EXCELLENT teacher if you want to learn the subject, but not to skate on....

Knows his stuff, and lectures very well. Very matter-of-fact and up front. A fair amount of required reading, but it's worth it.

This guy is the best teacher at ARC! He knows everything and tells it in such a way that you don't ever want to leave his classroom. I'm so glad that I am a history major because I want to be just like him. He's hard but totally worth it!

If you want a UC quality prof at CC cost, he's your man. If you want to sleep walk through college, don't waste your time or his. One of the best profs at ARC, bar none.

VERY hard....makes you draw your own conclusions.

One of the BEST teachers that i ever had at ARC. I got an A, but i had to really apply myself, and it was fun. You can't just regurgitate what the book says and get a good grade. he really makes you think about what you have read. Definite UC caliber.

Wrightson. Smart guy, decent teacher, very cocky, also somewhat rude sometimes, but not unacceptable. He deserves his snobbieness and is a very hard teacher demands reading and participation. makes you think in a good way, not for everyone. deffinatly uc caliber at cc price. hes worth it if you are

Doesn't favor ignorance. His lectures are very clear and to the ponit. Makes his class interesting. Very, Very, Very tough on grading! I did my h/w and all of the readings still got C. Well, maybe I'm not that smart, but maybe Mr. Wrigston has to review his grading policy!!!!!!!!!

He is not hard or tough its just you haft to try. We got used to the crap we got in high school where if you did homework you got an A. well guess what he is not like that. And I love him for it. If you don’t want to learn or work don’t take ANY of his classes. I am taking his Russian hist spring

He used to teach at UCSB, now we're lucky enough to have him here. His class is challenging and it makes you think, it won't be an easy grade but if you want to go away really understanding the topic or if you want to go to a university take him. you wont pass if you don't apply yourself and think.

awsome class, awsome prof! i would recomend taking world civ first, but you can manage w/out. assigned book didn't help but definately need to do research before the tests. but that only adds up to about 6 hours of outside work, wich is pretty good considering what you get. learned a ton, but he's a tough grader. expects participation, or else!

Brilliant but challenging professor. Well worth taking the time and effort. Very rewarding, I'll remember this class forever.

Liberal, Intellegent, but tough

this is the MOST animated teacher AT ARC. and by far the most intuitive teacher as well. Reguardless of where he taught previous to ARC, he is a valuable asset. if you can take his class you will have fun, laugh.. alot . and learn plenty and youll remember most of it also.

Prof Wrightson! He is an amazing man. His lectures are incredible--he loves his subject and you learn to love it too. He is pretty condescending and it's hard to earn his respect but he's one of the most intelligent people I've ever met.

Amazing professor, obviously believes in what he's teaching. His essay tests are extremely difficult, but speak up in class and read the assignments and you'll enjoy it

Great class enjoy a lot! VERY INTERESTING!

I took both of his western civ classes and loved them. He is fun to work with, very strait forward, and gives you tons of information. About 80% if the info you need is given in the lecture, and if you copy down the outline and add on to it as he goes, then you already have a B in the class. Reading the source book is next on the list. He doesn't grade easy but the makes it clear how to succeed in his class. If you are up for the work it is easy and very fun. He will make you speak however..

This teacher knows his material and he expects you to do your reading, but other than that a great guy. His tests are only hard if you didn't study and the lectures are intersting most of the time. I would take more of his classes.

Arrogance, just one aspect, which makes you completely, lose respect for the guy. He knows his stuff and expects you to as well. But, heck he is completely washed up. Not worth the aggravation of attending his class, not so say you wont learn a new thing or two. Weight the risks before adding!

One of the best teachers I have ever had!!!! Hard on grades...know your english 1A(300) But, you will learn more in his class than most other classes combined. Just be prepared to put in the time. I had him my first semester of ARC... it was rough however, as stated above he is very good and I still tell friends to take his class!!!!!

Things said on this page are true, but they come with a single caveat: If you are enthusiastic in his class, even if you don't know things QUITE as well as you ought, he will become your favorite history teacher ever. If you have no time for his class, he will have no time for you. Above all, definitely knows his stuff. Incredibly Knowledgeable.

Wonderful prof. I took three of his classes, and got an A in each of them. You must read. You must study. You must come to class prepared. He is not an easy grader, but his door is always open, and you will come away from your classes with a greater appreciation of not only history, but how to be a much better student in your other classes.

I see a lot of people on here whining about how tough he is. He is fair but strict and if you do not come to class prepared to participate yes he can be a little overbearing. Best teacher I have ever had. He is arrogant but he has every right to be. One of the most intelligent people I have ever met and that is what makes him such a fun teacher.

He is a very intimidating teacher, so sometimes you feel afraid to answer questions. He will call on you if you are talking/not paying attention/look confused. Be prepared to participate and READ THE BOOK. Reading gets you very far. 3 midterms and a final. Difficult but not impossible. He is serious but fun. Just study and you'll be fine.

I LOVE BILL!!! It was a super hard class but I learned so much and was always excited to go. He was really fun and cool and made the material interesting and easy to understand.

Very, very, very, HARD. His class def. gives you a look at what it's like to be in real college. Despite the difficulty, he is an awesome teacher. His lectures are top-notch and he always keeps you interested. Your grade consist of three essays which are graded very hard. If you enroll in this class, you have to talk.

He is very knowledgeable, but I think he intimidates everyone. He expects you to participate, i.e. talk, but no one ever wanted to. All you get graded on is participation and 3 tests, so if you don't speak up in class and don't do very well on the tests, you'll probably get a C (like me) or worse. He can be nice, just VERY intimidating.

If you're lazy, don't take Wrightson. You won't appreciate him, and you won't do well. And people like me, who care about history and love his class, will have to listen to you **** about how hard it is and how unfair the grades are. If you're more concerned about your grade than about your brain, please stay out of the way of real students.

good guy. funny and nice. he WILL make fun of you for saying a dumb comment or question. 3 midterms and a final...all written. it's hard to know exactly what he wants in the tests. if you can figure that out, it's a easy A. if not, he'll give you credit for trying.

Wrightson is GREAT. I got a C in each class I took of his, but learned more than in any class I've aced. He expects you to USE YOUR NOODLE. He'll throw you out the window if your cell rings. He'll yell at you if you don't read. He's hilarious and demanding. He's a riot. Don't take him right out of highschool. You'll drop out of college.

Bill loves to talk about himself. I've had 3 semesters with him and I know more about his life than I'd like to admit. He is probably the most brilliant professor at ARC, and if you take him you'll learn a lot of interesting stuff. He's also pretty hard, but if you just read the books and speak up then he won't be as tough as he's made out to be.

Smart ass but its a good kind funny as hell makes this crap easy to understand i would take him again

Great teacher! He requirers a lot of work from his students.

Best teacher ever.Assumes you have a good mind and expects you to use it.Understanding when you are prepared but intolerant of ppl trying to coast through his class.Great prep for University.He loves his work and his enthusiasm and passion are infectous he prepares you well for exams clearly indicates what you are expected to know.Text essential!

Sit in the front row. Interact with him during the lecture. Ask many, many questions -but think them through before they escape your lips. YES, he is demanding. YES, he is loud. YES, he is tough. And, YES, you will appreciate the experience if you stick it out. He's ruined my 4.0, but I'm a better student because of him, plain and simple.

Wrightson really knows his stuff and his classes are exciting. He doesn't like slackers or those who just show up, so be sure to participate. The exams are hard; don't take 300 or 302 if you want an easy A. It can be done, but very few get one. You will learn a lot though, and will come to truly appreciate western civ/ history in general.

He'll make you think and analyze instead of just remember dates. You'll be a better student if you survive his class. Funny and informative. Great prof. Bon Chance! T.P. San Jose.

Great Professor, He's helerious..and straight to the point. It's not an easy A class, you should probably read the assigned sections so you can participate in class. It's not a sit-through lecture class, he demands you to participate, think, and analyze the topic. Overall..good class if you're willing to put the effort.

I'll probably get a C in his class, which ruins my GPA, but I would take his class again in a heartbeat. Not just memorizing dates (which is why I disliked past History courses) he makes you memorize concepts and cause and effect relationships. All tests are essays, which I suck at, but hey...I'm ending the semester with more knowledge about Wester

He's funny, I'll give him that. Like others say, he's a GPA destroyer, but you'll learn your money's worth! I used the book once.

He is easily the most brilliant professor I have had. By far the most I have learned in any class and he is able to make it fun and interesting.

Exams are blue book essays, which he doesn't grade very hard. His lectures are great. You need to do the reading to participate in the lectures, though. If you don't feel like trying, I guess it's hard but I got an A so it's not impossible. He's also hilarious.

This is a teacher where you either love him or you hate him. Personally even though his class was hard if i had time in my schedule I would definetly take another of his classes. He doesn't just spew facts at you all day. He actually teaches the concepts behind events that happen. And hey we're not in high school anymore, expect it to be hard.

Wrightson is the single best teacher of my life. Only spineless people without episteme or insight will think him "hard" or "strange." He has a beautiful mind and he lives, breaths, manifests classicalism. He's one of the few true revolutionaries who I've ever met.

This is the first class I've ever worried about getting a C. Wrightson presented history in a new a great way. I learned a lot about Western Civ and loved it. Grade is based on 3 blue book exams and he grades pretty hard, but fair. Showing up to class is a must, you don't want to miss anything. He explains in advance what will be on the tests.

This guy is very smart and knows his profession but he can be a bit stern and negative in his approach to teaching. Grade is only based off mid-term essays, final, and in-class participation which is what turned me off.

If you love history, he is the guy to learn it from. Participation is key. Read and attend all classes! He can seem extremely intimidating but get to know the guy. It's like night and day. Not an easy but worth it for the info learned.

Quite possibly one of the best teachers I've ever had. Great sense of humor, really gives you a good understanding of how all events are linked to eachother. Must attend class. Grade is based from the midterms and final, which are essay and based mostly from lecture. He's a tough grader, but the class is SO WORTH IT.

Clear, funny as hell, very intelligent, changed my way of thinking about history and our world! I find myself rolling my eyes in other classes that call the Middle Ages the "Dark Ages" and saying "bloody hell" all the time ;-)

Bill is hilarious watch for a day where he forgets his coffee! He's a tough teacher but he will open your mind and make you think about history more than you ever have before. I look forward to taking from him again.

one of the greatest teachers i've ever had. do what he asks and you'll get an easy A

Wrightson is an excellent professor. Take him, you will not regret it. He expects a lot out of his students and challenges you to use your brain. I was already interested in history before I took the class, but now I'm really interested. You will be hard pressed to find a better professor out there.

Class is difficult but totally worth it. You will NEVER see history the same way again.

Bill was one of the best teachers I had at ARC. I took his 301 West Civ1, 482 West Civ Honors, and Russian History. He inspires, he challenges, and he sparks your interest. Come in with an attitude expecting to learn and be challenged, and you'll do fine. I wouldn't have taken him 3 times if I didn't think it was worth it.

Professor Wrightson is the best history teacher I have had so far. I could sit and listen to him talk for hours he is interesting and makes you use your brain. Dont expect to come to class and not pay attention. . No essays just two tests and a final. I took him for two classes wish he could teach all my history classes!

Professor is very detailed on deatails and expects you to show up to class each time having read the text and able to answer his questions. his jokes are great. Just come to class and be prepared. does not give pop quizzes just exams after studying each section and you are aware of it at the beginnning of the semester. he's an excellent teacher.

Wrightson is one of the best lecturers ever. he is very interesting and i really liked this class, and would go by in a flash. his exams are pretty hard though. he tells what he wants, but is a very hard grader. i studied hard in this class and i came out with a 'C'. i had straight 'A's this semester except this class. most of the class got a 'C'.

NOT A CLASS TO BE TAKEN LITELY! Recommend it if you're preparing to transfer to UC. Fun classroom but grades HARD at UC level. He WILL help with anything if you just ask. Essay exams and no homework. He tries to get you to THINK not just memorize dates and events. Take if you ACTUALLY WANT TO LEARN.

He is a great Teacher, however be warned he is extremely hard at grading, expect a C in his class even if you are a grade A student. But this in mind, he really does help to prepare you for a UC. if you plan on transferring take him. if you just need to fill a requirement, don't take him. Great guy though. Lectures are fun.

I warn you now not to take this class if you need good grades. This guy will suck your gpa no matter how hard you study and prepare for his exams. He's the Hitler of grading aka Grade Nazi

By far one of the hardest classes that I have taken. That being said I learned a number of things to go on and do well after transferring. Great class as a History major I would say take this guy, if you want to be challenged to think about history.

This man is a great history teacher. I am a history major I had never gotten anything lower than an A. He is very hard, and I think this is the first B I will get. On the bright side, he is extremely knowledgeable and a great lecturer. Very funny and engaging man. Never felt bored, but then again I also love history!

Class taught like an upper division college course, there is no screwing around. Basically lecture style with 3-4 exams coming from the material. Low classwork, just note taking. He is a very good lecturer, don't act like a child and you won't get treated like one.

He is a "different" teacher that's for sure. Don't leave class early or you will be locked out, don't sleep or text or you will be dropped. Do ALLLLLL of the reading or this class will be very difficult for you to pass .

I haven't had the pleasure of taking one of Prof. Wrightson's regular term history classes, but I did study abroad Italian History and Culture with him summer of 2010. He was amazing. I learned so much and developed an appreciation for art and the renaissance. If possible, study abroad with Bill and Co.-- it'll be the experience of a lifetime!

Bill Wrightson is no doubt a great professor. His lectures are really enjoyable so attendance was not a big problem for me. I think his midterms are a little hard, but nothing studying won't fix. Great professor, can't wait to take another class with him

I had absolutely no interest in History before i took Wrightson.He is a little bit intimidating, and pushes you for information but honestly I dont think I ever learned so much about Hist.Tests are hard, but he gives you a list of topics that might be on the test before hand.Anyone who is up for the challenge will not be dissapointed.Great Class!

People need to stop complaining. Study study study. All of his material that he delivers can be formulated into one of his essay questions. Study. Take excellent notes. Study. And no I did not earn an A.

No homework, no quizzes, only written exams. As long as you show for lecture you will get all the crucial info on what will show on said exams. No doubt a hard class if writing essays isn't your strong point but it's never a dull moment and you might just learn something. Don't expect an easy A if that's what you're here for.

This professor is an excellent lecturer. People might complain because he challenges his students to think critically and write essays for the exams...You're in college! Having said that, it's easy to tell in his lectures what will be on the exams...if you pay attention (you're in college). This class is great if you want an education.

This man is THE COOLEST. I have taken every class he offers and I wish he had more. People complain because he will lock the door if you leave early or drop you if you sleep- if you aren't ready for college then dont go. His classes are hard, no question, but if you make and effort and see him after class time he is always willing to help students.

Simple, show up and you will get a C, go and talk with Bill and you will do well in the class. He is a hard grader, but show up and you will understand the material.

Wrightson is the best history teacher at ARC. He is the reason I'm majoring in history at Sac State. He can be intense but that's just a product of the ARC environment, full of disrespectful and rude students. If you have ambitions of transferring to a four year, any and all of his classes will prepare you.

The best history teacher I have ever had, by far. One of the best professors i've ever had, period. He is funny, and he seriously knows his history. He doesn't take any bs, and he's not likely to hand out very many A's (if any), so choose a different history class if that's what your looking for. Take any of his classes, and thank me later.

This class was the HARDEST class that I had at ARC...BUT i think I should thank Professor Wrightson because i think it's because of him I'm doing so well at UCD! it was the only C on my transcript LOL but the skills that you gain in this class will help you succeed at university :)

Great teacher! He is difficult as he only has 3 grades all semester but there is no homework or quizzes and his classes are just listening. Very interesting teacher. If he is teaching any other classes I need i will definitely take him.

Bill is a great teacher but he is very hard. His 3 essay midterms are all very hard but the bright side is I learned a lot from all the studying I did. I recommend this class but if you take it expect it to be a challenge.

The best teacher I've ever had! Engages you in the material and really makes you to THINK! For my 3 years in ARC he gave me the best preparation for Berkeley! You can only benefit if you take his classes. Strongly recommend especially for students who want to transfer to a 4 year college.

Bill is an amazing teacher who has great passion and knowledge in his field.His lectures are very important and if you intend on passing the class you must attend. His tests are relatively difficult but his grading as he rewards progress is not if you get a C then a B then an A you will receive an A in the class. I recommend him for history majors.

This class is not an easy A. Professor Wrightson grades on three midterms and a final. I studied for each one for hours and ended up with a B in the class. He grades you on long essays so if you can't write well don't bother taking the class. One of my favorite classes, it was nearly impossible to fall asleep during lectures.

funny guy but his class is hard, though I would take his class again because he is very interesting in the way he teaches and approach stuff

This class requires a thorough understanding of the material and a knowledge of the primary resources. The course is based solely on exams and it is very important to study well. He is one of the few professors who actually prepares students for university level work. He is very willing to help if you show initiative by going to his office hours.

Great teacher. Great lecturer. You will take notes. You will struggle. You will fall. 3 Exam essay tests. May god have mercy on you.

He's a good teacher and lecturer. In his class he trys to teach students to think outside the box. However, one of the toughest graders I had at ARC. Only 3 in-class essays so if you do bad on one it really hurts your grade. There are no study guides and he doesn't allow any notes or flash cards on test day.

Bill is a wonderful professor who is passionate about what he teaches. His lectures are extremely interesting and entertaining. He is more than happy to help you with class, or just talk about baseball if you come to his office hours. He grades like you would get at a UC. Do not take this class unless you're serious about trying to get a good grade

Bill is one of the best teachers I have ever had. As someone who has gone on to the next level, I can say getting a B in Bill's class means A's in many of the future write exams you will have. Bill's expects a lot, and I recommend frequent visits to office hours to further discuss the materials, I went from a B- on my 1st exam to a A- on 2nd.

Veterans. Listen to me now. If your just exiting the military like I did, this is the professor you want. Bill keeps it real, he's professional, and a tough grader. He doesn't take BS and his sense of humor is great. The class itself can be challenging. You have to really think. If your not a great writer, I don't recommend it. But you will learn!

Learned a ton, didn't do any homework work just came to the lectures engaged, missed about 4 classes, I'm an average to maybe a little above average essay writer, and I think I got a C. I was ok with that because he made the content interesting and I'm don't trip. In his class C's are easy A's are really hard. He grades at a higher standard

Professor Wrightson is hard! He grades on three midterms, which are all essay written questions, there is no multiple choice at all. First 40 points for short answer, and 60 points for long question essay. Participation matters, and sometimes you may be even required to share that you've read with the class. Keeps class all 80 minutes!

Bill is one of the best professors I have had here, what he teachers is what many blue book exams are like in upper division courses. GO TO HIS OFFICE HOUR HE WILL HELP YOU, I went after the first exam and went from a 70 on my first exam to an 89 on the second. Don't be afraid of the old walrus he will help you do well in his class.

He's a very good teacher. Listen to his lectures and understand the ideas and you will do fine the midterms.

Wrightson is not for the lazy, weak-minded, or faint of heart. However, if you're transferring to schools like UCLA, Berkeley, UCD, etc.. he will prepare you for the level of work you will encounter there. If you just need the credits, take another professor. He's brilliant and expects university level work. Take him if you're serious about college

I love Bill, he will push you to limits your did not know you could reach and helps you refine your skills as a student. Ignore the negative feedback about him he wants to see you succeed. He is very honest and hilarious. As well as he makes history feel like it should which is intresting and engaging.

Bill was the best teacher I ever had at ARC, and the only reason I was prepared for courses at Cal. He is fascinating, and if you don't like him and his class it's probably because you are lazy or not serious about your studies.

Very difficult class, but well worth it. He gave me my first and only B, which I deserved but was not expecting because I've had so many easy-grader teachers. Take detailed notes, memorize important names and dates, and be sure you THOROUGHLY understand the connections and overarching themes! He expects a lot and you will learn a lot, 10/10

He expects you to guess what is going to be on the "short essay/long essay" exams based on weeks of lecture. His exams are all on blue books and if you do not go to class you will automatically fail. He also hates when people are late so if you get there 5 minutes after class started he will lock you out and you will be forced to loose points/ info

This class was the highlight of my day. Bill is hilarious. He is intimidating and he WILL KNOW if you aren't prepared for lecture. He only graded us on the 3 exams and participation. The exams are tough. This class is definitely not for lazy people. This class takes hard work if you want an A, but he is an awesome teacher. Just study A LOT!

Honestly, he is a brilliant HIST teacher. (-) - very intimidating to ask questions to unless you're a hist nerd. Lectures are lengthy and he changes slides too fast. You need to impressss him to get an A - connect hist essay question to outside hist knowledge. Hard exams! 5 essays within 1 test! 2 midterms. I final 6 essays! Must work HARD!