, so getting a 100% is doable IF you have the time to memorize the EXACT answers to the 30+ multiple-part questions for each exam. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
GEOG354
Dec 8, 2022
Would take again

Honestly the best and most entertaining prof I've ever had. Took this class as an option and even though attendance isn't mandatory to get an A, I still wanted to go to his lectures. Content isn't hard an as long as you memorize the study questions, you'll do good.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
GEOG354
Grade: B
Dec 8, 2022
Would take again

One of the best profs I've ever had. If you get a chance to take any of his classes do so, you won't regret it. While lectures aren't mandatory each one is like a stand up comedy special that is very useful. While the grade curve is hard, it is because of how easy it is to do well. The word limit is too low to say all the amazing things about him.

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Hilarious
4.0
2.0
GEOG354
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2022
Would take again

Echoing the other reviews, yes he is very hilarious and makes you want to go to his class. Even though it is hard to get an A, his grading system is like that because he basically gives you all the answers beforehand. Overall, pretty interesting class.

Hilarious
4.0
4.0
ENSC201
Grade: B+
Jan 9, 2023

Holden is a little bit of a nut job but I won't lie but entertaining" it's a good thing, I don't get drug tested or else there would be alarms going off" but is somewhat unwilling to accommodate "don't email me asking me for answers! I will respond by saying you obviously have access to the internet since you just emailed me so go figure it out ".

Amazing lectures
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
201
Grade: A+
Apr 30, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Holden is an amazing professor! He is extremely intelligent and HILARIOUS! there is never a dull moment in his class! Honestly, I am a history/education major, and I wish I could change and be an environmental scientist because of this class!! And if I ever visit El Cajon, California, (AKA the anus of San Diego) I will fondly remember his class

Clear grading criteria
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
ENSC503
Grade: A
May 7, 2024
Would take again

His lectures can be a bit boring as they're long and all his notes are handwritten. However, his tests are really easy. He usually gives hints for the tests too and all the information needed to prepare. The group project was also decent and marked fairly.

Group projects
5.0
3.0
201
Grade: B+
May 8, 2024
Would take again

Great and hilarious prof! Classes are definitely not boring. Graded on 2 midterms and a final exam. No multiple choice questions. He gives a study set of questions from which he pulls the exam questions. It's a lot of content, and a lot of memorization is required. But he gives some hints as to exactly which questions will be on the exams.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
GEOG321
Grade: A+
Aug 2, 2024
Would take again

Amazing prof. Had a 9am class with him this spring and it was so engaging. I don't usually enjoy morning classes but he makes sure to wake you up by making class interesting. Definitely loads of memorization but the course content itself is very easy (if you grew up in Canada at least). Would definitely take another course with him again!

4.0
3.0
GEOG354
Grade: B
Sep 23, 2024
Would take again

Professor Holden brings a fun, entertaining teaching style to this class. While the grading can be challenging, his lectures are engaging and the content is manageable with consistent effort. unstuck ai was a helpful study tool alongside reviewing the study guides.

5.0
2.0
ENSC503
Grade: A
Feb 18, 2025
Would take again

Holdon is the best

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Respected
5.0
1.0
GEOG352
Grade: A
Mar 21, 2025
Would take again

Holden is hilarious and has incredibly engaging lectures. Clear expectations and grading system.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
GEOG352
Grade: A+
Apr 11, 2025
Would take again

The GOAT. Grading scale is tough because he gives you the questions and answers for exams. I strongly recommend going to lecture. He is very engaging and really broaden's your understanding of the world. The only reason I wouldn't take is if you are terrible at memorizing or won't bother studying a week before the exam because they are written.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Respected
1.0
1.0
GEOG352
Grade: A-
Apr 18, 2025

The prof's lectures are awful and he makes weird and uncomfortable comments. My best advice is learn off the notes at home and don't bother going to class. All of the test questions are given in advance and the labs are super easy. If you avoid going to class he's not bad at all.

Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
GEOG352
Grade: A-
Jun 28, 2025
Would take again

Holden is the best prof! He has clear expectations and wants you to succeed. Very engaging and hilarious lectures! Gives you the answers to the exams, you just need to put the effort in to do well.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Accessible outside class
5.0
5.0
GEOG458
Grade: B
Aug 6, 2025
Would take again

Hardest course I ever took in arts department but Holden's kindness and understand to me worked it well. As long as you adapt his ways of lectures you will find he's a very interesting and knowledegable guy hhhhhhh. Hard course but super nice prof overall

5.0
2.0
ENSC503
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2025
Would take again

I'm in my final year of uni and Holden has by far been my FAVOURITE prof. His lectures are always engaging and filled with entertainment. Holden is extremely fair with grading, always making sure students know EXACTLY what he expects on tests/projects. In my 4 years of uni, I have never had a prof like Holden. He is truly one of a kind.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

24%

Textbook Required

35%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 46 grades
Most common grades:
A (24)
A+ (8)
A- (8)
Grade Distribution
A(32)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(11)
Based on 49 reported grades
A: 24
A+: 8
A-: 8
B+: 3
Common Tags
Hilarious (33)
Amazing lectures (17)
Respected (13)
Clear grading criteria (11)
Amazing lectures (11)
Inspirational (7)
Graded by few things (6)
Test heavy (5)
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