Western Kentucky University / H / Douglas L. Harper
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Moderatev
Tag Summary:
True/False: 11
Multiple Choice: 13
Matching: 2
Fill in the Blank: 5
Essays: 3
Problem Solving: 17
Mandatory Final: 15
Cumulative Final: 14
Textbook Required: 16
Extra Credit: 9
Attendance Required: 5
17 Total Evaluations
PHYS-255 : Physics I - Posted 12/17/2010
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I might recommend him for someone I don't like.. :)
Before I have registered the class, I started looking for the professor rate in profeval and I saw a lot of green faces and said "he looks good.. go for it".... Oh no guys,,, Wait,, I am telling you, do not get fooled. He might the one who wrote these rates ;)). He made me for the first time in my life say “why am I not so smart?". He barely wrote notes on the board.. Come on.. Really?.. Are these the teaching standards in Western? I don’t think so.. I had great teachers in here who do their best to make you feel you are a smart student and youâ€can do itâ€.. But “Aa Aa†not this person.. Taking PHYS with him was THE most stupid step I have ever did in college.. I extremely do not recommend him EVER
PHYS-440 : Electricity & Magnetism - Posted 12/1/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
First and foremost, this is classified (unofficially) as the most difficult Physics course at WKU that is required for all Physics majors. As a student who went through the course, I can attest that the course does have the most involved problems in terms of mathematical rigor. However, Dr. Harper is a class act that made the course as painless as possible.
- Dr. Harper's PHYS 440 exam are extremely difficult, but they do test the skills stressed in the homework sets. In all honesty, you can predict the types of problems that he will ask on an exam. CAUTION: He will not just put old homework problems on the exams. His tests are long - usually longer than one class period, so be prepared to stay after class to finish.
- Homework sets consist of 4-6 problems per week with each homework assignment given for a period of seven days. While he is extremely picky about vector symbols, absolute value symbols, and apostrophes placed on different variables, he will give as much partial credit as he can. His grading of homework and exams is FAIR (he does not count off too much, but he does not give points for complete trash). Sometimes, his homework problems will consist of problems that are for extra credit.
- He did give quizzes in the course for the first five weeks. These quizzes were usually proofs or derivations that were discussed in class and in the book.
- Dr. Harper is almost always available in his office. The only time I was unable to speak with the man is when he was not even on campus. His office visits are extremely helpful and informative. He WILL NOT make you feel like a moron for asking questions. Also, he will willingly attend out-of-class study sessions to help the students with the coursework.
- He teaches by using lectures that involve putting notes on the board. He will also solve problems found in the textbook. He does not get off topic and/or ramble about material unrelated to the course. He may crack one or two jokes per week, but he remains professional and serious whenever he is teaching his students. Do not expect to have "fun" in the course like you would with other professors.
- Dr. Harper is the most difficult professor in the department. He has high expectations for students and will not compromise his grading scale in order to meet the needs of students who may be suffering in the class. Do not expect curves or a large amount of bonus points. On the plus side, he is, by far, the best professor in the department.
- He grades tests and homework assignments very quickly. He will offer a LOT of feedback on any issues you had on homework or exams.
PHYS-255 : Physics 1 - Posted 11/30/2010
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This is the worst class I've had to sit in while in college. He doesn't teach the class, he gets up to the board and starts rambling. The tests are extremely difficult. 2 of our 4 tests have had an overall average of a D and the other 2 were 72 + or - 16. He belongs in upper level courses, not beginning courses. Most of my peers have to retake the class. His teaching style is catered for the understanding of the smartest kids in class not the weakest. You are doomed to fail unless you are a Gatton kid or an Asian kid.
PHYS-255 : Calculus Based Physics - Posted 11/8/2010
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Few/None
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
He is a wonderful person with great personality. Once you are in his class, you will fall in love with him and his class. He is such a nice person that you can talk to him any time with any question if he is in his office, and he is so pleased to help you. His tests and quizzes are freaking easy if you do the Mastering Physics Homework well, and there is no curve in his lecture so do not worry that you are sitting with some Chinese students and they are gonna destroy that class. LOL
PHYS-450 : Classical Mechanics 2 - Posted 4/25/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
How else can one put it, Dr. Harper is the defintion of sexy. The only reason I cant concentrate in the course is cause I cant keep my eyes off his tight thighs. He truly is a great teacher and not bad to look at too.
PHYS-250 : University Physics I - Posted 1/23/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Harper is a God amongst men. I would love to cite the many times he has impressed me, but they are countless. He is very modest about himself, which at first glance might seem like shyness, but he is indeed just an awesome professor and person in general. TAKE HIM! (This is a repost under his correct name in order to make sure that everyone finds this helpful review...he really is THAT awesome.)
PHYS-250 : University Physics I - Posted 1/23/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Harper is a God amongst men. I would love to cite the many times he has impressed me, but they are countless. He is very modest about himself, which at first glance might seem like shyness, but he is indeed just an awesome professor and person in general. TAKE HIM!
PHYS-250 : Univ Physics I - Posted 5/8/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This isn't an easy class but Dr. Harper is a great teacher. If you're looking for a class without much work, then look elsewhere, but if you do the work then you'll succeed in the class. Dr. Harper will meet with anyone who needs help and returns emails fast. Overall, he's a great teacher.
PHYS-250 : - Posted 1/6/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
F
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Prof. Harper is a very excellent teacher who cares about his students. He does get the material across in a way that you can understand. He has a lot of online graded homework that he is willing to go over every single class. The problem with the class is it covers so much material and for those who have not taken a physics class before it's a lot to take in. Half of every class drops or fails and very few make above a C. If you have to take it, take Harper. Or even better take a lower level class first.
PHYS-250 : University Physics 1 - Posted 4/29/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Harper is a good teacher. He has a Phys 250 website that is very well organized and he has the notes from every class on the website. I would recommend him.
PHYS-250 : University Physics 1 - Posted 3/8/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Harper is a nice guy, his teaching style is okay. He doesnt really give that many notes but goes over some examples in class each day. He gives lots of partial credit on his tests which is awesome!!! The Mastering Physics online assignments for the course can be very time consuming, confusing and frustrating. You will have one due about every time class meets.
PHYS-250 : University Physics I - Posted 1/13/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Harper was a very good professor who was always willing to help his students. This class is very hard, no matter how good the teacher may be, but Dr. Harper tries his best to help his students. He is very good at what he does, and he knows his stuff.
PHYS-250 : University Physics I - Posted 1/11/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Harper is an excellent professor. He explains concepts thouroghly and is very helpful.
PHYS-250 : - Posted 1/6/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I would recommend taking this professor. He is devoted to helping his students and will answer any questions you have about the material being discussed. I found this class to be difficult solely based on the material not the professor. Although it isnt required to attend class, it would be in your best interest to go because he takes this into account when determining your final grade.
PHYS-250 : - Posted 10/7/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
It was a hard class, but he tried to be helpful. He wasn't usually as helpful as he thought he was being though.
PHYS-250 : University Physics I - Posted 12/31/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Harper has a very difficult subject to teach. I must say I felt like I was always behind and struggling to understand certain concepts. Physics is hard to grasp if you did not take it in High School. Not much Calculus, but if you can take Calc 126 before Phys 250 ( Take Dr. Barry Brunson for Calc 126, Awesome! ) , you will be a lot more prepared for the Mathematics involved and why things happen. If you are not sure, take Phys 201 ( I feel I should have ). Dr. Harper is very fair and bends over to help you. He did not drop our lowest test grade, but he does offer extra credit and curved the final.
PHYS-250 : University Physics I - Posted 4/5/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
dr. harper really knows his stuff. he gives great notes in class is willing to help on homework. one test grade is dropped. he makes physics fun.