2.8
Quality4.2
Difficulty20%
Would Retake187
Reviews20%
Would Retake
187
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
187 total ratings5
42
4
36
3
26
2
33
1
50
What Students Say
“Bemko is very petty, and condescending to his students”
HIST261 - 2.0 rating“I should've dropped this class a long time ago”
HIS261 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
82%
Textbook Required
33%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.06 avg changeRatings by Course
USHIST1
5.0
(2)HISTUSII
5.0
(1)USHIS2
5.0
(1)HI655
5.0
(1)ANYHISTORY
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
101
5.0
1945
5.0
HISTOFPA
5.0
HISTPA
5.0
HISOTRY
5.0
Reviews (186)
Made fun of art and speech com major and non traditoinal students
I did not enjoy his class at all, save yourselfs if you can!
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class is okay if you can put up with him. Look out freshmen
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Ihor has serious ego problems, take the class with anyone else you can.
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You get what you put into this class. If you work, you will get a good grade.
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He's hard, but class is amusing. Take him if you are willing to work.
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I think he's hilarious, and he doesn't put up with BS!
this guy knows his sh#@t, and on top of that class is hilarious
unapproachable; rude, very hard to go to for help or if you don't understand
has wry sense of humor-cares that student goes onto good career
Very knowledgable, with a weird sense of humor
Intelligent prof; gets along better with the dead than the living; hilarious.
tough teacher, knows his stuff, willing to help though.
He is the worst prof. He is rude and difficult to deal with
He's a **** and kissed my dad.
I'll admit he is not easy to please, but to the people to rate him low, I have one thing to say. Did you ever go to his office and ask for help?? I did and he was very profession and insightful. When I teach history, I am going to use Bemko's n
he's so rude and offends many people in the class, he is the worst professor I've ever had and he's hard to understand what he wants outta the class
He is very entertaining because of his satirical comments, but his class is soo hard!
You can't take him too seriously.I think he tries to intimidate his students and he is pretty tough to figure out what he wants.
he is not hard to figure out just ask him. I found when you write assignments for him he gave you many oppurtunities to get a better grade if you wanted to redo your work.
I was so lsot in his class! He is so raciest and rude to everyone. If you are a girl and arent big then wear short shorts and skirts and low cut shirts and you will be ok other then that you are screwed if you take his class
id rather kill myself than take this guy again.......dropped his class and im a straight A student, what a waste of time, do not take this guy (unless your a huge dork with the personality of a shoe)
A weird sense of humor and a good teacher.
i dunno, take at own risk. fun teacher but hard teacher. he can sometimes be extremely rude. i know i wouldnt take him again
Tough teacher, but he makes it VERY clear what he expects. Can be a little difficult with a very limited number of assignments in all. Has his doctor’s and is slightly arrogant. Personally, I appreciated his sense of humor but definitely not one for ev
knows his stuff and has a good sense of humor. Only tests on the readings though- his tests are really really hard. He can also be very offensive and grades hard. Only good thing is that he lets you rewrite papers (and he's funny to listen to in class)
he really bites
Uhm okay...
Gives very enjoyable, interesting lectures. The material is admittedly difficult, but I find myself motivated to succeed. He's definitely a good professor for the intellectually focused and driven.
Professor Bemko is a very hard teacher. He gives a lot of work, and grades tough. On the other and he is a entertaining lecturer and is very willing to help answe any questions about the course. He respond to emails quickly, and offers extra credit.
very tough, lots of reading, rude, not reccommended!!!
This is one of those teachers that doesn't want students to get ahead in life...he gets off on belittling students. One boring man who probably has never did anything in his life that is interesting but read. He should loosen his belt a little.
Suicide has got to be more pleasant than this guy! Has the personality of a rock in hell! Test are 50 points essay/50 points short answer. Yet he takes off points on short answers for there shortness? You will read and read and read and read! Quit col
What an idiot! Really thinks he's above everyone,but he's a total joke. Loves to belittle and make students feel like they are wasting his time when asking a question. Obviously hates his life. Do not take-I repeat-do not.
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What you put in is what you get out of his course. I disagree- he has always been open and pleasant about questions and help for students. They are just bitter because he doesn't put up with anyone's bullshit, which is rare. It's work but much learned.
If i could i would take his class again. he makes the lectures more entertaining. you just have to make sure you keep up the readings.
He makes class lectures entertaining and and has a cool sarcastic attitude about him. If you do the readings and actually pay attention in his class, he's no problem. Not a sleeper class though.
Funny and Sarcastic, his nonchalant demeanor may fool the unwary, don't believe the hype. He is well read, well travelled, and well-nigh bald. He finds ways to tie everything together. He is almost a deity.
This class was great! Dr. Bemko is very sarcastic and funny. He takes an indepth approach to teaching and he is very approachable. Classroom etiquette is very important to him, so if you show up to his class being disruptive, prepare to be embarassed.
Excellent professor, although... very demanding. Balances out, he tells you what he expects of you. (lots of dates, and actually being able to pass a non-multiple choice test. You get what you earn (in my case, more than I though I deserved) from him.
Great man.
Will read alot for class, to earn a A you must do 5 papers. Can be very stressful at times. If not a history major this class is not for you.
He knows his history but gives to much work for an undergraduate level course. His class work is not balanced. He wants too much from his students. He also, has an attitude problem. I wish that I never would have taken his class. My time and money?
Horrible Teacher, he won't help you if you aren't able to talk to him during his office hours. If your a Republican he will make you feel singled out. WAY TOO MUCH WORK 5 Chapt. summeries 2 Case studies, 2 Exams that are Essay only with material from 8 different books! Don't take him, save yourself!
Spends too much time discussing events that happened before 1945 even though the class is suppose to be since 1945. Too much information to memorize for the the midterm that consisted of answering less than 6 questions.
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This man is historically brilliant. If you are willing to put in the work you will suceed in his classes. If you want to coast through a history class this is not the man you want to teach you.
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He loves his power, but honestly is the best professor ive ever had on this campus. If you actually talk to him hes not so bad, but i would love to have more classes with him, and more profs like him in the world. he knows what hes talking about, and youll go far if you just do the work. Hes awesome
If you are willing to work I would highly reccomend this class. He doesn't ask anything more than what should be expected from a serious college student. Lectures are clear and presented in an organized fashion. This was the best history course I have taken.
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Horrible teacher, he seems to think that he is also an English teacher. His homework is a joke and he has his own set of grammar rules for chapter summeries. The class was boring and I didn't learn anything.
Better not be a Republican, but who would want to be, anyway? Really smart and really funny.
Excellent professor. Actually teaches us something. It won't be easy, but then THIS IS COLLEGE! If you don't like the class or the professor, maybe you should look in the mirror! YOU ARE NOW IN COLLEGE. FIGURE IT OUT!
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The good: He's a Steeler fan! He's straight forward, clear, you can learn a lot, and he expects you to work for your grade. The bad: too many books, and asks for participation but makes you feel dumb if you don't give the right answer. I like the guy ok, but he could be a great professor if he would learn to be a teacher.
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awesome guy. tough class structure. but it's all good. i learned a lot and appreciated my time spent in class. he is not that bad, so give him a chance....but be prepared....
This man make me very angry! Makes you feel like a dumb@ss if you participate and are wrong, laughs to himself about who knows what and gives oppurtunities for people to accept lower grade by doing less work. Expects way too much from those seeking As in the class. IE essay test on 8 ch, a book, notes and 4 chap of essays.No idea what to expect.
STRICTLY AVERAGE PROFESSOR. HOWEVER...HE EXPECTS TOO MUCH FROM STUDENTS...THE CLASS ISNT SUPPOSED TO BE THIS INTENSIVE!!!
weird guy....weird classes
Dr. Bemko's grading scheme is a delight! Many people forget that his final grades are based on improvement, not just how much the students know all along. He is very skilled in his field, has excellent delivery, and is an exceptional professor. It would be a shame if Dr. Bemko left EUP! Dr. Bemko rocks!
really funny prof. most of his jokes go right over students heads, which makes him even funnier to those who get it. learned alot. history is really serpentine.
Great guy, expects, oh my, college students to work for their grades! If it's a 300 level class and you're in university, read the syllabus, it's not second grade.He'll help you to understand. Ask him anything and he'll tell you, knows so much. Does alot of analogies to help you learn. Learned alot & would take him again.
The only C I ever got at the 'Boro. Avoid him at all costs.
Bemko sucks! Granted he is funny, but not a teacher just a lecturer. Don't bother saying anything in class because he'll make you look stupid if you do. Also, no idea how he grades since almost everyone receives a 50/100 on the midterm. Very inflexible and all his tests are essays, which doesn't help those of us who don't do well on essays.
very nice person, helpful, funny, gave me A :)
Lecturer..not a teacher! Asks is there are any questions, but either makes you look dumnb for asking or doesn't make discussion a part of his class so how can someone have a question?! Says we a lot, but there is no we..it's him talking and you writing..nothing else! Very bad teach..should probably retire to allow for some new blood. Funny though
He has a mind like a steel trap. Dr. Bemko really knows his history.
The most annoying thing about this guy is the fact that he freaking slammed teh door every day to start class...in my opinion that is very unprofessional. His grading policy seems like it's to help you...and I'm sure it is...but it just confused me.
I took this guy my first semester of my freshman year. And yeah...this guy scared me. NOT a good teacher AT ALL..and I know..I'm going into education. His tests are super hard. He gives out extra credit assignments, but doesnt give you any points for them. Avoid this man if possible.
People complain about Dr. Bemko. I believe its either because a person comes to college and believes it to be easy or are just plain lazy. His class makes you work and earn your grade. He will not just give you an A or even a B. Good teacher who challenges you and makes you a better professional historian. take to improve yourself!!
Bemko is a very challenging teacher. If you do your reading and listen in class you can get through without much difficulty though. I have ejoyed my class with Dr. Bemko. I will probably get an A in his class and I am a freshman.
Do not take Bemko if you can avoid him!...he assigns 4 different books to read then gives a reading quiz almost every single day on MINOR details..... the books are so boring you fall asleep...I am a social studies major and this has been the worst semester of my life with him as a professor!!
This guy is crazy. Not only is he rude and insensitive, but he rambles on in his lectures about things that have little or no relevance to subject materials. His tests are impossible, he teaches by authoritarian intimidation, and well, he just sucks. Avoid.
Bemko can be quite intimidating, but he's very knowledgeable. He has a very dry sense of humor and he's a "take crap from no one" kind of guy. His exams are very very difficult, strictly essay, but generally, the class b4 exam day he will answer any q's you may have regarding the material on the test, so do not be afraid to ask a LOT of questions!
Very particular on grading papers and tests. Most points are at the end of the course, so you must use early tests and papers to learn how he wants things done to succeed. You will need to read the books to do well on the frequent quizzes. Be prepared to work for your grade.
Pretty awful
One of the only things that bothered me about his class was the fact that his bashed teens soo much and never thought that there could and was a 17 year old in his class. Teens aren't that bad. I bet he never would have guessed or any one else would have guessed who the 17 year old was.
This guy is a total ass. He has a huge superiority complex where he thinks he is better than anyone in the room. Epically young college students and teenagers. I have a friend in the class who is 17 and that friend has to be the the brightest person in that class and bemko totally bashes everyone saying they are stupid compared to him.
Make sure you ask questions or go to him for help. He'll even help via email. Those who don't will do poorly. Make sure you do your papers (not taking the opt-out option) and turn it in early for him to pre-grade and critique, that's where the points are. If you can do that you are well on your way to a good grade.
Don't show up unprepared, but he is interesting and funny, and very willing to help.Wants to make the students into better students.If you have a problem don't expect him to spend everyones time on your inability to read a sylabus. See him for help and he will work hard to help. A good teacher, I will take him again.
Funny, unique, intelligent, & many good things, but I hated the thought of going to class since he could be very moody, unclear, & a drag. At the same time, the class discussions where often engaging & interesting. By the end of class I would feel relieved, like a dentist's visit that turned out better than expected. His intentions are good though.
great class!!!
Dr. Bemko is a very challenging professor. He injects his strange sense of humor into his lectures, while remaining informational and interesting. He really isn't all that bad of a guy and only seems to be smarter than students, because he is so well educated. Read the texts, go to him for help and you'll do well.
I can't stand the man. He can't teach worth crap, he's ignorant and doesn't help at all b/c he is so mean nobody wants to ask questions.
I used to like History. This man ruined it for me. Not easy to ask questions. Makes u feel worthless.He cant teach, and is rediculously boring.This class would be good for 3rd yr in history majors, not a good "core" class to take! STAY AWAY!!!!
I've had Dr. Bemko for two classes, both of which were high upper level. He's smart & if he comes off as negative its because he doesnt expect much for students who whine about everything and get A's handed to them in High School. As for help, show you care, do the work and ask questions and he will reward you. Tests are hard, but 300+ usually are.
He nitpicks alot, freaked out because people didn't follow his seating chart and is very specific about writing style and citations. Otherwise, classes are interesting, he lets students determine most grade weights and is pretty clear on most points. Always starts class by answering questions but can seem unapproachable. Decent Prof.
As for this being my introduction to college, it was a wake up call. Very tough but also very helpful. He doesn't have time for "slackers". Will take the time it takes to help. Would take any of his classes again.
Extremely helpful if you ask for help. Attend class, read the assignments and participate in class. Would take any of his classes again.
Dr. Bemko is an excellent professor. His classes require a lot of reading.He is very challenging, but he is always willing to help if you ask. If you show up to class, pay attention, participate in discussions, and do your work, you'll leave with a decent grade.
Very dry sense of humor. Tests are all essay based. He expects you to read the text, and gives quizzes without warning. If you read the book, participate in class, you should do fine. Memorize important dates!!!
Dr. Bemko is an excellent teacher. He can come off as unapproachable but if you take the time to talk to him he is very easy to talk to. The only thing I would say is listen to his lectures and be prepared for surprise quizzes. Only bad thing I can think of is he could make better eye contact during lectures.
Wants nothing but respect but then treats his students with total disrespect. Told our class to our faces that we are dumb and the university is dumb for thinking we are smart. Very narrow-minded and makes it totally obvious that he hates teaching us. Who knows why he does it, when it just makes him miserable.
Dr Bemko knows his history. If you want to learn and be treated like an adult, I would recommend taking this course. If you just want to fulfill the requirement then I would suggest taking ECON 100.
Do not expect to coast through this class but if you come to class, pay attention and do the reading, you will do well. Prof. Bemko knows his stuff and is one of the best professors I have ever had. You will learn and retain a lot of information.
He reads these ratings. He refers to them often in class. Appeared to find the most ammusement in the negative ones. To pass a test: study the few topics that he REALLY goes off on; know these inside & out and you will pass the tests. Study quizzes for short answer test questions. Seems irritated with responsibility to teach lower level courses.
HE is a very scary professor. So many rules and regulations but I'm still taking it to learn and have a challenge. Very scary and strict.
Had him years ago. Those who are afraid of him: catch him outside of the classroom. Great guy, loads of humor, will answer any questions you might have. His classroom persona is only to make sure everyone gets the lecture points clearly. Again, in a one-on-one discussion he's fantastic, really!
Prof. Bemko was a good professor but a hard one. Don't come to class late, he will have something to say about it. If you know the material and spend time on what he covers you will do fine on the tests, which are usually essays. There are a few map quizes and short multiple choice deals but they help get points and may provide answers on bigger
Great teacher. It is vital to take notes in this class and to do the readings. Tests have essays questions that are based on the readings. He also has a lot of Identifications so know your people places and events. He is very big on time lines, so make sure you know dates. If you come to class, take good notes, and do the readings you will do great
Dr. Bemko is a wonderful professor. Talk with Him outside of class and you will not be disappointed as he is EXTREMELY helpful. If you want an "A" you will have to work for it but He will help you. Keep Him informed of your paper as well. He does not like "Surprises". He also gives extra credit and here is an idea...TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT!
He is rough on his tests. You really need to read your books to get a good grade in his class. And you have to attend. PS. Don't be late to his class. He get really angry.
You have know idea what your talking about! Igor is awesome!! His classes are hard I knew this from my last class but its worth it. I took this class knowing it would be hard to get a c+ when I need at least a B, but its worth it. I believe he's the best TEACHER I have ever had. He teaches in a very story telling, witty as hell inteligent way. A+++
This guy is the number one person to avoid taking classes with. He assigns incalculable amounts of homework and reading, and babbles on all of class never making sense. I have a passion for history and taking his class is the one class I hate above all. Avoid this man if you can.
Not easy but interesting class. I learned a lot. He is very frank and up front. I enjoyed the class, but it is not an easy A.
This class was not easy, but definitely interesting. I felt the professor was an excellent asset and I learned a lot in his class. Be prepared to work, but also be ready to learn a great deal.
profeessor Bemko was very condescending to the class. He also gave all essay tests. I wouldn't recommend this class for people who do not love history. on a positive note he did know his history.
This class is definitely not easy, but Professor Bemko knows his stuff. Go to class, DO NOT BE LATE, DO NOT TEXT, take notes, read the book, and you should be okay!
I suggest taking this class only if you are prepared to work hard. Read the material WHEN ASSIGNED!!Come in with questions prepared. He a an amazing teacher, but it is by far the most difficult Class i have ever taken. be prepared a large number of books are required for this class.
Here's every class: he comes in with a Minute Maid Strawberry drink, talks about how Democrats are great and Republicans stink, tries to make people feel dumb for not knowing an answer he wants verbatim, and you just stare straight ahead waiting for it to end. Not hard if you read, just boring.
Do you ever wonder while reading a professor's ratings, whether his Jekyll/Hyde swings are because the professor rates himself or if it is the result of his machinations? Do students lie hoping for a grade boost? I wonder.
At the beginning of the semester I didnt really like him but if you work hard it pays off. By far the hardest class ive taken. Read all the books and study names, dates, and places for the tests. This class has prepared me for anything good class to take, but be prepared for lots of work.
He really is a great professor. He's very passionate about what he does. Make sure that you have questions. They put him in a better mood. And read the books. Everything on his tests are from the books.
He's a great guy! Dry sense of humor, cracks jokes every so often, and is willing to go the extra mile to help you if you show effort and that you actually care about his class. Read your books and you shouldn't have a problem passing this class!
This class nearly killed me, he gave next to no instruction on homework, and his tests seemed impossible. Read all biographies in the books, and read all picture captions (MEMORIZE THEM).
Professor Bemko is a very knowledgable professor. By far the hardest class I've ever taken,but the one I learned the most from. If you respect him, you will get it in return. He's tough, but fair
Dr. Bemko is a very vivid storyteller. But that is what makes him a great professor. He makes everything he tells to be memorable and fun. You learn a lot and as long as you read and do your assignments in a timely matter, you'll do well in his classes.
Extremely knowledgable, be prepared to do more reading than any other class. His tests are not bad as long as you read and comprehend well. However,extremely rough grader on papers. He will destroy your best work. His syllubus is ambiguous and changes online weekly. This course should be divided into 3 sections
Challenging class, the workload isn't hard but you MUST stay on top of it! For me maintaining a notebook that I understood was tough, he tends to go off on tangents and will jump from topic to topic fast. He always looks very dissatisfied with answers people give, and questions they ask. He's a very knowledgable, and funny man. He knows his stuff.
I learned a lot from him about the subject.
Smart guy, but full of himself. Actually rolls his eyes at student questions. Impossible to please with papers, so be prepared. Read ALL materials! Total shmuck when it comes to grading! Be prepared to work your behind off for minimum grades.
Very difficult and reading-intensive class. Dr. Bemko's instructional style and mannerisms are...eccentric, but he is extremely knowledgeable about Pennsylvania history. If you pay attention and stay very diligent with your readings, you will learn a lot. The writing assignments are tough but Dr. Bemko is very clear about what he wants to see.
Super hard class. No homework just tests. Very dry. The class drags on and on. I would not recommend taking this class. He was the worst professor I have ever had.
This class is extremely difficult. I wouldn't recommend taking this class, the tests are all essay questions. Also, will have quizzes every week on maps. My notes for his class were so disorganized because he jumps from one topic to another and then back to the first topic. Hardest class I have ever taken in my life.
This class is extremely challenging and if you don't need it for your major, I suggest you don't take it. Bemko is very petty, and condescending to his students. He's a really intelligent person who knows a lot about history, but he expects way too much from his students in this course.
Despite all the claims, Dr. Bemko is an amazing educator. Although the workload is high, he goes above and beyond to aid students in anyway, so long as you ask for it. His organization of the course is second to none. I recommend anyone to take this course.
Ok, I won't completely bash him because I will say that he makes that class really easy, if you decide to make it easy. However, he is extremely confusing in the large amount of options he gives you, READ THE SYLLABUS!! Your grade in the class will solely reflect how early you turn in assignments and how carefully you follow the syllabus.
Lectures aren't very clear, BUT he is a very nice and helpful guy if you go and talk to him after class. If you aren't passing he will meet with you and help you out and the class get easier. Surprisingly a really nice guy. There's a lot of books, but they are worth reading.
Being a nursing major, I wish I would have dropped this class when I could. His lectures are long and confusing and often adds information that is not needed at all. He often starts to lecture on one topic, begins on a long tangent, and then does not finish his point of what he was trying to say in the first place. This class is frustrating.
He is a nice person whenever you talk to him one on one. Tends to be very sarcastic with feedback to students. Expects you to know everything and can be rude when you try to ask questions. He is not a bad guy he just expects a lot.
He's one of the most intelligent professors Ive encountered on this campus. He's a little sarcastic, condescending, and crabby, but there is nobody id rather learn history from. Be prepared to read. All of his exams are multi essays. He gives a lot of reading assignments, so beware of pop quizzes. If you're here to better your education choose him.
You'll do fine as long as you read the textbook! He's pretty funny in class although it's all lecture. He's not a bad professor, but I don't plan on taking another one of his classes because his blue book tests stress me out too much.
Dr. Bemko's class was difficult as he made class extremely boring. He constantly made class feel hostile and I felt as if I couldn't ask any questions. Blue books were required for this class, and tests were difficult and needed hours of studying a day to keep up.
I'm looking up EUP professors I had in the mid 1990's. Dr. Bemko's class, U.S. History since 1945, was a favorite of mine. I enjoyed his humor and he was pleasant to speak with one-on-one. The work load was challenging but worth it. Dr. B. was exactly what you should want from a history prof: eccentric and smart. Thanks Dr. Bemko.
Class is lecture based. Every few classes there is a quiz based on readings. If you are up to date on chapter readings you should get a 100% on each quiz. Quizzes are 5 multiple choice and the answer is the obvious choice. Tests are blue books. If you goto class and read its easy, write the answer to the question. Map quizzes are 1/2 the exam grade
For the love of god, I would rather be attacked by a rabid dog than take this professor ever again. AVOID THIS MAN
If you don't have a half-decent work ethic, do not take Bemko. There are at least three books you will be reading at a time, so stay on top of things from the beginning and you will be fine. Tip: read the grey pages in the textbook. Despite popular belief, he does care. Stay after class to ask questions and you will gain his respect.
Dr. Bemko gets a bad rap. Sure, he is not the most exciting guy, and if you do not already like history you likely won't like him. If you show up to class, take notes, skim the readings and study a little bit before exams you should get at least a B. I got a B in his class but couldve easily got an A if I tried harder.
The tests were impossible to do well on. He selects material from all six books that are required for this class. I even went to his office hours for him to look over my paper. The papers letter grade then drop down a whole grade DOWN!! I would NOT RECOMMEND TAKING ANY OF HIS CLASSES!! unless you want to have the worst semester of your LIFE!!
This man is the most boring and awful professor in the world. I would rather watch paint dry than sit through his class. AVOID THIS MAN!!!!!!!!!!
I'm an easy student, homework and essays don't bother me. Most of his reviews state that his class is lecture based so if you pay attention you'll be fine. So I'm not really sure why he did not make a single lecture or even a PowerPoint for our online class due to Covid. Simply did not teach and was condescending with all feedback.
AVOID THIS MAN ESPECIALLY IF YOURE DOING ONLINE! I have him for 2 classes and failed miserably bc he doesnt do zoom, doesnt post assignments, and only tells you abt things 1 time. If you can take your class with a different prof do it. Also the final exam for this class was 2 essay both 1,000 words
I read these reviews before taking his class. I think he gets a bad rap - the class is a decent amount of work, but if you do the work you will do fine. He also allows you to opt out of a paper or two - I did this and did everything else and got a B which I was happy about.
Absolute torture. The reading itself isn't bad (although there is a lot of it), but the work expected makes it feel more like reporting to a parole officer than learning. A summary is not an adequate "essay" or test to check for understanding, yet he relies heavily on that and quizzes. His "feedback" is harsh, vague, and aggressive. Just awful.
If you like writing multiple 1000+ word essays for a single weeks grade, this is the class for you.
If you can at all avoid this man PLEASE DO SO. This class has been the worst thing I have ever done in my life. I have never gotten below a B on a history paper as a history major, and even after going to him for feedback on my rough draft he still gave me a 60%. Very vague on the criteria for the course and obviously does not care about students.
I have Bemko for many classes to come and multiple before, if I had the option to take anyone else, I absolutely would.
He doesn't follow his own syllabus. Most of his class is keeping your head down trying to write notes while he yells at you for not answering his questions. He will specify something specific then when you ask him about it again, he says something different. He is very unreliable and does not wish his student to pass.
Do not take this class by all means possible. Take Hist 380 at a different university. You have been warned.
He only does lectures on the board, very monotone, and no enthusiasum whatsoever. The entire course is nothing but quizzes and tests.
I was nervous about taking his class after seeing some of these reviews beforehand. The online World Civ course is not that bad. His method of grading is very clear and so are his expectations. He expects quality work though and will definitely give you a hard time if you aren't delivering that.
Taking Holocaust on Film for my last semester as a free elective and to sum it up has to be one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made. He has weekly quizzes that includes questions from not only the current weeks film but from PREVIOUS weeks. You’re basically expected to memorize his lectures and all the films and it’s ridiculous for a 100 class.
He's a decent teacher. Read the book and you'll get a decent grade. I didn't read it because there was a lot to it and it hurt me in the end. There's a small quiz every week, and I missed the first one of the semester. He voided it because he saw me stressing over it. I think he does care about his work and is knowledgeable. He's just old school.
Be aware of weekly quizzes (not pop); doesnt use D2L; Im taking two 400+ (senior) level courses at the same time, both of which are easier than this course. Doesnt give extra credit.
He bullied me and made snide remarks in class about where I worked and my job outside of school despite it being respectable. I don't know if he had an issue with me or adult students or female students or had a bad experience with someone in my profession but he was not professional. It was to the point that other students asked about it.
Not clear with instruction, does not care about you or your grade.
I should've dropped this class a long time ago. Very monotone voice, says 'um" about 37 times in 3 minutes (yes we counted). Book readings rarely line with lectures (that are all over the place). Quizzes every week. Tests are a lot as you have to memorize over 1,000 years per test... Do not take... I feel that I learned nothing.
I took this online asynchronously so there was a pretty good structure each week. The reading quizzes were easy as long as you read his chapter summaries. But, he is very picky with discussion boards and the way you approach topics. If one isn't "quality" enough, he will call you out publicly to fix it. But also asks questions to let you elaborate
The class average for the midterm was 74%. Only 74%. He offered zero feedback on what you did wrong, and what you can work on to do better. The midterm was essay based, and I imagine the final will be similar, as well. It's extremely disheartening as this is my first time taking an online class, and he is not making the experience pleasant.
This guy gives amounts of work that would literally be impossible for him to grade in a week. Like the majority of Penn West Professors, he is not good. Please avoid. He requires "adequate "discussion posts but refuses to elaborate on what that means.
Very strict, and his quizes and tests are very hard.
The lecture really doesn't match at all, and you have to read everything. Quizzes and exams are all in the book, and you have to really pay attention when you read because if you do not, you will not pass. The only nice thing is that you take one quiz every week, and he only takes the top 5 quiz scores.
Very funny guy and made the lecture entertaining. He's old fashioned and I can see why people dislike him but I enjoyed the class a lot. But he was really strict about going on your phone/computer while he talks and he will call you out. If you like Trump you will probably not enjoy his class, he often makes satirical comments about him.
He assigns over a hundred pages of reading to be completed and have a discussion on and a quiz at the end of the week on what you read on those 100 pages. His discussion have to be exactly correct with no false information or else he doesn't give credit and he asks for a specific citation and if you do it slightly wrong you also don't get credit.
The only thing that keeps Bemko here is being a tenured employee. He shows no effort to help students understand the material. The exams and quizzes are 100% based on textbook material (you're expected to read a full chapter a week) His lectures are barely followable. He will ask if you have questions, but will interrupt your question. Awful.
Professor Bemko's class has mixed reviews. The reading quizzes are manageable, but he can be picky about discussion posts. For study prep, Unstuck ai and the textbook summaries are quite helpful.
Rude at times to students. Makes students feel dumb for asking questions. Very nitpicky when grading open ended questions. Disorganized lectures. Textbook readings rarely line up with lecture material.
He likes to add how much he hates Trump to almost every lecture. He gets mad when nobody answers his questions and likes to choose certain students to constantly pick on to answer questions. You must be VERY specific when taking his exams or else you will get points taken off.
Do not, under any circumstances, take his classes unless you absolutely have to. You will be expected over the semester to read an entire textbook from cover to cover. His lectures are discombobulated and frustrating to sit through to say the least. He does not care if you pass his class genuinely. He wont tell you what will be on tests.
During lectures he writes either one word or a date on the board and you have to rely on hearing what he says in order to take notes. If you have learning disabilities it can be challenging to follow along. There are 3 exams consisting of 3 sections. Part 1 is 5 multiple choice questions, part 2 is a list of words define, part 3 is an essay.
His lectures are very difficult to follow, he is coherent very rarely. At the end of the lecture the whiteboard looks like a schizophrenia patient was given a marker and locked in a room for one hour.
If you're a history student you will love him, if you're a casual or education student you'll probably cry. Great professor, passionate and knowledgeable on various topics.
avoid this professor
This class through me out of the loop and definitely was the hardest class I took my years here. If you're a history major I would consider, but if you are any other major then I say skip. Ive heard many stories of people who flunked because of this class. Sadly my only advice is to be 5 steps ahead. Bemko is a funny teacher though, Teaching? ehh.
I think the guy is funny during lectures, but definitely NOT for everyone. You have to stay on top of your reading and show up to every class possible, because he does not use D2L. As long as you do that, the weekly quizzes are manageable, especially since he only takes your top 5 quiz scores. MEMORIZE TERMS AND PEOPLE EXCESSIVELY FOR THE EXAMS!!!
Most harsh grader ever. No organization in the class. Never gives good feedback, just says you are straight up wrong.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
82%
Textbook Required
33%
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