Western Kentucky University / L / Glenn W. LaFantasie

Dr. LaFantasie's class consists of four assignments, papers, that require you use all the class texts and articles that he emails you at the beginning of the semester--each focusing on one paper's topic. He does not want average, and this class is not just about spitting up information, he wants you to think, don't just answer the question, analyze it. He said to the class, before the first paper, "impress me." If you're a history major, and love the subject, this class is excellant, and teaches you the format for writing papers for any history class (Chicago Style). His notes are in-depth and not covered in the book, so take notes, but they are interesting. He cracks jokes frequently, some of them are far out, and he is more than willing to talk to you. Its hard work, but I highly recommend this class.

I went into this course thinking I could earn an easy A simply because of the way Dr. Lafantasie structures his class. Boy was I wrong! There are 4 grades in the class, 2 papers, a mid-term, and a cumulative final (both tests are take home and are just papers you have to write as well). Anyway, your grades are based only upon how well he thinks that you have digested the course readings. I have always thought that I was a pretty good writer, but he ripped my papers to shreds because he thought I didn't make enough references to the readings on my papers. He gave me a C on the first paper and told me that it would have been better if I used references to all the available readings up to that point, but then went on to say that it is not necessary to use all of them. WTF? I tried to improve my grade throughout the rest of the semester by using more than 20 footnotes in each of my next 3 papers, but it was never enough for him. Take in mind that there are a ton of notes to take in this class, and you could accurately answer the questions on his papers just by the info. in your notes, using only a few citations from the articles/books, but if you do this, he will destroy you. This was a difficult experience all semester because it was a crap shoot with him, you never knew if you had enough citations in your paper, and even if you think you did, he would demand more, even when you answered all parts of the questions. The papers were only 4-5 pages too, so it wasnt like you could keep writing and writing for however long you wanted. I would advise NOT taking this guy. This is the most screwed up grading system I've ever seen a professor use. Take someone else to avoid these same struggles.

Dr. Lafantasie is a great professor with a great sense of humour. He is always craking jokes which helps to break up the omnious lecturing. His specialty is the Civil War and this is very obvious. I enjoyed the class despite making some bad grades on papers. I am not a good writer and Dr. LaFantasie through his comments helped me to get better.

If you are interested in the Civil War or in anyother subject he is taking then I would highly recommend him. Also, the topics for his papers are very difficult.

Dr. Lafantasie is an amazing professor. The only downside most students have with him is the fact that he lectures all the time. However, he does make a lot of jokes to try to break up the dryness of the lectures. The subject matter is interesting and he is clearly well versed in the Old South and the Civil War.

He is very personable and truly does have an open door policy. Students should take advantage of this. He is one of the few professors at WKU that does truly care about his students and wants to help them succeed.

This is by no means a bunny course, but isn't unmanageable at all. Expect to work, expect to pay attention.

I also completely disagree with the other post about him being a stingy grader. He has been more than generous with me with grades despite some of the work, I believe, being subpar. Just put forth effort, and you'll do well.

A great professor and a good person, in general.

Do not take his course, he is boring and almost everyday I fell asleep in the course. Also he is a very stingy grader and most likely you will never be satisfied with the grade you receive. His papers are tough to write and he expects you to cite the book on his tests. His class was way too much work for a non-upper level class.