4.3

William McSweeney

History - College of Charleston

4.3
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
40%
Would Retake
142
Reviews
4.3
Quality
2.7
Difficulty
4.3
Helpful
4.3
Clarity

40%

Would Retake

142

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

97

4

25

3

12

2

2

1

6

What Students Say

Easy class if you take amazing notes

HIST115 - 3.0 rating

McSweeney is seriously one of those teachers that you will remember forever

HIST116 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

73%

Textbook Required

80%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
A- (5)
A (4)
Not sure yet (1)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(2)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 13 reported grades
A-: 5
A: 4
Not sure yet: 1
A+: 1
Common Tags
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (4)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Tough Grader (3)
Caring (3)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Inspirational (2)
Amazing lectures (2)
Skip class? You won't pass. (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.15 avg change
Feb
Apr
Nov
Dec
Mar
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

103104

5.0

(1)

HIST10

5.0

(1)

HST101

5.0

(1)

HIS102

5.0

(3)

HST

5.0

(1)
+23 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIS115

4.0

101

3.5

104

3.0

103104

3.0

HISTAFTER1500

3.0

Reviews (142)
5.0
3.0
HIST103
Feb 26, 2003

He actually makes history fun!

5.0
1.0
HIST10
Mar 26, 2003

No Comments

5.0
2.0
HST103
Apr 1, 2003

GREAT GUY!Makes class fun.Very nit picky on tests though

5.0
2.0
HIST103
Jul 29, 2003

Same as McSweeney, Jr. Awesome teacher! Really engages class...Loves history- Great personality and fun classes. Show up to class and take notes and you'll do fine!

5.0
3.0
103104
Aug 12, 2003

McSweeney is awesome, one of the most enthusiastic teachers ive had. Come to class and you'll make an A.

5.0
2.0
HIST102
Aug 14, 2003

This is the best teacher i have ever had, and actually makes history fun. He has an engaging, almost hypnotic personality, and it shows that he is truely passionate about teaching

4.0
3.0
104
Aug 21, 2003

Great teacher but screwed me in the end with attendence. Don't miss class!

5.0
2.0
HST103
Nov 6, 2003

An excellent and fun teacher. Goes out of his way to help students outside of class with help in the library, etc. A genuinely nice person. Highly recommended!

5.0
2.0
HST103
Nov 10, 2003

The best professor I have ever had. He is awesome. Tests are pretty easy, but he is picky with essays. Take him. He is hot and funny.

5.0
3.0
HIST104
Nov 14, 2003

This is a really great teacher, just come to class and take notes....but let me warn you...his tests are very tricky..yea it says matching and one essay--but he is picky and very, very vague with his matching--he does this on purpose, he can screw u over

4.0
2.0
HST102
Nov 14, 2003

Good teacher, interesting and helpful.

4.0
2.0
HST104
Nov 18, 2003

50% of his tests are a single essay question. I hated that. Otherwise a decent fella

5.0
2.0
HST101
Nov 24, 2003

The best thing about Dr. McSweeney is that he focuses on things that he is interested in and knows a lot about. That way, you aren't just reading from the book and spitting stuff out. His tests range from a single essay to matching, so it's fair.

5.0
3.0
HIST103
Nov 28, 2003

TAKE THIS CLASS! i am by NO means a history buff, never have been, and McSweeney presents info in a very understanding way, and is cool as hell anyway. Just get your research paper done as soon as you can and this class will be great for you!!! Best teach

5.0
2.0
HIST103
Nov 30, 2003

Great teacher! Highly recommened class. His tests can be tricky, but his lectures are very entertaining!

5.0
4.0
HIS102
Dec 3, 2003

Great Prof. - Really cares and knows is stuff- always available to help or work with you on things and in general a good operson. Lectures are great- very animated- stickler to his attendance policy though!!

5.0
3.0
HST102
Dec 9, 2003

Bill is the best teacher that I have had at the College of Charleston.He is like a high school teacher when he teaches.I haven't had him in a couple of years but he is a great teacher.He knows his ****.Tells you whats on the test. Matching hard.Essay not

1.0
4.0
HST103
Dec 13, 2003

I find this professor to be a failure to the human race. Aside from my rage, this professor lacks specificity in his instruction on all papers, assignments, and tests. This of course is only matched by his arrogance.

5.0
1.0
HST
Dec 14, 2003

He is the best teacher i have ever had and i mean it. I hated, hated, hated history before i took his class. He is wonderful. Tests come straight out of the notes and his lectures are extremely interesting.

4.0
2.0
HST103
Jan 1, 2004

Nice guy. You can be lazy and not due work most of the time, but have to study for tests. Doesnt even read the research papers for content just for format and setup on paper. Not hard but when work is due you have to work.

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Mar 3, 2004

So easy, but I learned a lot. No outside reading necessary. Very informative. He has traveled to a lot of places.

5.0
2.0
HIST102
Apr 7, 2004

Greatest guy ever. This is my favorite professor so far. Very interesting lectures. You can tell he loves what he does. Tests are not that difficult but you have to study and pay attention n class

5.0
2.0
HIST104
Apr 12, 2004

I LOVE him! Absolutely worship him! Awesome teacher and pretty hot considering he's alot older than my usual taste :)

3.0
2.0
HISTORY
Apr 14, 2004

rambles ON and ON and ON. not as easy as I THOUGHT from lookin on this site. haha. 50% of tests are essay. Research paper sucks. he's pretty cool, but it's hard to tell what's important and what isn't in his lectures. he IS VERY enthusiastic though

5.0
2.0
HST103
Apr 27, 2004

You really can't miss class b/c of policies and material that is covered... But, he makes you want to go to class- He loves history and he loves teaching and it shows. history is almost interesting.

1.0
4.0
101
May 6, 2004

essays questions are VERY vague, which is b.s. considering it's HALF your grade on the TWO tests in the class.

5.0
3.0
HIST103
May 12, 2004

Fantastic teacher! Very expressive, lectures on history are linear, as he tells it in the form of stories. Tests are easy and he tells you exactly what to study. Take good notes! He's a serious grader, his class should be taken seriously as well.

5.0
1.0
HIST102
Jul 13, 2004

BEST HISTORY PROFESSOR. He teaches history as a story, not as a timeline. You never have to memorize dates. Tests are very easy. To study, all I did was read over my notes 2 hours before the test, and I got an A. He is very helpful!!

5.0
2.0
HIST103
Jul 15, 2004

Excellent teacher. His tests are 50% MC, 50% essay, but he only picks 1 of the 3 essays that he gives you, just take notes, you'll do fine. Very entertaining, but easily side tracted w/ lots of stories. Optional Reading. Lineiant Attendance Policy.

2.0
4.0
HISTORY
Jul 18, 2004

i wouldn't take him again if someone PAID me, BORING!!!!!!!!!! totally unclear

5.0
2.0
HST103
Jul 24, 2004

He looks like Richard Gere which doesnt hurt one bit. He is a history dork, but he makes it interesting. I would take another one of his classes without getting credit.

5.0
1.0
HIS103
Jul 29, 2004

A guy who is in love with history who knows that most of the people taking his classes are not history majors. Very funny

5.0
1.0
HISTORY
Aug 22, 2004

I took him for 101, 102, and 103 just for the heck of it. His research papers are a bit difficult. I didn't understand my grade but still did great. Very Enthusiastic. I still remember most of what he taught. He is the professor to take!

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Sep 8, 2004

Anything but boring. He will keep you awake at 8am. Great guy but he grades harder than you would expect and you can easily destroy your grade with one bad essay.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Oct 11, 2004

I did take this class just for the heck of it- I am a history major and he is by far the most enthusiastic teacher I have had! It is easy to undertand and get into hs lectures b/c he is so into what he is teaching!!!

5.0
3.0
HST103
Oct 20, 2004

One of the best professors I have had. Really knows his subject and prepares well. Makes a difficult subject to teach easy and enjoyable to study. If you come to class, ask questions and participate there is no reason for u to fail. His office is the library so u know he's always available.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Nov 9, 2004

Very enthusiastic and entertaining teacher. He made me like history class for the first time in my life. His grading is difficult especially on essays.

4.0
3.0
HISTAFTER1500
Nov 10, 2004

i dont really like hist but he makes it interesting. very into history which makes class interesting. Hungover friday class wasn't as bad as it shouldve been. definitly take him

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Nov 14, 2004

Really interesting classes, tells pretty corny jokes but is also fun and is great at explaining people and situations in history. I'd definately take him again.

4.0
3.0
101
Nov 15, 2004

best thing about him: he looks like richard gere. great teacher. very interesting...he definately keeps your attention even if it's early in the a.m. 2 tests and a research paper and there's an attendance policy

3.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 4, 2004

tells history in story form which makes it difficult to know what to write down and what to study. tests are matching with an essay. one book report and a 7 page research paper. attendance policy. overall nice guy and easy on the eyes, but i personally need dates and structure to learn history .

5.0
2.0
HISTORY101
Grade: A
Dec 6, 2004

McSweeney was awesome..he teaches history like it's a story which makes it more fun. I had him at 8am and it was pretty easy to stay awake in there. We only have two tests (matching and an essay), a book review, and a research paper.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Dec 10, 2004

Prof. McSweeney is a HOT DIGGY DAWG AWESOME professor. He tells history like a story and I still remember the stuff that he taught our class. He is SO fun, tells jokes, HOT Like Richard Gere, and really cares about his students. He cares about learning and knowing history than going by the syllabus.

3.0
3.0
HIST102
Grade: A
Dec 27, 2004

You can destroy your grade with one bad essay; you can also miss out on graduating and poison your otherwise good-looking transcript with an F from a man who makes it clear that he is being harsh with you because he thinks that people with bad attitudes shouldn't be allowed into graduate school.

5.0
3.0
HISTORY101
Jan 15, 2005

He is the single best instructor I have ever encountered and that includes two universities. He is personable, considerate, professional, prepared, available, reasonable, fair, fun and he operates with rare integrity: well loved by my fellow students. He creates the desire to excell! Higly Rec.

1.0
4.0
HIST104
Feb 11, 2005

His class is very fun and he entertains you quite nicely during his lecture. His tests are extremely unclear and he is a very difficult grader. He has no remorse and will fail a hard working student at the drop of a hat. SNAP students do not take, treats you differently expects you to make mistakes

5.0
3.0
HIST104
Apr 1, 2005

By far the best professor I've ever had AND he looks like Richard Gere. His class is fun and interesting! Tells history like a story. His tests are a little unclear though, but other than that he's awesome. Definitely take him!

5.0
2.0
HIST104
Apr 11, 2005

I wish he taught all of my classes. He made history enjoyable, even to a person who hates the history channel. He gets so into it, and it doesn't hurt that he looks like Richard Gere.

5.0
3.0
HIST104
Apr 11, 2005

I hated this period of history until I took him! he's very passionate and makes everything interesting! He's also funny and he looks like Richard Gere! Tests are pretty difficult though, the class is no easy A, but if you go to him, he's very helpful!

5.0
3.0
HIST104
May 2, 2005

He's kind of a cutie, and really interesting, but he's a tough grader on essays and the research paper.

4.0
4.0
HIST104
May 4, 2005

he makes things fun in class, but his tests are uncalled for, the essays cover nothing learned in class, and you have to know the answers to three questions and only write on one. hes a great guy, but needs to learn how to give a test thats fair and helps you learn, and not just forget!

5.0
2.0
HIST103104
Aug 22, 2005

He is great guy. I don't know what people are ****ing about when it comes to the essays on the tests. Yeah he gives you 3 questions to study and only picks one, but at least you know what he's gonna ask. I never studied and hardly went to class. I did great though. If you have to take a history, take him. He makes it fun & interesting.

5.0
3.0
EUROHISTORY
Sep 1, 2005

Let me just say that I used to hate history. McSweeney had me wishing I majored in it. He is one of the BEST professors I ever had.

5.0
3.0
HISTORY102
Sep 2, 2005

i LOVE mcsweeney!! hes the greatest professor ever and hes great to look at too! he has an amazing personality and will stop and talk to you whenever you see him around town/campus. he really cares about his students and tells great personal stories tha

4.0
3.0
HIST103
Oct 31, 2005

Umm...ok his class isnt hard, but his midterm was unclear and yeilded a C avg for the class. Very interactive with the class, sometimes overly so. Def dont take him first thing in the morning, hes way to perky and loud for that time of day. Overall, nice man that tried to make history as interesting as possible

5.0
2.0
HIST104
Dec 10, 2005

TAKE HIM! Drawbacks:only midterm, final, and a paper. Test are 25 mc and a 50% essay. Advantage: He's a NICE guy, he knows what he's talking about and tries to make history as intersting as he can... he's a fair grader, and is always available in the library if you need help. I think he may be the best for intro History!

4.0
3.0
HIS103104
Dec 13, 2005

Very good professor, doesn't even compare to others that teach these classes. He'll work with you.

5.0
3.0
HST103104
Dec 14, 2005

McSweeney is the nicest, coolest professor at the college. His tests are not hard, the paper is only 7 pages. He teaches by telling stories about history instead of straight lecture. Very clear and helpful teacher who cares about his students and, as someone else said, will stop and talk to you on campus if he sees you. Awesome. Take his course

5.0
2.0
HIST103
Jan 24, 2006

i first tried tsai's history 103 but dropped it for mcsweeney, which was the best thing i could have ever done. (tsai SUCKS, AVOID HIM!) mcsweeney is AWESOME! i really enjoy his class, and i even like history now because of the way he teaches it. it understands just HOW to teach. awesome guy. take his class!

5.0
3.0
HIST103
Mar 28, 2006

McSweeney is AWESOME. He's the best teacher I've had at CofC and it'll be hard to find another better than him. His lectures never get boring. He's funny, interesting, and helpful and is able to teach history as a story. Take decent notes and you'll be fine. He gives out study guides before tests - if you look over that, you're good! TAKE HIM!!!

4.0
4.0
HIST103
Mar 29, 2006

McSweeney is amazing. We do not have lectures in class, we have comedy shows and interesting stories on history where we get to participate and predict behaviors. Fun class to attend, slightly challenging, but WORTH IT! You'll never find a cool prof like McSweeney.

5.0
1.0
HIST103
Mar 31, 2006

wow, he's AMAZING!

5.0
2.0
HIST103
Apr 3, 2006

McSweeney is amazing. He's totally out of his mind, but in a good way. The plus is that his lectures are easy, fun and entertaining and he has a fairly lax attendance policy. The bad news is that his tests and papers are hard, and your only grades are from two tests and one paper. He does let you grade your own midterm though.

5.0
2.0
HIST101
May 1, 2006

great class! he tells stories that help you remember the events better...great class!

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Jun 28, 2006

BEST prof. i hate history & dreaded taking it but he makes it fun to go to class. i'd be a history major if i could have him for all my classes

5.0
1.0
HIST103
Jul 24, 2006

i would take every class he taught. best prof at cofc. seriously.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Aug 4, 2006

I liked this class a lot. He was very descriptive, imaginative, and interactive with the class. Told stories instead of boring facts. Has lots of life experience that adds life to the details. Questionable grading policy...

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Aug 14, 2006

What a history teacher should be like! He is interesting and gets you involved in the lecture so it isnt boring at all. He is really nice and grades fairly on tests and essays. Take him if you can.

5.0
4.0
HIST101
Oct 25, 2006

I don't know who said this guy was easy. He is probably the toughest grader I've had. We had to get a 96 to get an A, and he grades all papers according to one paper in the class that he feels is the best. So your score is dependent on how everyone else does. Aside from his questionable grading policy, he is interesting in the lectures.

5.0
4.0
HIST101
Nov 2, 2006

He's the hardest paper grader I've had at CofC, but this man is FREAKING hilarious. Best class I've had. Made history interesting. Always tells stories to make things more bearable. He loves history and will trick you in to thinking you do, too!

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Nov 15, 2006

Western Civ is FUN with McSweeney. If you are fillling a requirement DEFINITELY TAKE HIM!! He is funny, smart, and makes history very interesting. He is tough on grading papers but just follow the directions and you will get great grades!! Easy mid-term! :-)

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Nov 17, 2006

Really nice and funny guy. His stories are great generally has an interesting outlook on the world, not just history. His class isn't cake though.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Nov 28, 2006

he was the coolest guy that ive had as a professor so far at cofc. im an english major and this class seriously made me rethink my major.

5.0
3.0
HISTO101
Dec 12, 2006

He puts the jiggle in my jelly! But seriously, he is an awesome teacher, and makes the class super interesting. I'm not really a fan of history in general, but his fun stories and pictures made me love the class. I'm obvi. taking him for 102

5.0
4.0
HIST103
Dec 19, 2006

Prof. McSweeney was a really nice guy, but i thought his class was HARD. There are only four grades so if you mess up on one thing, you have to do very well on everything else. He is willing to help you though, and is very interesting to listen to. Ask about his trip to Egypt :)

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Jan 8, 2007

don't bother buying the book, but an apsolutely great teacher! he definitely knows what he's talking about. i'll definitely be taking him for history 102!

5.0
4.0
HIST102
Apr 12, 2007

McSweeney is one cool cat. Take him. He's one of those teachers you'll remember way after you have left college. He sometimes goes over time bc. he's so into the lecture, and nobody says anything or starts to get up bc. they are so into him. That's an awesome teacher.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Oct 4, 2007

He is a really good teacher! I normally hate history and he has made it so interesting for me. Normally I would be bored out of my mind, but I actually didn't mind going to his class. He was funny and loved to talk about his trip to Egypt. That story lasted about two or three classes. He was probably my favorite teacher this semester!

5.0
3.0
HIST103
Dec 9, 2007

He is WONDEFUL! I hated history prior to taking his class, but he really made me come to LOVE history. He goes out of his way to go above and beyond other professors. He makes the class so INTERESTING! When class is over, you are begging him to keep talk for 5 more minutes so you can hear the rest of his story. Definitley need to study for tests!

4.0
4.0
HIST103
Dec 12, 2007

I had a love/hate relationship with his class. The lectures are awesome and really entertaining, but when it comes time for the test I always paniced bc I didn't feel like I had enuf info to write the essays, it didn't help that the day before the midterm he said not to contact him with any questions bc we had the clay and just needed to mold it..

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Jan 23, 2008

McSweeney was awesome! made class very interesting, always helpful, office hours very flexible. He is very approachable. Take good notes in class and pay close attention to terms he writes on the board. very awesome prof, def take!

5.0
2.0
HIS102
Apr 4, 2008

mcsweeney is the professor to take! it's that simple. you'll love him! if you don't, well then your weird & if you did bad you should just drop out of school because he isn't really easy but he definitely not hard. come to class, write down notes, study a little, you'll do fine.

5.0
1.0
HIS102
Apr 4, 2008

he is the best. take him. you'll be happy you did.

5.0
4.0
HIST101
Nov 2, 2008

I took him for both of my history requirements and I've got to say his classes have been my favorite so far in college. He's very interesting and funny and makes the material come to life, and he tells stories too to keep you engaged. Come to class every time and take excellent notes and you have everything you need for the 2 exams.

5.0
4.0
HIST102
Nov 2, 2008

He is great and I would recommend his class, but be warned he is a very tough grader on your term paper. I am a strong writer and spent a ridiculous amount of time researching, writing, and editing my papers for 101 and 102 and I got an 85 on both of them, so you need to do a great job on the exams to pull off an A.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Nov 10, 2008

McSweeney is the best! I took him for 101 and 102 and I always looked forward to going to class. If you take good notes the tests aren't hard. I agree he's tough on the term papers, but it won't kill your grade. I promise if you take him you won't regret it.

4.0
3.0
HIST101
Nov 23, 2008

He makes going to class worth your while. Nicest guy you'll ever meet. He tells incredible stories. Not the easiest class you'll ever take, but it's 100% worth it to take his class.

4.0
4.0
HIST101
Nov 24, 2008

Hes very interested in teaching students history. This class would be good if there was no grade to be given. He has taught me a lot, however, he does not teach from the book, making it hard to study for his exams. His lectures are all over the place and he is sometimes rude and disrespectful to people asking questions to understand his lecture.

5.0
4.0
HIST101
Dec 3, 2008

Great Teacher! His test are hard and you only have one test a final and a term paper. He teaches history in a great way that makes it easy to grasp and interesting to learn. No text book needed just take tons of notes. I learned a ton from him but i busted my butt for a B. Really energetic and makes history not boring. Don't need to know dates!

3.0
5.0
HIST101
Dec 9, 2008

McSweeney is great at telling stories, but he CAN NOT teach! He jumps around and randomly tells stories which makes it even harder to tell notes. Sure, he is a cool guy and he is fun to listen to, but that won't help you on the tests and papers!

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 15, 2008

Class is all lecture so as long as you take notes you'll do fine. The course consists of 2 papers and two tests (midterm and final) and the information will come from the notes so make sure you don't miss too many classes. Prof. Mcsweeney is great guy who is really passionate about his subject so if you like history you will really enjoy it.

5.0
2.0
HH
Dec 23, 2008

Don't buy the textbook AT ALL for 101. It's a waste of money. All of the material comes from notes, so that means you HAVE to go to class. This was a fun class and I learned a lot but there are only 4 grades: 2 tests and two papers. Get ready for some funny stories about Egypt.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Dec 24, 2008

I loved his class. His tests are straight from his lectures, so pay attention and take good notes. He has lots of funny stories, class is never boring.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
Apr 5, 2009

he is sooo sexy and a wonderful teacher. take this class!!!

5.0
3.0
HIST103
Apr 22, 2009

He is so good looking, nice, funny, and interesting. Really loves what he teaches. His classes are what you would call lecture but its really just like a conversation. He makes everyone feel like they are of importance. One paper, a mid-term, and a final. LOVE HIM!

3.0
3.0
HIST103
May 11, 2009

This actually a fun history class (I know, I thought that was impossible)! McSweeney is very funny and relates anicent life to present day by all of his anecdotes. He is very random however so if you're type A you prob won't like the setup of the class. 2 tests and a paper. All three are fairly difficult!

4.0
4.0
HIS103
May 18, 2009

He is nice and entertaining. He cares about his students but he expects a lot from you, that is good and bad. Make sure you take VERY GOOD NOTES because you must study everything he says! He is very detail oriented with his tests and papers. This is a good class but not a walk in the park. You only have 3-4 grades so make sure you study!

4.0
4.0
HIST103
May 19, 2009

Love this guy! Very funny. He grades the papers and tests very hard. although, I actually enjoyed going to history class. I dont regret taking him. AWESOME TEACHER!

3.0
3.0
HIST101
Sep 19, 2009

Sadly, I ended up having to drop his class after a day to take a physics class instead, but he seemed so sweet, outgoing, and tolerant of the really obnoxious guy who sat behind me. Looks exactly like Richard Gere. I'm going to try to get back in his class next term.

3.0
4.0
HIST101
Dec 14, 2009

Professor McSweeney is a very interesting professor. Take notes on all the material. His test consisted of 25 multiple choice questions and answering an essay question. Three essay questions are given to you prior to the exam and he chooses one for you to answer

4.0
4.0
HIST101
Dec 21, 2009

I love Mr McSweeny, he is really funny, even if the entire class wont pay attention or laugh at his jokes. He tells so many stories. And honestly, if you pay attention and take notes you'll do fine on his tests (although they're a bit hard..) i'd love to take him again

5.0
4.0
HIST102
Jan 7, 2010

Amazing professor- He made european history fascinating. Told it as a story and made the class go by extremely fast. Two papers and tests arent bad if you prepare the three possible essays questions he gives you beforehand and memorize them. I loved having him

5.0
3.0
HIST103
Mar 29, 2010

I hated history before taking him but always loved going to his class. He always makes it interesting, loves to tell lame jokes and connects history to EVERYTHING to make it interesting and easy to learn. Class consists of a midterm, non cumulative final, and a 5 page research paper. Take his class! And don't buy the main textbook.

5.0
1.0
HIST102
Apr 5, 2010

Very helpful

4.0
4.0
HIST101
Apr 8, 2010

very interesting, impossible to get an A but pretty easy to get a B

4.0
4.0
HIST101
Apr 23, 2010

very, very sweet. cares so much about his students and wants everyone to do their best. buuut, his tests can be very hard if you don't know the material. 3 options for essay questions, only chooses 1. grades tough. 1 mid term, 1 final, 1 small paper and 1 research paper. those are like, the only grades... pretty tough.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
May 7, 2010

He's an amazing professor!! Go to class, his lectures are incredible; a couple of papers, 1 midterm and a final. The tests consist of matching (so easy! you have to match names with wars, vocabulary words, etc. he never asks for years!) and 1 essay (he tells you the 3 possible essay questions so study those). Take him :)

5.0
1.0
HIST101
Jun 30, 2010

GREAT!! I wish all prof.'s taught like Prof. McSweeny, he really gets the class into his stories + explanations-- Makes learning the material SO EASY to retain! go to class & take notes, even of his stories! they will help you memorize! His 2 papers, midterm + final are fairly easy. He gives you potential essay questions before each exam--do them!

5.0
2.0
HIST103
Jul 27, 2010

Absolutely loved him! This was the best class...actually enjoyed taking a history class for the first time! Def. recommend him!

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Aug 27, 2010

HE IS AMAZING, AND FUNNY.

5.0
2.0
HIST104
Nov 4, 2010

TAKE HIM! not sure if the class is easy or if he's just that great. only one large research paper and it's not even that bad. Engages the class, hilarious, knows his stuff perfectly. AWESOME!

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Nov 11, 2010

Best Professor I had this semester. Keeps students engaged with his wit and interesting stories. He has definitely made me sway towards becoming a History major.

3.0
3.0
HIST101
Jan 7, 2011

Really good prof. Uses stories to help everyone remember things. Intriguing teacher. Never a dull moment. Once he came to class(8am)we were all dull and lifeless so we took an impromptu trip to Randolf Hall and he was able to integrate what we were learning with the artifacts inside the building. You have to work for your grade. Extremely helpful.

5.0
2.0
HIST116
May 3, 2011

He talks a lot, but uses stories to make history a little interesting. Notes are the only way you can pass the class. Don't buy any of the books, because you don't need them. TAKE HIS CLASS!!!

5.0
3.0
HIST102
May 9, 2011

He is the best professor at CofC that's for sure. His history classes are the best! I love his stories and the way he teaches, he really knows how to captivate your attention. Awesome guy.

5.0
3.0
HIST115
Nov 17, 2011

McSweeney is the best! I loved his class. Lots of note taking... But he keeps it really interesting. Plus he tells stories to go with almost everything! Also, he will help you with absolutely anything you need. He's very eccentric and entertaining. I highly recommend taking his class!

5.0
3.0
HIST115
Nov 21, 2011

GREAT professor for such a boring gen ed class. keeps it interesting. a book evaluation, a midterm, a research paper & a final. tells you exactly what he expects. not to mention he's pretty good looking.

5.0
2.0
HIST116
Apr 17, 2012

He is the best story teller ever, and that is what I personally look for in a History teacher. He knows a lot about the topics he teaches and he is very helpful in areas you don't understand. TAKE HIM!!! best teacher at the CofC, hands down.

5.0
1.0
HIST115
Apr 27, 2012

I had him as a teacher in fall 2011 and he's one of my most favorite teachers at CofC! His tests were basically comprehensive essays, so, you should show up to class. Very understanding. His class is lecture heavy but he makes is easy to remember and fun. Draw the poorly drawn maps he draws. One research paper. Textbooks aren't really necessary.

5.0
3.0
HIST116
Jun 19, 2012

McSweeney is seriously one of those teachers that you will remember forever. He tells history in the most interesting way possible and you learn A LOT of interesting stuff. Even though he does go on tangents they do end up being pertinent to what we are learning. I don't know how many times I have recommended him to other people. Take him!

4.0
3.0
HIST115
Nov 7, 2012

Great professor! He really makes history come alive. He tells amazing stories and makes learning fun. Very interesting guy and fairly attractive. A midterm, final, and paper are the only major portions. Study an average amount and you'll make a B or better.

5.0
3.0
HIST115
Nov 15, 2012

McSweeney is hilarious but can go off track sometimes. But he is very helpful and makes the class interesting!

2.0
3.0
HIST103
Dec 5, 2012

He is the most scatterbrained teacher. He isn't very clear on his guidelines of what he wants for papers and essays for the test. You will have a book eval, research paper, midterm and final. All of which he grades terribly hard He never stays on topic and uses stories that don't correlate. Things on the test do not match notes! Don't take!!!

5.0
2.0
HIST115
Dec 17, 2012

I LOVED McSweeney. He made everything so much more interesting with his stories and goes super in depth with exactly what he expects from you for papers. Not so much on the tests though. I got an A, just go to class!

5.0
2.0
HIST103
May 3, 2013

Best teacher!! Makes history fun and paints a picture easy for anyone to understand!

5.0
2.0
HIST103
May 3, 2013

Awesome teacher!! Its a great class and he makes it fun.

4.0
2.0
HIST115
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 3, 2015

Professor McSweeney is amazing. He is really outgoing and is extremely passionate about the subject he is teaching. He really gets into the lectures and makes them interesting. I was always involved and engaged in the discussions we had in class. He really cares about his students and wants to see them succeed. Definitely take him!!

5.0
1.0
HIST115
Grade: A-
Dec 22, 2015

He turns all of history into a story & draws (literally) a clear picture for you. There is a midterm, a final, & a research paper. He tells you what he wants on the paper very clearly & if you're lucky, he'll move the due date. The tests are 25 matching & an essay & they are super easy to study for. Take good notes & study them & you'll do fine!

5.0
1.0
HIST115
Grade: A+
Jan 4, 2016

I never wanted to skip his class bc it was always interesting. He told it all like a story & would draw pictures for us. He can ramble on sometimes, but it's funny. 2 tests, an 8 paged research paper, and one other small assignment. The class is very simple and very easy. The tests are 25 matching and an essay. He grades pretty easy. Take him!

5.0
1.0
HIST116
Jan 14, 2016

Honestly, McSweeney was the best teacher I have ever had in my 4 years of college at three different institutions. He is very funny and always keeps my attention, and he really knows his subject. He is kind and courteous and would never disrespect a student. He is very clear on his expectations, and is more than willing to help you with anything.

4.0
3.0
HIST115
Grade: A
Feb 26, 2016

I took him for HIST115 and he was honestly one of the greatest people I have ever met. He genuinely cares about his student is so sweet. He teaches extremely well and makes it so easy to learn. Just make sure you study what he tells you and you should be fine. No tests other than the midterm and final. He has a research paper, don't procrastinate!

3.0
4.0
HIST116
Apr 25, 2016

Two papers, midterm, final. Don't take for an easy A, expects a lot of you on the research paper, tough grader.

4.0
3.0
HIST115
Nov 1, 2016
Would take again

Adore him. HATE history, but he tries to make it as interesting as possible and he's a great story teller. Take good notes. He tells you what's gonna be on the test but you seriously have to take good notes.

Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
HIST115
Grade: A-
Nov 2, 2016
Wouldn't take again

The whole class is just lecture, no power points or notes on the board. His main issue is staying on topic. Everyday he gets of topic for 10-15 mins before realizing he has to teach.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
HIST115
Grade: A-
Nov 17, 2016
Would take again

McSweeney is the best college professor I have ever hard. He's hilarious and knows so much about his subject. I look forward to coming to class because he makes even the dullest subjects seem funny and can easily relate everything to the 20th century. He tells the best stories.

Inspirational
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
4.0
HIS115
Grade: B
Nov 29, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He is horrible. Do not take him. His lectures go off on random extensions that have absolutely nothing to do with the class. His tests are such hard matching because he gives you no study guide. The first paper have nothing to do with whats going on in class and honestly doesn't make any sense.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
HIST115
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He's a decent teacher if you actually find history interesting. Personally he was not very helpful when I went and asked him for assistance. He's extremely scatterbrained and goes off on ridiculously long tangents to where you forget about the original topic he was talking about. Extremely confusing at times.

LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
1.0
HIST115
Grade: A
Dec 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

This class was such a waste of time, I learned absolutely nothing and was treated like I had the intelligence level of a 5th grader.

3.0
3.0
HIST115
Grade: A-
Dec 13, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Genuinely nice guy, ends every lecture telling us he loves us. I love history and am a minor, so I was suprised at how boring this class was for me. He talks forever about things that he thinks helps us learn but really waste time. 95 is an A-. Very messy. Answers questions vaguely but like you are idiot for asking.

Tough Grader
Caring
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
HIST115
Grade: B-
Dec 24, 2016
Wouldn't take again

4 Total grades for the semester so if you do bad on one thing, your will drop the class. Easy class if you take amazing notes. In other words if you miss a days your screwed. Also He took 20 points of my final paper for having too much space between the title and the first paragraph, i skipped two lines.

Tough Grader
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
HIST115
Grade: A-
Mar 2, 2017
Would take again

Truly a blessing to this College. He blessed my life abundantly. He helps you learn so easily and so kind. His door and heart are always open to his students. Bless his soul, cause he sure blessed mine. Get you a McSweeney, y'all.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
HIST115
Apr 10, 2017
Would take again

McSweeney is the best history prof I've ever had! He makes all of his lectures hilarious, and he really knows the information he's teaching you. Also, he cares so much about his students and even teared up a bit on the last day of class. TAKE HIM!!!

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Amazing lectures
Caring
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

73%

Textbook Required

80%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
A- (5)
A (4)
Not sure yet (1)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(2)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(5)
Based on 13 reported grades
A-: 5
A: 4
Not sure yet: 1
A+: 1
Common Tags
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (4)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Tough Grader (3)
Caring (3)
TEST HEAVY (2)
Inspirational (2)
Amazing lectures (2)
Skip class? You won't pass. (1)
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5.0

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5.0

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5.0

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4.0

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3.5

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3.0

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