Western Kentucky University / B / James Bingham
Averages:
Overall Rating
Poorv
Grade Received
Cv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Moderatev
Tag Summary:
True/False: 38
Multiple Choice: 37
Matching: 30
Fill in the Blank: 36
Essays: 9
Problem Solving: 15
Mandatory Final: 37
Cumulative Final: 5
Textbook Required: 12
Extra Credit: 20
Attendance Required: 23
42 Total Evaluations
GEOG-451 : - Posted 5/18/2009
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Jim was a great man. After I failed his class the first time, I couldn't stand him, but I kept running into him on campus, and around BG. He always remembered my name, quite a feat for any college professor. After a while I started to stop by to talk to him while he was outside smoking, and he talked me into re-taking his class. I wasn't a Geography major--or minor, but the second time I took his class I really enjoyed it-- And I got an A. He was a great guy, and WKU, BG and Judy's Castle won't be the same without him.
GEOG-451 : Geography Of Kentucky - Posted 4/29/2009
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This course was very difficult. I will not go about and "diss" Professor Bingham, but he does know how to test the bounds on what is taught and then some. His tests consist of multiple choice (one question was "What is the main term of Geography" and the choices were "Who is what, what is where, where is what, why is what where, and who's on first"), true/false in which you have to pinpoint was is incorrect about those that are false, and locations on a map. The maps were extremely difficult due to his locations would be millimeters apart in the middle of a county and would expect you to know what town it was. Also, be prepared for the final to memorize all 120 counties and their locations. Overall, he is a fun instructor with numerous stories and anecdotes, but his tests are the bane of human existence.
GEOG-360 : Geography Of North America - Posted 3/12/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
Dr. Bingham gets a bad reputation for being difficult. In actuality, it was a little difficult, but I didn't invest a whole lot of time in the class. My advise, don;t take the class as a gen ed, only take it if you are a geography major or minor.
GEOG- : Geog Of North America - Posted 1/3/2008
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
DO NOT TAKE HIM. His class is so hard, I can't believe I got a C. The class was the worst class I have ever taken, tests are VERY long and hard. If you do take the class, memorize EVERYTHING he covers during lecture, or you will not pass.
GEOG-360 : Geography Of Us And Canada - Posted 10/26/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
GEOG-110 : World Regional Geography - Posted 10/26/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
this was one of my first classes at western. Bingham is a rough and tumble guy. If you take him at face value then you will get pissed off and end up hating him. Get to know him before you make that descision. He will come off as a jerk but he just wants you to learn the material. Overall I liked bingham
GEOG-360 : Geography Of North America And Canada - Posted 4/25/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
If Satan were ever to visit earth, he would tell him to back off. Dr. Bingham is the most conceited and arrogant person I've ever encountered. He shows no empathy and couldn't care less if you need help. Also if you take his classes never challenge his opinions, if so you are guaranteed to fail. The only students he can tolerate are those he determines to be bright enough to not waste his time, so basically brownnosing gets you everywhere with him. Do not take his classes unless you plan on seeing how a professor should not act.
GEOG- : Unbearable - Posted 4/12/2007
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
If you are in his class, SHOOT YOURSELF NOW!
I have never left a class feeling so bad about myself until his class. He is totally demeaning to students.
GEOG- : Economic Geography - Posted 3/5/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I love this man. I'm going to take every class he teaches!!!
GEOG-451 : Kentucky Geography - Posted 12/9/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Professor Bingham lets it be known that he has been at WKU for many many years so he doesn't really care if you don't like him. He gets off subject very easily, and his tests are extremely difficult considering he doesn't go over half of the information. I've taught myself most of the test information using the atlas you buy for the class. Don't take him if you don't have to.
GEOG-360 : Satan's Class - Posted 11/19/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I first wish to say that I am aware that if anyone reads this, which in itself is doubtful, that it will not be taken into account. I understand that options are limited and since nothing has been done about Dr. Bingham yet, nothing will be done in the future. However, when given the chance to speak my mind, I will do so; I do not care if anyone listens, just as long as someone hears.
Dr. Bingham needs to be forced to resign. I will not sugar coat the issue at all. He does not belong in a classroom of any kind. This man teaching in a college environment is stomach churning. He is a rude, condescending, discourteous, unappreciative, prejudiced, arrogant, uncooperative, unknowledgeable, and abusive (mentally, psychologically, physically, emotionally) person. Granted, I most likely will not come out of this class as a lesser person. However, I will leave this class with little to no knowledge about geography.
My ill feelings toward Dr. Bingham have naught to do, by the way, with the amount of work in the class.The exams were overly unreachable. When Dr. Bingham would explain them, however, he confused the entire class. When a student asks a question, he ignores them. When another student asks the same question, he will scold them and continue, still not answering the question because he does not know the answer. Finally the class takes over, demanding that the question be answered. He makes something up angrily, declares we have too many things to do to waste our time, and continues, leaving us frustrated and confused.
He is a fan of favoritism as well. He will pick who he likes in the class, and treat them with favor, courtesy, and with overall humane respect. The rest of us get the opposite treatment and are regarded as a poor dumb students who are told that we will end up at home within a few years.
The fact that Dr. Bingham is a doctor at all is the only encouraging factor of this class; it gives me hope that one day I can receive my doctorate and restore the respect that the distinction once held. I know now that you need not be a decent person, talented teacher, or even fair human being to receive a doctorate. You need only a good topic and a decent dissertation. Also, I have lost respect for the theory of tenure. After as many poor evaluations as I know Dr. Bingham has received, one would think that the issue would be dealt with. However, influence and age triumphs over ability and respect. I will hesitate to say that Dr. Bingham is the worst teacher of my experience for as long as Dr. Bingham hesitates to call someone stupid at no hesitation in the least.
Thank you.
GEOG-350 : Economic Geography - Posted 11/15/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
If anyone ever asks me the worst experience I have ever had in my life it would be taking this class. I am a non traditional student who has had many many many professors and many many many classes and this is by far the worst experience I have ever encountered in my entire life. I have never taken an exam that made me physically ill and when I left the class I felt frustrated, bewildered and in a state of dissbelief. I would have almost driven to Florida to have taken another professor. Hell would have to be better than this class. If you are forced to take this class I would pray for you but this will be your cross to bear and you will bleed walking up the hill. I guarantee you after this class is over you will have continuous nightmares and it will be something you will never forget. Do not waste your time going to the dean or posting a bad evaluation because trust me, that is useless because he has tenure and unless he physically abuses someone in class he is there until death do us part. GOD HELP US ALL.
GEOG- : Anything - Posted 11/15/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
F
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I wouldn't piss on Bingham if he was on fire..... I would stand and watch him burn.
GEOG-360 : North America And Canada - Posted 11/15/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
F
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Bingham is a DEVIL. He is one of the worst profs I have ever had. He should be fired for incompetence. He refuses to help people. I used to love geography but while taking his class he made me hate it. He is arrogant, cold, shrewd, rude, and prickly. He is also dull and dry and has the most boring personality. The stress and meaness he put me under made me cry once. It makes me sick that my tution pays for this DEVIL'S salary. Poop on you Dr. Bingham!!! Poop all over you!!!
GEOG- : Please Open!!! - Posted 11/15/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
What can I say about Dr. Bingham?
First, let me say that I am not a college student who is complaining because I actually had to do work in this class, like earlier posts mentioned in accordance to those who give Dr. Bingham a poor rating.
I am giving a poor rating because that is what he deserves.
He has a condescending attitude towards her students. He will ask you about the definition of a word he has not taught you yet, and that you do not know (hence why you are in the class to learn) and when you honestly do not know the answer he makes fun of you for living a sheltered life.
I have no idea where he comes up with the questions for the tests. It's not always from his notes or his book. And if you try to explain yourselve on the tests he will count you wrong. He confuses me.
His class infuriates me!!!
If you want a professor who will treat you like you're dumb and your opinion does not matter, I urge you to take Bingham.
GEOG-350 : Economic Geography - Posted 11/15/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Be prepared to learn nothing. He doesn't teach, he talks about random things that has nothing do to with the course, then expects you to know everything. Tests don't refect what he talks about or what's in the book. I'm still trying to figure out where the information came from. I came out of the class not learning anything. The averages on the exams were in the 50s, we even had an exam with the average in the low 40s. Here's the funny part... there is NO CURVE. He told us the only way he would curve is DOWN. Also, note that you will be told you are stupid numerous times each class period. He hates students and wants us all to fail because he had such a hard time in undergraduate school. I think he said he graduated with a 2.2 GPA or something like that. He doesn't give any A's or B's because he doesn't want anyone going to college receving all A's and B's. If you are concerned with your grades you won't take him. If you do, well, I feel sorry for ya. He's the worst professor I've had in my entire academic career.
GEOG-360 : Geography Of North America And Canada - Posted 11/13/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
F
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Stay away from this devil. He hates people in general. He feels like his job should be to see how many people he can p_iss off. I regreted ever taking him and you will to. This is my senior year and it was horrible because of him. If you want to be tortured, take him. Thank God professors like him are the MINORITY around campus. Plain and simple... he is a sh_it head.
GERO- : - Posted 11/8/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
What a B_tch!! This lady should do everybody a favor and find another job. Anywhere she didn't have to have any contacts with other human beings would be preferable.
GEOG-360 : Geography Of North America And Canada - Posted 11/8/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Avoid him at all cost because you will regret ever taking him. Class average in low 60's on some tests and 50's on other tests. NO CURVES either. He said the only way he will curve is down. His goal is to have half the class fail. He hates everyone. His tests are stupid... they consists of 75 questions (note: I had him in a 55 min. class) the exams longer than the class notes we had for them. He gives no notes at all in class. He gets off subject way too much and wastes class time. He said his graduating GPA was a 2.6 so that shows how ignorant he is. He makes VERY racial comments in class. I seen the bad faces on this sight and I thought I could hack him, I was wrong. He gives no A's, B's, or C's. So if you take him be prepared to get a D or F... there's no execuses you can make for taking him, because you've been fair warned!
Also, about his tests... they consists of modified true/false and multiple choice. On the true/false you have to pick out what in the question is wrong. He ask questions in a screwed up way, you can never understand what he is asking. Off course he wants it that way.
Note: If you are religious you best stay away from him... he hates religion or people who are religious. From his mouth, "if you're offended by my jokes about religion then you'll have to deal with it." I'm not that religious myself, but I'm just warning you.
GEOG-360 : Warning!!! - Posted 11/6/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
F
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Comment removed due to inappropriate language.
GEOG-360 : Us & Canada - Posted 12/30/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I looked at the other evals on here and thought oh well I can hack it. Wrong. Bingham's class would have been very enjoyable if it weren't for the insanely hard tests and lack of points from anything else. I learned alot of random crap that I might use someday. If you want to pass his tests you had better be a Geography major and have alot of previous knowledge. I took 360 for gen-ed credit, if you're going for that dont take it with Bingham.
GEOG-101 : Human Geography - Posted 12/28/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Jim Bingham is without a doubt the worst teacher I have ever had in my 15yrs of school. He rambles on throughout the entire lecture, going off on random tangents. He says the exams are entirely lecture-oriented, but when you compare the exam questions to the lecture notes, you wonder if you went to the wrong room for the test. In addition, his exams focus on nitpicky details and statistics. After taking these exams from hell, he takes his sweet time grading them. We took three exams in our class and he did not return the second exam until the class before the final exam. That being said, he does occasionally offer bonus quizzes w/random trivia questions to let people earn extra credit. I would certainly not take him again if given a choice.
GEOG-101 : Human Geography - Posted 12/20/2005
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
While the information Professor Bingham lectures on isnt particularly difficult, It's very important to understand that the way he presents it in the course is. It's sloppy. So much so that even with a B, which is supposed to be an adequate grade, it really left me thinking... "What have I been doing for the past semester between 2:20-3:40"
Before you think to take this class, you should know that he REALLY doesnt give out many A's, or B's or C's. In fact, the median scores on all three tests were in the low 60's... My scores were always within the top few others, so if you dont plan on being above that median line, prepare to get a D or fail. The tests were out of 200 points, and the extra credit was about 20-25 points possible in total. These extra points were belittled by the fact that he counts your highest score twice... meaning the final grade was out of 800.
GEOG-110 : World Geography - Posted 8/2/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This was the worse class that I have ever taken in my entire life, and to make it worse it is part of general education. This man cannot teach. He talks about his dogs more than he actually teaches. For extra credit you're supposed to know his dogs names (which I never found out), I was reading the book, and I didn't find any of the material that was on the test in that book where he said it would be. The tests are about 200 questions long. Never ever take him in anything.
GEOG-360 : Geography Of North America - Posted 5/16/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I was completely lost in Mr Bingham's class. He goes off on so many tangents that it's hard to tell what information is necessary to know for the tests. The questions on the tests are very nit picky and is usually over stuff so insignificant that you didn't study it. He is EXTREMELY boring. It is very hard to pay attention and take good notes in his class. He'll ask us questions and never tell us what the right or wrong answer is. Unless you are a very good note taker and have a really good attention span then I would not take this class. Having the book doesn't really help.
GEOG- : Any - Posted 4/28/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He may not lecture much on the class content, but its a nice break to have a teacher that will just talk to his class and try to get to know them. Bingham's classes are not hard (if you read your book and come to class). He mentions in class things that are from the reading, and those are the important parts you will definately see on a test. The rest of his test come from the assigned readings (that he will not remind you about) and his bonus questions are usually off-topic. The bonus are basically for the people who come to class and pay attention to his tangents. He is extremely fair about his grading, the grade you earn is the grade you receive. His tests are hard, but the rest of the class is easy. All you have to do is go in and listen to his stories. If you do actually study you will pass without problems. Don't be afraid to ask questions when you don't understand something from the reading. He probably will never bring it up in class if you don't, but he loves it when you do.
GEOG- : World Regional Geography - Posted 4/11/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Bingham is the worst teacher I have EVER had the fours years I have been at Western. He seriously has no clue as to what he is doing. He could teach us better sitting at home on his butt watching a football game. We'd learn more! We don't learn anything in his class but the tests are always extremely hard and it makes you wonder where he got the info because you KNOW we didn't go over it in class. He is a smart ass who is there to make your life miserable. He loves to give bad grades and he doesn't care what you think. In fact, the madder you get and the more you act like you care the more he HATES YOU! There is nothing I can do about his class now because I am stuck but YOU don't have to be! RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN RUN!!!!!!!!
GEOG-360 : Geography Of North America - Posted 1/11/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
F
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Listen to the red faces on the evaluation list, they are not lying to you. Bingham is a complete dumb ass, who never gets on the subject of geography. There are 97 trash dumbs in New Jersey (why do i know this, because Bingham knows this), did you know that the largest peanut factory is in Louisville, now owned by Jiff, used to be owned by Smuckers (why do i know this, because Bingham knows this)....I came out of this class not knowing my ass from a hole in the wall. I dont know if the questions he came up with came from the book, because I did not have the book, but he never told us to read anything in the book. Just push back space now and look up a different class, Bingham should be fired because he is a terrible teacher. P.S. This is a dude, not a chick telling you this....
GEOG-360 : North Amer. And Canada - Posted 1/10/2005
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This dude is hard. He gives pretty boring lectures where you dont come out with any notes, and then makes tests that are really hard, and have barely anything relating to the book. I dont know how I passed the class, I am thankful I did. Avoid at any costs, or prepare to weep for the future.
GEOG-360 : Geog Of North America And Canada - Posted 12/17/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class woulda been ok if anything on the first two tests had been in the notes hed given in class or in the book. But alas they werent, he did shape up for the 2nd two tests , but damn i wouldnt risk your gpa with this cat.
GEOG-360 : Geography Of N. Am. - Posted 12/8/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is hard - the tests really don't reflect the book or class discussion. To be totally prepared for the exams, you have to have the curiosity and initiative to explore topics on your own outside of class - that's the way Dr. Bingham wants it. All that aside, Dr. B is a trip and his antics make the class worthwhile. So, if you're willing to do some work, take this class. It's tight.
GEOG-360 : Geography Of Us And Canada - Posted 11/4/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Do NOT listen to the people that gave Dr. Bingham a good review. Ever heard one of the horror stories about getting one of those old fart professors that make their class hard as hell just because they can? Well this is Bingham. He is not open minded to views other than his own. I have received As in all my classes and this is one of hardest classes. It should be a lot easier. He makes his tests way too hard. He is an awful teacher. Don't take him, you'll regret it.
GEOG-360 : Us And Canada - Posted 11/19/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Mr. Bingham is the WORST teacher I've ever had.
GEOG-240 : Intro. To Planning - Posted 5/2/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Great teacher, great class. No book, moderate notes. Take home midterm, and 1/2 of final is take home, other in class. Fun Class!!!!!! A+ take it.
GEOG- : Rural Planning - Posted 4/21/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
It is not easy because you never know where you are at in the course. He is a good person. Just talk to him about questions one on one and you can get more information. He does get off on tangents. Like on the transpark.
GEOG-360 : Us And Canada - Posted 5/10/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
The class should be moderate on the difficulty scale, but it is more difficult than is necessary because of the professor. He is off subject more than he is on, bonus questions on tests have nothing at all to do with the content more often than not. It is difficult to know when you should or should not be taking notes about what he is saying because you don't know if he will tie it into the topic at hand or if he will go off into another tangent. He tries to act like he is very open-minded and tolerant, but he somehow manages to come across as totally the opposite. At first his stories are funny and then they become monotonous and boring. I don't really reccomend him.
GEOG-360 : Us And Canada - Posted 4/10/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
he gets off the subject way too much. this class was supposed to be about the united states and canada but all we talked about was bowling green. his tests are straight from teh lecture where most of the time you dont know what to write because he gets off the subject so much. he is sooooo boring he makes me fall asleep every day. oh and he tends to make racist comments...he is just a very poor educator and its sad that he is a teacher.
GEOG-101 : Human Geography - Posted 4/4/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This course was extremely hard. I did get an A, but the tests require a lot of studying and take away from your other classes. There are very few A's given. This class is not easy if you are looking for an easy 100 level class.
GEOG-101 : human geography - Posted 4/5/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
come to class, take a few notes, read a little of the book before the exam and your guaranteed an a or b. 4 tests, he counts your best score twice for a total of 1000 points.
GEOG- : any - Posted 8/31/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Bingham is one prof you SHOULD have before leaving WKU. He'll test your ability to open your mind to a new way of thinking (what college is all about). He'll tell you
GEOG-101 : Human Geography - Posted 8/22/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Easy
Comments
Best professor at Western. Doesn't give any bull, doesn't take any either! Show up every day, take good notes, get an A and have fun at the same time.
GEOG-360 : Geography of North America (U.S. only) - Posted 8/3/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Mr. Bingham is a wonderful guy, both in class and outside of class. He has taught for billions of years at Western (35, actually). The class is taught in a very informal manner which is a tremendous plus. Remember, Satillo, TN (his birthplace)!!! Wonderful, so keep it up...