William York - Portland State University, Portland, OR

Professor: William York

Department: History

College: Portland State University, Portland, OR

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor York genuinely cares about you as a student and a person. While the readings can be overwhelming if you don't stay on top of things but he helps break down the material. While the final paper is stress-inducing, as long as you start early and ask specific questions you should be fine. Honors isn't for "smart people" it's for hard workers.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Will be very happy if you contribute to the class, there is a lot of reading but it is manageable if you plan ahead. Knowledge about greek and roman history really helps. You will be confused in this class so definitely go ask questions he is happy to answer them.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Tends to ramble on during lectures and gives a lot of readings. However, he discusses all the readings in depth during class so tbh you don't really need to read them too deeply. such a bae though, the best prof in the PSU honors program and will give pages of typed feedback on essays which is very helpful.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Professor York is one of the most intelligent, down to earth professors at PSU. His goal is to help students grow as scholars, not to quiz you on how good your memory is. At times, he is can be vague, and you may feel like you're doing busywork, but there is always a purpose. If you attend class and put in effort, you will succeed.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: HON407
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

York is the best honors prof I've had, and among my favorite professors in general. He's wordy, but the two classes I've taken from him have been interesting and he knows his stuff. He's willing to engage in dialogue, and encourages student participation. Just show up, pay a little attention, write an essay, and then present on your essay topic.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: HON10X
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I honestly would take this prof for the rest of the honors curriculum if possible. Kind, funny, and understanding. One group project and final paper per term, and you only have to hand in one draft before the final paper which I really like. He'd always push back due dates and was willing to help his students. Lectures can be really boring though.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

I wanted to select more tags, but this professor is the best in the Global City cluster. He's hilarious, he gives good lectures. The lectures aren't really required to attend, but the're very helpful if you want to know what your papers are to be about. The best prof in the cluster, try to get him.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HON102
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

The syllabus is more of a guideline. He will extend deadlines (for big assignments, at least) within reason. His lectures are long and get kind of boring because he talks for most of it. Be aware that his profession is middle English. He's very passionate and very approachable.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: HON10X
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Prof York is passionate for what he teaches and is well informed. He also gives great feedback--just don't be afraid to ask for help. He is willing to give help, although YOU must seek it. As far as the material goes, it's tricky to understand unless you are there for lectures and ask questions. If you love to learn, this is a great opportunity.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I liked York as a professor. However his teaching style makes the class seem like it will never end. He is very passionate about what he's teaching, but sometimes figuring out what he's teaching is rather difficult.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I love York because of his obvious passion for what he teaches, although sometimes it seems like class lasts 5 hours. He's accessible, and you can tell that he cares for his students, even though he gives assignments that are often confusing and open-ended. I would recommend York, especially after hearing horror stories about other Honors profs.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: HON199407
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

York is the single best educator I have ever met. He loves teaching and it shows. Some material and expectations of assignments can definitely be confusing at first, but if you seek help he will do everything possible to get you on track and immersed in the subject. Also, do the rough drafts, his feedback is the most insightful I have ever had.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: HON10X
• 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:

Great professor. Very engaged in the material, able to answer pretty much any question you throw at him. He gives helpful feedback on essays, and is willing to give you a second chance if you mess up on one.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HON101
• 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:

Fifty-five percent of the grade is composed of a single essay. York does a very good job of talking about Greeks and Romans, however he has failed to clearly explain the expectations of the essay. Class is extremely dry unless you're into analyzing taxonomy, and is mandatory.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: HON199
• 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:

York is by far the greatest Professor I have ever had. If you ever have an opportunity to take a class from him, do it. He can approach a subject you think you are familiar with and absolutely turn your perspective upside down. Two classes with him thus far, and my approach to and quality of reading and writing has drastically improved. RECOMMENDED

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: HON407
• 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:

Would DEFINITELY recommend York. He is enthusiastic, funny and knowledgeable about his subjects, and you can't help but get caught up in it. He is very helpful and supportive, but always teaches and guides along the way. Very discussion-based classes.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: HON407
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor York was a really awesome guy that I would definitely take a class with again. His feedback on rough drafts was incredibly helpful and the class overall was fascinating. Very funny and intelligent, I recommend him to anyone.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: HON199
• 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:

He is my favorite teacher that I have ever had. He is clear when he explains concepts and his help on essays is above and beyond what is usually expected from professors. Also, while his classes are difficult and takes a commitment to finish, the amount of material learned is truly staggering. I hope I am able to take another of his classes.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: HON199
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Professor York is one of the most guileless and tolerant individuals I have ever encountered- but he is a mediocre editor and round-about explicator on the whole as well. Be prepared to match his patience and be doubly diligent (do not procrastinate asking for help) if you sign up to work with him, or you may find some nerves unpleasantly pinched.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: HON199
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

An academic with social skills; also relatively accommodating. I say to take his HON 199 class if given the opportunity.