Phillip Riley - James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Professor: Phillip Riley

Department: History

College: James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• 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:

This class requires a lot of outside time and dedication on the part of the student, but honestly, it could be a high school level class. Be advised: do all the readings. Riley always goes over them in class and does like a lot of class participation. Tests aren't difficult if you attend class (mandatory) and take notes.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• 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:

As an assigned class, this is a lot of reading. However, the textbook is interesting, and Professor Riley knows so much about history! His lectures cover a wide variety of topics, and he's extremely helpful outside of the classroom with any questions or concerns. Great professor & nice guy. E-mail friendly. Just ask questions! Very willing to help.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HIST390
• 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:

I think he was quite clear in his delivery. And what a voice! Dreamy I say!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• 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:

Alot of reading for this class.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Very Nice guy. unclear about some topics and gives vague answers. tests difficult

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

A lot of work. Expects a lot and wants class participation. He is very passionate about the subject and knows a lot. Definitely not one for who history is hard. Don't leave papers to last minute. I don't know how I got a B+. Some idiot complained to dept. head b/c felt a review sheet for midterm was too "high school" so no review sheet 4 final

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

I liked this professor. DO NOT Take his class if you aren't into history or haven't taken an AP or IB History or Gov't class....if you have and did good in it, then this class will be cake for you. Lots of reading, but his dry since of humor and knowledge in the subject is worth it.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Mr. Riley is on and off...his lectures are ALL over the place, & no matter how hard you try and pay attention, it's impossible to understand him. Taking notes is also impossible, not one person in my class takes notes. He's a fair grader, but he's terrible at teaching the material. You have to read multiple textbooks and novels.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• 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:

Nice guy, but lectures are all over the place. There is a TON of reading, way to much to possibly keep up with. He is an easy grader and there's only a few papers, a midterm, and a final. Extra credit optional paper too, if you need it. The class isn't that hard, but it is kind of boring.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Riley is a great guy. His lectures are a somewhat confusing, but if you do the required readings, he grades the midterm and final pretty easily. Just do the reading and when he has questions on the syllabus, be prepared to answer them in class!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

if you get him, try to change. most definitely. his lectures are random, and this class is supposed to be about critical issues in RECENT global history, but nothing is recent, we talk about the cold war, world war 1 & 2, vietnam conflict. he assigns so much reading so dont take this if you dont have time because if you dont read you'll be really

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

If you get this proffessor switch out!He is a very nice person, but he can not teach.All he does is stand at the front of the classroom and tell random quotes that have nothing to do with the actual subject.He also likes to randomly yell out parts of his sentence FOR NO REASON!Its really scary, he randomly yells in you ear He is a very bad teacher

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He assigns tons of reading. He expects you to read so much and understand everything. If you dont participate in class he wont talk about the material. The test is very broad so you have to remember all the readings by either the author or title. He makes you feel like an idiot when you finally try to answer a question and he grades papers hard

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HIST102
• 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:

A true class act! Dr. Riley is interesting and excited about his subject matter. He adds fascinating stories and makes history come alive. Very warm and jovial guy whose jokes are made better by his delivery. The course has creative tests that include maps/geography & many 1-page summaries of readings.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: GHIST105
• 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:

I love him! He is very intimidating at first but a great down to earth guy. He will help you with anything during his office hours. He is so informed on global issues it is inspiring. He is a vietnam vet, and is passionate about his work. His tests are hard but he gives you study guides which are the exact test.. a lot of memorization. great guy

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

This class is all about reading. You have tons of different books to buy for the class(like 5) none of the novels can be found on spark notes. It's just a wierd class and way too much work for a gen ed. If you have to take this class then do it but if you need a critical thinking class for an A this is not it.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

is a ****

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The man looks like Mr. Rogers but as soon as he opens his mouth be afraid. He's somewhat approachable, but very knowledgable so beware. Didn't really understand what it had to do with Critical Thinking becuase it was another History class, so if you have the choice don't take him. Really nice man outside of class not in.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Lectures are really unorganized and fast-paced. He jumped all over the place and didn't post his lecture notes until after the class was over. No chance to keep up on outside information. Difficult tests and tends to emblazon bias within class discussion.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: GHIST150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

If you love history very much, I urge you to take this class with this man. Great discussions and great subject matter (wars + human rights). Just do the readings and you will do fine. Ask questions and he will gladly serve you. GHIST 150 + Dr. Riley = a must for history/poli sci or related majors, no questions asked.