2.9

Bruce Janacek

History - North Central College

2.9
Quality
4.0
Difficulty
61%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
2.9
Quality
4.0
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
2.9
Clarity

61%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
84 total ratings

5

26

4

11

3

7

2

14

1

26

What Students Say

As someone who got a 5 on both my AP Lang

HST256 - 2.0 rating

Just avoid taking his classes, that simple

IDS125 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

95%

Textbook Required

86%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 32 grades
Most common grades:
A- (11)
A (6)
B+ (5)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(7)C(2)D(4)F(0)A-/B+(16)
Based on 38 reported grades
A-: 11
A: 6
B+: 5
B-: 5
Common Tags
Get ready to read (29)
Tough grader (16)
Caring (12)
Participation matters (8)
Gives good feedback (6)
Lecture heavy (5)
Graded by few things (4)
Hilarious (4)
Rating Trend

Improving

+1.00 avg change
Feb
Apr
Dec
Feb
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HST257

5.0

(1)

CAPSTONE

5.0

(2)

HST258

5.0

(1)

HIST258

5.0

(1)

HIST350

5.0

(1)
+26 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HISTORY

5.0

HST347

5.0

ENGLISH125

5.0

HST256

5.0

HST101

5.0

Reviews (83)
2.0
4.0
HOIORHST
Oct 10, 2003

Is full of himself and will tell you that your writing stinks no matter what. Infuriating. Take HOI from ANYONE else.

1.0
5.0
HOI201
Oct 12, 2003

No Comments

1.0
5.0
HOI201
Oct 12, 2003

He's horrible. He WILL tell you that your opinions are wrong. He won't argue with you, he will just outright tell you that they're wrong.

1.0
5.0
HOI201
Oct 14, 2003

He is very unhelpful and conceited. He makes you feel inferior. HE IS USELESS!

2.0
4.0
HOI202
Oct 17, 2003

He told me I wrote one of the best papers he's ever seen, and I got an 89% on it!?!!

5.0
3.0
HOI
Oct 21, 2003

I enjoyed Janacek's class, I thought it was informative, interactive, and had a lot of variety!

1.0
5.0
HOI201
Oct 22, 2003

Needs to be reminded of his status as a HISTORY teacher and should stop trying to give English teacher-esque comments on essays!!

2.0
4.0
HOI201
Dec 4, 2003

He's a nice guy, but not a good teacher. His lectures are hard to sit through. He asks very vague questions that are only able to be answered to his satisfaction (which rarely happens) if you are a mind-reader. Paper comments are equally vague.

3.0
3.0
HOI201
Dec 10, 2003

Does he ever give out an "A"? Worked my ass off and got a B.

2.0
5.0
HOI202
Dec 11, 2003

He has his favorites. If you're not one of them, good luck getting better than a 75 on most anything. Take History of Ideas with anyone else.

2.0
4.0
HO1201
Dec 24, 2003

He's very narrow minded. You can never get him to agree or accept what you wrote - if he doesn't like it, too bad - bad grade!!!

4.0
3.0
HOI202
Mar 25, 2004

202 went much better than 201. If you don't read or don't participate, the class will be hard to understand and hard to follow. But, if you do those things (and ask for help/clarification when needed) the class is very fulfilling and interesting.

1.0
4.0
HOI
Apr 12, 2004

No Comments

1.0
4.0
HOI201
Apr 21, 2004

Very frustrating. You never know what he wants. You could do the same thing twice in a row and get different responses.

3.0
5.0
HST104
Apr 28, 2004

Hard grader...very picky on papers

2.0
4.0
HST104
Sep 30, 2004

Had unpleasant experience with this professor. Was asked to just "stop by" his office to discuss something. He was apparently behind schedule in one of his tasks and took a very unpleasant tone with me for stopping by. Would take similar tone in

1.0
4.0
HOI
Oct 3, 2004

How can an opinion be wrong? He expects you to read his mind. I can't wait for the end of the term.

5.0
4.0
HST257
Nov 18, 2004

Though he is the most challenging prof. I have ever had, he is totally fun and interesting. If you can't take a challenge, then go buy a wah burger and some french cries.

1.0
4.0
HOI203
Feb 27, 2005

Hard, but that's not why I dislike him. I believe the word pompus describes him well. Like others said, your opinions are wrong.

2.0
4.0
HIS
May 15, 2005

No Comments

4.0
4.0
HST102256
Sep 1, 2005

Janacek gets too much of a bad rap. He's different and weird and tough. He is passionate which is necessary. A post modernist historian is a good change of pace, but his grading messes up your GPA. Grades shouldn't be important but it is for $.

5.0
5.0
HISTORY
Sep 4, 2005

For a history prof, he knows what he is talking about, and is pretty passionate about it. I enjoyed his class, although, I already do have an unhealthy liking of history so my view might be skewed.

2.0
5.0
HST347
Jun 3, 2008

dont take him unless you agree with him 100% you are WRONG!!!

1.0
5.0
IDS125
Feb 15, 2010

I agree with most that if you don't say what he wants to hear you'll get a bad grade. I wrote a paper on how the guys best quality is he's loyal. The one and only comment I got from him was "loyalty is not the same as being honest." I will never take this professor again.

1.0
5.0
IDS125
Mar 16, 2010

He is the worst professor I have EVER had.He grades like a jerk, I have never received grades as low as the ones he gave me. Even in 200 and 300 level classes I never did as bad as I did in his class this term. DO NOT take ANY class with him if you value your own thoughts and opinions.

4.0
5.0
HIST300
Jun 18, 2010

Have to disagree. While he may be a tough grader, it is for your own good. If you truly felt you should have done better, go talk. He's approachable. Best prof. ever? no, but pretty knowledgable and you would learn a lot.

1.0
4.0
ENG125
Oct 2, 2010

I just can't get a straight answer out of him a lot of the time.

1.0
5.0
ENG125
Oct 27, 2010

He didn't care about students at all. The entire class was "I have a PhD and am therefore much much greater than you." Don't expect good grades or any useful comments on papers. I would not EVER recommend taking a class with him, unless you want to feel like dirt. He is one of the worst professors at North Central.

1.0
5.0
ENG125
Nov 18, 2010

Condescending, rude, disrespectful of students/ the other prof (team-taught class). Dress is unprofessional, wrinkled. Drains the life out of the room. Your opinion is always wrong. Rambles about his credentials, contacts, articles. Makes you never want to speak in class. I'll never take another class with him and would change my major if I had to.

2.0
5.0
ENG125
Nov 19, 2010

Here is what you need to know about this professor: He is very opinionated and often, it matters not how you defend your point but how much he agrees with it. Class Participation is a VERY BIG DEAL in his class so be sure to never skip and speak up often. However, when you make comments be sure he doesn't disagree with them or you will be shot down

2.0
4.0
HOI201
Mar 11, 2011

all the readings were long and horrible, I couldn't bring myself to pay attention to them. He does nothing to make them more interesting in class. His jokes aren't funny, and he will always shoot your opinions down.

5.0
5.0
CAPSTONE
Apr 27, 2011

He was my advisor as well. I graduated well over a year ago. I recieved a low grade because he was pissed at me, but I enjoyed the class. Despite his arrogance, he knows what he is talking about. He will shoot you down if he disagrees with you, but I didn't back down, and he finally respected my opinion.

5.0
4.0
HIST256
Oct 27, 2011

Dr Janacek is a great teacher and a great asset to the history department at NCC. He may seem to be very tough but if you ask for help he is very willing to bend over backwards for you and help you. I definitely think he expects his students to be mature and do what is asked of them.

1.0
5.0
ENG125
Nov 14, 2011

Prof. Janacek always brags about his published works, but when we were learning how to use the databases, I looked him up and he told me to "shut up and never do it again." He hardly teaches anything. His only advice is that you suck and you will never be as good as him.

5.0
1.0
CAPSTONE
Mar 29, 2012

Dr. Janacek once counted his change while I was speaking to him during class, on a separate occasion he told me he hadn't listened to anything I had just finished saying. Other than that he's an awesome guy, and he knows it. I will re-enroll simply to take more classes with him because of his greatness.

1.0
4.0
IDS125
Jan 14, 2014

As someone who receives As on most papers I write, he made me rethink my entire style of writing. He was an absurd grader. I took the same papers he gave me Cs on to professors in the English department and they disagreed with the grade that was given. He seems too consumed in his way of doing things to truly care about his students' progress.

1.0
5.0
IDS125
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 25, 2014

Awful teacher. Do not take his class. I met with him to discuss my paper. He told me I did not know how to write a college paper and I was a Senior in a Freshmen level class. I was in his class just because I needed another course. VERY rude and needs to be fired. Worse professor ever! Also he BRINGS HIS DOG TO WORK!

1.0
5.0
ENGLISH125
Oct 9, 2014

Professor Janacek cares only about his own opinions and thoughts in class. He wants students to participate in discussions only to shoot down all opinions aside from his own. If you don't have a Ph. D. or the same thoughts as him then all hopes of receiving an A in his class are lost.

3.0
4.0
ENG125
Oct 10, 2014

Janacek incorrectly believes that he treats students well and helps them sufficiently. (However 4 weeks in and he still hasn't posted his office hours.) He grades harshly and if he doesn't agree with your opinion, no matter how well you support it, it will always be wrong and will need "stronger evidence from the text". Avoid at all cost!!

2.0
5.0
HST256
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 19, 2014

I'm in week 6 and there has been one grade- a paper which I got a 74 on. As someone who got a 5 on both my AP Lang. test AND AP Lit., I'm pretty miffed. He told me that "my thesis was unclear and was not supported by the text." Also, still no office hours, and he waited until today to give us the information about our midterm. Guess I'm failing.

2.0
4.0
434
Grade: A-
Nov 16, 2014

never ever again

5.0
5.0
ENG125
Grade: A
Jan 7, 2015

Everyone complaining here is just mad that they are actually being pushed to their limits. If you can get past your ego (as admittedly, you'll need to - Janacek's is rather large, though he knows what he's talking about) and actually WANT to learn deeply and truly, then yes. Take one of his classes. Not a class for the faint of mind or heart.

4.0
3.0
HIST126
Grade: B+
Aug 18, 2015

Hes a great guy, loves to do what he does, and is passionate about teaching his students as much as he can. He will give you a few breaks and if you are sick just catch up with the readings. Always a delight to have as a professor, is a person that looks out for you if you show him passion and respect.

3.0
5.0
HST101
Jan 31, 2016

He was very difficult to reach. He never put any of the course documents online (true fact), and office hours were very difficult to negotiate.

5.0
4.0
HIST256
Grade: B-
Mar 13, 2016

Janacek, contrary to belief was an amazing teacher who taught me how to become a better writer. He pushed me and challenged me to explore my creativity. Do not let these comments intimidate you, he is an excellent teacher. He is just preparing you for the real world you'll thank him later. (No, no one paid me to write this.)

5.0
4.0
HST258
Nov 1, 2016
Would take again

Professor Janacek has clear standards and clear goals for students. He gives a decent amount of work, but it's all to the benefit of the student. He's incredibly flexible and always willing to talk. At times, he's a little rough around the edges, but he cares and wants you to succeed. Just take the readings seriously, participate, and write well.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Caring
3.0
3.0
LEV390
Grade: C
Feb 24, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Great professor! Love his class! However, he does NOT take into account outside circumstances and does not care about if you are late because of car issues. He told me that I will fail in life if I continue to be late. Even though I have reasons to not be.

Get ready to read
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
IDS125
Grade: B-
May 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Just avoid taking his classes, that simple.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
4.0
HIST126
Grade: B-
Apr 18, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Janecek is very disorganized and if you try to see him outside of class get ready for him to give you the run around. He holds his students to the a high level of learning, being on time and prepared, but he does not hold him self to the same standards. He clearly just wants to read/write books and teaching is just a way to have a form of incom

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
4.0
IDS125
Jan 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Disorganized, never prepared or on time. Spent all of the first class explaining how "he doesn't believe in A's." One class he went through every student asking if they knew what a word meant, nobody did. Turns out it was a word (in French) that was buried in the 40 page reading from the previous week. Expects you to know unimportant details.

Get ready to read
5.0
4.0
LEV390
Grade: A-
Mar 24, 2019
Would take again

Youve gotta work in this class, but if youre not willing to work hard for the grade you shouldnt be in college so I dont know what these other kids are complaining about. If you give him a chance, youll learn a lot and youll love his class. I would take his class again if I could.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
CARD200
Grade: B
Apr 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Has a few quarks and super nice professor. He really cares about his students. He made us read a ton and was a really tough grader when it comes to writing. He does not like to put grades online or tell you the total grade you are reviving which was a little aggravating. Means well, super nice, and could of been alot worse than it was.

Get ready to read
Caring
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
CARD200
Grade: A-
Apr 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Had to take this class since I am a transfer student. This course's description made me excited to learn about all the opportunities I would have as a student at NCC and different resources to use on campus... Little did I know I was actually going to be taking an art history class where I had to read and write about artists from the 16th century

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
4.0
4.0
HIST101
Grade: A-
Apr 22, 2020
Would take again

I had him for western civ. as a freshman and I was not really ready at the start. However, he gave clear feedback on papers and if you meet with him he will have a conversation with you. He was a fun guy and made the class fun. It was not an easy class because the only grades were two essays, the midterm, and the final but I really enjoyed it.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
HIST256
Grade: A
May 3, 2020
Would take again

Actually one of the best teachers I had in college. People complain because they are not ready to work in his classes which you definitely have to but you will learn and you will grow. Which is what college is supposed to be about anyway not just getting an A for completion. He always gives clear detailed feedback and is always willing to meet/help

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Caring
3.0
4.0
CARD200
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Pros: Moderately helpful, accessible, gives feedback, doesn't ask for much. Cons: Class is basically a social club, good luck getting an A on a paper (unless it sits well w/ him it's not good enough & don't even bother trying to support your case), thinks his class is priority, one missed assignment in the whole course F for your final grade.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
HIST102
Grade: Rather not say
Feb 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR! Please do yourself a favor. I am a huge history buff but this guy makes history the single most boring subject you will ever take. Answers questions with "I'm not sure". And he will grade based on criteria not even present in the instruction sheets. 4 pages instead of 3? 75% and he won't even read the rest. A joke really

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
CARD200
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Aug 24, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I took this class for a transfer credit and it ended up being an art history class. He is a rude and pretentious professor. He creates a boring, uncomfortable, and demanding learning environment. He treats his college students like 5th graders and has ridiculous class rules. Do not take any classes with this professor if you have the choice.

1.0
4.0
CARD200
Grade: D
Nov 23, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Stay away from him! The instructions on his papers are very unclear and tough. Even if your thesis is good, he will never agree with you. He does not know how to use technology and you will not know your grade in the class until the end of the semester. He makes you read a lot and shows videos during class time. THE WORST TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD!!!

Get ready to read
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
HIST256
Dec 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I wish I never took this class with Janacek. He can be very arrogant and it seems like he assumes that his students are at his intellectual level. He will scold you in front of the class if you're a few minutes late, so it felt like I was in middle school again. There is a lot of reading and good luck getting a good grade on essays.

Get ready to read
Beware of pop quizzes
Tough grader
5.0
4.0
HIST256
Dec 14, 2021
Would take again

You could tell that he enjoyed talking about the content and he was always willing to set up a time to meet outside of class to go over assignments. You definitely have to read and be prepared for class discussion but that's college so I don't know what people on here are complaining about. Not as bad as everyone is making him sound!

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Graded by few things
4.0
4.0
CARD200
Dec 16, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Janacek is a very sweet & funny man. The class was based on art and there werent many assignments, but his grading can be frustrating and confusing, as sometimes it seems like points were taken off just to be taken off. However, he is always willing to meet with you & will listen to your side- advocating for yourself can really pay off!

Tough grader
Accessible outside class
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
CARD200
Grade: A
Apr 27, 2022
Would take again

He is by far one of my favorite professors. One thing people are miss lead by is the idea of him trying to make you dog deeper than your own understanding. He is always available to talk and wants you too succeed if you advocate for yourself. Work hard and gain a relationship with him. He is a man of many experiences.

Caring
Respected
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
HIST101
Grade: A-
Dec 18, 2022
Would take again

A very kind and hilarious professor. Clearly has a great passion for what he teaches. Is always open to help students outside of class.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Caring
4.0
5.0
HIST101
Grade: A-
Feb 16, 2023
Would take again

Had him for freshman year and it was pretty intimidating. However, if you just talk to him about what he wants in the papers you will do great. He is a tough grader but again, ask questions. I enjoyed his lectures for the most part, just be ready to read/write.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
5.0
3.0
HIST300
Grade: B+
Apr 27, 2023
Would take again

He knows what he is talking about, you just have to listen to comprehend

Tough grader
Caring
Respected
5.0
3.0
HIST258
Grade: A-
May 10, 2023
Would take again

A very kind professor. Really wants participation, which is good as it shows who has been doing the reading and allows people to talk about the books. There is a lot of reading, but I had no issue with it.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Caring
5.0
4.0
HIST126
Grade: A-
Aug 31, 2023
Would take again

All in all, though there was a lot of reading, I understood the topics very well and his teaching was slow but understanding.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
CARD200
Grade: A
Oct 27, 2023
Would take again

He is an excellent professor! Everyone should take his class. I am currently enrolled in CARD100 and I am very happy with my professor. I have learned a lot and I am excited to come to class. I have become a great speaker because of his teaching habits.

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
3.0
CARD200
Grade: A
Oct 27, 2023
Would take again

I am enrolled in Speaking Card100 with Professor Janacek and he's one of my favorite professors. He is very understanding and takes a lot of time to give his students feedback while showing his passion for teaching within every lecture. The work is rewarding and manageable because of his ability to provide clear explanations and instructions.

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Caring
1.0
5.0
CARD200
Grade: B+
Nov 2, 2023

Such a certified yapper, takes all day to yap about nothing, gives the worst yapper feedback, and has handwriting like a toddler.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
HIST101
Grade: A-
Nov 9, 2023
Would take again

Get ready to read, listen carefully too because he is a very smart individual

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
HIST126
Grade: A-
Feb 1, 2024
Would take again

There was a lot to read, however, you have to prioritize your time like the good college student you are

Get ready to read
Caring
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
HIST101
Grade: B
Feb 26, 2024
Would take again

Great professor who loves his jobs and tells a lot of stories. Get ready to read and he is a very hard grader. I loved him as a teacher, but almost impossible to get an A.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
3.0
434
Grade: B-
Feb 27, 2024

The class was constructed to solve social issues but made the entire curriculum for the class very political. When discussing current political issues, he used derogative terms to describe a minority group that was the topic of the current political issue. He also allowed other students to use those derogative terms

Tough grader
Get ready to read
5.0
3.0
CARD200
Grade: A-
Apr 25, 2024
Would take again

If you're a snowflake don't take his courses. If you can't listen and understand, then this class isn't for you. Great professor

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lots of homework
4.0
3.0
HIS350
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2024
Would take again

Such an amazing educator! Prof. Janacek always came to class ready to discuss the topic at hand, and was very open to everyone and anyone in the discussion moving it where they thought was necessary. He did quizzes on the previous nights homework everyday which was tedious but if you do the reading, there should be no issue, as they are very easy.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
HIST350
Grade: B+
Dec 17, 2024
Would take again

Amazing professor, always ready to talk in class. He is also very kind. I enjoyed my time in HIST350!

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
5.0
4.0
HIST101
Grade: A
Dec 25, 2024
Would take again

Great professor. People complain because they don't want to put in the work. He treats you as an adult and expects you to do your best at all times. It is a challenging class but compared to some of other classes, he actually cares and teaches. BY the way "The organ did arrive.... for those that get it haha"

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Caring
4.0
1.0
CARD400
Feb 26, 2025
Would take again

Prof Janacek was very kind. For card 400, he is extremely generous with the grading and tries super hard to make sure you succeed. Daily quizzes that are super easy if you do the reading but again, very generous with the grading. One group project that is easy. Gets off topic sometimes but because he's a happy guy and has lots to say.

Get ready to read
Group projects
Caring
2.0
5.0
HISTORY
Grade: B-
May 4, 2025

Professor is very passive aggressive towards students. He calls on students who are not raising their hands, gets mad at people for not knowing correct answers, and will call you out in front of entire class. I have never been the best at history so his class made the learning atmosphere uncomfortable. Also didn't respond to my emails all semester.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
4.0
3.0
HIST101
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Dec 2, 2025
Would take again

Taking Professor Janacek's Western Civilization course was a lot of reading that I was not initially prepared for, but got easier as time went on. Professor Janacek as a teacher and individual overall was honestly great and he has such a hilarious sense of humor. The grading is easy if you just do the reading!

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
HIST101
Grade: C
Dec 2, 2025
Would take again

He is a sweet guy, tests everyday but its fine if you do the reading and particpate a little bit everyday.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

95%

Textbook Required

86%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 32 grades
Most common grades:
A- (11)
A (6)
B+ (5)
Grade Distribution
A(6)B(7)C(2)D(4)F(0)A-/B+(16)
Based on 38 reported grades
A-: 11
A: 6
B+: 5
B-: 5
Common Tags
Get ready to read (29)
Tough grader (16)
Caring (12)
Participation matters (8)
Gives good feedback (6)
Lecture heavy (5)
Graded by few things (4)
Hilarious (4)
Rating Trend

Improving

+1.00 avg change
Feb
Apr
Dec
Feb
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HST257

5.0

(1)

CAPSTONE

5.0

(2)

HST258

5.0

(1)

HIST258

5.0

(1)

HIST350

5.0

(1)
+26 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HISTORY

5.0

HST347

5.0

ENGLISH125

5.0

HST256

5.0

HST101

5.0

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