3.7

James Jewell

History - North Idaho College

3.7
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
57%
Would Retake
111
Reviews
3.7
Quality
3.6
Difficulty
3.8
Helpful
3.7
Clarity

57%

Would Retake

111

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

52

4

26

3

12

2

11

1

10

What Students Say

He is extremely well educated

HIST112 - 2.0 rating

I learn alot in his class but i loathe him on a personal level

HIST101 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

75%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 28 grades
Most common grades:
B (6)
A (5)
B+ (5)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(10)C(5)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 29 reported grades
B: 6
A: 5
B+: 5
B-: 4
Common Tags
Hilarious (9)
Get ready to read (9)
Tough Grader (8)
Amazing lectures (7)
Tough grader (7)
Participation matters (6)
Lecture heavy (6)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.68 avg change
Nov
Apr
Apr
Jan
Apr
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

112

5.0

(1)

HST112

5.0

(2)

HIST102111

5.0

(1)

HISTORY111112

5.0

(1)

HISTORY

5.0

(2)
+15 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIST121

5.0

HOST112

5.0

HIS111

4.1

HISTORY112

4.0

HIST102111

4.0

Reviews (111)
5.0
3.0
HIST112
Oct 22, 2004

Different, but relates well to students and is enthusiastic and fun.

5.0
4.0
HST112
May 13, 2005

Professor Jewell is a great instructor who is enthusiastic and engaging. He is loud and dramatic yet gives an accurate account of the past. His class is fun and interactive even if we do get of track some times and spend the whole class period talking about "I Love Lucy". Keep it up Jewell.

5.0
4.0
HIST112
May 28, 2005

This proffesor does an outstanding job of teaching why things happen instead of when. A rare quality for a history teacher. I found myself intrigued by his lessons and pulled into them. I would definitly recommend him to anyone wanting to experience history rather than read about it. His teaching style is fun yet effective, he is a little wierd

5.0
3.0
HIST111
May 31, 2005

Came off as a real harda#@ at first, but that was an act -whiched scared some. His sarcastic take on things was different and he was always available outside class -the guy never sleeps. We did get off track sometimes, but that was cool too because he had stories that made class fun -ask about John Calhoun. Recommended

5.0
2.0
HIST111112
Sep 27, 2005

I was pursuing a degree in social work and now I have changed my major to history. It was your passion for what you do that made me want to do the same. I always thought being a teacher was a great job. you are a great instructor and mentor.

5.0
4.0
HIST111
Oct 10, 2005

Talks too fast and is different, but it works.

4.0
4.0
HISTORY112
Oct 16, 2005

Interesting and informative. Is able to take dry information and make it a little more interesting. Needs to remember this is a 100 level class and not a graduate level class. Expectations from students is sometimes too high.

5.0
4.0
HIST102111
Oct 18, 2005

Professor Jewell is a inspirating teacher with a nice spin on his style of conveying the information to the students in a way they will retain it. I never found history as much fun as I did in his class. It wasn't about facts and number and dates, but 'why' things happend. I would strongly recomend him to anyone. Don't goof off too much though!

5.0
2.0
HISTORY111112
Oct 22, 2005

Prof Jewell is a great professor and you will learn a lot from him. He really cares about his students and if you need help he is always willing to help. Take his class!!!

3.0
3.0
HIST101
Dec 2, 2005

Knows his stuff for the most part, talks fast makes it intersting, is fairly truthful and blunt and not afraid to talk crap about american idols, however he still appears to be a little to easy on abe lincoln and a little hard on the south. Overall he is a good proffesor in a fun class

5.0
1.0
HIST111112
Dec 15, 2005

Even though he is a liberal I still love him. I have taken both classes and they both rock. You will learn a lot and he is a really funny guy. It is always nice to have a teacher that can compete with you in the smart a** category and he can plus we have the same birthday. He rocks take his class.

5.0
2.0
HIST111112
Dec 16, 2005

Great Instructor! I've taken both courses and am sad that you don't teach more. You make the class interesting and worth going to. You have helped my in discorvering my interest in history and the social scieces instead of just straight math. Thank You!!

5.0
3.0
HISTORY111
Dec 25, 2005

Really different, and kinda cute. He was very approachable and helpful, but you had to ask. Did not have any problems relating to students, but talked way too fast.

5.0
4.0
HISTORY112
Dec 28, 2005

I liked his style and that he was not all about dates. Our class was not exactly on schedule all the time, but if I had to take anymore history I would take it from Prof. J and he is cute.

5.0
3.0
HST112
Mar 1, 2006

prof. jewell is a very good instructor because he doesn't focus on which i can not stand doing. i like that he is ver helpful when we happen to have questions about a certain subject. i would strongly reccomend his class to others

5.0
3.0
HIST112
Mar 2, 2006

At first, I did not get a good impression of him, but now I really enjoy his class. I love how he focuses on why history happened and not just the facts. He presents things in a unique way and it is very interesting! Be prepared to participate in class and always read your text. Yes, he does talk quite fast, but you'll get used to it.

5.0
4.0
HISTORY112
Mar 6, 2006

we'll as long as you don't come to class stoned or **** then you should be fine(not that i would know or anything). discusasions are fast and it is easy to get lost if you don't pay attention. jewel is a smart ass so if you are uptight lame then don't take his class. other than that it is a good time.

5.0
4.0
HISTORY112
Mar 10, 2006

"It's all about the 'why' factor," and that was better than dates and s@*t like that. Talks too fast, so be awake in class. Doesn't take any BS either, I liked that.

5.0
2.0
112
May 13, 2006

He is a professor wbo cares. He wants his students to think AND do well. Take his class. You will learn more here than most classes.

5.0
3.0
HISTORY
Jun 8, 2006

go to class

4.0
3.0
HIST111
Nov 28, 2007

Great teacher.****ty class. His quizzes are hard. Always do the reading!!!

5.0
5.0
HIST111
May 26, 2008

Loved his style. Fast paced, doesn't give a crap about what we may have heard. Interested in the real deal, and why things happened. Extremely tough on quizzes, especially essays. First and only class I have ever dropped. Would love to listen to his lecture, but not be a student in the class. Yikes!

4.0
4.0
HIST112
Oct 10, 2008

I love it when a professor knows and loves his subject so well that he can just TELL it, like a story he's known from childhood! I'll be sad when this class is over.

1.0
5.0
HIST111
Nov 17, 2008

Never knew what he wanted in this class. grades very hard, and was not helpful. thinks he is so cool...

5.0
4.0
HIST112
Nov 23, 2008

Sarcastic, challenging and mean to the English - what's not to love?

5.0
3.0
HIST112
Dec 1, 2008

Tough, but helpful -if you go to his office. Syllabus a mess. Funny, and kinda hot

5.0
4.0
HIST112
Dec 7, 2008

One of, if not the best professor that I've had in my two years here. A very "in your face" view on history focusing on the catalysts rather than the dates of events. A good class to take if you find yourself bored with History. If you're looking to take your general History classes and breeze by, I wouldn't reccomend Dr. J. Thanks for your work J.

5.0
3.0
HIST112
Feb 3, 2009

This is the second class I have taken with Dr. J. His lectures are fast and quizzes tough, but he really knows his stuff and is helpful if you ask. Lots of fun for a history class. Class is cool, Dr. J is hot

5.0
3.0
HIST111
Feb 17, 2009

Tough quizzes, easy exams, one paper. I really liked the style, not relaxed exactly, but not worried about being uptight professor. LOUD. Bring back the long hair, so I can run my fingers through it! HAHAHA! Just kidding, he was great.

5.0
3.0
HIST111
May 6, 2009

I got a C in the class the first time which is good enough for transferring, but Dr. J is so funny I took it again to raise my grade -it was worth it! Learned a bunch and got a better grade. Cute -sure but hot, sorta.

5.0
2.0
HIST112
May 12, 2009

Fun class, so-so subject

2.0
5.0
HIST121
Jul 7, 2009

I had this instructor at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He doesn't even has his PhD, at least when I was there. It was the hardest gen. ed. ever! I hated his LOUD attitude and class. Had to read the book, never have full credit on quizzes. He talked about his Canadian wife. He really was the weidest prof I have had!

5.0
3.0
HIST111
Aug 12, 2009

If anything Dr. J was not tied to the book, and sometimes not on same page as book. we had to read it for part of the quizzes, but that was it. the loud thing was cool, kept you on your toes. cute, but not too cute.

5.0
3.0
HIST111
Aug 17, 2009

Interesting guy, one of the best at NIC. I am looking forward to taking the next class from Dr. J in a week -'Nuff said!

5.0
3.0
HIST111
Sep 15, 2009

Dr. J is not Atticus Jewel, but that was a great speech. I want my "Atticus Finch Moment." Fun class, loud and excited professor.

1.0
4.0
HIST112
Nov 5, 2009

Very interesting speaker, but couldn't keep his quizes in line with his assigned readings. I would avoid taking a class from this unorganized man.

1.0
4.0
HIST112
Nov 23, 2009

Great lectures, sucks at teaching. Give him an assistant to organize him and maybe he would be okay. If he wrote a book I may read it but I would NEVER pay for a class from him. His organization is not worth my budget. BLOWS....

5.0
3.0
HIST112
Dec 22, 2009

He is funny and knows his stuff! He does use some profanity but it makes this subject that much more funny and interesting!

4.0
3.0
HIST111
Dec 25, 2009

Enjoyed being in his Class, Like that he was loud and obnoxious, it made me want to listen. Him slamming the podium helped to get our attention! I did not do as good as I wanted... More of a visual learner, not a talk write learner, Still great teacher!

4.0
4.0
HIST101
Jan 12, 2010

Good Teaching Style, Very Clear in his Expectations of the class and when unclear will clarify if asked. The Type of Prof. that if your makeing the effort in class then you'll do well, if your slacking off then you won't do well at all. Very Funny, very sarcastic, VERY Loud! But is a hard grader, however a fair one.

4.0
4.0
HIST290
Jan 30, 2010

Someone complained that Dr. Jewel is "unorganized"? Really?? First of all, people, it's "quizzes", not "quizes", and don't you mean DISorganized? Take an English class instead of history, which is a very disorganized subject. Does anyone honestly choose a class for its organization?

3.0
5.0
HIST112
Apr 8, 2010

I will agree that his lectures are interesting and sometimes funny, but I cant stand the act. Stomping into the classroom like he's a bad@!*, slamming his potiem, screaming, and not responding to people when they talk to him. That kind of stuff might impress young and gullable kids but I really think its distracting.

5.0
4.0
HIST111
Apr 21, 2010

Disregard previous negative posts. Dr. Jewell is a true professor---in order to succeed, students must make notes, pay attention, and SEE HIM AFTER CLASS IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING! In his classes, you will have to work for your grade---which is an anathema to many students at NIC. He will bend over backwards to work with students to see them pass.

5.0
3.0
HIST290
Apr 21, 2010

This class is where Dr. J really gets to shine. If you didn't like him in 111 or 112, you won't like him here. However, if you enjoyed his lecture there, you will love it here. He is much more hands on due to the level of class and the format it follows. He becomes a lot more personable in this class. Dr. J is the only way to go!

4.0
3.0
HIST111
May 17, 2010

Was a very cool History teacher really knows his stuff. I was in an outreach center for three hours once a week and lecture was always interesting up until the end of class. Not much for dates more of what happened. Does grade tough but fair.

4.0
4.0
HIST111
Nov 1, 2010

Keep up on your reading! I wish he had a more definite timeline for the quiz! Also, short answer NEVER means short answer. Write and write until he calls time on the test. It is the only way to get full credit.

4.0
3.0
HIST112
Nov 17, 2010

taking notes is helpful, but i didnt really rely on them too much cause his lectures are freakin awesome. Read your book, attend class,dont sleep text, or be overly sensetive. I would recomend for anyone who isnt crazy about history

5.0
3.0
HIST111
Nov 19, 2010

Dr. J is AWESOME.His lectures are great,he is very animated,& he really brings History to life.I love this class so much that I am taking the next class (HIST 112) next semester just because I can & Dr. J is teaching it.I would suggest keeping up on reading in he book because once in a while there are quiz questions that he didn't cover in lecture.

4.0
4.0
HIST111
Aug 22, 2011

Great professor who engages his students and makes all who attend want to learn more about history. Gives lively lectures that were well rounded, I only cracked the book twice to supplement his lectures for midterm and final exams. I'm taking his 112 course now. Fair grading but absolutely awesome wardrobe.

5.0
3.0
HIST111
Mar 10, 2011

Dr. J is a fantastic lecturer. He really brings the animation that history has always seemd to lack for me. His course load is moderate but fair. You will be required to be self motivated in this class.

5.0
4.0
HIST208
Aug 29, 2011

Sit down, hold on, but definitely don't shut up. Dr. J likes an active class. Lectures fast and furious. Learned a ton and loved the style. NOT for everyone though. Average number of outside assignments a few quizzes and essay exams. Don't let loud scare you -I asked for some help and he did alot.

4.0
4.0
HIST112
Sep 28, 2011

Knew what he was talking about. There to help you if you approached him. However, make sure you read. Very easy to get behind in that. Also make sure you participate if you want a good grade. Everyone should have Dr. J at some point

5.0
4.0
HIST111
Oct 5, 2011

Spoke really fast but slowed down at key points. He really knew his stuff. Tough essay grader. Fun atmosphere and I enjoyed the class and learned a lot. Love the ties and exam hats.

3.0
3.0
HIST112
Oct 10, 2011

This guy is one of those insecure bullies who talks loud and acts tough because he is insecure.He got beat up and picked on in school so now he has a little authority as a c.c.college history teacher and he is gonna let you know he is in charge.What a tool.Gets amped up on coffee and yells at freshman.That phd is really paying off.

2.0
5.0
HIST101
Oct 7, 2011

He is the type of guy that wont look at you when you talk to him,if you ask a question he answer's you as if it were an exercise of futility.I learn alot in his class but i loathe him on a personal level.

3.0
4.0
HIST111
Nov 2, 2011

Do not take this class if you don't want to work. Must be able to write essays quickly and under pressure, and take good notes. He tests mostly on the lecture, and covers topics very thoroughly. He does talk quickly, but repeats important information, so note-taking is very do-able if you are focused.

5.0
3.0
HIST111
Nov 13, 2011

You either love him or hate him, he's not a middle ground kind of personality, so don't stick it out if you hate him, it won't get easier. I loved his class and did very well, you have to be willing to read the text and participate in class. His tests have a lot of essay questions. Only history class I ever enjoyed.

3.0
5.0
HIST112
Dec 8, 2011

Class is VERY dependent on reading of the text. Not much interaction, just tons of lecture.

2.0
5.0
HIST111
Apr 10, 2012

Professor Jewell is a very smart man, knows history well... problem is he doesnt always realize his students do not know it as well as he does. Seems at times he was bored lecturing. He gives random pop quizzes on stuff you wouldnt think you would be tested on. His class is hard. Tons of reading required. I was bummed the course wasnt better.

3.0
5.0
HIST111
Aug 31, 2012

Good luck, he is a nice person (though it gets interesting if he is not in a good mood). He tends to have really hard "short" essay questions on his quizzes. Do the reading and pay attention during lectures (take excellent notes). Yes, you either hate him or love him.

5.0
4.0
HIS111
Sep 21, 2012

Love his class so much! Best teacher I have ever had. You just need to attend and you'll do great! Also do the work he wants you to do well.

2.0
3.0
HIST112
Nov 14, 2012

He is extremely well educated. But he forgets that this is a community college and we don't have PhD's. Pop quizzes are tricky to study for. Lots of reading. Good lectures, but he is rude. Hope you are a good mind reader to do well!

5.0
2.0
HIST111
Dec 6, 2012

Very good teacher, interesting and helpful. Best Prof. on campus.

2.0
5.0
HIST111
Dec 7, 2012

Very arrogant teacher. Everything he says in class has to do with blaming the British. I suggest taking another professor.

5.0
3.0
HIST111
Dec 14, 2012

Very good instructor. If you enjoy history, he does know what he is talking about. He has a Phd. which makes him more than qualified. If you attend the class and read the book you will do fine. His quizzes are hard but they are fair if you have done the homework and studying. He is a very excellent instructor.

4.0
3.0
HIST111
Dec 17, 2012

I had him for 111 and 112 and I thought he was great. He's sarcastic, yes, but I thought it made the class funnier. The quizzes are tough, but if you study for them and take good notes, they aren't that bad. Extremely helpful when it came to the midterm and final. Very detailed oriented, but what is history without the details?

4.0
4.0
HIST290
Jun 3, 2013

Talks fast, expects a lot of writing on ID tests. You must have a few mind reading abilities as sometimes he wants stuff done he never said to do.Be ready to participate in class! Make hard copies of everything & keep extras.Overall great teacher, with usual PhD ego. :)

5.0
4.0
HIST112
Nov 25, 2013

Dr. Jewell is very knowledgeable of history. There is a lot of reading involved as well as a lot of note taking during lectures. He is definitely not an easy teacher, but I loved his class. He made history very interesting!

5.0
4.0
HIST111
Dec 5, 2013

I honestly was so scared to take Dr. J because of his reputation, but his class is the only history course I've ever not fallen asleep in. I literally failed history classes in high school because it was all date memorization, but he actually describes events in ways that I could remember and relate to them.

4.0
3.0
HIS112
Grade: C-
Jan 14, 2014

Teacher was ok, but needs to explain a little bit more detail about each topic and no essays on quizzes.

5.0
3.0
HIST112
Grade: B-
Jun 5, 2014

He is pretty funny and approachable, but you have to ask. It was tough, but I learned a lot and went to class to see what crazy stuff he was going to do each day.

2.0
5.0
HIST111
Jul 16, 2014

Nice guy. Funny... Not a fan of history to begin with, so I was really challenged. Straight up lectures. Little to no homework. Didn't use black board at all. Had to email him for my grade.

5.0
5.0
HOST112
Grade: B-
Sep 15, 2014

Amazing teacher. He's not easy, but his class is awesome. He truly brought history alive!

5.0
4.0
HIST111
Nov 1, 2014

I had a hard time keeping up in his class but I loved every second of it! He was very willing to work with me in bring my grade up. Awesome teacher that goes the extra mile, you just have to ask.

4.0
4.0
HISTORY111
Grade: C+
Dec 17, 2014

You either love him or you hate him. He is very hot and cold and you never know what kind of mood he will be in. His lectures are fairly interesting but he expects you to be a walking textbook by week 3 and grades VERY harshly. He is a good professor but don't take his course if you're not up for the challenge.

4.0
4.0
HISTORY111
Grade: B
Jan 11, 2015

I loved Dr. Jewell's class. He made History come alive and loves what he does. It is a hard class to pass though, you need to show up to class and take excellent notes. His quiz's were challenging but there isn't very much homework and he is willing to help. Don't skip class and take notes and you will do fine.

3.0
4.0
HISTORY111
Apr 6, 2015

Entertaining lectures. MUST go to class; record lectures if possible because he does tend to speak quickly. He is tough, you really can't fake your way through the class but totally worth it for the hilarious sarcasm.

5.0
4.0
HISTORY
Grade: A
Apr 9, 2015

The only History Teacher I've ever had who knew the material better than I did. He seems condescending at first, but that is just a facade. Once you get to know him, you realize that he just loves the subject and is looking for the same in his students. If you are looking for an easy A, look elsewhere, but if you love history, look no further.

2.0
3.0
HIST223
May 26, 2015

Dr. Jewell is very knowledgeable about American history, except for Native American studies, where he is virtually clueless. Far left liberal Democratic Party "adjunct" exercise for all practical purposes. "Conservative thinkers need not apply." Dr. Jewell is contemptuous of conservative thinkers. Class consequently lacks academic integrity.

3.0
4.0
HIS111
Grade: C+
Jan 11, 2016

A lot of reading in HIST 111. Not a lot of opportunities for grades. You have about 3 discussions on Blackboard worth 10 points. Then really hard quizzes about 8 of those varying in points. Then the Midterm and Final. No extra credit, if there is it's like 2-4 points.

4.0
4.0
HIS112
Apr 12, 2016

I struggled the beginning of the semester. I went to Dr. Jewell & he helped me substantially. He has since made sure I understood content & knew what to study. He doesn't put in many grades so be prepared to study your butt off for the quizzes. Participation is big part of grade, so make sure to partake. Straight lecture, no powerpoint or outline.

1.0
5.0
HIS111
Grade: C-
May 6, 2016

Do not take his class you will either fail or get a low c he expects essay questions to be very elaborate but doesn't provide time to finish them

3.0
4.0
INTR250
Grade: B+
May 11, 2016

Extremely tough grader with very high expectations from his students. Doesn't make him a terrible professor, but it makes class with him very discouraging. Wants his students to succeed but makes you work for the grade. Exams and papers need to be VERY detailed and show critical thinking and analysis, otherwise you'll be in trouble.

5.0
4.0
HIST101
Grade: C+
Nov 28, 2016
Would take again

By far one of the better Professors I've ever had. Brilliant, extremely knowledgeable, hilarious, loud, and expressive. Absolutely brutal with his quizzes and exams, you -need- to take notes and preferably actually read the content. But, at the end of the semester, you'll be thankful that you did. If you're a bit of a masochist, you'll fit.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
1.0
5.0
HIS111
Apr 25, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Not attentive to things happening in class, does not make himself available, won't reply to emails, and won't ever give you anything but a zero on essay questions and acts like you had three months in advance to come up with an insightful, precise, uniformed response instead of it actually being 15 minutes. I would NEVER recommend this teacher.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
4.0
4.0
HIS111
Grade: B-
May 3, 2017
Would take again

Tough quizzes, pretty easy exams . Attendance count for points, participation raises your grade. Knows his stuff, tries to use humor a lot, no group projects, just lecture and discussion, a couple videos. We had 8 quizzes, 3 discussions, 2 exams, 1 paper. Quizzes announced a week ahead, exams/paper on syllabus, discussions given a week to do.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
HIS112
Grade: B
May 9, 2017
Would take again

Dr. J was an outstanding professor. He lectures for the full class time, but he knows his stuff and allows students to chip in. Outside of class he expects you to read a larger amount than some classes. The quizzes are over people and events, not a big date kind of guy. It took me a while to adapt to his teaching style, but his class was a good one

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
HIST111
Nov 7, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I took this online, so maybe he's better in person, but this class was horrendous. Gives you three to four chapters to study (120-150 pages in the textbook) yet does not emphasize important points at all. The end result is frantically trying to remember some asinine detail that only received two paragraphs in the book and explaining it in detail.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
HIS111
Feb 7, 2018
Would take again

Favorite teacher of the semester!

Participation matters
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
2.0
3.0
INTR25002
Apr 6, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This class requires 2 - 3 essay papers each week along with research draft submissions. (yes you have to do a research paper) Feedback is sub par and grading is unpredictable. If you need to email instructor be prepared to wait for a response if any. Good luck

Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
5.0
HIS111
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

If you are not a visual learner, DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR! He will sit on a desk and lecture for 75 minutes and you are responsible for taking notes off what he says. He will not go back to explain something if you missed it and will not tell you what the study for the tests. LOTS of reading that he also doesn't tell you about. very egotistical.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
3.0
HIS111
Nov 19, 2018
Would take again

Lectures and discussions most days which worked for me. He is pretty funny. Went over quizzes (there are 8 of them) right after taking them and they were pretty hard. There was one text book and one outside the class paper and two major tests, the first one was pretty easy -part of it was take home

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
HIST111
Dec 5, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He does not reply to emails in a timely manner (or at all sometimes) and his online class is very hard to navigate. His lectures are good. He has high expectations. Grading criteria is not clear. Only 500 points possible so every point matters!

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
HIS112
Grade: B+
Dec 10, 2018
Would take again

I for one appreciate how he lectures sitting in the front of the class with a coffee in hand.

Tough Grader
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
2.0
4.0
HIST111
Dec 13, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He continuously changes the previously scheduled due date of exams/assignments and does not announce these changes early enough, so that you can prepare accordingly. If you read and put in the time to study the material, you will have no problem with the quizzes but you wont know you have a quiz until 4 to 7 days prior to the revised quiz date.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
SO MANY PAPERS
4.0
3.0
HIS111
Grade: A-
Dec 30, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Jewell puts a tough face on for the first part but eases up later in the semester. Attendance, reading, good note taking, and participation are mandatory in order to get a good grade. Very little homework. He has quizzes about every week or every other and a total of 4 history discussions.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
3.0
2.0
HIST111
Grade: B
Mar 6, 2019
Would take again

Dr. James Jewell, or Dr. J as he prefers to be called, has a fairly easy class when it comes to his online classes. He doesn't have many assignments but they are all either test (which usually starts off as 1 per 2 weeks but usually ends up 1 per week) or his main paper. the paper is super simple and he is a really relaxed grader.

Participation matters
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
HIST111112
Apr 13, 2019
Would take again

His online work is mostly book reading and watching his recorded lectures, the lecture captures are key. Every two or three weeks you have two quizzes, multiple choice and short essay, these are a majority of the points in this class. Give EXTREME detail and know what your talking about and you'll pass with flying colors. Overall he's a great guy.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Tough grader
4.0
4.0
HIS111
Grade: B
Apr 26, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Jewell is a great professor, he is hilarious and truly knows his stuff. He is a tough grader though but is willing to help you if you are clearly putting in an effort. I recommend him only to those who really want to learn the subject, not just get an easy grade.

Respected
Hilarious
Tough grader
4.0
2.0
HIS112
Grade: B+
May 1, 2019
Would take again

Jewell is a great guy, love that he always has 70's music playing before he starts. His video captures is where the money happens and the book isn't really mandatory. His essays that he has you write are 100% based off his captures while the multiple choice is based off the book. Pretty easy as long as you write notes for his captures.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
HIS111
Grade: A
Oct 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Dr. J is very passionate and makes class fun using sarcasm and profanity. 8 quizzes announced on short notice; 5 mc q's based on key terms; 1 essay q (write a lot with very limited time). Speak up in class. Warning: don't take this class in 1st year of college, as dual credit student, or if you don't like history. Much is expected from students.

Participation matters
Hilarious
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
HIS111
Grade: A
Feb 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He was a good professor but there was so much work to be completed each week that even when I didn't have anything going on, it was difficult to keep up. However he is understanding on due dates and when there are computer problems. I never had him in person but online he was okay.

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Amazing lectures
2.0
3.0
HIS112
Grade: D+
May 10, 2022

Not a fan. I don't recommend taking this class with Jewell. For an online class, there's an excessive amount of extra work that doesn't really flow along with the course material. His feedback is quite rude and overly critical. He never really said anything nice about my work. He is way too picky to be teaching an online class. Don't take his class

Tough grader
3.0
4.0
HIS111
Grade: B
May 16, 2022
Would take again

Very few assignments in this course (test heavy). This made it easy for me to disengage bc I wasn't actively logging on to the class to participate in meaningful discussions, etc. For the essay portion of the quizzes you only have 30 min to write 2 paragraphs for 2 dif prompts which he expects to be extremely thorough... kind of a tough grader.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
3.0
INTR250
Grade: A-
Sep 8, 2022

This guy refused to let me use a book in the school's library for a project. Turns out it was because the author differed with him politically. The book was published by Cambridge University Press and had hundreds of citations. Jim kept telling me the book "wasn't scholarly". Ironic for him to say since his publications are practically unknown.

Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
HIST111
Grade: B+
Nov 30, 2022

He just wants to hear his own thought parroted back to him. He teaches his version of history and the grading is really horrible. He nitpicks things that are preferences, and doesn't provide guidelines. I had another professor review my paper before it was turned in and got great feedback - from this guy, I got a C. Very caught up on himself.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
4.0
HIST208
Grade: B
Apr 18, 2023
Would take again

Dr. Jewell is possibly the toughest professor I've ever had. He is also the greatest teacher. Few professors have mastered their field to his level. No other lecture will provoke as deep of thought. No other teacher will challenge you as much. However, should you accept the challenge you will have immense fun while gaining an ocean of knowledge.

Get ready to read
Inspirational
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
HIS112
Grade: A
Apr 19, 2024
Would take again

I took his class twice and the first time I had a really hard time, mainly because I didn't watch a lot of the lectures, but I highly advise you to WATCH THE LECTURES. They provide all the information you need for the questions Overall he was a great professor and I just advise you to pay attention and do the extra credit and you will do just fine.

Get ready to read
Gives good feedback
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
HIS112
Grade: B+
Jan 10, 2025
Would take again

Jewell's HIS112 is an engaging class. The lectures are informative, and the workload is manageable if you stay on top of the material. unstuck AI and the free textbook were helpful for study prep.

4.0
5.0
HIS112
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2025
Would take again

Dr. J is engaging and well-spoken and really a pillar of the NIC History Department. You really earn grades in his class, which warrants much research and studying beforehand. He deserves a much higher rating than listed here because frankly all he asks from students is effort and research. Also well-accomplished outside of his teaching career.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
HIS111
Grade: B-
Nov 12, 2025

Dr. Jewell is passionate about his job, but his class feels disorganized and frustrating. Quiz dates change without notice, and lectures are filled with swearing and off-topic jokes rather than useful material. He grades harshly on essays, focusing mostly on details he mentioned in lecture, making attendance feel more like guesswork than learning.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

75%

Textbook Required

0%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 28 grades
Most common grades:
B (6)
A (5)
B+ (5)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(10)C(5)D(2)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 29 reported grades
B: 6
A: 5
B+: 5
B-: 4
Common Tags
Hilarious (9)
Get ready to read (9)
Tough Grader (8)
Amazing lectures (7)
Tough grader (7)
Participation matters (6)
Lecture heavy (6)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (3)
Rating Trend

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Ratings by Course

112

5.0

(1)

HST112

5.0

(2)

HIST102111

5.0

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HISTORY111112

5.0

(1)

HISTORY

5.0

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Difficulty by Course

HIST121

5.0

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5.0

HIS111

4.1

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4.0

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4.0

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