2.5

Jamie Burns

English - Northwood University

2.5
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
27%
Would Retake
86
Reviews
2.5
Quality
3.3
Difficulty
2.6
Helpful
2.5
Clarity

27%

Would Retake

86

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

19

4

9

3

9

2

23

1

26

What Students Say

He grades based on if you agree with his opinion

ENG4010 - 2.0 rating

He is the worst teacher by far i have had at Northwood

ENG320 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

31%

Textbook Required

80%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

89% confidence
Based on 13 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (3)
C (2)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(3)C(3)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 14 reported grades
A+: 3
C: 2
B: 2
A: 2
Common Tags
Get ready to read (6)
Tough Grader (4)
Tough grader (3)
Participation matters (2)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (2)
Caring (2)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
Graded by few things (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.10 avg change
Nov
May
Mar
Dec
May
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HUM101

5.0

(1)

ENG223

5.0

(1)

ENG122123ET

5.0

(1)

PHL101

5.0

(1)

ENGSECT

5.0

(1)
+24 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHL101

5.0

ENG360

5.0

ENGLIT

5.0

ENG223

4.0

ENG101

4.0

Reviews (86)
5.0
1.0
HUM101
Sep 19, 2002

No Comments

2.0
3.0
ENG
Sep 24, 2002

No Comments

4.0
2.0
ENG123
Sep 26, 2002

hard to get used to, but overall an easy teacher.

5.0
1.0
ENG
Oct 10, 2002

No Comments

5.0
4.0
ENG223
Oct 17, 2002

strange guy, but is passionate about what he teaches. loves catcher and the rye

2.0
3.0
ENG123
Jan 22, 2003

No Comments

4.0
2.0
ENG
Jan 22, 2003

Sometimes you might think he's bi-polar, but most of the time he's OK

2.0
3.0
ENG
Jan 27, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
ENG123
Jan 27, 2003

No Comments

3.0
3.0
ECN410
Jan 30, 2003

No Comments

3.0
3.0
ENG
Jan 31, 2003

a major SPAZ, but an okay teacher. NEVER make him mad.

3.0
3.0
ENG350
Feb 6, 2003

Not bad teacher, just takes some getting used to

5.0
4.0
ENG
Feb 18, 2003

Mr. Burns is one of my favorite teachers

1.0
5.0
ENG
Feb 19, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ENG
Feb 20, 2003

Write done something for your questions to the story and your golden

5.0
2.0
ENG123
Feb 24, 2003

great teacher learned alot took a while to get used to read material and ask q's

2.0
1.0
ENG321
Feb 25, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
ENG123
Feb 26, 2003

He and Holden Caulfield are boys ...... I hear he likes the Great Gatsby too..... I think he is almost too smart for most of the student's and it frustrates him... Overall... I would take him again and recommend him.

1.0
5.0
ENG
Mar 13, 2003

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ENG
Apr 10, 2003

I question this mans ability to teach, he's never had any other job inthe real world. Laughs at odd times. Very hyper, he can't sit still for very long. He also goes out of his way to find homosexu ality in eveything read in class, and then focuses on it.

4.0
2.0
ENG123
Apr 22, 2003

Nice guy. Has some ****Tendencies. Show up and take notes, you will get an A

1.0
3.0
PHL301
Jul 30, 2003

Horrible teacher! He is rude and condescending. I cannot believe he is still teaching here, avoid him at all costs.

1.0
2.0
ENG123
Oct 8, 2003

He is way too sarcastic... He does not grade fairly.

1.0
5.0
ENG301
Oct 14, 2003

No Comments

2.0
3.0
ENG222
Dec 2, 2003

not a hard class but he will screw you on the grades

1.0
5.0
ENG
Feb 18, 2004

never has any teacher made me cry before. he's rude, disrespectful, and down-right mean. i hate him!!

4.0
3.0
ENG
May 3, 2004

I thought he was fun...so he's a little on the weird side but if you read the crap and are able to discuss it he gets all excited I think he's funny

5.0
3.0
ENG
May 8, 2004

He is very intelligent - must "work" to follow him. Smarter than most at northwood.

2.0
3.0
ENG123
May 26, 2004

No Comments

2.0
5.0
ENG123
May 26, 2004

He was the worst teacher I have ever had. I couldn't follow him for anything. He could never focus on one topic and would spend class time wasting time. He was very critical to students and put them down. I felt like I learned nothing in his class.

1.0
3.0
ENG
Oct 20, 2004

He is psycho and will screw with your grade if he doesnt like you... worst teacher ever

4.0
3.0
ENG
Oct 20, 2004

He kept me interested and not many teachers can do that.

3.0
3.0
ENG301
Nov 15, 2004

He is a good teacher but he always gets off track

2.0
3.0
ENG301
Nov 17, 2004

Dr. Burns is a nice person but he does not know how to teach. He needs to be more focused and he needs to learn how not to insult the students. That was something that happened often in our class (very unprofessional)

1.0
4.0
ENG301
Grade: A+
Nov 29, 2004

No Comments

1.0
4.0
ENG101
Feb 1, 2005

No Comments

3.0
3.0
ENG301
Mar 13, 2005

This man has ADD. He is constantly talking inconsistantly just random thoughts. Somewhat hard to follow. I actually thought his class was easy but I attended every class, took notes, and read the book to help understand what the hell he was saying. Although he did have interesting discussions.

1.0
4.0
ENGLISH
Apr 4, 2005

gives a lot of work. thinks he's the greatest for attending Duke U and puts down the class as a whole every day.

1.0
4.0
ENG
Apr 4, 2005

loves to talk to waste time and kepps you the full hour and 50 mins. he also love to put down the class as much as possible

2.0
4.0
ENG385
Apr 7, 2005

He is crazy but, i like him. Stay on his good side and you are golden!

1.0
4.0
ENG123
Jun 4, 2005

No Comments

4.0
2.0
ENG
Jul 9, 2005

it was an adventure with this crazy guy ...

5.0
2.0
ENG122123ET
Sep 17, 2005

I had Dr. Burns for several classes. I think in order to get the most out of his classes you have to go into it with a mature attitude and get past the fact that he has somewhat of an eccentric behavior. He is a very intelligent man, and I learned a lot from him.

3.0
4.0
ENG301
Grade: C
Oct 18, 2005

He is a very nice man however he expects that his students understand everything he does. If you dont understand the reading he will make fun of you.

2.0
4.0
ENG
Nov 15, 2005

Unless you plan on going to every class and doing every piece of homework directly to his liking don't take him, he tends to grade on if he likes you or not.

5.0
2.0
ENG385
Dec 15, 2005

It's all in what you make of it.

1.0
4.0
ENG121
Feb 8, 2006

i absolutely hate this guy. if he stayed on topic, we would get out way early. he is very eccentric and loves to talk. he likes to put down the class everyday and at first i thought this would be a fun class, but i found that his constant ramblings get very boring. bring a laptop or something to keep you occupied.

2.0
2.0
ENG385
Feb 26, 2006

Seemed to put very little effort into his final, and was very unclear in his lectures and teachings. Seems to be off in his own world, and has a major attitude problem.

1.0
5.0
ENG123
Apr 17, 2006

No Comments

1.0
5.0
ENG
May 10, 2006

I have taken him for 2 classes, he is horrible. Does not teach anything and grades if he likes you or not, don't miss one class, for any reason, funerals included because he will hold it against you the rest of the term.

4.0
3.0
ENG
Jul 22, 2006

He is a very interesting teacher that's for sure. I was always pretty entertained during the class. Make sure you participate a lot and talk to him and he'll like you. However, he grades weird and I could never figure out what he really wanted with his papers. Make them long was on the only thing I gathered.

5.0
5.0
PHL101
Oct 18, 2006

Mr. Burns is the smartest man I've ever met. Educated at UM and Duke, enough said. All you have to do is pay attention and give some effort. The people that usually didn't like Mr. Burns didn't take his class serious.

2.0
4.0
ENG320
Jan 25, 2007

I was so excited about this class...until the first night I had Dr. Burns. He is the worst teacher by far i have had at Northwood. He always finds a way to cut you down and make fun of you. He has no patients for anyone who is struggling. He seems bitter at the world and no matter how hard you try he will not like you. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!!!!!!!

1.0
3.0
ENG320
Feb 5, 2007

Very condescending and belittling to students. Unable to clearly stat what he is asking for in assignments.

2.0
1.0
ENG320
Feb 6, 2007

hate this class. prof is nice and means well but has a hrad time communicating... boring.

3.0
3.0
ENG280
Apr 24, 2007

OK... Listen up!!! Take him in the mini... he's so easy but only in mini sessions.. the day of the exam.. the whole day just listen to him for that couple of hours because he discuss from A - Z what he is going to ask in the TEST... Trust me.. you'll get an "A". this is what i heard from the seniors and i tried it and it works so?? try it.. easy A

2.0
3.0
ENG120
May 1, 2007

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ENGSECT
Aug 29, 2007

This class was horrid. I was looking forward to the class because it was listed as special topics in literature, however, it was a total disappointment. It was pretty much for people who can't read nor comprehend what they are reading. It has a superficial take on novels as literal details is 75% of the focus. This class was like 8th grade English.

2.0
3.0
ENG260
Jan 29, 2008

Most annoying voice ever. Hard as hell and horrible teacher. Very easy to do good. All you have to do is listen to every single annoying word he says and follow every instruction he gives you. Even if you do this you will still get an A-. Most people got worse. Do not take if at all possible.

5.0
4.0
ENG385
Mar 21, 2008

Mr. Burns was such a pleasure to have as a teacher. He is so hilarious and very intersesting. The books you buy you will read. Make sure you read the sections or chapters before class. He has like 2-3pt quizes over the readings. In-class essays are the exams...easy if you read the books. He does talk about the reading and shows the movies. A'

2.0
4.0
ENG260
Apr 3, 2008

Horrible teacher.

1.0
5.0
ENG360
Apr 11, 2008

Completely dishonest and unclear about how to do well in the class. AVOID AT ALL COSTS! He's also big on favoring certain students and disliking others for some reason. Very favorable and persistent. He seems to be mad at the world.

2.0
4.0
ENG401
Oct 21, 2008

I liked him in the beginning, but he's proved to me that I cannot learn this subject matter unless I learn it myself. He talks way to fast, is ALL over the place and be prepared - all quizes/exams are short answer and worth 100 points! Be prepared if you have him!

3.0
5.0
ENGLIT
Feb 19, 2009

DO everything the way he says. Dont question what he says. Gives easy points for just doing simple reading checks. All tests are essay, if you dont put exactly what he was looking for you will not get above a "C" Interesting class, he has a lot of interesting things to say, but he makes it very hard to get a good grade.

4.0
3.0
ENG401
Oct 4, 2009

Dr. Burns is out there, but he is very into what he teaches. He makes it easy enough to do well, just don't go against him and don't get on his bad side. If you don't question the system you can do just fine, but you have to check your ego at the door.

3.0
4.0
ENG120
Jan 20, 2010

He goes off on random tangents but gets his point across. He pushes your limits in English.

1.0
4.0
PHL301
Apr 12, 2010

I would not suggest taking him for ethics. He told me I was "partially right" on my OPINION. He does not let you state your opinions, his are the only right ones. His tests are all essay and extremely difficult. He tells you one thing and the answer is different on the test. He thinks he knows all about philosophy/ethics but he does not. DON'T TAKE

1.0
4.0
ENG3000
Nov 7, 2011

He was horrible

2.0
4.0
ENG02
Dec 19, 2011

Do not recommend Burns. He is all over the place, is not consistent with his grading system and often goes on chaotic tangents during class. If I knew then what I know now, I would have taken Phillips or Hughes. Who are much better professors.

2.0
1.0
ENG1200
Apr 30, 2013

Had him my freshman year, attendance takes up the first half of the class with questions like “what is your favorite color” or “what is your favorite sport”. He left the room once and a student climbed out the window. He also went like two weeks without showing up. Not sure what to think of this professor..definitely interesting.

1.0
5.0
ENG4010
May 13, 2014

He was awful grades however he wants with no system if he doesnt like you he will fail you no matter what and use false attendence to make sure you dont complain

5.0
1.0
PHILOSOPHY
Grade: A+
Sep 15, 2015

Dr. Burns is one of a kind. He is a professor, who is very passionate and engaging. He truly lives out his profession as a teacher, and to make the classes more than interesting. He is fairly easy with grading. As long as you stick to his "format" when doing the expected homework, you should be fine! Also, participate in every class.

2.0
3.0
ENG4010
Dec 23, 2015

I found him to be all over the place in lectures. He would talk about one subject and all the sudden he's on a completely different subject talking about cats. Takes attendance every day and if you are not prepared for class he flips a lid. Too eccentric to teach on my opinion. His way or the highway.

5.0
1.0
ENG385
Grade: A+
Jan 11, 2016

Dr. Jamie Burns is the best professor you can have. He is the most interesting and most engaging professor you could ever ask for. Just follow his format and you should be fine. Stop being a slacker, stop writing your paper 2 hours before its due and maybe you get a decent grade you slob...

1.0
5.0
ENG4010
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 9, 2016

Grading is inconstant, would get perfect scores on my speeches and then fail the exams. Would answer his questions on the exam straight out of the book and would still get marked wrong. He is also the head of the department so there is no one to complain to. Overall the worst class I've had at Northwood!

2.0
4.0
ENG4010
Grade: C+
May 30, 2016
Wouldn't take again

He grades based on if you agree with his opinion. You can have the same answer as someone else and get a D while the student gets an A so definitely get on his good side! Be prepared for roll call to last 30 minutes every class.

2.0
4.0
ENG4010
Grade: B
Dec 12, 2016
Wouldn't take again

very unclear and confused during class. Hard to follow. Cant recommend

Get ready to read
TEST HEAVY
5.0
3.0
ENG02
Grade: B+
Dec 22, 2016
Would take again

One of the nicest professors I've met. A bit absent-minded but I enjoyed the class

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
5.0
3.0
ENG401
Grade: B
Dec 22, 2016
Would take again

he's a bit disorganized so it takes some adjustment, after his stuff

Get ready to read
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Caring
4.0
4.0
ENG222
Grade: B-
Dec 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

it's hard until you figure out what he wants from you, my advice is to talk to him early in the semester if your grades drop

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
ENG4010
Nov 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Exams are extremely hard to pass. If you copy from the book he will still fail you. If you get on his bad side you wont even know why he just picks you out for no good reason. After that happens you fail the course.

Tough Grader
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
ENG4010
May 2, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This professor is stuck inside his own head. I WOULD NOT recommend. The most scatter brained person I have ever met. He is head of his department. His grading makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE WHAT SO EVER. If there is any other professor available, TAKE THEM.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
1.0
ENG4010
Grade: A-
Mar 27, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Every time I leave this class, I ask my self "What on earth was that". He is absolutely insane, and I have no Idea what he is ever talking about. If you were to transcribe one of his lectures, and compare it to the drunken, incoherent ramblings of a homeless man on the streets of Chicago, you would be unable to tell a difference. Avoid at all costs

Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ECN410
Grade: C
Dec 31, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Burns is all over the place, and has real trouble clearly defining one subject point before rambling onto the next. The questions he asked seemed to be open ended with no exact answer, but no matter your answer its just not close enough. Don't get on his bad side, and don't use pencil. He will mark you down.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
ENG4010
Grade: A
May 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This man is truly something else. His class is literally 3 exams, a final, and a couple of short speeches. He is very opinionated, and if you do not agree with him, run away fast because you'll fail. The way he grades makes absolutely no sense. Exams are not hard, as long as you just write down EVERY WORD HE SAYS. Most insane teacher I've ever had.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
ENG222
Grade: A
Mar 7, 2023
Would take again

Wow I have never in my life seen a more passionate professor than Dr Burns. I enjoyed his teachings, and lectures very much, especially when he could focus the entire class on a single sentence, and the meanings behind it. You will figure out easy on how he grades. He is a very good professor!

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Caring
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

31%

Textbook Required

80%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

89% confidence
Based on 13 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (3)
C (2)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(5)B(3)C(3)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 14 reported grades
A+: 3
C: 2
B: 2
A: 2
Common Tags
Get ready to read (6)
Tough Grader (4)
Tough grader (3)
Participation matters (2)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (2)
Caring (2)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
Graded by few things (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.10 avg change
Nov
May
Mar
Dec
May
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HUM101

5.0

(1)

ENG223

5.0

(1)

ENG122123ET

5.0

(1)

PHL101

5.0

(1)

ENGSECT

5.0

(1)
+24 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PHL101

5.0

ENG360

5.0

ENGLIT

5.0

ENG223

4.0

ENG101

4.0

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