3.6

Thomas M. Spencer

History - Northwest Missouri State University

3.6
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
N/A
Would Retake
103
Reviews
3.6
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
3.4
Helpful
3.7
Clarity

N/A

Would Retake

103

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official
103 total ratings

5

37

4

29

3

19

2

13

1

5

What Students Say

Well, I don't think he's sexy, but whatever

PHILOSOPHY - 3.0 rating

a delightful twist on american history, extremely helpful teacher

AMHIST - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
B+ (2)
A (1)
D- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(0)C(1)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 6 reported grades
B+: 2
A: 1
D-: 1
C+: 1
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.51 avg change
Jan
Apr
Jul
Nov
Jan
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

FRESHMENS

5.0

(1)

AMERICANH

5.0

(1)

HISSURVEY

5.0

(2)

USSINCE45

5.0

(1)

AMHISTOR

5.0

(1)
+44 more courses
Difficulty by Course

AMERHISTSURV

5.0

HISTSECT

5.0

AMERISURV

5.0

HIST155

4.4

350

4.0

Reviews (102)
3.0
3.0
PHILOSOPHY
Grade: B+
Sep 28, 2001

Well, I don't think he's sexy, but whatever. Philosophy with him was boring.

5.0
3.0
AMHIST
Sep 30, 2001

a delightful twist on american history, extremely helpful teacher.

5.0
4.0
HISTORY
Grade: A
Oct 9, 2001

Very clear with lectures. Funny as well! Probably my favorite this semester.

4.0
4.0
HISTORY
Grade: B+
Oct 11, 2001

he should make an add for Diet Pepsi

5.0
3.0
AMHIST
Oct 15, 2001

No Comments

4.0
5.0
155
Oct 16, 2001

No Comments

3.0
4.0
AMHIST15
Oct 16, 2001

Very boring, and hard

2.0
5.0
HISTORY
Oct 17, 2001

He is very hard to folllow, and isn't usually on time

5.0
3.0
AMHIST
Oct 31, 2001

Wasnt an easy A, but I got an A, Awesome teacher and class

3.0
4.0
350
Oct 31, 2001

I thought he was pretty hard, and others in my class thought the same thing

2.0
4.0
HST350
Nov 4, 2001

Hard to listen to

5.0
4.0
HISTSURV
Nov 5, 2001

His little habbits in class always kept me entertained!

5.0
2.0
HST
Nov 9, 2001

has his little habits, but overall a good teacher, knows his stuff.

2.0
5.0
HISTSURV
Nov 9, 2001

his way or the highway, does he know what he is talking about???

4.0
5.0
HISTORY
Nov 9, 2001

he likes to talk off subject and he doesn't care about his students as people

4.0
3.0
HST33
Nov 12, 2001

mm'kay

4.0
2.0
AMHISTORY
Nov 13, 2001

Very excellent professor. Makes himself clear and easy to listen to in class.

4.0
4.0
AMERHIST
Nov 15, 2001

very smart, lectures the whole time, loves his diet pepsi

4.0
4.0
HIS155
Nov 16, 2001

No Comments

4.0
4.0
HISTSURV
Grade: D-
Nov 19, 2001

He is awesome. He makes me laugh and I learn alot.

2.0
4.0
HST155
Nov 27, 2001

A good teacher, reinforces what I've learned and more, the Pepsi thing however..

4.0
3.0
33155
Grade: C+
Dec 2, 2001

Awesom teacher, don't miss class/notes.. easy class if pay attention

4.0
2.0
AMHIS
Dec 5, 2001

great teacher... just mumbles too much

4.0
2.0
AMHISTSU
Dec 13, 2001

Very easy to understand as long as you attend class, tests are pretty easy.

5.0
2.0
FRESHMENS
Jan 7, 2002

Dr. Mmkay is so sexy, I love watching him drink Diet Pespi everyday!! yeah baby!

3.0
4.0
155
Jan 10, 2002

Attend the SI sessions they help out a ton. Class is boring

4.0
2.0
155
Jan 29, 2002

what a liberal, great prof, but leave out the liberalism

1.0
5.0
HIST
Grade: Incomplete
Feb 7, 2002

Went to the Oliver Stone school of history

1.0
5.0
HST
Feb 27, 2002

No Comments

5.0
2.0
AMHIST
Apr 4, 2002

Not an easy A, and 8 am course a bit early, but decent professor, knowledgeable.

2.0
3.0
HISTORY
Aug 7, 2002

No Comments

2.0
4.0
HISTORY
Aug 19, 2002

Very judgmental and he will let you know what he doesn't like about you

5.0
4.0
HISTORY
Sep 23, 2002

Very good lectures but EXTREMLY HARD TESTS!! Don't take him if you want an A!!

5.0
3.0
AMHISTSU
Oct 14, 2002

Good professor. Go to class and SI's - get an A...if not buy him some Diet Pepsi

5.0
3.0
AMERICANH
Nov 12, 2002

Very good teacher, doesn't try to trick you on tests

4.0
3.0
155
Nov 14, 2002

A teacher for people who like history. Harder tests with 30 pt essays. study!

5.0
3.0
AMHISTORY
Nov 18, 2002

Spencer is a great teacher. Has an opinion on everything.

4.0
2.0
AMHIST
Nov 27, 2002

Spencer is a great lecturer. Only 2 assignments though, so stay on top of work

5.0
3.0
HST
Mar 13, 2003

don't miss class, read book. easy multiple choois 70%, but hard easy 30%.

5.0
3.0
HIST
Mar 27, 2003

He sure drinks a lot of Diet Pepsi. I feel sorry for his liver. However, good prof. If you need help ask him! Very willing to help.

3.0
4.0
HST350
Apr 7, 2003

Lecture, Lecture, Lecture...Hard on Essays.You better study. He is tough on essays!

5.0
3.0
HISSURVEY
Apr 7, 2003

He is an alright teacher but his lectures are a little boring. He is always on a caffeine high as he chases his coffee with his diet pepsi. Go to class and study for the tests and you will do fine.

5.0
2.0
HISTORY
Apr 13, 2003

Awesome teacher! Extremely nice and friendly. Loves to talk to students and help them out.

4.0
3.0
AHS
Apr 23, 2003

Neat guy, hopped up on Diet pepsi so try and keep up. His material and opinions are fun to listen to. Go to class, enjoy yourself and study hard for the tests, particularly the essays.

5.0
3.0
AMHISTORY
Jun 19, 2003

His tests are killer (essays are worth a lot), but he's nice. He will help you if you ask for it and if you try, you'll get "brownie points". Try your best to take extensive notes (he talks fast due to the caffine that he drinks). STUDY STUDY!

5.0
4.0
SURVEY
Nov 2, 2003

good teacher, explains stuff well, talks fast..maybe the Diet Pepsi..hard tests, study a lot!

3.0
4.0
SURVEY
Nov 13, 2003

This has got to be the worst speaker I have ever listened to. It is tough to go to class because his speaking is annoying. Tests are hard, study a lot. He grades essays pretty tough. He knows what he is talking about and willing to answer questions.

4.0
4.0
AMERHIST
Dec 1, 2003

Grades hard on essays and those are most the test points. Nit picky on them and wants every little detail.

5.0
3.0
SURVEY
Dec 2, 2003

Spencer is awesome! He's a great lecturer, just pay attention and take good notes and you'll be fine. Tests are a little hard, essays suck. Make sure you mention every point possible. Awesome overall, highly recommended.

3.0
3.0
HISTORY
Dec 10, 2003

Has some funny comments, never had to crack open the book, tests questions from class, study guides tell you all the terms you need to know and all possible essay questions. Go to the SI...they help so much (I got an A)!

3.0
5.0
HISTORY
Dec 22, 2003

The hardest class I had. Hes a good teacher but at times only offers an opinion rather then the actual facts. Watch out for the essays on the tests.Not much for brownie points as I was 1 point from the next grade level and didnt get it. go to the SI's.

5.0
2.0
USSINCE45
Dec 26, 2003

This course with Dr. Spencer's was great and I learned a lot from it.

3.0
4.0
HISTSURVY
Feb 3, 2004

Funny guy, Class is very hard plan on studying a ton for his tests he will butcher your essays so be sure they are perfect! You will learn a ton though

5.0
1.0
AMHISTOR
Feb 23, 2004

I never had to come to class, I would just pull all nighters before each test. When I did come to class he was very funny. His cynical views make me laugh. I liked him alot.

4.0
3.0
USHIS
Apr 6, 2004

YAAAAWWWN!!!! never take night class with him, 2 and a half hours. Yawn, he is not to clear either.

2.0
3.0
USHISTORY
Apr 12, 2004

Expects too much from test essays and papers but everything thing else is fine if you study. Just dont fall sleep evryday or you might wake up and find you missed 60 years of history.. trust me it sucks.

5.0
2.0
HISTORY
Apr 20, 2004

Interesting lectures, lot of note taking. Never had to open the book though! not many assignments, just two papers, three tests. tells you the essays that will be on test. Cool guy.

5.0
1.0
USSIN45
Apr 22, 2004

funny guy, especially when he gets that third or fourth diet pepsi into him! He should just have them running through an IV, it would be faster! but great guy, easy tests, no complaints here!

4.0
2.0
HISTORY
Apr 29, 2004

good teacher, has a dry sense of humor but sometimes it's funny. a lot of good information in lectures, but it's a lot of information so make sure to take good notes.easygoing,and will answer questions.

5.0
1.0
HISSURVEY
Oct 24, 2004

overall easy. take notes of what he says that aren't on powerpoints. test are easy for the most part. "Who freed the slaves" papers are retarded.

5.0
3.0
HISTORY
Nov 15, 2004

After he takes his watch off and gets a diet pepsi in him he is soooo funny. MUST study for teast or youll fail.

3.0
4.0
AMHIST
Nov 16, 2004

Tough but usually fair. Gives out alot of information, you will learn alot if you pay attention. Can get a little boring at times but can be funny as well. Do your work and pay attention and you'll be ok. Take good notes, tests are mostly over lectures, not the book.

4.0
3.0
HISTORY
Nov 18, 2004

Does not take attendance but I think it is really important to go or you will miss a lot but most things are in the book. Test essays are graded a bit hard but not too bad. This is one of the only classes I can stay awake for, but I also kinda like history. Never remembers where we are at in lecture

5.0
3.0
AMHISTSURVEY
Dec 2, 2004

It makes me sad that everyone is grading him so poorly. Spencer is AWESOME!! Completely hilarious, very helpful & a good guy. He makes it interesting & fun, & his lectures are excellent. Take his class, you'll have so much fun.

3.0
3.0
HISTORY
Dec 15, 2004

3 tests, all from his lectures, you don't need your book. Makes you write 2 two page papers over "Who Freed the Slaves" which is not fun. He is pretty interesting. Lets his liberal views come out in his lectures which I didn't like.

5.0
2.0
AMERHISTORY
Jan 8, 2005

Great Class. Tests were from lecturs, and were very easy. Papers were easy to write. His lectures were boring, but you'll get a good grade easily.

5.0
2.0
AMHISTSURVE
Jan 11, 2005

Mr. Spencer is a very good teacher. He lectures, and then you take a test. He has a good sense of humor, and he helps in any way he can.

5.0
4.0
USHISTSURV
Jan 22, 2005

AWESOME lecture! Can not say enough, he's funny and puts a modern twist on old "useless" stuff.

5.0
3.0
HISTORY
Feb 1, 2005

An excellent teacher. I heartily dislike history, but he really made it interesting. That being said, he doesn't take attendance so it's easy to not go...but GO! I got a C solely because I didn't go to class often enough.

3.0
4.0
AMERICANHIST
Feb 19, 2005

This guy is wierd. Like, the info he presents is very interesting, but the way he talks definately kills the interesting part of the lecture. Same routine NON stop. Tries to crack jokes, but ends up laughing at himself. You know hes in a good mood when he has his Diet Pepsi can.

5.0
2.0
HISTSURVEY
Apr 11, 2005

Lectures are interesting and he tries to add humor into the topics. Only 3 tests and 2 papers which are all fairly easy. Use the study guide for tests and you'll be fine.

4.0
3.0
AMHISTSURVEY
Apr 12, 2005

Reading isn't necessary if you pay attention to the lectures. For the "Who Freed The Slaves" papers, try to find students who took the class already to get the CD from, that'll save you $15.

5.0
2.0
HISTSURV
May 1, 2005

Good professor! VERY intelligent and fun to watch and listen to. Adds humor to class and is just a funny guy in general. I wish I could take another claass with him. 2 papers and a few tests that required fairly little studying. Listen in class and take notes. I did and pulled off a B pretty easily.

4.0
2.0
AMHISTORY
Sep 12, 2005

cool prof. always has a diet pepsi when he walks into class. pretty good lectures. sometimes hard to study for tests but study guides and good notes will get you by.

2.0
5.0
AMERHISTSURV
Nov 11, 2005

HARD teacher, you have to read a 400 page book & write a paper on it, only graded on 3 tests and paper. Must go to class, the tests are based on the notes. You can aim at getting a C at best

5.0
3.0
AMERHISTSUR
Nov 14, 2005

I don't know who the last guy was kidding. I have an A in the class and I don't spend my time pouring over the book. I just got to class and pay attention. He is a good teacher and the tests come straight out of your notes and his powerpoints.

1.0
5.0
AMHISTORY
Nov 21, 2005

i don't know who these people are kidding! i went to every class and studied religiously and still did miserable. his lectures are sooo boring! and he gives you test reviews on ecompanion but they're 5-10 pages long! he's very unclear on what to study for. only 3 tests and 1 paper...i would suggest taking someone else!

4.0
4.0
AMHIST
Dec 13, 2005

Good professor, knows his stuff. Likes to keep things funny, lots of jokes! Only grades on 3 test and 1 paper. Graded the paper pretty hardcore.

1.0
5.0
HISTORY
Dec 15, 2005

i would steer clear of this guy! only grades on 3 tests and 1 paper over a very long and boring book. lectures are boring and reviews sheets are about 8 pgs long! TAKE SOMEONE ELSE!

4.0
2.0
PARADESCONSTN
Mar 24, 2006

I didn't feel as challenged in Dr. Spencer's class as I have in others, but he was very nice and tried to keep things fun.

2.0
3.0
AMHISTSURVEY
Apr 24, 2006

Not a bad teacher. Very approachable. Boring lectures and somewhat hard to take notes. Uses powerpoint but additional notes needed. Only 4 grades make up final grade. I got a very good grade on the Book Essay and B/S'd the whole thing. Test reviews are not very clear compared to test.

3.0
4.0
AMERHISTSUR
May 10, 2006

hard tests. explain things in a story. must know dates. he is pretty boring in his lectures. pretty much gives everyone the same grades and comments on tests, make you wonder if he even grades things.

3.0
3.0
HIST202
Aug 24, 2006

If you pay attention and take notes you'll be fine.

3.0
3.0
HISTO100
Aug 29, 2006

It was an ok class. Not too hard, but pretty boring. He likes to drink coffee and then chase it with Diet Pepsi...he likes his caffeine! Take notes and it isn't bad.

5.0
3.0
HIST101
Oct 12, 2006

I loved him. I thought the lectures were interesting and tests weren't too bad if you studied. He's really funny and yes, the Diet Pepsi is always there. Great guy, I would recommend him to anyone.

4.0
2.0
HISTO155
Nov 7, 2006

He tells history like it is a story. He puts in little jokes and really enjoys his job. He is fun and a great teacher. By telling history like a story he makes it easy to understand and learn. He is a good teacher. I highly reccomend for Historical survay.

4.0
4.0
HIST155
Dec 11, 2006

He makes things pretty interesting, he likes to tell jokes and sometimes he's a bit quirky. He doesn't make you go to class but you should GO GO GO. The tests are HARD. Even if you study for them they're hard.

4.0
3.0
HISTO111
Jan 8, 2007

Great all around teacher and a very funny caffine filled guy but if you are on the border for a grade you are screwed. Even if you are a few points away for the bump. I liked his classes but did not understand his logic at the end of the year when I was 2 points away from the grade that I wanted. Good teacher overall

3.0
5.0
HIST155
Apr 1, 2007

I study every week for a month for his tests and a bunch the weekend before his test and I still could get more than a D. If you go to his office and talk to him he doesn't help that much. He tells everyone the same thing. He is interesting to listen to, but even if you go to every single class and the SI you won't do good. Don't Take!

3.0
5.0
HISTSECT
Apr 3, 2007

VERY VERY HYPER

2.0
5.0
AMERISURV
Nov 29, 2007

If you go to lecture and can stand to listen to him ramble on, then you might do okay. He is very into politics, so you learn more about that than history. His tests are random...wouldn't reccomend him.

3.0
3.0
HIST101
Apr 13, 2008

His tests are completely random and when you ask him for help on studying...he doesn't. He puts stuff on the study guide that you have never gone over in class. However, he does explain stuff clearly. But his class is extremely boring...he is so monotonous and tedious

2.0
4.0
HIST101
Apr 23, 2008

His lectures are interesting but the test are really hard and the study guide he gives are not that helpful. I never missed a day of the class and studied my notes and I'm probably going to get a C. There's better History teachers then this guy....take somebody else!

2.0
5.0
HIST155
Apr 24, 2008

Terrible!!! Only 4 grades in class 3 test and 1 paper. The paper is over an extra book you have to buy. Don't expect extra credit. Doesn't take attendance. Lectures whole time and rushes through things to get caught up with other sections. Go to the SI helps by giving you definitions for terms and covering the lechure!

2.0
4.0
AMHIS101
May 9, 2008

Ok to listen to but test are way to hard. Has three ID essay questions that are 30% of the test and he rarely gives higher than 7/10 on them. Grades the class paper like he is an English teacher but clearly knows nothing about writing. Don't take if your wanting an A, barely got a B.

5.0
4.0
AMSURV
Jan 7, 2009

Dr. Spencer is very interesting. I liked his lectures because he told them like a story. He gives you a list of vocab online. take it to class and when he addresses the word, cross it off the list as ur writing notes he goes in order, so u should b fine. His tests ARE difficult so this is y u shld try & come 2 ALL classes! Pay attention 2 detail!

4.0
4.0
HIST155
Apr 8, 2009

it is too hard for me, i can't understand what he is saying. NO attendance requirement, but you gotta listen to him! Take notes! Otherwise you will certainly fail the class. And don't dismiss the paper!

1.0
5.0
HIST155
Apr 21, 2009

It is too hard, i wish i didn't pick this class!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5.0
3.0
HISTSURV
Jul 13, 2009

Good teacher. Its a little hard but he gives you everything thats on the tests. Just study and you will do fine. THe only grades are Three tests and a paper over a book. There is no homework so you just have to do good on the test.

4.0
5.0
HIST155
Nov 11, 2009

I took this class over summer when everything is smashed into 1 month. Big mistake. I thought it was very difficult I know I take good notes and have good study habits and I still thought the tests were extremely difficult. He's a nice guy and he speaks very excitedly about history but his tests are tricky.

5.0
3.0
HIST155
Jan 11, 2011

Spencer is awesome! You can tell he really knows his stuff. Attendence is not mandatory, however his tests cover his lectures. If you miss, read the book. Also, going to the SI helps a lot. His tests can be difficult. Overall, Dr. Spencer is an amazing professor. I hope I can take another of his classes!

4.0
3.0
AMHIS06
Apr 11, 2012

I personally had a great experience in his class. I was always interested in what he was teaching. He has to have his Pepsi and coffee every day but it gets him excited for the material which made the class fun! I went to him every time I had a question and now he is my advisor. I highly recommend him if you're willing to do the work!

Class Info

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B-

65% confidence
Based on 5 grades
Most common grades:
B+ (2)
A (1)
D- (1)
Grade Distribution
A(1)B(0)C(1)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(2)
Based on 6 reported grades
B+: 2
A: 1
D-: 1
C+: 1
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.51 avg change
Jan
Apr
Jul
Nov
Jan
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

FRESHMENS

5.0

(1)

AMERICANH

5.0

(1)

HISSURVEY

5.0

(2)

USSINCE45

5.0

(1)

AMHISTOR

5.0

(1)
+44 more courses
Difficulty by Course

AMERHISTSURV

5.0

HISTSECT

5.0

AMERISURV

5.0

HIST155

4.4

350

4.0

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