William Cumiford - Chapman University

Professor: William Cumiford

Department: History

College: Chapman University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: HIST388
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

No powerpoints or lectures. He talks to the class about readings and asks questions. He calls on just about everyone, but he doesn't necessarily care if you know the answer, he just wants to know you're paying attention. Easy grader on essays and he gives study guides for his tests which are pretty straight forward. Class was boring but easy

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: HIST252
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Cumiford is one of my favorite professors. You have 5 essays that are due throughout the semester, and they are short, easy papers (longest is 5 pages). He gives you good feedback on your papers but have someone go through your paper for errors before you turn it in. No tests or quizzes (essay final). I highly recommend him as a professor.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: FFC100
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

He is really passionate about the subject matter, but all he does for the full class is sit in the front of the room and lecture. No powerpoints. No slides. No writing on the board. Just talks and you have to take notes. It can be kind of difficult to take notes from what he is speaking about since there doesn't seem to be a clear outline.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HIST306
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This was my second class with Cumiford, but once you know his class structure it's always the same. Your grade is based off 3 tests: Test 1, Midterm, and Final, as well as a paper. In this class, we had 3 papers, all short. He grades more off overall performance rather than percentages- come to class, participate, and your grade will show it.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: FFC100
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Clearly knowledgable and passionate about the material, but has high expectations of students regardless of major and background. Can be demeaning during discussions and will interrupt you frequently. Acts like he's going to be a harsh grader, but isn't really.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: HIST311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He has a passion for what he teaches. The readings and his lectures pair well together. I am leaving his classes as an improved student, and overall Professor Cumiford is a cool teacher!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: HIST110
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

This class is a good 100-level to take for a GE, if you're ready to pay attention. His lectures don't really cover the same material as the books, so you don't need to read. Just be attentive in class, b/c the only way to know the test material is to listen & and take in-depth notes. He's a hard grader, so that's the only way to get a good grade.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HIS252
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

One of the best professors I have ever had. He doesn't give any busy work and always gives thorough feedback and is willing to answer any questions you may have. He loves students who are passionate about the content and have a genuine curiosity.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: FFC100
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

I took his 'Greek and Roman Influence' class and was blown away with the kind of depth with which he introduces the topic to you. His lectures are conversational (He never dismisses anyone's opinion). He loves his material and is Incredibly well versed with each of his topics.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: FFC100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great professor and really funny. A few papers here and there, nothing too difficult.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: HIST311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

We can all agree that he is funny/interesting but the expectations for the tests are utterly ridiculous. The "review sheet" that is supposed to help for tests is useless. Don't take this class for a GE based on the amount of reading, note taking, studying, etc. that is required. Lectures are extremely hard to follow - NO PPT!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: FFC100
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is a funny guy but his lectures are a bit disprganiEd and can be difficult to follow at times. Take advantage of his office hours to discuss the papers. You will never have a test simply essays :)

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: FFC100
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Not a history major. His lectures are very hard to understand. He is very passionate about what he teaches but does not seem to understand that not everyone has the same background knowledge. In class essay midterms/final. must include great detail or will not pass. he never gives above an A-... funny guy! lots of style, but very intimidating.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HIST304
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I love Cumiford, he's a great professor. I'm not a history major but I took this class for a GE and it was one of my favorite classes at Chapman so far. His tests can be kind of hard but you know exactly what to expect for them. Also he lectures without a PowerPoint or anything so taking notes and using the textbook are essential to doing well.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: 112
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Teaches everything that is on the test. If you did not get a good grade its probably because you are lazy. He is very interesting if you listen and avoid Facebook. His lectures are crucial to his class. If you take VERY good notes, you would be fine without the book. He is clear, concise and knowledgable. Im a biochem major & doing great.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: 112
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Cumiford lectures about the kings and military campaigns of Europe.. aka the kind of history our parents fell asleep to when they were in school. if you're a history major and want to conduct research, avoid Cumiford. If you need a GE and are fine with cramming before the two midterms and a final, it's your kind of class.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: HIST388
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He's one of my favorite teachers at Chapman! Super cool person in and out of class, but boy will you work for your grade! You ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO buy the text books for the class!!! They're cheap so that helps, but the way classes are structured it's discussion based off class discussion of the reading and he'll call you out for not reading.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: HIST110
• Grade Received: C-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Prof Cumiford is super funny, really witty, and knows his stuff. He does nothing but lecture but that's his style. Two midterms, a final, and a book review- wasn't really clear on his expectations for the book review thought. Gives solid feedback on tests but if you need help you have to seek him out! Tough class, rarely read but lots of review.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: HIST110
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Cumiford may be the best professor I have ever had! He is helpful, gives very interesting lectures, tells jokes, and is all around a very likeable intelligent man. As long as you show up to the lectures, you'll be perfectly fine. Though, put some more effort into the book report than I did, I ended up with an 80%.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: HIST110
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Professor Cumiford teaches the way he dresses - with style. He is by far one of my favorite professors here and he had a way of making History interesting. Pay serious attention to his lectures and you'll learn a lot.