Western Kentucky University / B / James T. Baker
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
Matching: 1
Fill in the Blank: 2
Essays: 68
Mandatory Final: 55
Cumulative Final: 2
Textbook Required: 61
Extra Credit: 11
Attendance Required: 49
69 Total Evaluations
HIST-120 : Western Civilization - Posted 1/22/2013
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I was embarrassed that any freshman would have to take Dr. Baker's course. The way he talks to his students is ridiculous. He yells at people(males) that yawn in class or don't get their cell phones turned off quickly enough. If you have an online book, you're not allowed to use it because NO electronic devices are allowed, so I had to print off my book chapters before every class. He is arrogant and flirts with females in class. He had a syllabus that stated if we contacted him by phone or e-mail, that would make us "socially retarted". He is racist and a womaniser.
HIST- : Western Civ Post 1648 - Posted 11/13/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker's class was my absolute favorite! It's very easy to make history boreing...but he def didn't! His lectures were very interactive and never boreing. The class had many quizes with 5 questions & a bonus. If you read the assignment you pretty much passed. Exams were 5/8 "short" answer/ paragraph and one full essay. Verrry! Easy!! If you have to Take History 120 take Baker!
HIST-120 : - Posted 11/13/2011
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I really liked Dr.Baker as my history professor. Its not a easy class but it is not extremely hard. I think he makes the class interesting. This was extremely important to me since I was NOT a history fan. He gives a lot of 5 question short quizzes over readings he assigns but as long as you read it shouldn't be a big deal. The tests are 5 identifications and an essay. As long as you go to class, listen to him, do the readings, and study some you should be fine. I recommend Dr.Baker to anyone wanting to take Hist 120.
HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 11/12/2009
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
F
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This was THE worst class ever. I was a freshman when I took it, which was probably not the best idea. I heard it was the most failed class but I didn't think it would be that bad. I am going to have to retake it because Baker sucks. You have to read a whole chapter and pretty much memorize everything and then answer 5 random questions about everything. He doesn't tell you what is going to be on the exams, so good luck with those. DON"T TAKE BAKER!!!!!
HIST-119 : Western Civ - Posted 5/9/2009
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
tests are short answer and essay of important people and events
HIST- : History 120 - Posted 4/2/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is a really interesting teacher and covers most of the material that you need for the test in his class lectures so pay attention to those. His tests are all essay, but really easy if you know the material. You just extra credit for attendance, and his quizzes are really easy as well.
HIST-120 : Western Civ. - Posted 11/12/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
James Baker is a good teacher. He expects you to work hard and attend his class. Do not do anything to interruput his teaching. He will go over everything that will be on the test, your job is to take the notes over what he talks about and study for the exams. The exams are 6 well written identifications, an out of class essay, and and in class essay over 1 of the 3 main topics.
HIST- : - Posted 11/12/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Well it looks like he's bad enough that he has people patrolling his evaluations to delete ones that are legitimate complaints about his class and his attitude -- what a great guy
HIST-120 : After 1648 - Posted 10/31/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Well, apart from being a complete douchebag this guy might be a decent teacher -- I had to write an email to my boss on my phone during a 100-level class (i am a senior btw, had to take it for my minor) and he stopped class and said, "sir, sir..can you put that damn thing away" and proceeded to use the next 5 minutes of class time to explain that he is getting me ready for the real world.
the same real world my boss exists in that allows me to earn the money that pays the tuition that pays his salary.
i agree 100% with the other comments on this board that describe him as sexist, atheist, and under the impression that he dominates everyone in the class from 9:10 - 10:05 am.
take a good teacher like dietle over the a**hole any day.
HIST-448 : American Biographies - Posted 5/23/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This was a great class! You learn a great deal about American history and some of the most important shapers of that history. Unlike most history classes, this one is discussion based. It's a welcome change of pace from traditional lecture based classes. The most important part of the class is a written review of a biography. Learning to write a good book review is very important for anyone wishing to have a career in history or another academic field. I highly recommend this class and any other class taught by Dr. James Baker!
HIST- : Amer. Bios - Posted 12/14/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
What a crock... This class was interesting but in the long run it's a joke. You have to read about 6 or 7 novels. Probably 200 to 300 pages a week. On top of that he grades like a motha. I worked harder in this class than any others and got a C!!!!! If you want to take this class and you wanna good grade, then don't take it. It won't happen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 11/26/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
BAKER is the WORST Professor you will ever have @ Western. This guy thinks his shit doesn't stink. Don't worry if you are a female, go ahead and enroll in this class. For some reason they recieve higher grades on exams than the males do. I had a 4.0 GPA and consider myself a very intelligent person, but this class isn't a challenge, it is a joke. Baker talks about all the places he has lived and taught and most of it is discussed during lecture. His mind wonders and he never concentrates on any of the exam material. Like others have said the Quizes come out of left field. The important information is disreguarded for pointless shit like the mood depicted in a painting. He also trashes your quizes and your grade rests in his hands with no way of him providing your quiz grades. Bakers old ass just needs to retire because this guy is just out to try and make college kids bow down to him and he wakes up every morning to have control over you in his class. Western is disrespecting its students by letting this idiot continue to preach his garbage.
HIST-240 : Us History Until 1865 - Posted 2/7/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr.Baker has received a lot of negative criticism on this website and I admit that I observed some of it to be true. Based on my History 240 experience, Dr.Baker was a great instructor who is extremely knowledgeable in U.S. History. His lectures are easy to follow as he writes the topics on the board and goes slowly through them, often times stopping himself and announcing the transition to a new topic.
His tests are NOT easy. Each of our tests consisted of two essay questions with each taking about thirty minutes to complete and he does grade them brutally but if you supply a lot of facts and offer your opinion by analyzing those facts (or even easier, just restate what he said in class on the topic) you'll do all right.
There is also a large research paper that he grades very very harshly the first time but offers the chance to correct your mistakes. My paper went from a C on the first draft to an A on the final draft. There is also an in-class essay that isn't as difficult as the tests or paper.
Outside of class, I never had any difficulty meeting with Dr.Baker or discussing anything with him. He was very down to Earth and was very respectful of my opinions on historical events and went out of his way to help with my research.
Baker is an awesome professor that generally cares for his students but he does have pet peeves and will let you know about it. My advice would be to come to class, be quiet, do your work and show interest and he will help you as much as he can.
HIST-240 : U.s. To 1865 - Posted 1/29/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is really a wonderful professor. He is very knowledgeable about history and is very skilled at conveying his knowledge. He expects a great deal from his students. In order to do well you must really try hard and keep up with all the assignments. This is not a class you want to fall behind in. All in all, I highly recommend Dr. Baker.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 12/27/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
When we were reviewing for the final, he said it would be over Chapters 26,27,and 28 and told us that was the content to study in order to do good on the final. When the final was passed out, there were several questions from Chapter 29, even after he said that 29 would not be on the test. He gives the most irrelevant questions on the quizzes. For instance, you will read an entire chapter over a war and he would ask you a question about a painting in the chapter or something stupid like that. He is not a good teacher, if you are scheduled for his class, drop it.
HIST- : - Posted 12/19/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
BORING. OMG. here's the class. tues.= take a quiz; thurs.= discuss the chapter that the quiz was on.
if you actually read the chapters and go to all the lectures (he bumps ur grade for perfect attendance) you'lldo ok, but if you get bored easily... yikes. he talks about things with no relevancy to the tests, but are interesting, yet IT DOESN"T HELP YOU ON THE TEST. it's confusing to know what to write down as notes when he's lecturing. nice guy, just a borign class. but if you can read chapters and write essays, u'll do fine.
when he grades short answer and essays on the test, he never gives you perfect pts. he takes off for SOMETHING but doesn't mention what for. ARGH.
HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 12/19/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker knows what he is talking about but you must read the book to do good on the tests. There is a quiz every other class meeting that is 5 questions, and can sometimes be difficult. The tests are an essay worth 50 points and short answer worth the other 50. Dr. Baker talks and you have to take notes from his lecture. I thought this class was a little hard.
HIST-240 : U.s. History Before 1840 - Posted 12/18/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I must say I have never had a professor quite like Baker before. He actually told the class on several occasions that the more people that he could get to drop his class, then the remainder would receive better grades. WHY? He even gave a 5 minute tirade one day because someone yawned in class. How dare someone yawn in his presence. Perhaps if he were worth listening to no one would yawn. He gives an insane amount of notes, yet doesn't want you to use them for the exam. He actually told a student that she used too many facts in her essays. God forbid you use facts in a history class. He gives no idea what to concentrate on for the test other than "everything". Then there's the fact that 2 of our 3 required texts were his own. No, let me rephrase that; they were material that he took from real writers and spliced together with deep, meaningful paragraphs of his own every 10 to 15 pages. Some test questions weren't too bad but even when you would write for over 1/2 hour and really believe you had done a good job you would get a C at best. I have never tried so hard to get such a horrible grade in my life. He is also impossible to talk to or to ask for help; at least to me he is. I hope people really read these and take them to heart because I was cocky and thought I could overcome, I wasn't stupid (I received As in every other class this same semester). Surely I could pass the class, those bad reviews had to be from bitter students who just didn't try. Well, I tried, I tried very hard and it was worthless. The only thing I have taken from this class is regret.
HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 12/4/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class was by far the hardest class i've taken yet....but for some reason I liked it. I think it was because of Professor Baker. Its hard, alot of notes, alot of reading, and the tests are all essay...but it feels good once youre done. You have to take this class, and I would definately recommend him. Sit up front and just listen to him talk, and you should pass easily.
HIST-240 : United States History Before 1865 - Posted 11/7/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Baker certainly knows and understand US History, but as a professor he is horrible. He doesnt seem to relate to the students, is very smug, and always thinks he is right. His tests are near impossible, and he doesnt clearly define what he wants us to put on the test. We take down a huge amount of notes, but he doesnt want us to necessarily use the notes for our test which makes no sense. The readings he assing are short and easy, but there are so many pages and I have other classes I need to worry about so therefore I do not have time to go over the book. I dont understand why he thinks he is so much better. Of course, he will never admit it because no one admits their faults. Plus, he is just a boring person and so is his class. I'm a History major and if I hate the subject he is teaching then its quite obviously him. Every other history class I've had has been so much fun, but I hate going to his class. To sum it up, he is a terrible professor who is quite disconnected with the student body, and is too narcissistic to do anything to better himself.
HIST- : - Posted 9/11/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Baker is an ODD MAN!!! His class is good and you do learn your material but then again he goes on about random crap that will loose you in a second. If you can weed out is speaches and random topics you will do fine. Oh to throw him off subject TALK ABOUT HIS CAT!!
HIST-100 : Western Civilization - Posted 6/26/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class was really hard. It is very boring because he just reads out of the book. He gets really off subject almost all of the time. The tests are all essay which is difficult. You have a quiz over the chapter every other class. You have to read to know what is going on because the answers are write out. The extra credit comes in the quiz because he always gives a bonus question.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 5/22/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
James Baker is the best Western Civ 120 professor on the hill. Ok, so he is the only one I have ever had, but he flippin rocks! I got a B and thought it was, dare I say... EASY!! There is a quiz every week (i never studied) and the notes are amazingly easy to follow sos tudying for the test didn't take long. I got high Bs and low As on all of the tests. They are over threee chapters each. He is an amazing teacher and you won't even know you are learning!! He is so cool :) Come to class every single day and don't miss a test!! it will pay off!
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 5/19/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is a very good professor. He knows a lot about history and does a very good job of teaching it. You should consider taking his class.
HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 5/10/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I really liked Baker. He really knows what he's talking about and has been, and taught in so many places around the world that he has a very good perception of everything that he is teaching. His notes aren't bad at all. There will be a short quiz every week over the assigned chapter but they're not bad (make sure you write down the questions afterwards because most of the time 3-5 of them will be on your exams). Make sure you go to class and PARTICIPATE, he likes the people that seem interested in history. For sure go to the PASS sessions offered, they don't take long and they will help you narrow down what to study for each exam (which covers 3 chs). If you are willing to put forth effort and at least are interested in history somewhat you'll do fine in this class. I really enjoyed it and his lectures aren't boring!
HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 4/18/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Baker is the worst professor i have ever had. He gives you NO clue as to what is going to be on the quizes or the exams. He grades as if everyone in the class is a history major. If you want a professor that is arrogant, sexist and an antichrist, then Baker is your guy. I could not agree more with some of the other bad reviews.
HIST-240 : Us History Until 1865 - Posted 3/8/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is one of the best teachers in the history department!! I had him for this class and for Western Civ 120. The tests are all essay, there's an in class essay, and then there's a 10 page research paper. The class is not bad at all. If you have to have 240 - you should definitely take Baker!!
HIST-120 : Western Civ. Since 1648 - Posted 1/2/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is really hard to get an A in, but you will definately learn something. I really enjoyed this class; Dr. Baker was always cheerful (especially for an 8 a.m. class) and he was more focused on us knowing WHY things happened rather than WHEN. There is a quiz every week over the assigned chapter, but they are always straight out of the book and won't kill your grade if you do badly on/miss a few, as they are only worth five points each (usually with a bonus question). As long as you read the book really well, you'll be fine. I'd recommend Dr. Baker for anyone who wants to actually leave the class knowing something about history.
HIST-241 : U.s. History Since 1865 - Posted 5/16/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is an awesome teacher. He knows his subject well and loves to talk about it. Attendance is important and I recommend sitting in the first few rows. As long as you do not miss class and participate in class discussion and read the assigned readings you will do fine in the class.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 4/27/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Dr. Baker is an awesome teacher and an awesome guy! I looked forward to his History class every Tuesday and Thursday. He makes the topic interesting and fun to learn. He adds personality to it as well. The key to doing well in his class however, is to have regular attendence, and at the beginning of the semester be sure to sit in the front row--after the first week, that will be your assigned seat, (He also likes the people who sit in the first few rows more), participate in his lecture, and write down EVERYTHING he says. If you do all that, you'll do fine in his class. You'll have a quiz every other class but they aren't bad at all. His test consist of 10 I.D.'s but you only have to do 5 of them. Then there are 2 essay's but you get to pick which essay you want to do. It's pretty much common sense the topics that he gives you. While writing the essay though, be sure to put like a qoute or something that you remember him saying in class about the topic. That will score you some bonus points.
HIST-120 : Western Civ. Since 1648 - Posted 4/16/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
LISTEN UP! For all those who gave Dr. Baker good reviews, I couldn't agree with you more; for all those who gave him bad reviews, well.... politely put, you're wrong!!! I know history is tough for many people. For some, you just need either 119 or 120 and you never need to take another history class the rest of your life, so naturally, you'd like the one you take to be enjoyable. With that being said, I think 120 with Dr. Baker was one of the most enjoyable classes I've had at WKU. Here's how the class lays out: there are 4 exams; the first 2 worth 10% and the last 2 worth 15%. The final is NOT cumulative and is just over the last section of material covered. They are all identification and essay. You have about 12-15 terms, names and events to pick from explaining 8 of them. The first 7 are IDs and are worth 10 pts. The eighth is an "essay" and is worth 30, thus 100 pts per exam. I had the class on MWF, and every other class period there was a quiz over 1 chapter. This may seem like a lot to many to have to read, but trust me, I'm a history major and this is NOTHING compared to upper level classes!!! Each chapter is only about 15 pages or so. There are 5 questions on each quiz, and much of the time, he gives you bonus questions and this is how you accumulate extra credit for the class. Make sure you AT LEAST skim each chapter. Quizzes are 20% of your grade. Next is "classwork." This consists of participation and attendace which is 10% of your grade. In a way, attendance is required, but he doesn't actually take roll. If you want, you can just come on the days that there are quizzes and exams. Try to participate in the conversations because he remembers who tries and who doesn't! Also, as an added tidbit, don't show up late because he closes the door and doesn't allow people in after he has started class! Finally, the last 20% of your grade is an essay. You are required to buy his book on Andrew Carnegie and you will spend a few days reading and discussing it. Then, you have to write an essay over the book in class. Personally, I would suggest coming to class everyday, or at least everyday that you can make it, and paying attention. That's how I learned most of the material. Take reasonable notes because he seems to emphasize the things he lectures on, in the exams. I just read my notes, and then re-emphasized them by looking them up in the book. I never spent more than an hour studying for these exams. The LOWEST grade I made on the 4 exams was a 94 and I made an A- on the essay. Dr. Baker is a GREAT lecturer and is very interesting and entertaining. He knows all the main stuff plus little odd-and-end things that make you want to learn more. I would highly suggest this professor for history 120!
HIST-120 : History After 1648 - Posted 4/6/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is an awesome guy and history teacher. He sure knows his stuff. This course isn't hard if you enjoy history and can remember ALOT of it. Also, in order to do well, come to class regularly, and participate in the lecture. His test consist of I.D.'s of people, places, and things. You have a quiz in his class about once every week, but they aren't hard. I would reccomend Dr. Baker's hist. 120 class to anybody. I love it.
HIST-120 : West Civ After 1648 - Posted 12/17/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is a great professor. His class is very interesting and he tells great little stories along the way. His exams are all essay, but if you know what you are writing about then you are fine. There is a lot quizzes in his class so keeping up on the reading is important.I definately would take him again.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 12/16/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
People say history is pretty tough because you have to read. Well, you do. This class read the whole book, and we have quizzes every week, to make sure you read the text. However, this class was very fun, and interesting. The way Baker discusses the chapters make it involving, and easy to understand. I took no notes whatsoever, and only listened to the lecture. As long as you read and listen, you're fine. However, your exams are identification and essay. Basically you have to know each idea, person, belief, event, or book. You get to choose whoever you want to discuss. Exams are pretty out there, but you'll get through. As long as you do well on quizzes and are present to class. I had a MWF class, and hardly no one showed up on Fridays. Every friday he repeated "These are the Bs and As in my class, huh?" The class was like yeah right, I'm not getting any As on my exams. However, on my final I bombed it. I went to him discussing it, and he gave me a B for the class....based on attendence. So show up for class, even if there is no quiz. End the end, he will notice it, and he will bring you up a very good jump!! It pays to show up!! Take this professor. Very cool guy!
HIST- : Western Civ After 1648 - Posted 12/13/2004
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Baker is a great teacher. he knows everything about his subject and has traveled all around the world. he is very interesting but his class his hard. you have a quiz over a full chapter every other class and he asks very random questions that are hard to answer. the exams are i.d.s that cover 4 chapters but you only have to id 7 things, ideas, or people. so you have to know everything for almost nothing. overall i reccomend this teacher. he is interesting but you definetly have to work hard
HIST-120 : World Civ From 1500 - Posted 12/13/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is a cool guy, he teaches his subject very well and you will love his subtle humor. Nice man, if you need this 120 take him.
HIST-240 : U.s. History To 1865 - Posted 12/8/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
For some reason, Dr. Baker often gets bad reviews. After taking him, however, I don't see why. He asks a lot of you in this class, but it's not too much to handle. Plus, he cool, makes it interesting, and knows what the hell he's talking about. So, if you need 240 or 241, take this class.
HIST- : Western Civ Since 1864 - Posted 11/20/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
great teacher, he is very smart, and you have to buy his book for class over Carnegie, but he goes in depth over each chapter and a funny, even "don't tell your parents, I said this" type of attitude. such a cool guy, moderately hard tests. you just need to study the materials!
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 10/29/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Class isn't that hard. Just take good notes and do all the readings. Test are all short answer/essay and very specific. As long as you read you'll be fine. Dr Bakes is a fun teacher and often tells funny stories. I found my self laughing quite a bit.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1500 - Posted 10/21/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This man is one of the best history teachers around, even if you hate history he will make it fun and tell you some very good facts that you might not pick up on in other classes, tests are identifiers and then 1 essay which is your strongest identifier. This guy has a quiz every other class period usually, but they are 5 questions and they are very easy if you read and it keeps you from having to read everything the night before the test, all you would have to do is study your notes. Id definetly take him again! Great Teacher!!!
HIST- : Western Civ. After 1648 - Posted 5/7/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Baker is a teacher that knows a lot about his subject. He seems to pick favorites in the class though. He grades different on the exams according to the person. He purposely picks out questions that aren't easy to find. Don't take this class if you're looking for an easy A. He'll make you work for a D.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 4/9/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is a great teacher. He really knows what he is talking about. He does give an quiz on every chapter, tests are essay, but if you listen in class and read the book you should do fine. I would take him again.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 1/27/2004
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is a somewhat good teacher. But his tests are way too hard. They are all id. and essay, and could be over anything or anyone in the 4-5 chapters that you go over. But the good thing is you get to choose 5 of 10 ids and 1 of 2 essays. So you can sometimes get stuff you know. He dose know alot about history. But I would not take him again if you paid me.
HIST-240 : American History - Posted 1/22/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is the best professor in the department. I had him for three classes, including both sections of U.S. history. He tries to play a tough teacher on the first day, but it is just to weed out those who don't want to be there anyway. He is informed and, moreover, interesting. He does great impressions!
HIST-240 : U.s. History Before 1865 - Posted 12/15/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Baker is a good professor in relating the material, but he makes his tests' extremely hard for the level of the class. He doesn't grade the material with the time that it deserves. He just looks at it and gets a "feel" for what it is, which isn't fair. If you aren't a great writer or one of his favorites, I might reccomend another teacher.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since - Posted 12/4/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I really dreaded taking Western Civ, but Dr. Baker made it so much better. He is interesting and very excited about what he teaches. He gives quizzes almost every other class period but they help make sure you read and if you read ok, they can help your grade. I wouldn't say this class was easy but easier than most Western Civ and way more interesting. Test are a little tough, but if you just study a little, read, and go to class, they aren't too bad. I would tell anyone to take him.
HIST-120 : West Civ After 1648 - Posted 11/7/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I loved this guy. He was like a french version of mr rogers. He is very amuzing but do your work. You have to read the chapters forthe quizzes. He is a great teacher!!!
HIST-240 : American History Before - Posted 10/28/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Baker is a really good professor, but the tests are difficult. I love history, and find the material easy to learn, but the essay tests can be difficult if you aren't an outstanding writer.
HIST-417 : Renaissance - Posted 7/29/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is an excellent instructor, and the other evaluation of this class is highly unfair. I hate when somebody does poorly in a class and blames the instructor for their own lack of success. Anyway, this has been one of my favorite classes at WKU and I would know-I am a history major. Dr. Baker's class is wonderful and his experience from actually living in Italy makes the class all the more interesting.
HIST- : Western Civilization Since 1648 - Posted 5/14/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I have mixed thoughts about professor Baker. On one hand, I thought the class was very interesting and I learned a lot but the amount of work required for this class alone was too much. We took pages of notes every day and had a quiz over a 20 page chapter in the book every other class. These quizzes were only five questions each but added up to be 20% of your final grade. I read each chapter and went over it a second time but still managed to do poorly on each quiz. At least, I think I did. Baker will not tell you what grade you receive on the quizzes and the questions are too in depth to answer even thought I read the chapters. He gives no clue as to what material will be on the quizzes and tests. I studied for the tests as well but one test didn't have anything from the notes I took and I received an F on it which ruined my grade. I made B's on all the other tests but my final grade was a C. I could go on forever about how much I hated this class but it was only because it was too much work for a class that should have been simple. If you want to learn a lot and kill yourself studying then I suggest you take this class but otherwise, avoid it.
HIST-241 : Us History Since 1865 - Posted 4/15/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This is a good course, as it is a requirement for majors. Dr. Baker does a good job with the notes, but the research paper is limited to events that are talked about in his book about Elanor Roosevelt, which is kind of limiting.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 4/14/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 12/18/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I hated this class, It was very hard for me. I don't know why so many people like Baker, but I know I sure don't. If you like history and don't have work to do in other classes, I guess he would be a good teacher to take. All I know is I don't have the time or the patience to read 20 pages of a history book at least every other class period. He gives 5 question 5 point quizzes every other class over each chapter one chapter at a time, that he does not discuss in class at all before the quiz. His test are hard too. There are 10 identify questions (this year you had to pick 5 of the 10 to identify, but in previous years you had to identify all 10, so I don't know what he will do in following years) and an essay. There are four tests throughout the entire semester, including the final exam, which was the same as the previous three tests.
I had friends that had other teachers for the same course that came out with an A or B, and only had to read from the book like four times.
He is just a hard teacher, period. I wouldn't take him again that is for sure.
HIST-120 : Western Civ. Since 1648 - Posted 11/27/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I can honestly say that I know many people who did not like this class. I on the other hand loved it. Dr. Baker is a very very intelligent and interesting man. He is not boring when he lectures and all the material on the tests is pretty much covered in the notes. I never had any problems on his test and I didn't have to study for hours. If you pay attention in class and understand the material then you will fine. The quizzes will be a little bit tricky but if you do your best and show up to class then you will probably enjoy the class just as much as I did.
HIST- : Western Civ Since... - Posted 11/21/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is a great teacher! His class is fairly difficult and requires a lot of reading. As long as you read and take notes, the class isn't that bad. He gives you the topics that will be on his quizzes and exams. He gives you 10 topics for the quizzes and then 5 of them are on it. You get to pick from the topics on the tests. I failed the class because I stopped going but I'm taking him again.
HIST- : Western Civ Since 1845 - Posted 10/27/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Baker gave us a quiz every other class meeting which consisted of only 5 questions, so if you miss any, you are out of luck. It is impossible to know what his tests will be over. All you know is that there will be 10 out of 15 or 20 identifications and 1 essay out of 3 that you have to choose from. The tests are very difficult because you have NO CLUE who or what will be on them. He gives no hints. Unless you read every single chapter and know every single person, event, and box on every page, then there is no way. I studied and didn't get a B on anything until the final and I had to study for about 5 hours for it. Also, he is a very arrogant man, and will disagree with you on anything. If you sit in the front of the room, he will practically run you over. It's like he has some kind of authority fetish or something. He is odd. I don't recommend him.
HIST-120 : Western Civ. Since 1648 - Posted 10/25/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This is one of the best history classes I have ever taken. I highly recommend it!
HIST-120 : Western Civilization - Posted 8/16/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is wonderful if you will just listen. He makes you feel like you are really there. Take notes, study your notes and you will do well.
HIST- : Western Civ Since ... - Posted 5/18/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I am usually an A student, but this class was ridiculous. He provides NO help on any aspect, especially the tests. You have quizzes every other class, and I just didn't have the time to study for a 5 pt. quiz every other day. This comes out to be 20% of your grade, however, which can make or in my case, break you. He also gives 10% for attendance/participation, which is really his way of giving you the grade he wants. I had a friend that took this class, got worse grades than I did, and got a better grade overall. Is that fair? No way, and neither is this horrible professor. Stay away!
HIST- : History 120 - Posted 4/16/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Although this class was difficult, Baker is a great professor. You have to study, which I never did until his class. On his exams just be sure to write a lot!
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1600 - Posted 3/28/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Baker is a really good teacher. He makes his lectures interesting and he really knows his stuff. The only thing is that there are only 4 tests with massive amounts of info to study with only a small amount actually on the test. The tests are identification and essay(your pick which you do). YOu have quizzes about once a week but he gives you the terms to look up. That is really all you need the book for. I would just look up the terms and I got A's on all the quizzes. Attendance isn't mandatory but he takes it into consideration for your participation grade. It might sound bad, but he doesn't bore you like others...I even took him again.
HIST-120 : Western Civ. Since 1648 - Posted 1/30/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
He is a really smart man and loves his history. He will teach you and if you read the book, you'll do great.
HIST-120 : Western Civilization Since 1648 - Posted 1/12/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Baker is a great teacher. He makes the class interesting. He has a weird sense of humor, but it still kinda makes the class better. He is very intelligent and has traveled to almost every where in the world. This class is easy to get a B in, hard to get an A in.
HIST-120 : - Posted 1/8/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This professor is inconsiderate of students and enjoys dominating the class. He never compromises and can often be seen as sexist. I wouldn't recommend him as the greatest example of what a History professor should represent. If you choose to take him, be prepared to spend hours and hours studying for the 4 tests and 16 quizzes.
HIST-120 : Western Civilization - Posted 12/18/2001
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I checked with this site to see what other students thought of Dr. Baker and they were equally good and bad, so I took him. I absolutely hated everything about this man and his class. His tests are entirely too hard, he requires way too much information on the tests (90+ identifications you have to study for and only 10 on the tests and 1 or 2 choices for the essay, which counts 50% of the test), and quizzes on every single chapter in the book. You will complete the book and are required to know everything he mentions in class. There are things on the tests that Baker never mentioned in the class or that you could not possibly remember reading. There are no study guides given and he is not helpful or understanding. He never gives back your quizzes (20% of your grade) and your attendance and participation count 10%. He can totally screw your grade with this 30%. I had a 3.9 gpa before this man and it took everything I had to make a B, even though I deserve an A. I was one of the few to make an A on a test. He is too hard and too liberal. If you are looking for a sexist, atheist, "I have all the power and you are my students and I can fail you if I want" professor then by all means take Baker. I would rather change schools before taking this man ever again. For the love of God and Western, keep this man from having a job!
HIST- : US History - Posted 11/15/2001
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
Dr. Baker informed the class on the first day that he always knew what grades everyone would get after the first day. He calls this "perceptive", everyone else calls it "self-fulfilling prophecy." Baker also does not allow absences for university related functions(academic trips, etc.) whch is a clear violation of university policy. Do not take this BAD professor!
HIST-417 : Age of the Renaissance - Posted 1/13/2001
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr Baker's Age of the Renaissance is a perennial offering at WKU. I had put off taking it for some time due to scheduling constraints and was pleased when my roommate reminded me of its availability in Fall 2000. I have some background and considerable interest in the subject, and I knew it to be a field of incredible richness and depth; I had hoped for a sort of overview that made it all make a little more sense.
Unfortunately, the class was anything but that. Dr. Baker's treatment of the subject matter was sketchy at best. There was little attention paid to the causes and effects of the Renaissance; while the catalogue of art was extensive the sociopolitical detail offered was nearly non-existent; and every single lecture was so heavy with personal anecdotes from the professor's time spent in Italy that the subject matter was severely compromised.
In addition, Dr. Baker's teaching style is more suited to a bourgeois 3rd-grade schoolmarm than a full professor at a University. His pedantic style, nitpicky insistence on punctuality (not of itself a bad thing, but the man actually stares at his watch and says,
HIST-120 : Western Civ since 1648 - Posted 1/3/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Baker is one of the best teachers i have ever had. However he is also one of the hardest. If you are looking for an easy A, this isnt the class, if you are looking for a great teacher that actually makes the class interesting take Dr. Baker. I cant say enough about him. He really knows his stuff. There is a quiz almost every other day, and the 4 tests required mass amounts of studying, but you know what to study for.
HIST-141 : United States after 1865 - Posted 4/28/2000
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Dr. Baker has an interesting grading system. A is for Athletes, B is for Babes, and C is for Commoners, unless you impress him, then you might squeeze out a B from him. Several female students complained to me that they thought he was a womanizer and that he treated women, in general, differently than men. I have to agree with these observations as I was taking 400-level classes with an A, and suddenly, in an intro class I am met with a B. I guess I wasn't athletic enough to give Dr. Baker any kind of clue as to how to score with babes and thus increase my earning potential.