Pros: As long as you go to class and take notes you'll be fine. Everything on the tests come straight from the notes. You don't need to use the book at all. But he makes it interesting and doesn't just ramble on.
Cons: He can kind of go through things fast but he doesn't expect you to know every single piece of information that he tells you. There's only two tests so make sure you study.
Professor rated by: Undeclared Student on April 19, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
4
Pros: Taking history is not easy, but if you have to take it I would recommend Dr. Berry. He is so interested and passionate about the topics he talks about. You never get bored in class. No papers, just a weekly write-up for breakouts on Fridays.
Cons: He doesn't wear a microphone in a big speech class and he talks very quickly making it difficult to get all the notes. Also, his tests are very difficult, but not impossible if you devote a lot of time to studying. There are only two tests, a mid-term and a final, plus your breakout grades so it is difficult to make an A in this class.
Professor rated by: Undeclared Student on May 2, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
4
Going to lectures means you don't have to read the book, although it does help in understanding some of his more abstract themes. 10 reaction papers throughout the semester, although he changes it around (the original ten was turned to 12 and only the 8 best were calculated into the final grad). When studying for the test, make sure you can say WHO, WHERE, WHEN, SIGNIFICANCE and CONTEXT on the study sheets.
Professor rated by: Political Science Student on November 10, 2009
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 4072
U S CIVIL WAR
5
Pros: Awesome professor, really makes the Civil War come alive.
Cons: Midterm and Final are pretty intensive, prepare to write your hand off.
TAKE NOTES ON EVERY SINGLE THING HE SAYS. You will need to know it. Also, outside-of-class study groups kept me afloat in this class; I'd suggest you try to do this with this class and every other upper level history class, for that matter.
Professor rated by: History Student on June 17, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
5
One of the best history teachers I've ever had. Really enthusiastic and engaging. His exams are hard and the TAs aren't always the best but it's worth it. He's very passionate about the Civil War and has written several books. Very smart and funny and all-around awesome.
Professor rated by: French Student on October 27, 2009
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 4072
U S CIVIL WAR
5
Pros: The best lecturer I have had at UGA. Engaging, funny, and really knows the material inside out. He's awesome.
Cons: He has a specific testing/grading style, but once you get it down it's an easy A for history majors. Recommend being a strong writer if you are going to take this class
Professor rated by: History Student on July 30, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
5
Pros: I put 5 stars for Dr. Berry himself because he's easily the best history professor I've ever had. Lectures are great and very interesting.
Cons: Weekly readings and writings take FOREVER! And if you get a hard TA (ahem Leah Richier ahem) then your screwed. The TA's grade your "Qube" sheets each week and she is tough as nails. They also grade your exam and shoot to get an 80 average so your bound not to get an A, a B at best.
If you could just find out where his lectures are and attend them and then take the placement exam for history you would find yourself probably testing out of history without the HOURS UPON HOURS UPON HOURS of intro history busy-work. I spent 10+ hours studying for each of 2 exams and still couldn't get a B. THeres way too many possibilities for questions and way too much writing on the exams. So hard.
Professor rated by: Biotechnology Student on April 28, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 4072
U S CIVIL WAR
5
Pros: Best Teacher in the HIST Department
Amazing Lecturer
Genius
Cons: Difficult
A LOT of reading
Tests are really specific
This is truly one of those classes that it totally depends on the interest of the student taking the class. If your looking for an upper-level filler elective, I wouldn't take this class. Berry's class is no joke and his tests are super-specific. Have to draw battlefield re-creations from the Civil War. HOWEVER, if you like history, you're not going to find anyone better. He is a genius. I literally HATED missing his classes. Super interesting and knowledgable on his topic of study. It really doesn't get any better.
Coming from a person who took over 30 hours of History all at UGA. Took Berry for 2111 and 4072 and would have taken all 30 hours with him if possible.
TAKE HIM!
Professor rated by: Social Studies Education Student on October 26, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 4072
U S CIVIL WAR
5
I don't know why the ratings covered projects for a History class?? But Prof. Berry is AWESOME! In Civil War, he does have very, very detailed information covered in lecture and in the text that you are required to know for the midterm and cumulative final--so you will have to study a lot--BUT he does curve his tests considerably and is very fair (almost too fair) when it comes to that. His lectures are interesting, his attendance policy is not strict (but you should go to class to make sure you get all the information you need for the tests--he's tricky about that), and he really TRULY CARES about his students.
Professor rated by: History Student on April 23, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
4
Pros: One of my favorite professors at UGA! His lectures were always so interesting and he has a great passion for history. There are easier professors in the department, but in a subject like history that people either love or hate, Dr. Berry will make it much more tolerable.
Cons: There are 10 reaction papers from the readings due throughout the semester. It seemed excessive, especially since there were so many short answer/essay questions on the exams. Exams were difficult, but depending on your TA, you could be granted more credit than other students.
Professor rated by: Biology Student on May 25, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
5
Pros: He understands the material and presents it in a fluid movement. Also he is entertaining as a lecturer so he keeps the students engaged.
Cons: There is a lot of reading, but its a history class so that is expected. Also there is a weekly writing topic due but it is only a page every week.
Overall the class is great, it's required for most majors and he does a great job of keeping people engaged that may not have a huge interest in history.
Professor rated by: Economics Student on April 8, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
4
Pros: breakout assignments really connect you to what you're learning, lectures are easy to listen to
Cons: 2 tests (midterm and final) for 50% of your grade, with breakout being the other 50%
Dr. Berry talks very quickly
Dr. Berry was definitely the best history teacher I've ever had. He's very engaging and enthusiastic.
Professor rated by: Biology Student on May 3, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 4072
U S CIVIL WAR
5
Pros: So funny, and he really is cool and likes the students.
Cons: KNOW THE 4 THEMES OF THE COURES, ITS ON EVERY EXAM!!!
Great professor (had civil war with him). He's brilliant, and knows his stuff! Talks very fast so bring your laptop, and calls himself the "Lincoln-est loving 'mo-fo'" Its great!
Professor rated by: Marketing Student on November 7, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
4
Pros: He tells interesting stories to make lectures more interesting
Cons: There are weekly readings that can sometimes be long and dry
There is only the midterm and the final so you have to do well to do well in class
If you go to class and listen to his stories you will do well on test
Professor rated by: Student on May 20, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 4072
U S CIVIL WAR
5
Pros: Excellent professor who is clearly passionate about his subject
Cons: Tests are VERY difficult; studying extensively is necessary to make a B.
If you enjoy history, take a class with Berry. Despite the difficulty of the class, his knowledge and passion makes the class worth it.
Professor rated by: Higher Education Student on May 3, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
4
Pros: Pretty good sense of humor, interesting lectures. 50% of the class grade comes from breakout sessions
Cons: You have to be very involved in breakout discussions on Fridays to get good grades for that 50%
Tests take a lot of prep, but it's completely possible to make an A.
Professor rated by: Journalism Student on April 17, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 4072
U S CIVIL WAR
5
Pros: Uses primary sources and books to support what is learned in class. The textbook was optional. Lectures interactive and interesting. I learned a lot.
Cons: Pop quizes
Dr. Berry is a great professor. He made the course interesting and I got a lot out of it.
Professor rated by: Social Studies Education Student on December 8, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
4
Pros: Interesting Class
Very knowledgeable
Keeps class entertaining
Cons: Several Short Papers
Tests somewhat difficult
I never did the reading, paid attention in class, took notes, and got a B+
The papers are kind of annoying but not too difficutl
Professor rated by: Computer Science Student on April 26, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
5
Dr. Berry is probably the best professor I have had at UGA. He makes history interesting and I actually enjoyed going to his lectures. The tests are tough, but fair. If you study you should do well.
Professor rated by: Advertising and Public Relations Student on May 2, 2011
Helpful Rating?
YES
NO
HIST 2111
AM HISTORY TO 1865
4
Pros: Great History Professor
Cons: However, His tests are like spill out everything you know. And all you have to do is make all events connect to hi overall "THEMES"
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