My DS, who learns well through listening to lectures, enjoyed the DVDs and the teacher. The class includes information about the arts during the time period. Frequent map work is completed in the actvity book, however, there is not a timeline to complete. The tests are tough, but my son did well (A) with a reasonable amount of study usually less than 1/2 hour the night before. There is daily homework including reading the text, answering review questions, and working in the activity book. My son has requested to take ecconmics and government with this same teacher. I guess enjoying a teacher's presentation is really an individualized thing. You can watch samples on the BJU Press website.