Always teaches interesting courses, very fair in grading.

very good lecturer. intelligent, however, at times he wants to make sure everyone knows how smart he is. i recommend him to anyone who desires to work hard and not be bored out of their minds during the class.

I used to read a book a day, you can read 3. Mike Birdwell

The best class that I have ever had. I was so proud of my A in there. He is very smart, and likes student particpation. I heard he was hard in lower division. But just be sure to turn your cell phones down. He does not like cell phones.

Great professor and a faboulous mullet!

Very intelligent, knows his stuff. Do not do papers on Alvin C. York...he's an expert. A joy for a professor...actually cares about his students. His mullet rocks!

The class was hard, but I learned a lot!

Great guy who loves what he does. Very smart and knows his stuff! Don't question him. I got an A in his class and have never felt so good about it. I felt like I had really accomplished something.

Birdwell is one of the smartest History professors on campus, and if you apperciate a fair assesment of history, you will really enjoy his class-STUDY!

Rockin' the Mullet

Dr. Birdwell is incredible. He knows so much about what he teaches and makes it interesting and humorous. He's really hard, but if you study and work hard, he grades fairly enough to where you can do well.

Is he easy? Absolutely not. Is he fair and is his class one of the most interesting history classes available? YES. Birdwell knows his stuff, and he is one of the better historians around. Take his class if you want to learn.

Birdwell knows his stuff. Everytime I go to class I feel like it is story time. He is a good teacher, but his tests are not that easy.

hard as anything. if you want to learn everything there is to know about everything on earth...take him! it's HIS version of history...in other words, not from facts...

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He is super hard, but totally cool. He is an expert (he's even on the history channel!) and very interesting. Don't let your cell phone ring during class though. You'll never earn his respect back if you do!

If you want history to be interesting, take Birdwell. He's not easy, but if you study and pay attention, you'll do fine. Never be late, don't fall asleep, and don't let your cel phone ring. Go to class - he'll notice and it'll pay off in the end.

He is fun.If you want to know anything about anything he's the man.Funny and easy to talk too.I recommend his class.

Great professor! Gives a fair assessment of history. He's challenging but fair at the same time. Probably the best teacher I've ever had. I recommend him. He teaches what he feels is important for students to know! Best A I've ever gotten!

He was cool

Interesting, and you get more than just the facts...

Author, Curator of York papers, appearances on A&E, History channel, others. helps to email him questions outside of class. NO cells, food, drinks, or sleeping. If late to class, don't come.

Interesting.If you pay attention and atleast act like you care about the class,you will get a a descent grade.Attendance and particpation are a significant part of grade. Take good notes. He will tell you what will be covered on the tests.Good Class.

very intelligent knows lots about what he is teaching, but its hard to keep up with. tests are difficult, requires lots of studing and memorization, often of things you did not get written down in time, because he was going so fast. But the class is fun!

Most studying I've ever done for a single class, but it is pure regurgitation. Missed class a lot to be in a CMT special on Mooshining.

A brilliant lecturer; a lot of attitude, very blunt and holds nothing back. Relates material very well. If you hate history, I don't recommend him. If you're interested in learning, Birdwell is your guy.

great teacher

I find to make good grades in his class, one must show up, pay attention, do the assigned readings and study. It is simple. Dr. B is always open minded and ready to help anyone. Talking to a teacher and getting to know them before mouthing off is always the best thing.

He knows his stuff. Very smart man. Every class feels like story time. That is a good thing. You must go to class and take good notes to study for the test.

Excellent professor. Throws some emotion into his lectures to make them interesting and easy to pay attention to, especially for a 3 hour class. Not an easy A though. Study, and NEVER bring your cellphone to class. Trust me on that.

Birdwell is awesome, one of TTU's best instructors. Do NOT take his class if you hate reading. Be on time, don't sleep or talk in class -- he has a tendency to blow up over nothing. Scares people on the first day, but the class gets easier. Avoid if you're sensitive to vulgarity and swearing.

This is the best history teacher I ever had. His tests are difficult but his lectures are very interesting....and if you buy him a beer once in while, he'll be your friend.

Difficult on tests, but very interesting in class makes the material easier to learn

Dr. Birdwell is knowledgable in all the subjects he teaches, he's entertaining, and fairly accessable to his students. If you're lazy or close-minded don't waste your time or his - take an easier professor. If you're willing to work hard and realize there's actually life outside the US then you'll do well under him. Also, he's a real hottie!

Interesting, VERY interesting. Test aren't too hard, and class is great, IF YOU WANT TO LEARN. Some just want a good grade given, but he will not do this. Fair, HONEST, and highly recommended by me and other students who actually come to school to learn.

Very knowledgable. Talks a lot and does not write many things on the board. Learn to write very fast and very much. Tough in the beginning, but gets a little more lax toward the end. Want to have students that want to learn. Difficult tests that require a lot of study time.

Working on my 2nd degree. Birdwell puts a lot of effort into teaching and expects a lot from students. Writing and reseaching a 20 to 35 page report takes time and effort. After the first class I would have been happy with a C, made an A. Learned more history in one class than 4 previous history classes I have taken combined. You will learn.

This man does exactly what he's paid to do - he TEACHES you. Every class is interesting and full of energy (and cynicism - but it's not unwarranted). HATES disrespectful behaviors (tardiness, cell phones, etc.) If you want to learn, he's your guy. Got an A without an unreasonable effort - just do the reading and try to actually THINK about it.

To all those whining about having to read (non-textbook) books for a class, or how hard Birdie is - I'm sorry you lazy freshmen don't want to actually learn. Birdwell is quite possibly the best professor at TTU. He's a hardass, prone to vulgarity, and a demon about cell phones. He's entertaining and emotional about his subject. Must take.

Dr. Birdwell can be intimidating at first, but he is actually a very sensitive individual. My fear for each test was present, but unfounded. As long as you are a decent writer and study one or two hours for each test, you can make an A in his class. The quizzes are hard to pass, but they are a very small part of your overall grade. Recommended.

Great professor. Really knows his stuff when it comes to teaching about history. He makes everything he talks about interesting. He does grade really hard on tests, & if you were in World Civ. II, you know how hard the current events quizzes were. But this was only a small percent of your grade. Overall though, he is great guy to learn from.

Outstanding! He has an extraordinary mind, and the passion to share it with those who want to listen. I thoroughly enjoyed every class along with the few historical novels assigned. As mentioned by someone else, the best professor on campus. Not exactly sure why he is at TN Tech, but I for one am thankful

If you have a TR class, just be prepared to have a 50+ question test on the second day of class. I added him late, and he had no sympathy whatsoever. He's not intimidating.. just an _ _ _ [you fill in the blank].

If you take Birdie, bear in mind the following: TURN OFF YOUR PHONE, take good notes, read the books assigned-highlighting important facts, and show up on time every day. If you do that, then you will succeed. His tests are challenging, but contain all material that was covered. Also, be able to write effective essays. Birdie rocks.

Splendid. Grades low on the first exam to weed out lazy students. No phones allowed [if you can imagine 3 hours/wk without it]. Talks in detail to interest others, but only tests on the big picture and definitions. No dates necessary, but it is important to know the era [afterall, it is history]. Read Oddly Enough news on Reuters every day.

Dr. Birdwell is probably the most knowledgeable man I've ever come in contact with. He is brilliant, but can be abrasive at times. Though, Overall he is a wonderful teacher and so much can be gained from taking any of his classes.

Class is easy,pay attention,take notes if you are forgetful. His exams are easy,very general which allows you to voice your opinion of the subject matter.you MUST read the books he assigns.I got a B because i didnt read one book. Overall,a good storyteller,he can be abrasive/use expletives but funny

Birdwell is a really good story teller and makes history interesting. There are two things you have to do pass his class: 1) show up and pay attention and 2) READ THE BOOKS! As long as you do those two things the class is a piece of cake. He actually had me interested in class and I hate history.

Don't listen to the comments below. The first day he does come in acting angry to weed out bad students. But he's a great professor and I learned a lot. There is a lot of reading, but that's what you are here for. I recommend this man's class. (And by the end of the year he talked to me and was very friendly)

Having just finished the class, the main problem is that you have no idea what your average is during the semester because he never gives back the quiz. The material is not that difficult, but I would not recommend taking him if you're not a history major, take western civ. AND TURN OFF YOUR &#*$ CELL PHONES!!!

Dr. Birdwell is an amazing teacher! He was always helpful and ready to answer any questions I had. Basically, BE RESPECTFUL!! You are there to learn!! And if you are smart and pay attention, you will find a new appreciation for history and absorb tons of knowledge! No one tells it like Birdwell! He is a wonderful dear man!!!

I had Dr.Birdwell as my history teacher I know twice maybe more.And I did enjoy him as my instructor. He gave us the backstory of history :) It has been awhile since I was in Cookeville and I miss you Dr. Birdwell. You are very much a talented artist too :D

I'll be the first to admit that he definitely wants you, as a student, to learn and he cares. He will help you with any question you have. BUT I've alreay found that many of the things he says aren't true. He pretty much gives you his own version of history, not what actually happened all the time.

Heavy lecture lessons, talks very quickly and you need to write down everything he says. Tests are split between lecture and books that are meant to cover things not covered in lecture.

He is passionate about History and this shows. He gives 100% and expects the same from his students. Although, he is strict about pay attention and attendance, he wants you to learn history. If you want an Easy A don't take Dr. Birdwell, but if you are a serious student and really want to learn, take birdie.

Very good professor, just be sure to be on time, turn OFF your cell phone, and read the books. He will try to scare the weak off on the first day, but tough it out and you will find that the rest of the semester is very worthwhile. Some facts seem off though, so I recommend checking online on certain things that don't sound correct.

Dr. Birdwell is very strict on attendance and absolutely no cell phones in class. Not sure that every thing he says is 100% true, but very interesting. His tests are difficult because there are uncovered material questions. READ THE BOOKS! I had to miss a few days due to my health and he was understanding and worked with me.

Dr. Birdwell is definitely a unique person.Attendance is mandatory. His lectures are long and intense so pay attention and write everything you can down. He will call you out in front of the class and kick you out if you're not paying attention. He's tough but you'll learn your history. Take him.

Birdwell is a nationally-known historian. He makes history very personal, and very intense. He talks about really heavy stuff, and isn't afraid of trampling on your worldview; he tells it like it is. ATTENDANCE IS MANDATORY, as is reading the books; you cannot hope to get a good grade without reading. And for the love of God, TURN OFF YOUR PHONE.

Dr. Birdwell is a very dependable professor. He will answer questions, and he will remember if you pay attention or not. He can spot a cell phone a million miles away, but with the passion that he teaches with, the desire to use a cell phone disappears. This is the professor to have on your side. Best reference ever!

There are certain things you have to do in this class. 1. NO CELLPHONES. 2. Read the material. If you don't you will pay. 3. Take notes. I've learned a computer is best, and he expects you to remember everything. He's very intense, but his passion for history shows, and if you do the work you'll enjoy the class. NOT an easy A.

Birdwell comes off as very stern, but the more you sit through his class the more he seems to open up. His impressions and opinions are hilarious. He knows his stuff, and it shows. Read, read, read! If you don't you will not pass the class. Tests are multiple choice, half bookhalf lecture. I worked hard for my grade but I learned a lot.

Dr. Birdwell expects you to work for your grade. This class is not easy, you will have to study and there is a lengthy paper due 3/4 of the way into the semester. Some of the best lectures I've ever sat through, however. He is incredibly knowledgeable is his field. Be respectful, show up on time, pay attention in class and you'll be fine.

He's honestly a pretty cool guy. As long as you attend class and read the required material, you will pass. Personally, I loved the class, and I hope you will too :)

Great teacher who makes learning history fun

He isnt as bad as everyone says, just pay attention & lay low. Takes role every day. Birdwell is funny at times but also takes somethings very serious (like cellphones DO NOT let yours go off or you get kicked out for the day) . His tests are taken straight from the lectures, ilearn readings, and 4 books he assigns so you know how to prepare.

Birdwell is the Gregory House of History. YES, he is tough, but well worth it. Funny that - given how important research & sourcing are to history as a practice - so many on here contend that he tells false stories or other accusations with 0% sources or examples provided to back up their claims! Birdie will work with you if you put in the effort!