Western Kentucky University / B / Nancy Baird

Ms. Baird is an interesting professor. She works full-time at the library and teaches the class once a week as a night class. Her lectures are full of useless tidbits that make them interesting.

Pros: She holds two review sessions prior to tests to allow students to clarify any questions they have. Be sure to organize your notes before attending one of these so you know what questions you have. Other than the "virtual test", there isn’t any homework. The final is not cumulative. She is not a harsh grader, nor is she demanding on the length of a paper. She is very flexible on when assignments are handed in and even let some students take the test at the library when it was more convenient for them or to let them get some extra studying in.

Cons: She has a tendency to bounce around a lot. Her lectures are not always chronological. When you ask a question, be prepared to get a five-minute answer rather than the thirty-second answer you were looking for. She does not give a good outline or any type of overhead notes; she gives you a list of terms/names she will be speaking about and you have to make your own notes. Her lecture style can make note taking somewhat difficult.

The work consists of three tests that usually have thirty-five fill-in-the-blank questions, a choice of eight out of ten terms/names to write a small paragraph about, and a choice of one out of two essays to write. She tells you what three possibilities for the essay question will be. Be sure to do some research on them so you know the actual chronology of events. The fourth test is her "virtual test". It consists of six written papers: one on an old newspaper, one on a manuscript, one on two online museums, and three on movies from different time periods. These are time consuming but not hard. She is a very accommodating, helpful lady.

Prof. Baird is a very passionate, knowledgable, instructor. She went out of her way to have study sessions before tests. I would recommend her class to anyone that has a desire to learn. Note taking is a little extensive but the tests are right off the class notes.

Mrs. Baird is WONDERFUL!!!! You do have to put forth the effort, but she is a great instructor. She makes it very easy to understand. She would be wonderful for you if you are willing to learn, and have a good time at it. WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!