Western Kentucky University / B / Charles Bussey
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
Matching: 2
Essays: 44
Mandatory Final: 40
Cumulative Final: 1
Textbook Required: 19
Attendance Required: 21
45 Total Evaluations
HIST-120 : - Posted 5/3/2012
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr.Bussey is a good professor. His notes are very lengthy and they usually take the whole class time. He gives you the test questions at least two weeks in advance. START STUDYING RIGHT AWAY! There are 3 tests, and 2 papers. He expects details on his tests and the papers. Do not expect to just get by with writing down whatever. He is really interesting, just study and you will do fine. He emails back in a timely manner which is really good. Overall, even though it is an 8:00 class, it was good because you knew what to expect on your tests. The essays are worth 70% and voacb is 30%. He does not give the vocab words in advance, but you can usually get by with using some common sense with them.
HIST-119 : Western Civ - Posted 11/17/2011
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
It is really hard not to like Dr. Bussey. He is always happy, always has something relevant to talk about before class. However, I made a huge mistake in taking an 8:00 am history class. I have fallen asleep every single day. He does nothing but lecture, and it is quite scatterbrained. What I do like it that he give you the essay questions, and in the syllabus, he states what topics will be on each exam. Don't try to study the night before, you will bomb it. Study. And make sure you know at least something about all of the words he puts on the board. He grades the tests with 70-30 essay and identification, but if you blow off one portion, you won't do well.
HIST-119 : Western Civilization To 1648 - Posted 12/14/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I'm not good a history, but I do admit that this professor made it a little more interesting. I would recommend this class, but the tests make it difficult. He wants detail, regardless of whether or not it says "Briefly explain." I enjoyed this class, but only because the professor is really cool.
HIST-119 : Western Civ Before 1648 - Posted 12/11/2010
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Mr. Bussey is very nice and he does try to relate to his students, but his course is hard. I would strongly advise that you set up a good study schedule for each exam (there are three). This is not a class you can cram for in one night. There is too much information to do that. He also likes it if you can challenge him on something in history or make a good intellecutal point. You'll get brownie points for that ;)
HIST-119 : Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 5/22/2010
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Prof. Bussey is a extremely likable person. But the class is the most boring class I've ever had. He lectures the whole class period, and you will not get out early. The lectures are over material that is scattered between chapters in the textbook, if it is even in it, and makes it really hard to keep up with him.
The only grades in the class is an analysis of a primary document, a book report on a biography, and 3 test. He grades the papers hard, I spent hours on both of mine and somehow still ended up and got C's on both, when I expecting at least B's on both. The test are made up of 3 essay questions (one mandatory and the other one you can choose from of 2) and 5 identifications (which you pick out of 8). He gives you the essay questions at least 2 weeks early so get a head start on them. The identification comes from words he writes on the board during lectures. Total, expect to have at least 100+ at the end of each set of notes to study for the test, and he only picks 8 of them to test you over though.
His lectures are of no help when it comes to answering the essay questions, I used the internet more than anything to answer them. For the ID, I would suggest just writing down the words he writes on the board and looking them up when you get home.
And attendance is mandatory, after two or three misses he docks you a letter grade on your final grade.
Make sure you have your laptop or cell phone one to pass the time in the class.
HIST-119 : Western Civilization Before 1648 - Posted 5/14/2010
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
As with most history classes his test are essay. You also have to identify 5 of 8 indentification items which are anything that he puts on the board during his lectures. He does give you the test questions 2 to 3 weeks before the test so don't put it off. Answer the questions in advance and give as much detail as you can.
You have to analyze a primary docment and you have to read a biography over anyone during this time peroid and write a 4 page paper on it.
HE HAS NO RUBRIC!!! Therefore you have no idea on why you got the grade that you received and when he grades tests/papers you do not have a percentage only a letter grade.
He is an okay teacher in the sense that you do get your test questions but you will have to overlook his very democratic views.
HIST-119 : Western Civilizations To 1648 - Posted 4/21/2010
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I hated this class and did not like Prof. Bussey much at all. His class was extremely boring and I actually fell asleep in it a few times, which had never happened to me before. All he does is lecture, most of which is not in the textbook. He requires you to write a two-page analysis of a historical document and a four-page book report on a biography. He grades really hard and I was just thankful to come out with a B in the class. Do not take him if you can help it.
HIST-119 : - Posted 12/16/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I loved Dr. Bussey's class. Every day in class he lectured and you took notes if you wanted too. there were 2 tests, two papers, and the final and those are the only grades. Tests were essay and topic words. He gives you all of the essay questions in advance, so the class and your grade are pretty much what you make of it on your own. If you prepare and study the essays then youll do fine. Hes a really laid back and funny guy
HIST-119 : Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 12/4/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
It's a total lecture class, so the notes are only overkill if you take down everything he says. He's a really sweet teacher, so just introduce yourself on the first day and he'll love you. He gives you the essay questions for your exams, so it's not as hard as it looks.
HIST-119 : - Posted 11/21/2009
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
He rambles on and on and on and on and on. His test are essay and he gives you the questions to study. He also gives you 150 identification items and out of those he picks 8, and you have to pick 5 to define. There are 3 test and 2 assignments. and that is all.
HIST-119 : Western Civ Before 1648 - Posted 5/18/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I think Dr. Bussey does a great job teaching this class. You do have to take a ton of notes and pay attention to what he lectures on, whatever he puts on the board will be on the test. There are only three test and their all Essay questions, but its not hard at all, as long as you pay attention. He makes Western civ fun though, and I thought he was hilariouse. He has a great personality and is fun to listen to. He interacts with the class as a whole and makes things interesting. Other than three test you only have to write a short Biography, but its not hard at all. I def. recommend everyone taking Bussey, he's funny, interesting and a great professor. He really does rock!
HIST-119 : Western Civ Before 1640's - Posted 5/8/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
First off, Bussey is a cool guy. The class was worth taking just because you rarely get a prof that is this laid back. He tries to keep things lively and interesting, he doesn't always succeed, but A+ for effort. There are only 4 grades, letter only, 3 exams and one book review. Hit up the book review early on and get it done and you can coast right through the class. The exams are not comprehensive and are pretty easy if you just read up on the study guide which he gives out like eons before the exam. He does grade on grammar and spelling so work on that. Overall a great class. The only reason I got a B was that I didn't show up to get all the notes. If you've gotta take this class, take it with Bussey, he rocks.
HIST-119 : Western Civ Up To 1648 - Posted 4/20/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Mr. Bussey isnt a very good teacher. He goes over the material very fast and you find yourself taking notes the enitre class period. Very hard and boring class. Only had 3 grades in there and those were the 3 tests and they were all essays. he grades hard on them as well, i wrote like 15 pages in the bluebooks on mine and still made C's. Dont take him unless you want a hard class.
HIST-119 : World Civ Up To 1648 - Posted 12/7/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Bussey is a nice guy and this really isn't THAT hard of a course. He gives you the test questions in advance and they are all essay. His lectures are kind of hard to follow and they have no structure. If you don't go to class, buy the book and you can probably scrape a B.
HIST-119 : Western Civ To 1645 - Posted 11/20/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Bussey is a really good teacher... He is very interested in the lives of his students not only in the classroom but outside as well. A very nice man overall. He is kind of dingy. There are only three exams, including a final this is not comprehensive. He gives out the questions that will be on each exam almost two months before the exam... There are only four questions on each exam but you only have to answer two of them, he doesnt tell which two, so it is important that you do all of them. Aside from the two essays, there are five identifications that you have to do. You just have to write a short paragraph and it is pretty easy. He only gives letter grades. There is one short book review over a bibliography... SOOO EASYYY... Mr. Bussey is a wonderful teacher to take...
HIST-241 : U.s. History Since 1865 - Posted 5/16/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
*Dr. Bussey is very near retirement, thus this may not be applicable to any students; however, I feel I should post anyway.*
First of all, Dr. Bussey is a very funny person, partly because he's a bit dated himself, but he's just rather jovial anyways. Thus, when he gets excited about something in class, or if we get a bit off-topic, then his humorousness can shine out, although he's never gruff anyways.
The only challenging part of the class is, well, the subject matter. The textbook is not required and neither is attendance; however, I recommend both because this course will be easier for you. The tests, which are the main grades, have short identification and blue book essays. Bussey grades hard, so support your arguments with facts. The other grades are also papers, or reviews really, of two books you'll read (one of which we chose, and one of which he chose).
Other then that though, Bussey's nice, and if you read a bit, and listen even more then you should do fine.
HIST-119 : Before 1648 - Posted 5/2/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Bussey was a great teacher. I know history before 1648 is boring, but he actually made it interesting. You have two tests and a final, which is just another chapter test. He gives you the questions all you have to do is answer and memorize them. The questions were difficulut, but it only took some time. The book isn't required, but it really helped me when it came to answering test questions. You have to read a book and write a book report, but it wasn't hard. I would definitely recommend Dr. Bussey
HIST-119 : Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 4/28/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I thought Dr Bussey was one of the nicest men ever. He had a very laid back, cool relationship with his students. HOWEVER...His teaching skills sucked! I was very disapointed with him as a teacher. He gives his LONG BORING lectures(LOTS OF NOTES) and gives us a test over it. The ONLY grade you will get is 3 tests and 1 book review for the entire semester. It was awful. There was no extra credit, he doesnt believe in it. There was no other grades other than your test and book report. The tests consisted of 2 essays and 6 I.D.s He gives you a sheet with 4 essays and you study all 4 and 2 will appear on the test. He chooses 6 names from his LONG lectures and he tell about them. I have ALWAYS been an A student in English and on my essays he said my english akills sucked! I was pissed-he is a history teacher...not english! If you want a friend thats a history teacher take Bussey. If you want a good grade and a good teacher TAKE SOMEONE ELSE. Good luck.
HIST- : Western Civ Before 1600 - Posted 4/25/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr Bussey is an awesome teacher. He is very laidback and his lectures aren't boring. he also takes an interest in each student. essay tests suck but he grades easy.
HIST-119 : West Civ To 1648 - Posted 4/20/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Like any history course, notes WILL be overkill, so dont let that make you not take this class. He IS particular when he grades his tests. He has a right to, since he gives you the EXACT questions 2 weeks before the exam. He is always willing to help you out if you cant understand something. Great teacher.
HIST-241 : U.s. History Since 1865 - Posted 12/20/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Bussey is a very intelligent and entertaining professor as he recalls funny stories and facts while he teaches. He's always in a good mood for class and he doesn't just fly through his lectures as he slows down and knows when things are becoming too boring for the class. He also likes to spur on discussion about political issues and while he's pretty liberal he tolerates other viewpoints well.
The tests were a little difficult as you had to fill out 5 out of 8 ID's and then fill out two essay questions but those weren't too bad because Dr. Bussey gives them to you several weeks before the test so you can prepare them out beforehand if you so choose to do so. Also, in the class we had to write two book reviews (one of a fictional novel and one of this liberal book Bussey helped write). Furthermore, you have to attend 3 university functions and write a paragraph about each but you can honestly do that the first several weeks of the semester to get it off your mind.
Overall, this class is interesting and my only complaint would be that sometimes Bussey presents a lot of information from "his" point-of-view but tries to diversify it as much as possible. I'd recommend him, though, for this particular course.
HIST-241 : American History Since 1865 - Posted 12/18/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
A very good professor, he mostly lectures with plenty of notes to take, buy the book it will be very helpful in preparing for the tests. He will give you a number of essay question to study for, of which usually 2 will be on the test. I recommend sttending class regularly in order to get a good grade.
HIST-119 : Western Civ Prior To 1648 - Posted 12/13/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Bussey is a genuinely nice man who cares for his students. He takes attendance at random, but I would encourage you to go to all the classes because the tests come right from the notes. In all honesty, I didn't open the text book once this semester. His gives essay tests; however, he gives the questions well in advance and encourages students to prepare answers ahead of time for him to review. The only other requirement for the course is a book review that isn't too much of a challenge. The final exam is not cummulative; it follows the same format as the two previous exams. If you put the time and energy into the class, there is no excuse for not receiving an A.
HIST- : Western Civ. Before 1648 - Posted 4/7/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Bussey's class was great! While Western Civ. is often a dreaded class on this campus, he made the material interesting, and I did not mind going to class. You receive a study guide before each test, and the test questions are selected from it. So, if you fail his class, you aren't studying. While he is currently on sabbatical overseas, if he returns, take this class!!!!
HIST-119 : Western Civ - Posted 9/23/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mr. Bussey, although a very kind and funny man, was not one of my favorite professors. Perhaps it was because I hate history, but I found his class lectures very hard to follow and they would generally lose my interest after about 20 minutes. He does give you the test questions a week before the exam, but he tends to be very nit picky about your answers. Details are important and he knocks off major points for not having them. He's also very particular when grading the 5 page book review you have to write, so make sure you take it seriously and spend adequate time with it.
HIST- : Western Civ - Posted 4/28/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This guy is great!! He is a very passionate and funny man. He tries to make class as enjoyable as possible. You take a lot of notes, but the tests only consist of 3 essay questions, and he gives you the questions weeks prior to the test so you have enough time to prepare for them. You also have to write a book review, but he grades fairly easy on the review. Excellent teacher, highly reccommend him for your western civ class
HIST-349 : U.s.history After 1945 - Posted 1/6/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Bussey has a great personality and is nice to all his students. He is somewhat laid back in his teaching style and I think he is getting ready to retire. Too bad because he is a teacher that you want to take for any history class. He does give a list of possible essay questions before the tests and and you have a research paper.
HIST-349 : U.s. After 1945 - Posted 11/7/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Bussey was one of my favorite teachers at WKU. He never ever had a harsh word to say and seemed like he was always in a wonderful mood. He gives you the essay questions to the tests a few weeks before, but the only probelm is that he will NEVER give anyone an A. A guy who sat next to me had like a 4.0 in college and got a B on the mid-term and he started crying. I got C's on the test and I am usually an A student. He grades harsh on Essay, but if you learn the questions you can get a B or C.
HIST-119 : World Civilization To 1648 - Posted 11/4/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is unique and funny, but he has "different" views on "religion." He is a nice guy, but his tests are HARD!! You must STUDY!! He talks for one and a half hours and you take notes the WHOLE time!! Be prepared!
HIST-119 : Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 3/13/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I am not going to lie to you this course is not easy, like any history course. The tests are strictly essay and identification terms. You must study hard but it is well worth it. However, Mr. Bussey makes it fun to learn about and is willing to help you if you ask. He is a very friendly man.
HIST-349 : Us Hist After 1045 - Posted 3/6/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Best professor on campus. Awesome person and great teacher.
HIST-119 : WESTERN CIV TO 1648 - Posted 1/10/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
He was my favorite teacher of this semester. His lectures are entertaining. Many people in my class disliked him, but they were lazy and made bad grades. His test are 2 essays and 4 definitions!!!! Two weeks befroe the test he gives you four essays (two will be on the test). A Great Class!
COLL-301 : - Posted 12/16/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
I really enjoyed this class. I learned alot about the civil rights movement and how it changed the face of America. I really enjoyed the professor as well. Dr. Bussey is very knowledgeable and he is a great professor.
HIST-119 : History 119 - Posted 6/24/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
MR. Bussey gives you all the questions that will be on the exam. He gives out
HIST-119 : Western Civ before 1648ish - Posted 5/13/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
There are only 3 grades in this course, but he grades VERY fairly. I hear that he's the easiest Western Civ professor.
HIST-119 : western civ - Posted 1/1/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is a nice man. I can't say that it is an easy class but I hate history. He will give you 4 essay questions a few weeks before the test. You will have to do two on the test. One question will be required and then you will choose one of two more while the other just disappears. You never know which ones he will choose. Plus, the notes you take in class are for your terms. You will probably have over 100 terms on a test but he will pick out 8 and then you have to define 5 of those. It sounds bad but it can be done. Dr. Bussey is a funny and pretty easy going guy. Everyone told me to take him and I did fine.
HIST-119 : Western Civ - Posted 12/29/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
He really is a great teacher and a very nice man. His class is not easy, but he helps to make history bearable.
HIST-119 : Western Civilization - Posted 11/3/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Bussey is a great teacher. yes, there are a lot of notes, but it's Western Civ, so that should be expected. he senses when it's becoming too boring and he's a lively man. I highly recommend him.
HIST-119 : Western Civilization - Posted 10/11/2000
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
He is really not all that easy. How about having to know over 100 terms for each test! He is a nice person, but this is history!
HIST-119 : Western Civ to 1648 - Posted 8/31/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Excellent! I'm not a history person, but Dr. Bussey is one of the best profs I've had at Western. He's very interested in his students. He provides a list of possible questions and will read your responses prior to the day of the exam if you want him to. If you know those essays you will do well--there's definately an A there if you're willing to go to class and work for it.
HIST-119 : Western Civ to 1648 - Posted 8/2/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is the nicest teacher I haven't had before. He was patient in helping the students all the time. And I learned a lot of things from his class. Thanks for his kindness!
HIST-453 : Women in American History - Posted 5/2/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Bussey is AWESOME!!!!
HIST-320 : American Studies - Posted 5/2/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Bussey is the most genuine teacher in the History Dept. He cares about his students. He always came prepared for class and enthusiastic about the subject. This class is team taught with Hovet and Seitz. You have to keep a journal and be prepared to talk in class. You must participate. Great teacher and a great class. You get to use your journal on the exams.
HIST-119 : western civ before 1648 - Posted 4/13/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
he's fun and easy going. lots of notes, but from what i hear, he's the easiest history teacher.
HIST-119 : WESTERN CIV - Posted 4/13/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
HE IS A WONDERFUL PROFESSOR! WE HAD ESSAY TESTS AND A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE THE TEST HE WOULD GIVE US THE POSSIABLE ESSAY QUESTIONS FOR THE TEST TO WORK OUT AS A STUDY GUIDE.