3.7

Michael Burke

History - Montclair State University

3.7
Quality
2.1
Difficulty
88%
Would Retake
88
Reviews
3.7
Quality
2.1
Difficulty
3.4
Helpful
3.9
Clarity

88%

Would Retake

88

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

32

4

26

3

20

2

6

1

4

What Students Say

The exams are alright but they do require time studying

HIST117 - 4.0 rating

Very boring class, very boring teacher

HIST103 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

75%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 20 grades
Most common grades:
A (9)
A- (4)
A+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(12)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 23 reported grades
A: 9
A-: 4
A+: 3
B+: 3
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (12)
Clear grading criteria (8)
Get ready to read (5)
Respected (4)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Lots of homework (4)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (3)
Tough grader (3)
Rating Trend

Improving

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HIST116

5.0

(1)

HIST106

5.0

(2)

USHISTORY

4.7

(3)

HIST101

4.7

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HIST

4.3

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Difficulty by Course

HIST100

4.0

101

3.0

HIST103

3.0

HISTORY

2.7

HISTORYTO1877

2.5

Reviews (88)
1.0
3.0
HIST103
Apr 18, 2003

Very boring class, very boring teacher!!!

1.0
3.0
HIST103
May 20, 2003

Very boring class. His lectures put you to sleep cuz all he does is talk but you do get your essay questions before the test

5.0
3.0
HISTORY
Oct 31, 2003

I liked the class. it was interesting and he stayed on the topic...

5.0
2.0
HIST118
Nov 11, 2003

Professor Burke is easy on the eyes. His class is a GER, so i didnt expect a difficult course. If you want to learn about our nation's history and look at a hottie, take Prof Burke.

2.0
1.0
HIST108
Nov 21, 2003

This guy is a meathead. Very easy class, he regurgitates the readings and doesn't even do that well.

5.0
1.0
HIST118
Nov 21, 2003

Relatively easy class, mostly regurgitating the book (but thats history--you cant really change it up). Definintely easy on the eyes and at least he asks for feedback from the class (and threatens quizzes if no one speaks!).

5.0
2.0
HIST118
Dec 9, 2003

He repeats the readings. His exams are easy if you just read and go over the essay questions. You will do fine as long as you read and go to class.

2.0
3.0
HISTORY
Dec 19, 2003

That class was so boring I wanted to die but boy was the professor sexy...thats the only reason i went to class...lol..

5.0
2.0
HIST118
Dec 19, 2003

Course wasn't bad at all. Can't complain because he gave all the essay questions before the exams. He was a hottie for sure!

5.0
2.0
HIST
Dec 24, 2003

Nice guy, incredibly hot. Class was nice and easy but a little too much group work for my taste.

4.0
1.0
HIST
Feb 18, 2004

Yes, i agree...class is boring, but history's pretty boring no matter wut kinda class it is...But yes burke's a hottie

4.0
3.0
HIST118
Grade: A
Apr 2, 2004

class is very boring but tests are very easy. gives you essay questions for the test. but yes he is definetly a hottie

2.0
2.0
HIST118
Apr 16, 2004

Meathead...Bring a pillow...most borring history class I've taken as a history major. History can be very interesting, but not when your just puking up the readings which you have done for homework. Tests are easy.

3.0
1.0
HIS
Jun 5, 2004

pretty easy, clear

5.0
1.0
HIST108
Aug 13, 2004

Read the text and answer his review questions for each chapter and you'll do well. All the exam essay questions come from right from the weekly reviews. Oh, and yeah... he is quite the hottie.

4.0
2.0
USHIST
Dec 28, 2004

he was very clear in the lectures. tests are easy, he gives out essay questions before the tests. highly recommended i got an A-.

5.0
1.0
USHISTORY
Jan 22, 2005

I really thought his class was fun and easy.

1.0
2.0
HISTORY
Jan 24, 2005

Tests easy, lectures mindnumbing -- boring, inaccurate, and shallow. Does not take class discussion well and can't manage a classroom. Seems completely ignorant of larger historical connections: just wants to regurgitate facts.

3.0
1.0
HIST117
Apr 3, 2005

Don't take him if you're a history major. Doesn't really know what he's talking about, only repeats, whats in the book. Lectures are extremely dry. Mumbles to himself sometimes. Easy class though. As long as you do the readings, you're sure to get an A. By the way, he is gorgeous!

3.0
1.0
HIST117
May 8, 2005

nice guy, but not a good teacher. boring, not too intelligent, repeats the book more or less word for word. really easy though, the essays were a joke, as are the tests. you'll lose your mind if you are a history major though.

3.0
1.0
HISTORY102
May 12, 2005

Gives history teachers a bad name. Never expands on anything just takes info right from the book. A freshman history major could do just as good a job. Does not handle class discussion well. It is REAllY hard not to get an A he gives you the questions before the exam!

5.0
1.0
HISTORYTO1877
May 20, 2005

100% meat head.....easy A+ if you complete assignments and study for test.

5.0
1.0
HIST117
Jun 14, 2005

I liked his class. It wasn't too chalanging, but it was interesting. He is a good guy and he grades incredibly easily. Take his class.

4.0
2.0
USHISTORY
Grade: A
Sep 2, 2005

His class was really easy, only a few 1-2 page papers, and the subject matter was interesting. He acted very nervous in class though =/

3.0
3.0
HIST118
Dec 24, 2005

He is such an arrogant guy, i asked him a question before a test and he like bit my head off...he doesnt explain things or ever email u back, he keeps u in class for a while too even if its a night class

4.0
2.0
HIST118
Dec 27, 2005

Rather dull (i hate night classes, period), gives questions that will be on exam ahead of time, essay assignments are easy, HE is easy (on the eyes, lol)

5.0
1.0
USHISTORY
Jul 20, 2006

He is one of the best professors to take for US history as well as one of the best looking.

4.0
1.0
HIST117
Aug 1, 2006

I disagree. He has a large nose but other than that, an easy class. Midterm, Final, 2 papers. Lots of videos in class. He's a good speaker with a good vocabualry but doesn't seem enthusiastic. He gives notes in class.

3.0
1.0
HIST118
Dec 14, 2006

No Comments

3.0
1.0
HIST117
Apr 15, 2007

Class is very easy, take lots of notes. Homework is also easy,gives you about 6 questions a week to answer from the textbook. two 2-page assignments,easy. midterm is a bunch of essays that he tells you exactly what they are going to be. as well as the final. i felt like i was back in high school.

5.0
1.0
HIST117
Apr 27, 2008

Kinda dry but easy. Do the questions, participate. And he's pretty cute so it makes going to class somewhat painless

5.0
2.0
HIST117
Apr 29, 2008

I enjoyed this class. It was very cut and dry. You do your work and study for the exams and its impossible to get a bad grade. He's a really nice guy, who's understanding and very helpful. Take his class. :)

4.0
1.0
HST117
Nov 7, 2008

He is a great professor and the easiest professor. He not hot. he actually appears to be a former marine. but do not be afraid of his appearance he is very great professor. yes there is homework every week two papers and final and mid term. he gives you the topics a week early for the exams. very great professor.

4.0
4.0
HIST100
Dec 10, 2008

have homework questions every week, basically he gives you all the notes you will need and shows videos every class. 2 papers somewhat hard but not a horrible grader. pretty attractive just go and write all the notes n review b4 midterm n finals. he gives all the terms that will be on the exams too. you will be fine.

2.0
3.0
HIST117
Jan 15, 2009

He knows his stuff, but I don't like his attitude. He seems cocky and doesn't care about the progress of his students. The work is clear cut. Hwk everyweek, 2 papers, midterm and final. There are better professors out there.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Apr 15, 2009

A very nice fella. Had him for US Hist up to 1876. He may seem a little dry but the class is more enjoyable and fun when you get involved and talk. Weekly homework assignments are pretty easy, the creative essays were more or less a test to see if you knew what the opposing sides(British Loyalists and Southern Confederates)felt during time of war

4.0
2.0
HIST117
Jun 8, 2009

very nice professor...easy class...show up take notes, do your hw you'll pass the midterm and the final...simple

3.0
2.0
HIST118
Sep 29, 2009

Fairly easy class but he wasn't my favorite. Boring at times and shows a video every single class and it gets really monotonous. A couple papers, tests, and a midterm and final.

3.0
3.0
HIST118
Dec 17, 2009

this dude looks like he was an ex-model or something. as for teaching if you take notes and do the homeworks, its all memorizing that for your exams.

3.0
4.0
HIST118
Jan 4, 2010

he definitely just stuck everyone with a C

1.0
4.0
HIST118
May 5, 2010

One of my worst classes at MSU. Showed us a video every single class which sounds nice but gets EXTREMELY boring. Homework every week. Tests were hard because he doesn't know how to teach and he has a definite attitude problem. Oh and he's tough grader on the papers. Do not take him.

5.0
1.0
HIST118
May 10, 2010

If you somehow manage to get anything lower than an A or B in this class it's your own fault. He spoon feeds you the test terms and essay questions far in advance of the test. Easy homeworks. Clear lectures. You're required to write two, two page papers, which, by college, shouldn't be an issue. Easiest class I've taken in a long time.

5.0
1.0
HIST117
Jul 14, 2010

Very easy prof. Book is cheap, less then $50 but we use it a lot. There is one H.W. due every week (5 review questions from the reading). Overall it is a boring class (its history!) but overall hes a cool dude and its really impossible to get lower then a B, he gives review sheets for the 3 tests and there are two short easy 1 page papers.

5.0
2.0
HIST101
Sep 7, 2010

Very nice guy, very helpful, allowed 5 absences but covers alot of notes during class. Watches alot of boring movies but it IS history [up to 1876], right? Homework assignments once a week, three essays, not bad I'd take him again.

5.0
2.0
HIST116
Sep 10, 2010

very informative.he speaks very clearly and is very helpful during and outside of class.there is no reason anyone should fail, if so its their plain old fault. i would love to take him for the rest of my 4 years

5.0
1.0
HIST118
Oct 17, 2010

It is not his fault if you are not interested in history, care little about your education, and choose to sleep in class. He is very knowledgeable about history; he teaches it in a very clear and understandable way. We do watch videos in class, but it is not excessive. One reading/writing assignment per week, 2 essays, and 2 exams is your grade.

5.0
1.0
HIST118
Dec 1, 2010

He is one of the easiest professors ever! He teaches the class extremely well and he definitely knows what he's talking about! You use the textbook every week, and it is the first time I actually finished a textbook from front to back. He is very nice, and if you have any questions don't be shy to ask (even though he's a cutie). Midterm was a synch

5.0
1.0
HIST118
Dec 5, 2010

I'm a history buff, i loveeee history. Honestly, he is the most interesting history teacher ever. Then again, i also took the most interesting class of US Hist...took US 2. He gives 2 essays, once a week assignments, and 2 exams. Honestly, as much of a joke as this class is, it's only a joke because he makes the class understandable. Def Recommend!

4.0
2.0
HIST117
Mar 29, 2011

He is so nice to look at.. He's also an awesome teacher

4.0
5.0
HIST118
Apr 6, 2011

Teaches like a high school professor but teaches very clear. Must show up, must do homework. Hardly any interaction with students.

5.0
5.0
HIST118
May 7, 2011

This professor grades papers and homework as if he is a English teacher. Extremely picky! I never received a C on a paper before until his class!

5.0
3.0
HIST117
Oct 28, 2011

The class isn't quite as easy as I expected but that's not to say it is hard either. The work can get annoying and the material is dull since you probably already know most of it. It's a good class though and you watch movies often and even though he teaches from powerpoints it isn't actually that boring. It's not a bad class but not the best.

4.0
2.0
HIST117
Dec 3, 2011

he teaches clearly and enthusiastically. He so handsome as well. He grades his papers hard though. there are only two exams which you MUST study for. There are a lot of fill in the blanks and open ended questions.

2.0
2.0
HIST1234
Jan 13, 2012

I took burk for the history from 18 blah blah til 2000, i forgot the course number. there are 2 small papers, like a page long each, a mid term, a final and like 8 hws. The hws are like 7 questions that u look in the book to answer the book is need. i gota D+ because i was late and skipped alot. otherwise super easy! i say take him! ps not that hot

5.0
1.0
HIST117
Jan 23, 2012

Easy class two short papers, 6 homework assignments with 8 questions and just midterm and final. He tests you on the powerpoint so just take notes

4.0
2.0
HIST117
May 9, 2012

Nice guy and pretty easy class. 2 short papers midterm final and a few 8 question hw assignments. He is a power point professor so it might get boring but overall a descent class.

4.0
2.0
HIST101
May 15, 2012

2 papers, 6 8-question assignements straight from the book, gives study guides. it was an early morning class. he's really enthusiastic about the material. he's a tough grader with the papers. but overall straightforward - i would recommend taking him.

4.0
3.0
HIST117
May 16, 2012

Very knowledgeable. The exams are alright but they do require time studying. One of the classes I have spent most time studying for even though it is just a gen-ed. I would recommend him.

3.0
3.0
HIST117
Nov 29, 2012

His paper guidelines are so unclear and the class is really boring. However, while it is boring it's also REALLY easy...def take him.

5.0
1.0
HIST117
Jan 7, 2014

Great professor! Though if you are not interested in history, you will find his class very boring. He is enthusiastic and very nice. This class is really easy. I would definitely recommend it!

4.0
3.0
HIST118
Nov 21, 2014

If you have no interest in history, this class is not for you. It is very boring, but Burke is very generous and lenient. He gives all your homework assignments around the first days of class, so you can get all of your hw done without pressure if you get them done early.

3.0
3.0
101
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2014

So boooooooring. But hey its history. I learned a lot but like I said its boring. He's a good guy and means well but a tough grader.

4.0
3.0
HIST117
Grade: A+
Apr 14, 2015

He's a powerpoint professor, but it is easy to pay attention to everything he talks about. There are homeworks every other week or so, two short essays and two exams. Not too much, an okay amount of work to do. He's a pretty cool professor, and be prepared to be distracted by how good looking he is.

4.0
3.0
HIST118
Grade: B+
Oct 29, 2016
Would take again

Prof Burke likes to stick to lectures and powerpoints. He doesn't really involve his students in class "discussions" he mostly talks and asks 1,2 questions. To be honest I didn't mind because I didn't feel participating anyways. 6 homeworks, 2 papers, midterm, final. Take notes, review them & you will pass. He is a tough grader with papers though!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: A
Nov 28, 2016
Would take again

I enjoyed this class so much! The lectures are a little heavy but if you sit there and take notes off his powerpoints and read the textbook you will be fine. His power-points are very clear and his focus questions are easy if you read. He is super nice and caring. He is very understandable as well. All his assignments are easy.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Get ready to read
5.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 7, 2016
Would take again

Professor Burke is a great history professor. 6 homework assignments, 2 short papers and a midterm/final. Gives out clear instructions and study guides for all assignments. Not a tough grader for homework or papers. All of the information for the tests is based on the PowerPoints from the lectures. Professor Burke's lectures are also interesting.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: A
Apr 25, 2017
Would take again

Professor Burke is really a great professor, from day 1 he lets you know what he's looking for and his grading criteria is clear as day. If you ever have any questions he's always willing to help you out. There is 6 homework assignments, 2 papers and Midterm/Final. If you follow everything he is looking its an easy A. Great professor.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
3.0
HIST117
Grade: A
Jan 2, 2018
Would take again

Professor Burke, is a good guy. He's awkward and tries to make occasional jokes but the class is dead. Participate and be nice to the guy; he tries his best. Don't buy the text book as you'll never use it. You get easy online homework every 2 weeks. Midterm and Final are worth A LOT but study the notes and they're really easy.

4.0
4.0
HIST117
Jan 19, 2018
Would take again

Like a high school class, there are lectures and he'll play videos. There are 6 homework, all of the answers are in the textbook, but you'll have to find them. 2 paper, he is clear with what he wants on the rubric. Midterm and Finals are worth a lot but if you study you'll do fine. He knows that most are fulfilling the GenEd, doesn' make it to hard

Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
HIST106
Apr 23, 2018
Would take again

Hes awesome! Only 6 homework assignments, two easy homeworks, & two tests (which count for a lot so study!) his PowerPoints have all the answers to the tests so its pretty straightforward. Hes a really nice guy and super passionate. Its an easy class & he tells you exactly what hes looking for. Take him (:

Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
HIST106
Apr 25, 2018
Would take again

Very knowledgeable. Lectures are long but as long as you take notes then youll be fine

Clear grading criteria
3.0
3.0
HIST118
Grade: Rather not say
Jan 27, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Lectures are super boring, but just copy from the powerpoints and you will be good. You can do other work in this class. Graded by 6 easy homework assignments, 2 papers which he is a tough grader on and 2 exams, which are based on the powerpoints and the study guide he gives. Just do the work and study hard for the exams.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
HISTORYTO1877
Grade: B-
Apr 15, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Professor Burke is a cool dude, but it is a bit boring. He is very nice and is clear about what he wants. If you want easy A or B, hes the guy to take. BUT... dont mess up any assigments cause your grade will TANK. all he does is lectures so i suggest taking this class 2x a week. Overall if you want an easy sit through to get work done, this class!

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
3.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: A-
Apr 17, 2019
Would take again

He's a great guy but very boring. Attendance is taken but not mandatory. HW assignments every week, but they're not hard. 2/3 papers and a midterm + final. Don't mess up the homework because they count a lot. Overall not bad, he cares about history, but very boring and lecture heavy

Respected
Lecture heavy
Caring
5.0
1.0
HIST118
Grade: A-
Apr 30, 2019
Would take again

It's all lectures but there only 6 homework assignments throughout the semester. 2 easy papers. and A mid-term and final that he provides a study guide for. It's mandatory to get the book if you want to get a 100 on all assignments. This class is an Easy A.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
4.0
3.0
HIST118
Dec 4, 2019
Would take again

Every class is just a lecture and you have to take notes off the powerpoint because he doesn't post it. Class is easy thought even though you get homework but its the same each week. He is a good professor, and it's not a difficult class. His exams are a little difficult but you just have to study. You have to sign a sheet for attendance.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2020
Would take again

Prof. Burke is really passionate about history and his class lectures show that. Be sure to write down/type ppt notes! The notes are really helpful for tests! He passes around an attendance sign in sheet during class. HW is easy, but be detailed about the subject you are reading. Tests require a decent amount of time studying.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: B+
Jan 15, 2020
Would take again

His course consists of a discussion post and homework every week plus a slideshow that is present in every class. Write everything on the slides down because the answers to his midterm and final are all on the slides. He doesn't give any tests or quizzes so half the grade is based on the discussion posts and homework, overall great professor!

Respected
Lots of homework
Caring
4.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: A-
Feb 21, 2020
Would take again

Professor Burke is pretty good and simple. Nice guy as well. Gives HW which is very easy to do and there's only 2 tests, a Midterm and Final. Material is simple and accurate and Take notes on the PPTs he teaches which will help you for the tests. I recommend taking him!

3.0
3.0
HIST118
Dec 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I had History of the U.S. since 1876 online. All classes are mainly just lectures, cameras not required. There are 3 total exams, one paper, and 8 homework. It is all very reliant on the textbook.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
2.0
1.0
HIST118
Grade: A
Apr 10, 2021
Would take again

Very lecture-based and boring, but as long as you know the material you should be fine.

Tough grader
5.0
1.0
HIST118
Grade: A+
May 21, 2021
Would take again

He is super nice and put up with my lateness every week. There is two assignments due each week and they are set up exactly the same, so there is no need to panic about different assignments. The midterm and final are the exact study guide.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
HIST118
Dec 15, 2021
Would take again

he is okay, very lecture-based and the class was long so it was hard to pay attention sometimes. take notes because they will help with the midterm and final, he gives a study guide for both tests. do not buy the textbook, you can access it online.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
HIST118
Grade: A-
Dec 25, 2021
Would take again

Wasn't too bad, 6 hw assignment, 2 big papers, midterm and final. He grades somewhat hard on the papers, and just checks for the correct answers and all points for the homework. Midterm and final are based on study guide, but not easy. Lecture is very boring, and you need to stay the entire 2.5 hrs. Overall not bad. Just do the work.

Lecture heavy
Tough grader
4.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: A
Apr 15, 2024
Would take again

Lectures are long and can be a little boring but he's a really kind professor. The discussion posts/ primary source assignments are easy if you've taken any history class before. Just take notes and get the assignments done and you'll pass!

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: B+
Jun 26, 2024
Would take again

t is lecture heavy but all you really have to do is take notes because it will help you with tests. All tests were done at home and not in class. It was really just Discussions and maybe like once every 2 weeks you had to do a one page response to a question. Very easy class I would definitely recommend.

Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
4.0
2.0
HIST118
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2025
Would take again

Super nice and chill guy. Didn't give any tests or quizzes as well as no midterms or finals. Just some pretty easy assignments with one timeline project and the oral history assignment which is also simple. Lectures were a bit boring but nothing crazy.

Lecture heavy
4.0
1.0
HIST
Grade: A+
Dec 17, 2025
Would take again

Very lecture heavy, lectures lasts about three hours and he will usually always keep students for the entirety of the set class time. Don't expect to know him on a personal level he doesn't remember the name of his students but is overall very chill. No finals or midterms very easy grader. You'll pass easily if you turn in assignments on time.

Get ready to read
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

75%

Textbook Required

50%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 20 grades
Most common grades:
A (9)
A- (4)
A+ (3)
Grade Distribution
A(12)B(1)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 23 reported grades
A: 9
A-: 4
A+: 3
B+: 3
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (12)
Clear grading criteria (8)
Get ready to read (5)
Respected (4)
LECTURE HEAVY (4)
Lots of homework (4)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (3)
Tough grader (3)
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+0.35 avg change
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

HIST116

5.0

(1)

HIST106

5.0

(2)

USHISTORY

4.7

(3)

HIST101

4.7

(3)

HIST

4.3

(3)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

HIST100

4.0

101

3.0

HIST103

3.0

HISTORY

2.7

HISTORYTO1877

2.5

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