Craig Simpson - Western University, London, ON

Professor: Craig Simpson

Department: History

College: Western University, London, ON

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: HISTORY344
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

The most amazing professor I EVER experienced at university! I had him more than 35 years ago. He was an incredible 'teacher', one of the few profs who actually 'taught'. PLUS he took a sincere interest in his students as people. True, he had no use for slackers but, it's better said that he forced us to be better than we thought possible. GREAT!

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: 2303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Perhaps the most engaging prof I have ever come across. The material will drive opinions and you best have credible comments and educated opinions to contribute rather than reiterating facts. Not a history major.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HIST1810
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Simpson is very passionate about his subject. I had him as a tutorial leader too and he was very intense and made you think. Sometimes he was very intense, almost scary but he was also funny too. I liked his course, but if you are looking for a light and easy course, his is not the one to take. His exams are fair, but long.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HIS344
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Took his classes back in the late 70's. By far the BEST university professor I ever had and one of the very few that bothered to actually teach! His passion was infectious and commitment to both his subject area and his students was limit-less. True, he didn't suffer fools gladly - why should he? Craig challenged your intellect and fed your soul!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: HIST234
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He taught me in the 1970's when the lectures, research, writing and discourse were the entertainment. He nurtured a love of history and inspired a desire to become a better historian.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: HIST301
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Thirty five years since I took Professor Simpaon's American history course and he is the only Professor that to this day I still remember his name and some of his lectures. He was inspiring, funny, highly intelligent, and challenged you to think outside the box. And boy did he love his beloved Notre Dame football...The best teacher I have ever!!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: 1810E
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Obviously passionate about the American Civil War, unfortunately, you can't remember any of his lectures because he moves very quickly through the material and its tough to write what he says down. Don't bother to take notes in his lecture, just do the textbook and tutorial readings. Come to lectures though, its amazing to listen to him.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HISTORY2303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Old man that does not deal like slackers. Do your work or he'll put you in your place. Still an absolute beauty though and his charismatic personality makes lectures entertaining

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: HIS3305E
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Simpson is an absolute gem. If you are not prepared to be worked, do not take his class. He comes from an age when students had to be intelligent, not the internet. Yes he doesn't use powerpoint, life doesn't have powerpoint kids

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: HIST234
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Back when I (late 80's) I took his class, I did not appreciate Professor Simpson. In retrospect, though, I wish I had followed his advice (which would caused me to step out of my comfort zone--something I was not ready to do at the time). He is a person who is doing just what he was meant to do in life.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: HIST101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

absolute gem

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: HIST2303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Simpson is an amazing professor. Probably one of the most engaging and interesting professors at ant university. The stories he tells are simply remarkable. Each class is spoken and not read from some notes. His general attitude towards the students and the subject matter make each class amazing. The only class I have never fallen asleep in.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: HIS2303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This course really helps students in Political Science. Highly recommended. He is also hilarious, which helps :)

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HIST344
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I studied with Simpson in the 70s--he changed my life, and I learned more than I could ever have imagined. Simply the most brilliant teacher in any subject on any college campus anywhere. A gifted scholar and a truly good, good man. Western's shining star.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: HIST2303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Best professor I have ever had. Class was very difficult, and he is very intense (in a good way). Makes you really want to pay attention and do well. Isn't afraid to call you out on class readings, so make sure you are ready. Overall: BEST professor/man at western, a true beauty!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: HIST2303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Simply put; the best prof at UWO. He will work you, and you will learn such much for it. Even if the material seems old hat to you, the technical aspects of academia are a pet passion of his. One of the few profs who will always have an open door for his students.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: HIST2303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

An inspiration to all those looking to pursue the study of history. Encourages critical thinking and represents the epitome of what university education should entail. Overall, a great man deserving and commanding of all of his students undivided attention.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: HIST2303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Lecutre were my favourite. Very challenging. Text book readings are HUGE and demand a lot. Easy essay marker. Extremely hard exam. Good prof who loves to teach and share his knowledge. One of my favourite profs thus far.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: HIST2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

It's almost impossible to follow along with his lectures. While you can tell he's passionate, it's so difficult to hear him at times. It's very easy to get lost trying to follow along. Picks terms for the exam that he barely mentioned in lectures, which isn't really a fair judgement of learning. I wouldn't take a class with him again.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: HIST2301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I love Prof. Simpson!! Every lecture he puts on is a show. I see what everyone is saying about it being hard to take notes, but seriously, are we here just to memorize verbatim what powerpoints tell us? Prof. Simpson analyzes the data from the text and presents arguments. Very entertaining and very clear about what he expects you to remember.