James Olson - Sam Houston State University

Professor: James Olson

Department: TBD

College: Sam Houston State University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: HIS1301
• 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:

He was the best history professor of my entire education history. I had him in 1998-1999 and hes the only guy who made me enjoy history. His lectures were amazing and if you didnt come to his lectures you wouldnt pass. Half his test questions came from the lectures and since his lectures were so good and well thought out, it was easy.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

only used blackboard to post grades, & emailed us chapters of the book as we were expected to need them (not in a pdf, just typed) Boring/circular lectures, sometimes tried to have discussions, but they were like the teacher lecturing in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". Tests weren't a consistent difficulty or format. Wouldn't recommend.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Hes a fine professor, but his lectures are all over the place and only cover some of whats going to be on the test. The other test material comes from readings he emails to you. There are many extra credit opportunities, but a research paper that counts towards your final grade. And absences are aloud, just not many and it does make you fall back.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Olson is the most caring professor I have ever had. He gives lots of extra credit and the only grades are tests and a research paper due at the end of the semester. Tests are difficult, but the extra credit makes up for any points you need. He's very liberal and makes so many jokes; just the sweetest old man! Wish he was my grandpa, honestly.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

His awful dont take him! I promise you will barely make a B in this class,

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

he was very all over the place with lectures. no reviews, was never sure what kind of questions would be asked. a lot of reading.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Hands down best professor ive ever had!! He is so funny and a great teacher. His test are hard but he is worth taking.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• 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:

Olson is an amazing professor, easily the best professor ive had. I absolutely recommend him. tests are based alot on text but he provides the textbook for free. remind him of things on the outline he forgot to teach bc he gets carried away with stories. be nice and take care of him bc hes a cute old man - hold the door open bc he has one arm :(

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great professor. Really knows what he is talking about and makes history interesting. Gives extra credit often which is nice. Tests aren't bad as long as you study your lecture notes and read the textbook. Used an online book so you didn't have to buy one. Cares about his students and wants them to succeed.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: HIST1301
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I've taken Olson for both Hist 1301 and 1302. He's an incredibly test-heavy type of guy but he's an amazing professor. You do not need to purchase the book - I never picked it up. All you need to do is show up everyday (or close - you can miss a day or two before the tests) and take decent notes. I said DECENT notes. Copy everything you see.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: HIST3382
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Easily the best professor at SHSU. Dr. Olson has taught history for decades and is a master of numerous topics. I took several of his classes and enjoyed all of them. Just read the book and take good notes and you'll do fine.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: HIS1301
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

My Mom took this man 30 years ago and I have now had him for 2 classes. I can not say enough how terrific of a teacher (and person) he is! I thoroughly enjoyed his class and would take him 100 X more if I could. Thanks Dr. O for making my Freshman year a great one by having you for a teacher.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: HIST1302
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

His exams are not always the easiest, but not the hardest thing ever. He emails his textbook to you, so there is no buying the book. He will call on you during class to make sure you have the information he is presenting, so I would suggest to make sure he knows your name so that he can call on you. Don't worry though, he won't embarrass you.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HIST13011302
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is really funny and makes history sort of interesting. Some people had issues because he is older and laid back. He is really open with his students and helps as much as he can. You probably wont get through the whole syllabus though. He is very easily taken off track. He gives extra credit after each test.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: HIS1301
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

I love Olson. He is so awesome. His lectures are catchy. He wrote the book for the class meaning we did not have to go buy the book because he would send it our email. He gave LOTS of extra credit. His class consist of only a few test. The readings arent hard. BUT if you dont read you WILL FAIL. Reading is KEY! Took him for His1301 and His1302!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: HIS1301
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is a great professor I loved him.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: HIST3361
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I really like this professor. His lectures were really interesting and he's really quite personable. He's definitely in my top 5.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: HIS1301
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Olson is an amazing professor. if you don't read or take notes you will fail. its not hard at all, and I like how he give modern day situations to help us understand the material. He's a very funny guy and you will enjoy his class a lot. History is not my fav subject but he makes it enjoyable and I would deff take his class again.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: 3392
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I took him for 3392 American Indian which no longer exists. He's a great teacher! If you just take the time to study and read you will definitely pass his class. Not too much reading just a chapter here and there he will give you. He is straight forward and doesn't give you test questions that haven't been taught in class or in the book.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: 1301
• Grade Received: D+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Olson is an amazing professor, and has amazing lectures. However, you honestly HAVE TO read all the material and study hard to get good grades on the exams. So if you are taking this course for basics and history isn't your best subject, i'd take someone else ESPECIALLY if you are a freshman and still adjusting (like I was).