Knows his history. Entertaining lectures. Make sure you read the assignments before class.

Bob Hagaman is a great history teacher. He turns what could be a boring lecture class into one that keeps your attention and is willing to meet with you out of class if you need help with anything.

nice job bob, good impressions.

Entertaining lectures! Makes The subject interesting.

Makes you work hard to get an A. He's a very brilliant man and was willing to put up with my over-participation in class, lol. He is the reason I am going to go for a minor in history. Highly recommended to all students!

I wish you'ld teach more classes!!!

Hagaman made history very interesting and made me want to learn more about it.

He makes a boring subject very interesting and fun!

Very good teacher, and very interesting.

for his class you have to go! Skipping classes makes it really hard to study for the test. WIth the books i wouldn't buy them until you need them. we had to get a whole lotta book and didn't use some of them. He is super funny as is his class!

One of the best teachers I've ever had. He makes the class interesting. He only gives four tests and thats it but make sure you study because they are all essays. You need to go to class because he does not teach from the book either

He's very interesting. His essay tests are not that hard to bs your way through as long as you go to class. As for the required reading, you can get 2 of the books on tape which helps.

Very interesting guy. His inspirational methods remind me of a certain Coach Ditka. Ditka lead the Chicago Bears to a 1985 Super Bowl Victory and is the greatest football coach of all time. Hagaman is not as cool as Coach Ditka, but cool none the less.

VERY highly recommended. Extremely funny man, TERRIFIC teacher. Go to class, take notes, pay attention, you will get a good grade and you will enjoy History.

I really enjoyed his class. He made a subject that I had no interest in seem very interesting. I would take more history classes just becasue of this one.

I took this class Spring '04. Very interesting class, cool and funny guy, lectures were mostly interesting. If you take excellent notes and study them you should do well. My only complaint, if you say that, was that the tests sometimes can take more than 50mins but thats all we had.

Excellent teacher, he made me become very interseted in history, kind of a hard teacher with rules and there is no extra credit, but as long as you go to class and read and take notes you will do well in this class.

It was a very interesting class, and the teacher made it more interesting with some parts of needed humor during the class. I don't think i did so well in his class but thats my own fualt... two things i will remember about him: Diet Pepsi and Krusty the clown impersonations

Good teacher and semi easy class. I only went to half the classes and got a b. YOu just need to take really good notes and do the reading. When you get the test write as much as you know then keep going. Only graded on 4 tests no papers. Not the history you learned in High school

one of the best teachers i have ever had. makes classes very interesting; he's VERY funny and can impersonate anyone in the world. take very good notes, go to most classes, and you will do great on the tests... just don't take the tests lightly, because he is looking for very specific things.

Great pop culture references esp. Simpsons impressions. Argument-based history isn't my favorite, but he got us interested in Zinn and how historical arguments are constructed. Does a great job of making a 200 course feel like a 400 without destroying the students morale. Show up, take notes & READ!

The pop culture references are entertaining, but don't let that fool you. He has a very set standard as to the effort provided by students. He treats you like an adult, so you have to put the work forward. If you are a slacker you shouldn't take his class. He is a great teacher if you will work.

Great teacher, hilarious, very smart guy! But this is not an easy class. If you work at it, you'll do okay. You will get destroyed if you plan on not doing the reading, not showing up, etc! There are very few exceptions. Honestly, 1 of my friends dropped, another 2 are failing and hoping to get Ds.

Funny, entertaining teacher! Interesting subject. Requires you to work, show up to class, take notes, do the readings. If you work hard you will do well.

Good teacher, he's tests are on his lectures so you can't miss class, the tests are hard because you don't really get a lot of time for them so you have to write fast. If you don't love history then don't take this class.

This last guys got it all wrong. He is hard but everything on the test is talked about IN CLASS very specifily.EVERYTHING. GO to class, take good notes, do some of the readints, thats all you need to do. There are no suprises. WARNING: NO Sleeping in his class.

The class is not easy. Read and take notes...you'll thank me later. Your grade depends on TESTS ALONE! Humorous at times, annoying other times, but tries to keep class interesting. If you're not somewhat interested in history, don't take this class.

Take this only if you have a quick note-taking ability. He's quirky and spices up the lecture with Simpsons imitations. I especially like his attention to the Marxist arguments - if you're a business major, this may annoy you, but its definitley worth learning.

Guy below who said Hagaman was "the worst NIU teacher ever" must have only attended 3 of his classes, and then gotten an F. There are about 500 teachers (literally) WORSE than Hagaman at NIU. Hagaman is cool and fair, ALWAYS helpful at office hours. Take good notes and you should AT LEAST get a C.

Hagaman is a great teacher, he is very knowledgeable and brings much enthusiasm to the classroom. He can be a tad cheesy but does his best to keep everyone tuned in. Not a very easy class but if you actually are interested in the material he will give you lots to think about.

BEST TEACHER EVER, those other students who don't agree are just slackers. He is really funny and very fair on the essay tests. Entertaining and overall a wonderful professor

he was such a good teacher. he was very interesting and made you actually want to listen in class. it wasn't just remembering stupid dates and stuff, it was more about why things happened in history. the tests are really hard if you don't read the books, but if you read it is an easy a or b

great teacher! i love he does impersonate anyone! especially like the reference to full metal jacket! still in touch with youth and a great teacher. lots of notes tho

Dr. Hagaman is by far one of the funniest professors i have ever had!

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Hilarious, interesting,and helpful. Hagaman can make a 3 hour history class liveable, and that's quite a feat.

hagaman is funny as hell....makes the class sort of interesting....he also talks like jerry seifeld..n looks like bobby from king of the hill...god damnit bobby!

I loved both of my history courses with Hagaman. He was very interested in the topic and I loved the fact that his exams were strictly essays. It seemed difficult, but if you read the material and showed up for lectures you would be fine! He was an awesome instructor!!

I usually hate history but hagaman is the best EVER! loved going to his class! it's not the easiest class in the world but he made history interesting and not boring, how is that possible? plus his nixon impression is amazing hahaha. i kinda miss this class!

The class can be pretty boring, since it is three hours long. Sometimes his sense of humor helps, but some of his jokes just aren't funny or they are over my head. The tests are a bit hard, but they get easier once you are used to them.

all essay tests, but no papers to write. need to do the readings AND go to class. work your butt off and youll get an A.

I took Hagaman for both of my history gen eds and enjoyed his class. It was a class that I had to attend, but listening to the lectures and reading makes it fairly easy. I liked the tests only being essays, questions fairly simple and obvious. I would recommend him, especially because there aren't any required papers! Only tests

I took this class as a night class, so it was long and boring. Hagaman made it interesting though. The hard part is the readings... you HAVE to read and attend class to get an A. I didn't do any of the readings and managed a C. Class is very important. I Failed a test because I missed 2 classes... there are only 3 1/2 classes per test.

I took Hagaman for HIST 260 as a night class. It was so long and very boring, but I thought he was a good teacher so I took him again for 261. It really is not a bad class. I managed to not read in 261 and get a C. The key is going to class, because even if you don't read he talks about it in class. His class may be difficult, but it is managable.

Had his class for a night class so two and a half action-packed hours of history. Hagaman made it very fun and interesting and goes over everything you need in class. You MUST attend each lecture due to the fact that everything on the essay exam is thouroughly gone over in class. The readings are pretty much a must also.

Attend class, do the readings thoroughly (as in, take notes as you read), and ask questions during lecture. If you put effort into the class and actually try, you will learn something and have an A to prove it. Its not easy, but not unreasonably hard, either. His jokes are actually funny sometimes. But I have a weird sense of humor...

Most of the things you read about this professor are true. He is very capable and tries his best to not make the subject boring. His tests are as people say( 4 essay tests). The reading is also very difficult, as he will admit. BUT THE MAIN THING IS YOU HAVE TO GO TO CLASS. He'll tell you this, too. Good luck.

Dr. Hagaman is not an easy course. You have to attend the class, you have to do to the reading, but if you take him you will learn the material in a lasting way. That aside, he is competent, he can seem a little brash at times, but he is funny and in my experience had no difficulty in talking to students who were willing to talk to him.

I tell everyone this...Dr. Hagaman is the guy! I took him for 260 and 261. I adored his teaching style. He is an honest prof.who believes that every student has the ability to get a passing grade. He may seem intimidating, but he is open for office hours and before and after class. If you do the work, and come to class it is SO easy to get an A...

you have to go to class. i had him for 260 and 261. the rules were the same, no essays or anything like that just 4 essay tests, all equal weight, no final, just a final test. if you dont do the reading you will struggle, but you can get by ( i never read) but then you have to go to class. he can be pretty funny sometimes during lecture which helps

I took his class for 260 and 261 and absolutely loved him. I found him interesting, engaging and funny. I enjoyed his classes so much that I nearly decided to minor in history. Despite his speeches that you MUST do the reading I managed to get an A both semesters without doing any readings. Pay very close attention is all you need. A+ teacher.

I will agree with much of what everyone else has said. This class is not the easiest in the world but it is fun and interesting. Class attendance and doing the readings is a must if you want an A or B.

He's a great professor. I hated History before his class but with his impersonations of Jack Nicholson, Bill Clinton, Yoda, and many others, it tends to make a lecture more interesting. Its an easy class if you show up and do the readings your supposed to.

Hagaman is a great teacher. YOU HAVE TO GO TO CLASS. If you don't, your grade will suffer terribly. 4 essay exams and that's your grade. The exams are on his lecture and the readings. If you go to class and read, you can PREDICT the essay questions. He's a great teacher and I highly reccomend him!

Mr. Hagaman is by far the best instructor I've ever had. As long as you go to class and do the reading you'll do fine.

This class (and probably all of his) requires A LOT of effort! He's an excellent teacher but his tests are difficult. They're made up of 8 essay questions all to be completed in one class period, 5-7 sentences long. Attendance is crucial.

Great teacher, knows the subject. If you don't take notes in class, save yourself time and drop. For a lower-division course it is difficult, but if you do the work you should learn a fair amount. Unlike some he doesn't let politics color his teaching much. He tries to be politicly neutral. Show interest, and ask questions and you'll do fine.

Dr Hagaman was one of my favorite teachers at northern so far. I took his 261 class my sophmore year so I knew what I was getting into. You must go to class and pay attention. He throws things at people that sleep and embarasses them which i found funny. The essay tests are hard but he will help you if you need help in which i learned alot more.

He is an incredibly clear and organized lecturer. Everything is detailed in steps so you understand them, and he focuses on meaningful content and not just dates. But he could make more connections to present day to make lectures more interesting/engaging. But, overall, he's funny and his lectures/tests are consistent and clear

Take detailed notes and use them on the tests - he gives you the tests before you take them, so you know what's up. But don't slack, you're getting the test before hand so your essays better be detailed. Knows his material, and does impersonations. Alot, alot, alot.

Everything said below is pretty much right on the dot. You either go to class and pay attention or you fail. Tests are essay based and he looks for developed responses that show you understand what's going on. There is a lot of reading but he is straight forward. He ain't pullin' a rabbit out of his ass or anything like that ...

He is a very very kind person, and although the material isn't the easiest, he 's very clear on what is expected. There are only four tests, and he hands them out a week prior so you know what you have to go over.. I would definitely recommend him as a professor, and will be taking another one of his classes this semester.

Tells you exactly what you need to know for exams. He does not take attendance, but for your own good, IT'S MANDATORY. Gives all test questions and to prepare for the tests, do exaclty what he says. It works!

I was a bit worried about the tests, but honestly, they weren't that bad. If you go into him a couple days before the test and have him look over your answers, you'll be fine. He's very knowledgeable about the topics and he keeps me interested in them as well. Attendance isn't mandatory, but if you want a good grade, go. I enjoyed this class.

show up to class and everything will be ok. don't worry, great gen ed class to just knock out. really helps out

He is a great teacher. His methods are different but very intrestng. I am taking another class of his soon.

One of the best history Professor so far at NIU. He's very funny yet a hard grader. Show up to class, visit his office before a test and you surely will pass his class!

HE IS A FUNNY GUY.THE CLASS IS BASED ON 4 MAJOR EXAMS. IF YOU PASS ONE EXAM WITH AN A OR B. YOU PRETTY MUCH PASS WITH ATLEAST A D. YOU DO NEED TO BUY BOOKS(AND READ). ALSO COME TO CLASS BECAUSE HE GIVES AWAY TEST ANSWERS. ALSO VISIT HIM A LOT AND HE IS PRETTY REASONABLE ABOUT MISSED EXAMS. HIS GRADING SCALE IS HARRRRRRRRRD THOUGH

On the first day of class he tried to convince me that there were no professors at NIU and promised to give us an interpretive dance. Dr. Hagaman is a very laid-back and easy-going person... outside of academics. His class is NOT easy, nor should it be. Make sure you come to his class prepared as a student. If you do, you will have no problems.

most definitly need to attend class or you will fail the class. he is very humorous and understanding. talk to him and get to know him in case of any issues. take the class if you can

Mr. Hagaman is a wonderful history professor. True, his method is different and he makes the class very hard; however, if you show up to his office or to his T.A's before the test day, they would gladly help you study for the exam. Attendance is a must, and make sure you take good notes. The class is hard, not impossible. I work hard for my B

A very funny professor. He did a good job keeping the students entertained and awake. He also gave the tests out a week early which was very helpful. He also read the rough drafts of the papers he assigned and that was helpful. And he does not look like Bobby Hill.

I really enjoy his class. He keeps it interesting without going off on irrelevant tangents. You definitely get what you pay for in his class. After all, if you are going to pay student loans for the rest of your life, you should get something out of it. Overall, he is a very good professor.

One of the best teachers I've ever taken. His lectures are extremely interesting, and he seems to be very passionate and knowledgeable in the field. He genuinely cares about the students, and can relate to them. You will laugh a lot in his classes!!!!

Dr. Hagaman is an excellent professor. You are guaranteed to learn something from his class. Your intellect will be challenged and reading is ESSENTIAL. Attendance is also very important. You need to take great notes and ask questions. I love being challenged and this is precisely why I take Dr. Hagaman's classes.

Awesome teacher! I have it in the morning, and if I am dragging before his class, after it's over I am energized. He is very funny and knows his material extremely well. You don't have to like history to like this class. Tests are based from the readings and notes. I would recommend this class to anyone who takes college classes seriously.

I took Hist 261 with him and enjoyed it so much that i took 260. He is very easy to understand and as long as you go to class and pay attention you can easily get a good grade. I recommended the class to all my friends.

I took 260 with Hagaman and he was a great teacher! The lectures we very entertaining and interesting, he makes the learning part fun. Make sure to read the two monographs and write the papers (which aren't hard). Going to class is a MUST! and take notes on everything he says because the tests are basically word for word what he tells you in class.

Best history teacher i've ever had! I was not interested in the subject what so ever when I walked into the class but the way he teaches makes you really interested. This is the one teacher i can actually saw i really learned something. Hes a bit of a hard grader but if you do the readings and go in for help you'll do really well.

Knows what he's talking about, tries to keep class interesting, tells some of the test questions before hand, however, for the book analysis he grades mainly for grammar. Did not mention one thing about my actual analysis, but found any and every little grammar mistake. he should grade for content but did not. I don't feel he grades content fairly

If you go to class and take good notes you should be fine. You can get by with getting three books which are all cheap on amazon. I got an A no problem, people who dont get an A are super lazy cuz this class is a piece of cake if you show up. I never even go to office hours just look at notes before test and say what he said and you'll get an A.

Most of what is on the test is covered in the lectures. If you come to class and take good notes, you'll be fine. So far, my favorit teacher here at NIU. NOTE: This is not an EASY class, he makes you work.. but in a good way!

he knows the stuff well and you will too if you show up and listen. not too hard of a class but you have to work.

Hagaman is a brilliant man. He is very passionate about US History. His lectures can be somewhat confusing because he goes so fast (and sometimes goes off on tangents about things that arent on the tests) but overall he is a great teacher. TAKE REALLY GOOD NOTES. If you get a good grade in his class, you know you earned it.

Regardless of whether or not your a history major or minor you will learn. His class outlines everything he wants you to know and his tests are essay questions based off the notes. If you study and take good notes you'll get a good grade.

Dr. Hagaman is incredibly passionate about American History and it is abundantly clear from day one. You will need to attend class regularly and take copious notes in order to pass the class. All exams are essay questions based off lectures/readings. He does not use Blackboard, so attending class is crucial. Overall enjoyable class, he's very fun.

He is a very good teacher and is very knowledgeable. I definitely recommend him for any course. If you show up to his class and take notes, you will do well on the tests. The papers are easy too, if you read the book! If you ever have an issue with the class, talk to him, he will help.

He is honestly the best professor! Two main exams, and two papers. If you show up to class and take notes, you will get at least a B if not better! No text book required! :) He is your text book.

Dr. Hagaman is awesome! If you come to class, take notes, listen to what he says this class will be extremely easy for you! Strongly recommend.

Hagaman is awesome! He leads a tough class however. This is not a blow off class. You have to show up, read, write down everything he says, and memorize it. But you learn so much. Youll feel good after walking out of his class with the education you get.

Hagaman is the best professor for this class. He is going to be straight forward with you about his expectations for the class and he gives you the tests before you take them. You need to do the readings as well as start early no them. He is not as scary, go to his office hours and he will help you.

One of the greatest professors I have ever had. Very fair grader. Attendance is mandatory but worth it. High book use, doesn't use blackboard. Essay Style Exams. Light homework.

DO THE READINGS. his class is easy, if you attend class he basically gives you the answers for the tests. DO THE READINGS he does check for this, also he can be a hard grader with grammar but take your paper to the writing center and you're okay. overall a great funny energetic professor

Just take good notes during class and you will pass easily.

He's not as bad as people make him out to be. Go to class & write down exactly what he says in his lectures & on the tests, write that down too (all essay). It's very important to listen to what he says, there is no powerpoint or anything. I missed some classes, but took really good notes, studied, wrote good book essays & got a B. It's managable!

Go to class, read the books he tells you to and you will pass

Great Professor! If you have a chance to take a class with him, do it! No textbook but readings from short books throughout semester. Tests are very easy if you take notes as he bullet points every issue he talks about. On tests you pick out 6 questions from at least 12. Do the readings, go to class, and take notes. Easy B, somewhat easy A.

Dr. Hagaman is a funny and intellectual guy. He covers a vast range of material while making sure students are following. But he tends to go off on tangents frequently, and he is a hard grader. Tests are easy though, and papers aren't too bad. Take the class just to hear his spot on impressions of famous people and constant movie references!

seriously the hardest teacher i've ever had. you really have to study the material and type out the answers to the test questions and study them like there's no tomorrow. TAKE THE BEST NOTES EVER! and he gets so off topic that it's so annoying

Dr. H is great. He does go off on tangents and impersonations but that helps keep class interesting. If you take notes and study for the tests they are easy, and write the papers and have them done on time then it's an easy A. Expect to work, but nothing impossible!

Very great professor. I honestly took more away from his class than any previous history classes I have taken. As long as you go to class, pay attention and take notes, there is no reason you shouldn't do well in his class. Funny guy.

Dr. Hagaman is amazing! Very nice funny guy, tries to make lectures not drag. All the tests are essay and he gives you the questions, so you just have to memorize and prepare you answers! Go to every class because that is when you get the test questions & answers!

Alright so basically he is a smart guy but a typical arrogant PHD professor. He gives information but goes on annoying tangents that have nothing to do with the class that can get really annoying. He doesn't seem to care to talk to you after class if you did bad on paper/exam. If you are someone who is not completely "book smart" don't take him

Dr. Hagaman is an amazing Professor. I will be honest, some of these comments almost had me choosing a different section but a recommendation from a friend led me here. I have got nothing but A's on every test and paper. All you have to do is go to class EVERY DAY and write detailed notes. And for papers, read the book! (Whoah what a concept!)

I'll be honest, I hate History. My friend dragged me to this class, and it just happened to meet one of my requirements. Hagaman seems intimidating. However, he spells out step by step what happened, and what he expects on the test. He is your textbook, so never miss class, and read the books he assigns. This class is not easy, it's very possible!

I took Dr. Hagaman over a summer course and initially I thought he was the worst professor ever. About halfway through I realized that he is critical and hard, but he's also extremely fair. If you do the work, you'll get results. Be prepared to put in effort and you'll be rewarded. NEVER miss class, all the tests are on the lectures!

Dr. Hagaman is a great teacher! He is really enthusiastic about the course topics, and keeps you interested the entire class period. He is really funny and keeps you entertained with jokes throughout lecturing, and his language use. I would recommend him to anyone, especially those who do not like history!

I was terrified to take this class because of the reviews. I passed this class with an A.. EASILY. History is my worst subject too, keep that in mind. He tells you everything that will be on the exams and if you pay attention, he tells you the arguments for the book reviews too. If you go to class and do what he says you pass. People are just lazy.

Awesome teacher! Love the way he teachers and he's funny too!

Had him for 171, 261, 359, and 379. His lectures have a rhythm, and if you can follow it it's amazing; encyclopedic knowledge and dumb jokes peppered to keep attention. It is purely lecture, not discussion-based so you must show up and take notes for the exams. I strongly recommend for hist majors. He's one of my favorite profs ever.