2.3
Quality4.5
Difficulty19%
Would Retake172
Reviews19%
Would Retake
172
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
19
4
22
3
38
2
41
1
52
What Students Say
“This professor knows his students hate him and that he is a horrible teacher”
HST121 - 1.0 rating“Loves to go on rants about how terrible the US is”
HIS121 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
87%
Textbook Required
91%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.39 avg changeRatings by Course
HST110
5.0
(1)HST740
5.0
(1)121
4.0
(1)LEVEL100
4.0
(1)HST390
3.7
(6)Difficulty by Course
121
5.0
121005
5.0
HST361
5.0
HST
5.0
HST110
5.0
Reviews (172)
uses humiliation, expects more than is possible, bad teacher, good historian
Mean-spirited;expects his students will cheat & fail;the WORST I ever had!
He is a very tough teacher. Then again, he is a fair teacher.
Thinks all students cheat, not flexible with non-traditional students. Does not give homework to help boost grade, basis grade only on tests. Be prepared for essays on test! Talks very fast and with humiliation.
The absolute WORST prof I have ever had..please stay away!!!!
HE SHOULD RETIRE!!! HE IS THE WORSE PROFESSOR I HAVE EVER HAD!!!
He is a smart and nice guy just makes his classes more difficult then need to be. He thinks students are at the Harvard or something. Everything is about British History so be prepaired.
He tells you the first day what to expect. He makes the test to show how well prepared you were. It's not cake, but it isn't complete hell either.
As a teacher he makes you pay attention and is really loud. He enjoys his subject but his grading is impossible, NEVER gives out A's and very low amount of B's. Makes it interesting, but SO HARD!! DONT TAKE HIM!!!
hard. he writes his test so that the average joe can not just walk in, sit down, take them and do well. READ THE TEXT!!! essays aren't bad. notes don't cover everything on test. he gives out studyguides with people, events, etc. KNOW THE STUDY GUIDE.
This is the worst professor I have ever had, and this is coming from an honor's student. Readings were extraordinarily boring and he delighted in giving out C's and D's. I wouldn't take a class from him if my life depended on it.
If I could offer only one piece of advice, TAKE ANY OTHER TEACHER. Unless you WANT pain? I mean seriously, he told my class that he wrote questions for the LSAT!!!!!!!! Come on, this is an undergrad, beginning history course!
As soon as he started lecturing, I felt like I was in an honors class, and it's only a beginning history class! Even his student teacher gets confused, and now we have to have review sessions on Fridays, just to understand his mon. and wed. lectures.
Worst prof ever! Screams during lectures and makes material more difficult than it really is. This guy is completely out of control. STAY AWAY!!
Rough... Great class if you are a History major, cause his class is so hard you will be able to breeze through other History classes after a semester with him. If you don't like history, STAY AWAY!!!
I'm going to be somewhat objective, and say that he is a good lecturer. However, he can't go through a single class without ranting about his extremist views.He went as far as to say that people who believe God will help them are stupid. He's terrible!
Very hard, but he gives fair warning. Yells and screams, but interesiting. I got the only "A" out of 3 sections. Possible and you learn a lot, but hard as hell. Pretty extreme views too... crazy liberal! :)
VERY liberal...has a 'right' to be but that DOESN'T belong in his classroom.As a CHRISTian I also have a 'right' to NOT have my conservative views assaulted in a class that I am paying good money for.Stick to history Sir and you'll be a better teacher!!!
he was so hard....honestly the whole class practically dropped after the first impossible test!!!! Get out while you still can.
Actually he is a decent orator in the lecture portion, that is when he can stay on subject. Otherwise, we (students)are just bumbling idiots who happened to find our way to class. He does not conduct himself in a professional manner. I find him offensive.
He's very LOUD and very energetic towards history...if there is such a thing. He's not too bad just don't sit up front you'll go deaf.
talks fast...and for the whole hour
Professor Gutzke is really awesome and his mannerisms are hilarious. He actually makes all the stuff you've learned twelve times already interesting again. You must read, take good notes and study, but tests are defintely do-able. I recommend him.
No Comments
I hard a really hard time in his class. If you are just taking history for gen ed purposes, take another teacher. He is really nice but the class is difficult. He is a write a U.S testing company so his tests are tricky!
You have to study for his class, but it's not too bad if you study.
He challenges you as a student, but come to the lecture and do the reading and you can do well. Very animated lectures, and challenging but fair tests. Passionate teacher who loves History, I highly recommend him.
was not ready for this class!! he's so intelligent that he expects a lot of people. tests are HARD! also-his lecture always starts out calm, but by the end he's screaming at the top of his lungs. it can catch u off guard!
Yes, his class is hard, but he gives out a study guide. You are required to attend class, but all you do is take notes. When he says the tests are hard, he means it. But, like I said you have a study guide. Just study your notes, and read the chapters and it's an A.
Yes, he gives out a study guide, but it looks more like the index to the text. Over half the stuff on it isn't even on the test. I looked over the study guide the first test, the 2nd one I didn't even look at it-and got 13pts. higher.
The study guides are not too helpful, and I recommend not studying just those. If you take good notes, and study them, you should be able to do fine in his class. He makes history interesting, and I always look forward to his class.
Professor Gutzke is a very good professor. He is very straight forward with everything he does and if you just pay attention and do what he asks then you will do fine. His tests can be difficult but all you have to do is study your notes and read from the book! I really enjoyed his class!
I do not recommend taking this guy. Everyday I left his class with a bad taste in my mouth!
Dr. Gutzke has some emotional problems that get in the way of his teaching. If you can't do well in the class, he gets to gloat (which he loves to do, especially in front of the class.) If you do well, he sees you as a threat and will find arbitrary reasons to lower your grade.
Run run as fast as you can!!! Wrong answers on tests some older than dirt.
Dr. Gutzke is a brilliant man, I loved his idea's of the American birth which are very proveable. If you like history take this class, if you do not, definetly steer clear because it will be difficult for you.
I am a history major and usually an A student, but HST 390 was the hardest class I have ever taken. Harder than HST 597 or 548. Very subjective, wants things word for word. Always thinks he's right. Nice guy but really tough.
dont get me wrong, hes a nice guy. his tests however, are not nice. he will straight up tell you that he writes history questions for national exams and that they are super hard. he also tells you that you probably wont get an A. that should tell you enough...
He scared the bejeesus out of me so much that I withdrew from his class. Plus his tests were SOO hard. I switched history classes because I was failing his class, and in the other one, I got a B. Weird
He is an evil man! He doesn't like it when you ask him questions, was never in his office during office hours, and would randomly take points off of my essays with no explanation. Unless you're a masochist, steer clear of him!
His classes are total lecture, no discussion! Nothing but notes from beginning to end. This guy bashes America and our history so much it makes me sick that he still lives here, he should move to Britain if he loves it so much.
Do NOT, take a class with this pompous twit! Spends lecture time teaching his own anti-American, political opinions instead of history. Contradicts the textbook and other history instructors, then expects you to regurgitate his opinions to pass. Prides himself on being able to fail students with "gotcha" mentality questions. All lecture, 3 exams.
You have to be insane to take this class. He's not helpful at all, his tests are the hardest i've ever taken. He's very full of himself and loves to gloat about how hard his tests are. His goal is for you to fail. He's anti-American and hates everything about our country. He really should move to Britain because that's all he talks about.
it's a hard class, but if you're liberal/progessive, take it and you'll love him. not recommended for bible-thumpers, bush lovers, etc. it's all lecture, 3 exams and two quizzes. he's certainly enthusiastic about the subject.
He is a freaking psyco. Class sucks, he is boring, just pat his ego on the tests and you will do alright. Dont expect to get an A without being willing to change how you write to reflect his opinions. However if you hate America and everything about it then you will probably like him.
Dr. Gutzke is definitely in his own class of man. If you are easily offended about political/anti-American statements don't take his class. He ticked me off b/c he held the fact that he is tenured over his students' heads, making it seem like they were powerless little worms in relation to him. Overall, a ridiculously hard and useless class.
Talks down to you, unclear, thinks that you have nothing better to do that that class and talks extremely fast. Overall .... sucks
I took because I wanted to learn British history. Hardest prof. ever. Anti-American, and full of himself. Tests have unanswerable questions. If you want to learn British history, read "British History for Dummies." This class was a waste of my time. I guess I learned some but geez, I had writer's cramp from taking notes, it was like dictation.
He is a good professor. He is tough but nothing he says is really that confusing. You just have to pay attention more so than you usually do for other classes you may have taken. I found him fair and respectful. He doesn't make it a secret about his political views, but he does have a different life experience than most kids from the Ozark.
Ridiculously hard for a 100 level class. I can't wait to drop it. Half the class dropped after the first test. Hard to follow and the test comes way more from the lecture then the book, so you have to come and write down everything he says. He is so full of himself it's ridiculous. And he talks more about England History than American History.
I had to drop this class because it was too difficult and was bringing down my other grades trying to keep this one up. Even with a tutor I couldn't make an acceptable grade on his tests. He gives a good lecture, but as others have said this is too hard for a 100 level course. His exams are rigid and no chance to make points anywhere else.
He is so ugly! Ugly teaching... He can only see things the way he wants to see things.
Probably the worst professor I have ever experienced...extremely full of himself, and it seems like he tries to take out his troubles on his students. Tests are impossible.
It is the hardest history class I have ever taken and I had to work my butt off for a C. He is fair on the tests by taking out the problems where most of the class missed but overall a very hard class.
His lectures were fairly interesting for a such dry material, but when it comes down to it, the class is just too difficult for those who are not genuinely interested in history. Your grade is based on just exams and quizzes, and that is the only way to accumulate points. If you're just looking to get gen. ed. out of the way, take a different prof.
His class is fine if you aren't lazy. The tests aren't hard if you study the notes and the chapters he tells you to. A little rigorous for a 100 level class, but alot more is learned in his class than some other blow off teacher. If you are lazy, don't take his class.
A third-rate professor at a second-rate college. This guys ego is bigger than God and he prides himself on being difficult as he brags about it the first day of class. College is about learning "to think outside the box"...too bad he doesn't give you that opportunity.
He is obnoxious. Definitely opinionated. If you are a big Bush lover don't take the class, lol. His class is pretty hard. If you aren't prepared to study your face off, don't take this class. He is kinda hard to listen to. He randomly starts yelling and you might find him to be a little crazy. Just be prepared.
Even though one can attend class every day, read all materials, and study up to 12 hours for the first test, he or she will still fail. no bonus, horrible lectures, bashes everyone and has nothing to back up statements.
You will fail if you take from this prof. One of the worst teachers I have had ever. He thinks he is the best history teacher in the world when he has no compassion for kids and makes fun of your intelligence. DO NOT TAKE FROM this man, he is the worst teacher at this university.
LISTEN TO ME RIGHT NOW, DON'T DO IT!!! I imagine there's an available spot with this teacher, and thing is don't!!! He is the worst professor I have ever had. I do not make C's, by the way. He will go on tangents about political affairs for huge sections of his class, his tests are insane, more than half the class will drop, TAKE SOMEBODY ELSE!
Don't even think about taking him unless you want your GPA to be stained. Take someone easier, this is just elementary history, if you want to take a hard history course do it, but not with this professor. He'll hate Bush so much that you'll feel bad for the guy even if you hate him yourself. And it was no surprise when he said he was divorced.
He always comments about Bush's approval rating. Maybe he should start considering his own.
Gutzke is one of the most intelligent men i have ever met. His class is all lecture and you are still required to know the book. However, the tests are multiple choice. He wants you to get something out of his class and i appriciate that. I would recommend studying.
I think this class is not for people who don't feel like trying. A lot of people don't like him because he is a hard teacher. I really love his class because he is passionate. Many people think he is too liberal but I think it is nice to hear a teacher's opinion instead of htem trying to be politically correct all the time. Read the book and study
I really like this class. I know a lot of people don't but that is because they don't want to try. If you do the work, read the book, and pay attention in class you will do okay. He is clear that he doesn't need you to love him just learn. Although he is very liberal it is nice to see a teacher with a personailty...
Although I did well in this class I dont think it was worth the torture and long nights studying, I got nothing out of it. He teaches histoy with his own opinions and is very arrogant. I think I learned more about his divorce and rich brother living in Chicago then I did about Histroy. Dont take this class with him!!!!
He really knows what he is talking about in British History. I really liked the class because it was a challenge. He is very entertaining in his lectures. A student looking to get a good grade need to go to class every day, read the books, and read the textbook. The class was hard, but I got out of it what I put into it.
Not easy to take notes from talks very fast, very cocky
Gutzke is the worst teacher I have had in my life. Other than bashing the Republican party everyday, he uses horrible, unorganized powerpoints. I got nothing out of his class and his lectures were pure HELL!
He's way too hard for what the class is. Unless you are a history buff, and love listening to hysterical rants for an hour, then I would suggest avoiding this class. wish I would have looked him up before getting into this.
His class is a little difficult but make just make sure you show up. His lectures are interesting unless he starts bashing the republican party and the american system of government. Study ahead of time when he gives you the review sheet. Just keep up with the work and you'll do fine!
Lots of reading, but he warns you of that ahead of time. I really feel like I am learning in his class.
definitely do not take this class. he is absolutely ridiculous, bores you to tears, and makes the tests much harder than necessary. the study guides are barely helpful!
DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER. All he does is bash the republican party and talk about current politics. Need I remind you this is early american history. He is ridiculous! Tests are so hard. The only thing I learned were his trips overseas, his ex-wife, and his adopted Asain daughter. DON'T CARE!! DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER!
He is very difficult and hard to approach. Spends about fifteen minutes during class trying to promote his own politics and ideology. He does not give you back graded tests, that means it is hard to have proof of what you earned in his class. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS.
you have to read 4 books and an article (ranging anywhere from 4-50 pages) for every class period that you also have to write about each day. i complained but in reality it wasnt too horrible, i learned random stuff about britain and drink history
I didn't learn a darn thing in his class, other than how horrible the republican party is. DON'T TAKE HIM!!! and hopefully he will be fired.
The worst teacher on campus.
Hard Professor! Class is to hard for the intro level.
Never take a class this man teaches. History is by far my favorite subject but he still found a way to make me hate his class.
Too Much Material to cover for one test!
I cannot believe this man is still teaching! He has to be the worst teacher on Earth! His tests are nearly impossible, he doesn't care about anything but himself, and he says he actually WANTS YOU TO FAIL!!!
10-15 Minutes late to class on a regular basis. Harsh grading. Cannot make up his mind on anything. (Changes 5 page maximum paper to a 5 page minimum paper within ten minutes) Sometimes difficult to understand. Goes off on rants about Socialism, and his family life.
He actually cares about his students getting the education they're paying for and that's why he pushes them. If everyone made A's then he's not doing his job. Yes, his class is hard, but he taught us to work under pressure and to think analytically - skills that are necessary if you want to go to grad school. I recommend him if you want to LEARN.
He is the reason why America doesn't know their history. Worst teacher ever.
Was late everyday and missed several class periods and told us to just read the book.
I'm generally an A student, but I'm barely scraping a C in this class. He brings politics into everything. He can't stay on topic. Late almost every class period. Tests are obscenely difficult. Worst teacher I've ever had in my entire school career.
He is the worst! Hates America! Never said anything good about Springfied, the state of Missouri or the U.S. Study guides are useless, he talks to fast, he tries to cram to much information into this 100 level class. Doesn't want to hear anyones opinions but his own. Constanty bashes conservative views, Bush, and Palin.
DO NOT TAK HIM! He is a terrible teacher! 1st day of class he tells us professors are god's they can do & say whatever they want. Give's study guides for tests but 3/4 of the information isn't even on the test. Always ranting about unrelated political issues and his family issues. His tests are too hard for a 100 level class.
He is a horrible teacher that continuously rants about how much he hates America and Americans(but he's American). He gives you endless, impossible Study Guides that take hours and hours to study and little of the information is actually on the test. The tests are worded so difficult that the questions are impossible. Don't take him! Whatever you d
This teacher is VERY hard. His exams are online and usually 100 to 150 questions. The only grade you receive are 3 tests and 2 quizzes (on novels). Material on tests hardly correspond to lectures or books. If you are taking as a GED... DO NOT take this teacher. I get pretty good grades and this is the first class I have failed in my whole life.
Being totally honest which many people here aren't being. Dr Gutzke is a VERY difficult teacher and prides himself as such. HOWEVER, He WILL TEACH YOU. Yes his attendence was not perfect but he wasn't late much that I remember. Is VERY political in ways that aren't appreciated. I went to him with several questions and he was always very helpful.
He is probably on his computer at 3a.m. taking pride in how many people hate him. He's hard but I was determined to make a good grade. I read the entire book and studied. I learned a lot but the tests do not reflect anything you study or know (full of trivial questions). First class I've ever dropped, I'd advise you not to take him.
American students pay for their education, and they think that just paying they will get good grades. They do not study, they do not think. I obviously a foreign student and Dr Gutzke is a real university teacher. I enjoyed his class and the challenge!.
His class is a joke. He says the tests are 25% from the book and 75% from his lecture. He has a nice vocabulary, but he is obnoxious, arrogant, and very poor at teaching. He loves to ramble about irrelevant topics. If his tests were on his personal life I would have got 100%. I dropped. It was a waste of my time.
He knows his stuff, however, he is extremely arrogant in his delivery. I felt like I learned a lot, however, the price paid in hours of studying was more than I felt it was worth. He lectures far too quickly and is frequently late to class, which I consider rather unprofessional, especially from someone who expects so much from his students.
Horrible tests
Worst teacher I have ever had. He is arrogant and gives hard tests. We missed 24% of the time (I calculated)
do not take him. EVER. I am about to graduate and this class ruined my 4.0. He writes unclear tests with crazy unrelated questions. He talks too fast and he tests over material neither in the lecture nor book! Opinion questions etc..spends 90% of the time talking about his life. timed online tests and old study guides that are no longer applicable.
Worst class I have ever taken. His test are not relevant to the class. The questions on the test are not covered in class or in the text book. I have no clue where he gets the test questions so good luck if you take him it will be the biggest mistake of your life!
Tests make no sense. Barely could got 50% on all tests. There is no studying you can do. If you are a wonderful guesser, good luck
Horrible teacher. he is unclear about what material will be on the test. material on the test not covered in class or in the book. each test is 25% of your grade and he told us that most don't do well in his class. worst teacher I have ever had!
I liked him. His lectures were extremely interesting, even if he did tend to get off topic very quickly. His tests were ridiculous, though. You could study and study, but it was hard to get a good grade because the questions were so unrelated to what he discussed.
Horrible teacher. I loved history going in, but I dread this class. The tests are impossible. I don't know of any A's and only one B. Loves people to drop, he brags about how many have dropped every week. If you want to learn about English pubs take this class, if not stay far far away. This guy is everything that is bad about MSU. Avoid him
Prof Gutzke is one of the only professors I have had at Missouri State that actually challenges students to become better students. Some people may not perform at his level of expectations but it's either because they are not motivated intellectually to do well or they aren't very intelligent to begin with. This is college, put forth some effort.
I have never studied so hard and done so poorly! His tests make no sense! He does not relate to cause and effect. I would never recommend taking this guy. One time I asked for clarification on a specific topic and he rambled for 5 minutes and I didn't have a clue what he was talking about. Take the course online somewhere else!!
Very interesting material. I enjoyed the coursework except he misled the class on what to study for tests. Had to drop after failing the midterm. Not recommended unless you are required to take it.
Terrible!
Really bad at making tests even somewhat related to the lectures or book. I am an honors student and worked really hard on the second and third test and still got a D on both. Avoid this professor. He is also very arrogant, and misleading.
very very hard!! have to study like 2 weeks in advance. gives study guides but half of it isnt even on the tests. you have to read the book just to know what he is talking about. bashes bush all the time. and talks about his personal life too much. always late and if he cancels a class expects you to learn and know the material yourself. do no take
DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS!If you do you will regret it like I did. I took it even after reading all these comments and now I wish I would have listened! He rushes thru his material, gets off track, bashes our government, is always late but docks you a whole letter grade for missing 4 or more classes! Study guides are NO help at all. DO NOT TAKE GUZTKE!
The tests/quizzes were incredibly hard. In which we were given a 10 question based on an entire novella, the questions were horrible in wording, as well as the answers. No one passed that quiz. I dropped that class because I was quite literally afraid of failing out of it, and as of right now I have a 3.621 GPA for college.
He's entertaining, but his expectations for a 100-level, Gen-Ed class are beyond wild. You'll see many reviews on here saying that his class was the only bad grade people got; this is common for his class. His tests are needlessly rigid and cruel--far colder than scantron. Avoid him if you value your GPA.
Took him for Honors just to get it out of the way and it was pretty easy. We had 6 essays over 6 books but after our second one he lowered it to 2 more essays and 2 quizzes with a 4th essay worth 15% of your grade in extra credit. He lectured but all tests and papers were only over the book. Also only asked analysis type questions. Overall easy.
Expects students to memorize more information than is humanly possible. Rants about modern politics for 15 minutes and then wonders how he's behind. If you have the patience for him and really put the time in, you could pass with a C. Most people have to take the class a second time.
By far the worst professor in 3 years at MSU; he doesn't care at all about students. He has too high of expectations for a 100-level class and doesn't teach. He spends most of your time on negative tangents about American politics. If you're interested in the subject, take someone else. Only positive- he promises a B+ to his honors students.
DO NOT TAKE HIM! There is too much required for a gen-ed. He spends much of his time on opinionated rants. You only have 3 tests (worth 25% of grade ea) and two quizzes (worth 25% together). The study guides are just list of 100+ words and are not helpful at all. Everyone struggled in the class. Don't expect anything higher than a C, if you pass.
Very difficult class, I managed to pull off an A though. If you do get stuck with him, I suggest bringing a laptop and downloading his notes, and typing everything he says during lecture. Also, don't miss class. Tests are all about the lecture. Tests are also worded hard, so you really need to understand what he is talking about.
Tests were difficult. Allowed you to miss 4 class periods before it affected your grade. Used powerpoints during lectures which helped to keep me on track, but additional notes need to be taken; not just what's on the powerpoints. He likes to raise he voice a lot and if you needed anything he made you go to his grad. student instead of himself.
He said "quite frankly" and "fact of the matter is" too many times.. get used to hearing.
If you do you absolutely terrible in this class, you should just quit college. THIS IS A COLLEGE CLASS. I don't understand all of those who are failing. I hate history, as do my roommate and we are both easily passing this class. You just have to study, do the reading, and pay attention in class. God forbid you actually are expected to do work.
I took him for an honors course. He makes you read a lot, but the discussions are generally interesting. He does go off on unrelated political screeds way too much. He brings up a political topic, but won't accept opposing viewpoints for the sake of discussion. He knows a lot about history, but his intellect is blinded by his ideology.
Dr. Gutzke did spark my interest in history more than any other teacher I've had in the past. Lecture powerpoint are nice to keep you on track, but you must take additional notes to actually do well. Also, it's a good idea to read the book. Overall, the class can be easy if you put in a lot of time reading and studying.
I had Gutzke for my Freshman Honors Seminar. Would never take him for a real class based on what I saw there. Our entire grade was based on three writing assignments, which he was fairly picky in grading but ambiguous in telling us his expectations. You are also expected to speak in class, for points. Showing up isn't enough. Prepare for rants.
Don't take him: For an online class - master's level, he had exactly, three articles in each weekly module, with no instructional teaching of the material by him. Yet, he wants a 15-20 page research paper. And articles written. Simply put, he requires and grades hard for assignments he doesn't teach.
Took him for an online History class. In all of his weeks he does no teaching - simply puts articles in his weekly files. Don't take him - he'll grade you like youre a supposed expert without lifting a finger to teach.
I had Professor, oh excuse me, DR. Gutzke for Freshman Honors seminar and I hated every day of it. Our grade was based on three papers and in class participation, so you need to go to class. He was very vague about what he wanted in the papers, but was flexible with due dates. On the plus side, he was very helpful outside of class. Don't take him
This Genius had us write essays with no teaching and then tried to have us students critique papers he scored many students Zero on... Brilliant. No instruction; Zeros on essays; and critique... How?
Ive never understood peoples low rating of Dr. Gutzke, I found him to be both insightful and entertaining. His class is what I expected when I started college, lectures, notes, tests and essays. He makes his test challenging, he requires you to read, he requires participation. In other words you work for you grade what a concept. Id take him again.
I took this professor my first year of college. I now about to graduate and can honestly say that he was the worst professor I've ever had. He was very unclear, was late to class often (and usually blamed it on traffic), exams were brutal, and he was rude-- especially when you're late to class! The only C I ever received was this class!
He is extremely annoying to listen to - he says 'uhh' or 'um' in between every word. Very narcissistic. His policy is that for every hour you are in class you should read 2 hours outside of class. He's technologically retarded. You won't see your grades until midterm or the end of the course. Loves to go on rants about how terrible the US is.
Professor Gutzke is a phenomenal professor in the traditional sense. You will be expected to analyze and synthesize information. If, however, you have the desire to learn during your college experience, the professor will help you achieve that goal. Not for those who want a grade for no work.
He gives really good lectures, gets off on A LOT of tangents about government today, and cracks jokes. You are only graded on tests and quizes, so you HAVE to be in class and study, but he is a good professor. You can miss a few classes, but will be docked from your grade after those.
He knows what he's talking about, but he goes on a lot of off topic rants, especially about Donald Trump. I found it hard to want to listen to his actual lectures after his personal lectures. Tests require extensive reading outside of the lectures, and you should download all of his power points before class
Really helpful and nice outside of class, but most class periods turn into a rant session. Grade based on 3 papers and class participation. VERY tough grading on papers so make sure you go to the Bear Claw and get help or you won't do well.
Whatever you do, DO NOT TAKE DR. GUTZKE. He constantly hates on America, Springfield, and especially conservatives. He rarely talks about what we are supposed to learn and is vague but then grades tough when we have no direction. Also, he's always interrupting you during a discussion. No matter what, you are never right, even when you are.
All of his classes are just huge rant sessions. The tests are VERY hard so make sure you go into the bear claw for help or you won't do well. Many students drop class because of him.
Oh please. Anyone saying "god forbid you actually have to work," stop being so pompous. He teaches a freshman-level history class, and yes, you should expect to work, but not to get ripped a new one every time you put forth an effort or bring up a point during class discussion. I still remember how arrogant he was - and I had him 3 years ago.
DO NOT TAKE DR. GUTZKE! Unless you are going to be a historian and write a thesis on British history, do not take his class. The wording on the quizzes and tests is extremely difficult to distinguish answers. Only 4 people made a C or higher on the first quiz (10% of final grade) and it wasn't much better for the first test (25% of final grade).
He is a really good at being as clear as he can and if there is still a question about something he is happy to answer it. He preferred if we went to his graduate aid first, then to him if we didn't get things figured out. Get ready to study- tests and quizzed are the only things you get graded on and there aren't many of either.
Dr. Gutzke is NOT the easiest professor at MSU. He encourage his students to, god forbid, actually open their textbook. The MAJORITY of these BAD REVIEWS of Dr. Gutzke are mostly the students who have FAILED or who have done POORLY in his class. Ask yourself, do you want a quality EDUCATION or do you just want an easy A? Grow some brains, guys.
Dr. Gutzke is typically a helpful professor, but he often goes off on liberal rants about how awful Springfield is for minorities.
Lectures only. No outside homework. You must study outside of the class and read the textbook thoroughly. Do not expect a high grade unless you know the information better than you could even imagine.
Very opinionated, but the class is easy enough if you actually read the book.
As a person, I loved Dr. Gutzke. He is very funny and passionate about history. His class however, is very difficult. The only grades he takes are tests and quizzes. There are 2 tests, and 3 quizzes. Good news is they are all multiple choice and matching but you HAVE to study your butt off to pass these tests. If you work hard you'll be fine.
He is a terrible professor! At first, I respected him because he told the "truth" about history. At first he reminded me of the way my dad explains history to me, but after the first two weeks of school, I just hated the 72 minutes of class with him. 1.) Started talking tons of crap about police officers when it had nothing to do with the lecture (my father-in-law is a police officer so I didn't like the things he said about them). 2.) I went to his study session before the first test and instead of helping everyone, he was yelling at us for not understanding the questions he was asking. 3.) He talks about Donald Trump ALL OF THE TIME. He literally rants about him for 10-25 minutes a class period (remember HST 121 is events from before 1877). 4.) If you consider yourself a conservative, do not take his class. He bashes about them all of the time. 5.) He called anyone who is a Donald Trump fan/supporter unintelligent. 6.) He says 75% of his lectures are on the tests. In reality 25% of his lectures are on his test. 7.) He seriously pushes his political views on his students. It really really sucks when someone has the exact same views as him because they will talk for 15-25 minutes during class. 8.) You have to go through his graduate student before going to him. 9.) He will give you a 5 minute break. That's not a bad thing, but since he lets you have a 5 minute break, he does not allow you to leave. So you better go to the bathroom before class or you will have to leave class for the day if you have to go before the break. Those are the issues I have had with him so far. If you are wanting to actually learn history before 1877 then do not take his class. If you want to learn anything in his class, you have to teach yourself by reading the book.
I have Gutzke for UHC 110 and the class is relatively easy. We have to write three papers, and he grades hard because he expects higher-level work. His class is laid-back and relaxed, but he expects you to participate in class discussion. I wish he would stop bashing conservatives, though. I feel as though that sort of behavior is unprofessional.
For some, it may be not as hard to get an A or a B. If you're very interested in History and/or retain loads of information at one time well. He talks very fast during lectures, so its very hard to follow. I studied hours and hours every week and still couldn't get better than a C on exams. The quizzes are easy so make sure you read the books.
Terrible. Absolutely terrible. Don't take him ever
He was a very nice person. But he never stays on topic. His tests are very hard and hardly any of the material comes from the lecture it seems like. And it's only exam and quiz based.
He's not as bad as everyone says. If you pay attention in lecture and read the book the tests aren't as hard. Lecture does go on forever, though. And you have to work for a good grade of the tests.
Just run, choose a different professor if you are reading this. He makes the hardest tests that are barely even over the topics he tells you to focus on in the "study guides" that he gives. Most of my class dropped and those that remained barely received C's and some B's.
5 grades (all unit tests except 2 book read over the semester out of class) total all semester. Very stressful and he doesn't care how the class does. Very rude when he is rubbed wrong (happens often for no reason). Take someone else, more than half of my class dropped the course.
HARDEST class I've ever taken. He is a good lecturer, he is very passionate about history. Tests are EXTREMELY hard, he words them very difficult. Doesn't curve. Most people dropped or are barely hanging on. Definitely will have to put a lot of work into this class. Very difficult. Wouldn't recommend, especially from this professor.
His grading criteria was extremely unclear and he was extremely picky on papers. Mostly just ranted about political issues. Participation was mandatory but he didn't tell us that until half way through the class.
Says test are 75% lecture based, yeah no. Everything is super specific from the text book, test questions are super complex.
Dr. Gutzke Is my favorite history professor of all time. his rants have context and parallels with the current material lectured. it is intense but as long as you watch his body language you learn to expect it. he will help you with everything as long as you ask. i would take him again in a heartbeat. but beware you will earn your grade.
Don't. Worst mistake I ever made.
This professor knows his students hate him and that he is a horrible teacher. He takes pride in the fact his test are hard and tells you every chance he gets to tell you he wrote questions for the ACT. His questions are crazy detailed. Level 100 classes are meant to inspire. This class made me cry on several occasions. Please do not take this class
Dr. Gutzke is a tremendously difficult prof. Unorthodox, yes. But an excellent professor if you are in the history program (not gen eds). He teaches his students to think and analyze rather than spit back info. He will challenge you and you must demonstrate that you care. If you are willing to push yourself, he will invest in you & your education.
Dr. Gutzke is very knowledgeable, but lets his political opinions dominate his lectures too much. He wasn't welcoming at all, he told us never to talk to him, but to talk to his assistant instead.
Won't lie, if you're not naturally inclined to history, you will have a difficult time in this class. That being said, you'll have to put in a lot of effort. I like Dr. Gutzke-- he cares about his students and is passionate about what he's teaching. Give the man a chance!
Terrible. Drop the class before it's too late. He spends 75% of the class period pushing his socialist agenda on people who don't care.
His tests are impossible to study for unless you start studying at least two weeks in advance. His political rants were the easiest way for me to be disengaged and he doesn't care. He loves to rant! The easiest thing in his class are his quizzes (that is, if you read the material).
You get four tests in this class, each worth 25% of your grade with insanely vague/opinionated questions. Some of the terms on his study guides arent real, cant find them in the book/on google. Insanely liberal, shouts the entire lecture, doesnt stop for anyone. Meglamaniac. Doesnt curve even though nobody in the class gets above a C on tests.
Like college should be, the class will be difficult to pass if you don't go to lecture or read. However, I do not recommend taking him because he is a psychopath. He will spend literally half of the 2hr lecture ranting about Trump and Republicans. And he makes you wait to go to the bathroom. Walk out to go like an adult and he will follow you.
He often went off on rants that didn't have anything to do with the material. I also don't think we covered the basics that we were supposed to learn in the class. I had friends in other sections of the class, and was surprised at how much I missed out on. He would also cross out entire pages of students' papers that he didn't think were good.
Literally the worsttttt professor Ive had so far in college. He does not speak clearly in leacture at all. He basically rambles and yells. He often strays off topic and only grades on 3 exams and 2 small quizzes. You have to read the textbook or you will not pass! Wayyy to hard for a gen ed history class. DO NOT TAKE HIM!
I wouldnt consider him a mean professor; however, he is strict. The tests are unnecessarily difficult for a general Ed course. Also, if you miss more than 4 classes, you get a whole letter grade taken off at the end. He is passionate about what he teaches, but is definitely one of the professors that likes to brag about students failing.
First off he never said a word all semester, so you basically taught yourself everything. The tests were way too hard, everyone I talked to in my class was struggling. A lot of people had to drop. Worst class I've ever taken. The graduate assistant was helpful. This was way too hard for a 100's class.
Took this class freshman year and got my first D ever despite my study efforts. As a double-majoring senior now, ALL of my other classes have been A's/B's - which says something about this professor. Tests were based mostly off lectures, yet he would go on political rants constantly, leaving us clueless come test day. Avoid if you can!
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
87%
Textbook Required
91%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.39 avg changeRatings by Course
HST110
5.0
(1)HST740
5.0
(1)121
4.0
(1)LEVEL100
4.0
(1)HST390
3.7
(6)Difficulty by Course
121
5.0
121005
5.0
HST361
5.0
HST
5.0
HST110
5.0