2.7
Quality3.9
Difficulty32%
Would Retake90
Reviews32%
Would Retake
90
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
90 total ratings5
16
4
14
3
19
2
21
1
20
What Students Say
“He knows way too much that it's hard for him to relate to the students”
HIST203 - 2.0 rating“All you find out is your final grade in the class”
HIST203 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
49%
Textbook Required
14%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.48 avg changeRatings by Course
HIST100
5.0
(1)HIST450
5.0
(1)HIST333
5.0
(2)HIST382
5.0
(1)HIS382
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HIST101
4.2
HIST450
4.0
ENGL203
4.0
HIST349
4.0
HISTORY203
4.0
Reviews (89)
Nice teacher easy to get along with but tough to understand alot of the times but test easy to understand papers easy to write.
fun, knowledgeable, interesting, and always willing to explain. be prepared for the WORLDS LONGEST SYLLABUS.
Is extremely smart. Is also extremely funny when the mood strikes him. Is impressed with students who choose own topics for papers or take them in a different direction than the norm. Likes the papers and tests to be supported with facts...no b/s. Be prepared to explain any statements or arguements.
No Comments
No Comments
hard to understand
He is a pretty good teacher, though I didn't really like him. You really need to know your stuff in this class. He hates answers that he doesn't agree with. He can be funny at times, he can also be a real ****. Lectures are boring as hell, but you have to go because he gives points just for coming to class. Lots of reading.Test's not too difficult
didn't give any feedback to anyone
Can appear to be a real jerk but he just has really high expectations. If you don't read the textbooks or participate in class you will fail. He doesn't let students off the hook, if have an opinion be prepared to back it up with facts! I found him incredibly dificult but very fair.
He is very knowlegdable and really knows his stuff. if you don't like to work then you shouldn't be in this class because you do have to read the book to pass; you can't just pass on your good looks no matter how hot you are. P.S. his handwriting can be a little hard to understand, my advice? just guess :)
stear clear of this teacher he's a bad.. he teaches concepts and what people were like not events significant to history of our ancestry. worthless teacher of history 101
He really challenges you to think and support your arguments, instead of just spewing names and dates at you. I never wanted to miss his class because the discussions were so intersting! If your seriouse about history I would definetely take him. If you don't like history and don't like thinking, you'll probably hate him.
If you listen in class and take notes, he's a good teacher. I participate every day and he knows my name and often says "hello" when he sees me. NOTE: dont get discouraged when you see your test scores (they average a D), he curves the final grade at the end of the semester based on your class participation and attendance.
Test Grades average a D because this Prof. can't explain anything. Most test questions are open ended questions with only one right answer. Avoid this Professor if you can. Otherwise your GPA will suffer.
Test Grades average a D because this Prof. can't explain anything. Most test questions are open ended questions with only one right answer. Avoid this Professor if you can. Otherwise your GPA will suffer.
Not very good at actually educating students.
HILARIOUS and aweesome
i have learned a lot from him - you have to like history to enjoy his classes
Even if you like History he still sucks. Tests are impossible because all the answers are somewhat correct, but you have to pick the best one, or more like the one he thinks is best. Avoid him if you can.
What a joke. This Professor is terrible. Hevlikes to play favorites. You'll find out who they are in the first week or two. I'm guessing most of his favorites in class are the same ones that rate him highly on here. If you aren't a favorite than good luck. His tests are also incredibly hard. I took him for both 101 & 203 and they sucked.
He is a really nice and funny guy. He has high expectations. The class is very interesting but the tests are hard. Make sure you do every assigned reading.
Get out while you have the chance! All his students get C's, D's, and F's. Tests don't cover the material at all. TERRIBLE!!
very good
the best professor that i have ever had
I am a type A person so I went to every lecture and studied for his tests weeks ahead of time but still got bad grades on the exams. The material he covers during lecture is no where near the material you need to know for the exams. Yes, he is a funny guy and makes the lectures interesting but avoid him if you are looking for an easy A
if you can stand his bias and his accent you'll probably do well. don't bother to correct him when he is clearly wrong. overall, i'd say take a different class.
I have taken his classes 4 times simply because he is the smartest teacher I know. He makes class interesting and I always learn something that I carry with me to this day. Don't take him if you are sensetive and sheltered. He is also very understanding. Nicest teacher and easy to joke around with
Very smart man, very hard to understand due to accent and his writing is terrible. He knows what he is talking about but he is very biased and it is not an easy A. You have to study for tests, read the book, and things he says in are on the test.
hard class without reading the book, and the book is very hard to read. you are expected to have an opinion on every event and be able to analyze everything. I highly enjoy history, and would have loved to learn this stuff in a different way.
Wants participation but is very agressive and will make sure you know how wrong you are. Very intelligent, just not the best teacher.
He is difficult to understand when he gets excited or agitated. But his class is interesting and inspiring. He is a good teacher and a decent individual.
I've had at least 6 classes with KP, don't be afraid of him. He challenges you and wants you to think at a higher level, his tests are hard but he curves all of them. If you do the reading and go to class you will learn not only a lot of content but higher level thinking and analysis skills. Don't be afraid of him, he's a nice guy. Good luck!!!
He is by far my favorite professor, 3 classes later. Dr. Petkov pushes you to think critically about the topic and be able to defend your argument. His classes are text book heavy but if you read what is assigned then you should have no real problem. Tests in his upper electives are all essay with questions submitted by students in the class.
He is hard to understand sometimes. There are 4 multiple choice tests and then the final, one other homework assignment that is involved with the reading and its pretty easy. Tests are very hard if you do not study, he puts a couple of right answers in the multiple choices and you have to choose the best one. Pushes students to do well.
Challenging professor. Tests are hard because most questions have all correct answers where you have to choose the BEST one rather than just the correct one. Curves grades at end. Stressful class as highest tests grades are usually C's. Entertaining professor, just hard.
A little hard to understand with the accent, but a great teacher. Tests require you to think. Read the book, and study for the tests and you should do fine. Doesn't curve grades at the end of the semester, but curves a little differently, but to your benefit. Powerpoints on Mon/Wed,textbook discussion on Fri.
He really knows what he's talking about, but is a very hard professor! Attendance not mandatory, but attend if you know what's good for you. Reading the book will definitely help you, and be prepared to go in depth about topics and give in depth opinions about areas. Wouldn't recommend for those looking for an easy Gen Ed.
you gotta participate. thats what he wants, when i took his class, every friday we had a discussion and only 2 or 3 people talked, and only half of the class even showed up. I learned a lot because i participated and that helped my grade a lot
As a History Major set to graduate soon, the level of critical and analytical thinking expected of students is unrealistic. Passing his tests are an achievement! His tests require one to select which answer is most correct--yes, I said MOST correct, not which one is correct. But of course Dr. Petkov is erudite in Philosophy, so go figure. AVOID!
The only professor more difficult than Dr. Bergland. This professor shouldn't even be teaching History. His method of "teaching," which consists of scaring students and making them feel stupid in any way he can, is deplorable. For history/non-history majors who have to take this class, TAKE IT WITH A DIFFERENT PROFESSOR! You have been forwarned!
Hybrid course, half in class, half online. I didn't like that, I would rather have it one or the other. I like Petkov but he is hyper and almost too smart to teach, and he seems bored of it at times. He is demanding, coming to class unread could be trouble. I suggest sitting in the back of the room.
Petkov's class at first is very difficult. His accent takes some getting use to. If you do not completely know an answer don't answer. He is not afraid to tell you how wrong and dumb you are. Still read your book and learn to give the answers that he wants and you will do fine. Take notes more on want he says than the power points. Hard but do-able
Hands down one of the best professors I have ever had. I hated history and am now thinking of making it my minor. He puts history into modern context so you can really grasp the information. Excellent lectures, a TON of reading, not a class to coast through but if you put some effort into it you will pull a decent grade.
Pros: Petkov is a character. He is a pretty funny guy. He also really knows the material Cons: The tests are very difficult. You need to select the "most right" answer and it is practically impossible to do well on the tests without reading the 20-40 pages outside of class every week. In discussions he shoots people down and he intimidated me.
He has an accent that honestly took me about a month to grasp which is why I found the class so hard, but once I got that it got easier. You read a chapter in the textbook each week. He lectures on MondayWednesday and a class discussion every Friday. Do the debates! They will help you. Also make sure that he knows your name. It's a must.
Good guy just tough on grading.
Petkov is an amazing professor, but not in the way that he's easy to outsmart. He knows student tricks, and he wants his students to learn. His tests make you think and a very challenging, but the coursework is interesting, and Petkov's standards are well understood.
Petkov is a great guy personally and you can tell that he has such a passion for history that sometimes it can feel like he's attacking you if you answer a question wrong or not to his level, but all he's trying to do it get you to explain your reasoning more. It doesn't mean that you are wrong, he just wants you to be educated about your points.
Professor Petkov, Attendance doesn't matter, it's on you. He knows what he's talking about and really wants his students to participant even though he may be a bit tough. He appreciates the efforts and his syllabus is clear cut and he also sticks to it! Lectures Mondays, discuss Wednesdays and Fridays. Overall, he is a great professor!
He loved nothing more then to yell at the class for not participating in discussions, but then tell them how stupid they are when they try to give their opinion.
Overall, not a bad guy, especially if you make an effort to talk to him. Sometimes feels like he is pressuring students when they try to answer questions but I believe he really tries to get you to think about what you're saying. Tests are difficult but manageable and participation is everything. Read the text book.
Professor Petkov is such a great teacher. I took him for an online course and I had family issues pop up, and he was completely understanding and helpful in every way! Such a caring professor! I would take his class again if need be!
I honestly don't know why they (the university) still allows him to continue teaching. I have NEVER seen a teacher treat his students as poorly has he treats his. He NEVER is satisfied with a students answer, and continues to ridicule them in front of the whole class. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.
Prof. Petkov is extremely intelligent in his field and he shows it. He's memorized absolutely everything he teaches. The result of this is that he expects perfection from his students. He is a tough grader due to his high expectations. You'll learn so much from him and he truly does care about his students but you'll need to put in the effort.
He was very knowledgeable about Mediterranean history and extremely passionate but is very hard to understand. He knows way too much that it's hard for him to relate to the students. He is not afraid to tell you that you're wrong and basically make you look like an idiot. He wants participation but it is so intimidating to even speak.
The only problem is during class discussions he only expects ONE answer to a question- if you have a thought that is even a little bit different than his, you're wrong. Screwed over my GPA, didn't even give out letter grades for participation, final essay, and final exam. All you find out is your final grade in the class. Nice person otherwise.
There are few options to bring up your grade if you bomb a test. His tests are hard and there is no room for "generality speaking". You must be specific because he really only wants one single answer. However, he is very knowledgeable in his area and memorizes almost his whole lecture. He is also pretty funny and knows when to joke around.
I had him for my Study Abroad in Italy over J-Term and I couldnt imagine anyone more qualified for the job. He is extremely knowledgeable and kind, and if you take time to talk to him one on one he opens up and is very friendly.
A great teacher. Incredibly intelligent, probably the most knowledgeable teacher I've encountered. He also is very caring about his students. Some people say he is intimidating or he yells at you in discussions but he just wants you to know what you're talking about. I would definitely take a class with him again.
Everyone says he's intimidating, but he just wants people to contribute to the discussions. However, when he would get angry my anxiety would go through the roof. If you just participate though, he can be fun and very kind. He is extremely knowledgeable about history and it shows in his lectures. He is also understanding and will help you out.
Love him
Intimidated is the best way to describe my experience. He loves participation BUT, if you raise your hand and he is not satisfied with the answer he is not afraid to call you out, tell you you're are wrong, or ask you a question back. He only grades the midterm, final, an essay, and participation. Only take the class if you like a challenge.
DO NOT TAKE HIM. Tests are impossible and that's all your grade counts on. Unless you're a genius then go ahead but holy this class was horrible and it was just a 101 class with him. Terrible.
Very confused by this professor. I took his class once before, and got C's on all 3 tests (the only thing in the grade book, which he didn't put in all semester) and I got random EC points and ended with an A. But I took his class this semester, again the entire semester with no grade, and then randomly gives me a C? Grading makes zero sense.
I absolutely hated the way he runs his classes. For a 100 level class it is not what a 100 level class should be. It is only graded on 4 exams and a final. The exams are based on the book and he does NOT provide any study guide. I went to his office and he tried to help me out. He is a nice guy to you if you participate in discussions.
DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!! He is very knowledgeable about history that he forgets that we are students learning the subject. He just reads the power point and you are done for the day. You are only graded on tests. better be a good test taker if you are going to take him. don't take him. he will discourage from majoring history.
Kiril Petkov is a nice and understanding professor however, he has a thick accent which made it extremely hard for me to understand and follow along. He flies by his presentation and they are pretty heavy with info so it's hard to follow that as well as listen to him lecture. This class made me feel frustrated, would not take the professor again.
The lectures are podcasts which he posted on canvas. The quiz questions are difficult which are taken from both the podcasts and textbooks. The difficult questions are mind-boggling difficult as they were not straight to the point. Essays are good ways to improve grades.
Took this thinking it would be fun and that I'd actually learn something. Not the case, I barely understand anything that he "teaches" which makes the weekly quizzes nearly impossible to get a 100% on. I've had to wing it on the tests because I don't understand anything. If it was a life or death situation, I'd rather die than take this again.
You are completely graded on tests that are extremely difficult, there is no homework in this class. He lectures the entire time and in discussion if you participate and do not say exactly what he is thinking, he will make you seem like a complete idiot. Participation is worth 20% of your grade.
Unlike many, I have actually enjoyed Professor Petkov's class. He has very difficult quizzes but if you listen closely during lectures the answers are all there. For papers, he doesn't grade too tough and gives very nice feedback in a very timely manner. He graded one of my essays only two hours after I submitted it!
A very fun class with a very funny professor. His grading scale gave you plenty of room for error as a 60% was still a B. The class is entirely based on multiple choice tests, so doing bad is actually pretty difficult. Fun subjects, fun discussions, easy class and a great professor. Highly recommended.
He is very cocky, and rude, he expects you to already know the info he's teaching. There is no homework and only has tests that are super hard. If you aren't great at tests I wouldn't suggest him
This class is extremely hard to do well in. Professor Petkov only grades you on four quizzes and a final exam. The multiple choice quizzes are graded on the most correct answer. Studying for this class really gets you no where. If you ask a question or contribute to the discussion he oftentimes judges you and immediately shuts down your answers.
Dr. Petkov gives interesting perspectives in his class and clearly outlines why the things that we learn are important. He has a clear goal for the students to achieve and hold them to high expectations which I think drives participation in the class. Also, his daily greeting was fantastic and he usually maintains an upbeat attitude for teaching.
One of the worst professors I have ever had. A horrible lecturer, does not accept questions well and leaves a lot of students in the dust when it comes to prior knowledge.
The class was interesting and all, but during the discussion periods he interrupts people constantly and never let's them finish their thoughts or questions. Extremely difficult to study for tests as his wording never makes sense. He also never says anything about assignments on canvas so many times you get a zero because it's incomplete.
The class was really interesting, participation was mandatory. I and this other student in the class sorta carried the class for speaking (more the other person than me). He only grades on papers, exams, & participation. There is quite a lot of reading to do. If you're prepared to read every other day for this class, take it. He's a good teacher.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!! Your graded on 4 tests that are all multiple choice, with terrible questions, except the final which is an essay. Petkov is very opinionated and the statements he makes are questionable. However, he's got great fashion sense. If you do not participate or read the book... good luck. If you don't go to lecture, your lost.
He is hard to understand and the quiz questions are very poor written. You also can not see what you got wrong so the multiple attempts for the quizzes is not helpful. There are also five exams not including the final exam where you need to write two essays.
The rudest professor I have ever had. His assignments aren't hard, but he doesn't explain or give any direction even when prompted. I attended both office hours and asked questions in class, and not only was I constantly brushed off, but he was extremely abrasive. I wasn't the target of his impudence in class, but it was obvious. He humiliated ppl
Bad professor, tests are very hard and unclear.
Tough professor and could be abrasive or critical at times, but he seems to truly care about developing/exchanging ideas/beliefs. He gave all the help you needed if you showed up to class and participated in the class discussions. I did not read the textbook much, but I was still able to gather all the information I needed from his lectures.
Took this class for my fine arts requirement and was sorely disappointed. 0 historical events were discussed, so this is a borderline sociology course. The professor is very opinionated, so you are really just learning his opinions on the subject. Makes questionable statements and is rude and almost tries to gaslight ppl when they correct him.
Not a very difficult course, but it is by no means a history course. 0 historical events or facts were discussed, more sociological concepts, and the opinions of the teacher. During discussions, he doesn't accept any opinions that don't echo his own, and makes questionable statements and almost tries to gaslight people when they question him.
Class was interesting, things discussed in class were definitly things the professor was more interested in. If you pay attention and take good notes textbook readings might not be necessary, unless it is a part of a Friday discussion, then you should read. Makes answering questions feel like a punishment
I would avoid this professor if possible and take a different class. He never lets his students finish a sentence, he will always interrupt you. Answering questions in his class feels like a punishment and he almost belittles you no matter if your answer is good or bad. He is VERY opinionated.The whole class relies on pretty much 4 MCQ tests.
Quite rude to students. Your whole grade relies on 4 MCQ test that are very hard to study for. I would avoid him if you could. This is barely a history class and I would consider it more of a sociology class. I took it for my fine arts and now it has affected my GPA.
For this class, Dr. Petkov is an interesting professor. He is very very knowledgeable on his subject matter, which is something that becomes clear from day one. He also gives constructive feedback on the few assignments he does. With that in mind though, his class is very lecture heavy and the weekly readings can be anywhere from 20-50 pages.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
49%
Textbook Required
14%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.48 avg changeRatings by Course
HIST100
5.0
(1)HIST450
5.0
(1)HIST333
5.0
(2)HIST382
5.0
(1)HIS382
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
HIST101
4.2
HIST450
4.0
ENGL203
4.0
HIST349
4.0
HISTORY203
4.0