Western Kentucky University / D / Robert L. Dietle
Averages:
Overall Rating
OKv
Grade Received
Bv
Course Difficulty
Difficultv
Quantity of Notes
Overkillv
Tag Summary:
Multiple Choice: 1
Fill in the Blank: 2
Essays: 44
Problem Solving: 1
Mandatory Final: 39
Cumulative Final: 18
Textbook Required: 31
Extra Credit: 15
Attendance Required: 25
45 Total Evaluations
HIST-370 : Mod. So. Asia - Posted 2/16/2013
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
A serious historian who clearly thinks other professors don't challenge students enough (and they don't). If you are a disciplined reader you'll be fine. Sadly, quite a lot of the readings don't make much sense on their own, so you'll have to do basic research (e.g.: google, wikipedia) for background information. If you still act like a kid and wait to read until the day before class you'll fail. If you want to actually study history (not useless military history and not the History Channel) then take one of his classes. Just get the syllabus immediately, buy the books early, and start reading now.
HIST-305 : History Of Ancient Greece - Posted 4/15/2010
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class requires a WHOLE LOT of reading. If you're doing this for a Humanities credit, take something else. This is way too much work when you can take art history. There are hours of reading every night, plus quizzes, worksheets, or essays due every Friday. Unless you're willing to do at least 2 or 3 hours of work for every meeting, don't take this class.
HIST-305 : Ancient Greece - Posted 5/23/2008
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class was quite difficult but very rewarding. The reading assignments are often long but they are always over interesting material. Dr. Dietle's lectures are always great so going to class is never a chore. I highly recommend this class if you are interested in learning about ancient Greece or just history in general.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 5/11/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I would not suggest taking this course if you would like an easy A. However, if you are really interested in history and you want an extremely thorough overview of Western philosophy/culture, this is the class for you. Be prepared to read until your eyes shrivel into the back of your head. He has an extremely dry and sarcastic sense of humor and it has a tendency to flare when people do not read the assignments. There are only two tests, (midterm and final) so you really only have these two chances to make an A in the class. I personally think Dr. Dietle is the man, but you might run into some people who think otherwise. Just remember, read the passages he hands out and you should do just fine.
HIST-120 : Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 4/11/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
As a history major I loved Dietle, he is very knowledgeable about what he teaches. However his class is very hard, there is a lot of reading and a lot of outside work. In order to pass and receive a good grade in class it is required that you read everything, as much of the info will be used in some form or fashion, whether it be on a test, a worksheet, or a discussion board. Although Dietle might seem like he doesn't care about his students he will work with you however much you need to help you get a better grade in the class.
HIST-422 : French Revolution And Napoleonic Era - Posted 2/14/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Professor Dietle prepares excellent lectures for his classes. He is very knowledgeable and if you listen carefully, he does tell jokes but you will only get them if you're paying close attention in class. He assigns a lot of reading material, but none of it is "busy work" and it complements the lectures very nicely. If you are interested in history, I highly recommend Professor Dietle. However, if you are you looking for a way to fill in 3 hours or get an "A" without trying, I suggest you look elsewhere.
HIST-422 : French Revolution And Napoleon - Posted 1/29/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This course is very difficult, however, Dr. Dietle is a great professor and makes the class very enjoyable. At first the amount of work required seems overwhelming, but if you break it down and work diligently you should have few problems. It is very important not to fall behind in the work. If you do have any problems though, Dr. Dietle is always more than willing to help. He is really a great guy!
HIST- : French Revolution - Posted 1/10/2007
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
To get a good grade in the class you have to work hard for it, but he is a great teacher. I learned a lot and really enjoyed the class.
HIST-119 : Hon: Western Civilization - Posted 12/23/2006
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Professor Dietle talks very fast and isn't very loud. You must take notes constantly. Also, he assigns a lot of reading, sometimes over 200 pages a week. The reading is mandatory for class discussions and the tests. There are only 2 tests, a midterm and a final that covers everything since the midterm. Each test consists of 3 essays, two over the course documents, but every document is game, so you must study everything. There are also 10 worksheets and discussion boards over the readings. I hated this class, but a few liked it. I guess it depends on each individual.
HIST- : Hon West Civ To 1648 - Posted 4/6/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dietle is a great guy. He knows his sbuject area. He will make you work. There is a ton of reading that he assigns and he lectures the whole time. If you want to half-ass your way through school then dont even bother with this class.
HIST- : Honors West Civ. Before 1648 - Posted 4/5/2006
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is a very intelligent man who can be somewhat dry at times. He's really nice and has an interesting sense of humor. There are 5 book for the class and you have to read all but half of one. There is significant reading every week and a quiz each Friday. The class is strictly lecture with 2 papers, a midterm, and a final. The more you read, the more interesting the class will be and he takes note of those who participate. He tells you that you have to invest about 16 hours a week to the class but I got by with around 4-5. Very laid back atmosphere and a very good learning environment.
HIST-119 : Hon: Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 1/14/2006
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is really a great professor. He is very knowledgeable about history and makes it interesting. Even people who do not like history could enjoy his class. Those who do like history will love his class. This class is difficult though and requires a lot of reading and critical thinking. One of the best things about Dr. Dietle is that he is always willing to help if you need it. Western is very lucky to have a professor like Dr. Dietle.
HIST-120 : Western Civ. 1648-present - Posted 12/12/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I really enjoyed this class and Dr. Dietle. His teaching method is a little different though, and those who don't like to read a lot don't take this class. He teaches it sort of like a philosophy class in that you read the literature and theories to understand the time period you're studying. Make sure to keep up with the readings! Attendance is required but I didn't find it too difficult to sit thorugh class.
The papers are somewhat difficult but if you start them earlier you should be ok.
The tests are a little difficult but not too bad if you study. I would tell second semester freshmen or above to take this class (alittle practicing in note-taking/writing will help)
HIST-119 : Honors Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 8/30/2005
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dietle is a GREAT prof. He is extremely knowledgable and has an interesting sense of humor. Be prepared to do a lot of reading for his class b/c he requires primary source readings for all the lecture material. Dr. Dietle has high expectations of students, but is certainly not unreasonable. Don't ever hesitate to take him.
HIST-305 : Ancient Greece - Posted 12/16/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
This was quite possibly the best class I've ever taken. Dr. Dietle has picked out great readings that you can thoroughly enjoy, plus he keeps you interested in the lecture.
HIST- : - Posted 11/2/2004
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dietle is a good teacher, the information is really dry and it's not really fun. Attendance is mandatory, but you get credit for being there. He lets you know in advance when the test are going to be and whats going to be on them, but all the test are essay and he wants a lot of details and dates.
HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 8/23/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This professor is HORRIBLE!!!! He is more a philosophy teacher than he is a History teacher. He yells at you for not knowing what he is talking about. Unless you want a jerk for a teacher, stay away from him........HE SUCKS!!!!
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since - Posted 4/27/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
I really liked his class!!! If you like to read and if youre interested in history go for it!!!
HIST- : - Posted 3/12/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
This is hands down the toughest professor I've ever had. He's an educational Darwinist, and his arrogance is remarkable. He views students, as expendable resources, him and Patty Minter are the reasons I changed my major from Hist to Political Science. His classes are absurdly difficult, you don’t actually learn anything because of the overload of material. There is just too much covered and he doesn’t explain any of it. He expects you to just know it. He is your typical history professor; he’s more concerned with books than people.
HIST-119 : Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 1/25/2004
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
If you go to class, take the notes, and read the handouts then you should be able to do well.
HIST- : Ancient Greece - Posted 1/13/2004
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Holy Cow! I wish I had a warning before taking this history machine. Be for warned- he will have you nightmare-ing about Ancient Greece. So much writing! Sooooo much note-taking! And the books he assigns (about 5 of them) are so incomprehensible, unless you actually lived in Greece during the times he is discussing. Unless you are an absolute WIZ, don't take this monster.
HIST- : Western Civ. Before 1648 - Posted 12/18/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Moderate
Comments
Dr. Dietle is great to have as a professor. He has a good-natured personality and is easy to get along with, in and outside of class. As long as you come to class, do the assigned readings, and take notes, the class will just breeze by. Also, Dr. Dietle always enjoys and good joke about Spartacus.
HIST-119 : Western Civilization To 1648 - Posted 12/18/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Although attendance in his class is not mandatory, it is extremely recommended. Even if one day of class is skipped, it is easy to fall behind. Although the class is extremely difficult, Mr. Dietle is an excellent teacher who I would enjoy taking again for another class. Lots of notes, but a good guy to talk to.
HIST-305 : Ancient Greece - Posted 10/23/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Great teacher. The only problem is all of the needed books. We had four books to read one 2 we read cover to cover the other two all but about two chapters. One is over 500 pages the other just under it. Suprisingly though, with that much work he made it worth while.
HIST-119 : Hon History Of Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 10/22/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This class is difficult because it is hard to decide what information is important enough to study. There are quizes almost every week and required reading every night. The daily lectures keep you on your toes because he will call you out to answer difficult questions. I am in the class right now and have to study very hard to keep up a B average. I am dreading the final because it will be essay and cumulative. Be prepared to memorize constantly.
HIST-119 : Hon. Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 10/21/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Professor Dietle is a good teacher and he really knows the material. With that said, it is important you understand the amount of work required for this class. I recieved an A, but I had to work my butt off. You must read the material everynight and make sure you take notes yourself along with the notes he gives in class. If you have good work ethic, you can handle this class, but if you procrastinate don't even consider taking it.
HIST-119 : Hon Western Civ Before - Posted 10/9/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Not Specified
Difficulty:
Not Specified
Comments
HIST-119 : Western Civ Before 1648 - Posted 10/7/2003
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
Withdrew
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Prof. Dietle is very hard...unless you spend every waking minute studying western civ and his philosophy on it....you'll fail...no joke!
HIST-119 : Western Civ. Before 1648 - Posted 8/18/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is a tough teacher, and he is very no nonsense with a dry sense of humor, you DO have to read and write a great deal in any of his classes. I think its worth it just to hear his stories of the particular histories, and he expects you to learn the facts and then interpret them for yourself, it's a privilage for me to have his class, he's such a history geek! (very good sense of humor). if you are a history geek too, you will love him.
HIST- : Honors Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 4/14/2003
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr Dietle is a very intelligent man. His honors class consisted of reading many books and discussing them in class, supplemented with lectures. His exams were all blue book essays and somewhat difficult.
HIST-119 : Honors Western Civ To 1648 - Posted 1/6/2003
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Extremely hard class with a lot of reading. Dr. Dietle is a very knowledgeable teacher and the class is actually interesting, but the tests and quizzes are awful. There are 6 quizzes which are four “short answer†questions each. In these “short answer†questions, you must not only answer the question asked, but also go beyond that and mention specific things Dr. Dietle is looking for. The midterm (2 essay questions) is over Greece and Rome and we had no idea what the questions would cover. The final was comprehensive, with “short answer†essays about Greece and Rome and two essays about the development of the church. Again, we only knew the essay would be something about the church. At the end of the semester, an extra credit essay is offered a few days before the final. Two other essays were also required during the semester. I have never learned so much history, but at the same time never dreaded the tests so much. It’s a very good class and Dr. Dietle is an interesting, professional teacher...I just wish the tests had been different. If you take this one, be ready to study, study, study.
HIST- : Ancient Greece - Posted 11/4/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
I love this man! He is the smartest guy in the whole world, and he really knows his stuff! I have taken him for two classes, and for those of you who are interested in history, he's your man, but if you aren't and you just want to take another class for a gen ed or elective, find something else because it is very difficult and requires a TON of reading and studying! But, other than that, I think he might be one of the smartest guys at WKU! :)
HIST-120 : Western Civ 1648 To Present - Posted 5/4/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is a good professor and knows his stuff, and he expects you to know it too. If you are looking for a History class just to get your general ed requirement out of the way and don't care that much about history, this is not the class to take. He is tough, but it is a good class if you are willing to work for your grade.
HIST-120 : Western Civ. Since 1648 - Posted 4/16/2002
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
C
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Crazy, History Teacher, don't take unless you are crazy too.
HIST-120 : World History - Posted 4/9/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle really knows what he is talking about, which causes problems when you don't know the same things. He WILL make fun of you if you don't read the book, and you have to buy several books for the class (All are fairly inexpensive). You will have to read everyday, and there are several quizzes which are in the short answer format. All tests are administered in the essay format and you have to turn in two research papers as well. Not an easy class, but he makes you work for your grade. Do not take this class if you are not prepared to work.
HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 1/18/2002
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
Not Specified
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is probably a decent guy. He is very intelligent but his teaching is not so good. If you are doing poorly and go to him for help he says to take more notes, but if you are an athelete you get extra credit. Do not take his class. He's very difficult and hard to understand.
HIST-120 : (hon) Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 1/2/2002
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dieltle is a great teacher, and I really learned alot in his class. The class itself is pretty difficult because there is a tremendous amount of reading to do. If you like to read, I recommend this class. If not...Stay Away!
HIST-120 : Western Civ. 1648-present - Posted 12/15/2001
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is a good teacher if you're willing to work hard. He expects a lot form his students and you get out of the class, what you put in. There are 5 or so quizzes and 2 tests, mid-term and final. He offers chances for extra credit.
HIST-120 : Western Civ since 1648 - Posted 3/13/2001
Overall Rating:
OK
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Nice guy, but tough professor
HIST-305 : Ancient Greece - Posted 2/28/2001
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Moderate
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is a very knowledgable professor and quite challenging. He requires the student to effectively read and write about source documents. You will be required to work hard and spend time in this class, but you will be a better student for it. NOTE: This was the second course I took under Dr. Dietle.
HIST-119 : Honors Western Civ before 1648 - Posted 12/30/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr Dietle is one of Western's great professors. Though his class was tough (meaning that you actually had to do the reading), it was not unbearable and if I studied a tad harder I could have made an A. Class discussions were always interesting and Dr. Dietle has good sense of humor. You can tell he really loves what he teaches and wants his students to understand the subject. I am not a history major, but I did find the class useful in approving my critical thinking skills.
HIST-119 : (HON) Western Civ before 1648 - Posted 12/30/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
B
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is on my list of
HIST-119 : Western Civ. before 1648 - Posted 11/11/2000
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Bottom Line, HARD HARD and HARD! If you want to be on Jeopardy then take this class because you will without a doubt become a Brain. But, if you're not a history major, stay away! Professor Dietle will destroy you and your GPA! All essays, all the time! You have better odds of winning the Lottery than of getting an A!
HIST-305 : Ancient Greece - Posted 10/25/2000
Overall Rating:
Poor
Grade:
D
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
This is class is way too hard. He gives a great amount of readings to do each week. The texts are boring and also very hard to comprehend. He excepts you to spend you life studying about ancient greece. He grades way too hard. You could think you did a good job on writing a paper..but it will come back with red marks all over it because you did not write what he wanted to write about...If you would like to get a good grade in here then you probablly would need to spend 3 hours a day just to understand what the readings are about...DO NOT TAKE THIS Class!!!!!!!
HIST-121 : Western Civilization since 164 - Posted 4/26/2000
Overall Rating:
Good
Grade:
A
Quantity of Notes:
Overkill
Difficulty:
Difficult
Comments
Dr. Dietle is an excellent professor, however, if you are not into reading ALOT & writing ALOT, then I wouldn't recommend him. All tests & quizzes are essays reguarding historical philosophy & if you don't do your reading--YOU WILL FAIL. I believe the class average was a D. If you think you can handle it & decide to take it, you will probably be glad you did. I have used information that I learned in there in every other class I've had since.