Western Kentucky University / P / Nathan A. Phelps

Nathan A. Phelps

Nathan A. Phelps

FRESH,HIST,UC,UE

Add your Evaluation
Averages:

Overall Rating

OK

Grade Received

B

Course Difficulty

Moderate

Quantity of Notes

Moderate

Tag Summary:

True/False: 8

Multiple Choice: 23

Matching: 12

Fill in the Blank: 6

Essays: 25

Problem Solving: 7

Mandatory Final: 24

Cumulative Final: 4

Textbook Required: 31

Extra Credit: 7

Attendance Required: 22

36 Total Evaluations

HIST-120 : - Posted 8/30/2010

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

Not Specified

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
The best teacher I had at western
Wish I was a history major instead of finance

HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 5/27/2010

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

Not Specified

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
Great class and teacher. Made afternoon long class interesting by getting us involved. I really looked forward to this class. Yes history!

HIST-120 : - Posted 3/15/2010

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
THis was the best class I've ever had a Western. He is really good at getting everyone to think ad he encourages people to ask questions and get involved in discussion. His exams are pretty tough but he has review sessions before all of them-- stronlgy encourage that you attend them. He will stay after to answer questions to so it is pretty easy to get help. Take Him!

HIST-120 : Western Civilization Since 1648 - Posted 2/10/2010

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
I think Dr. Phelps is a good teacher and would highly reccomend him. He is a pretty intersting guy and makes the class not so bad. Most class periods will consist of lecture and discussion. He writes all his notes on the board and does not typically use powerpoints. He will post a few reading on BB but does not post grades. There are also very few grades taken. There are 3 exams one of which is the non cummalitive final. He has an activity called meeting of the minds which requires you to research a person of your choice,write a 3-4 page paper about them and represent them in class one day. He also had us do one other short writing assignment and these were the only grades. The tests consit of various types of questions. The essays are pretty straight forward. If you paid attention at all you should be able to pick out a few you can answer. You will write your essays in blue books. I thought Dr. Phelps made the class enjoyable and he realizes not everyone enjoys history. I found it interesting that he would often present an event and the facts and ask you to interpret what it all meant. You were always allowed to draw your own conclusions as long as you could provide backing to your thoughts.

HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 11/20/2008

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

Not Specified

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
Mr. Phelps is awesome!!! Most people think history is really boring, but he actually makes it interesting. I loved his class!! You have to show up and do work, but it is very easy if you do. Just keep up with your notes and skim the textbook and you will be fine. He's really funny too!

HIST-120 : Western Civ After 1648 - Posted 12/13/2007

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
Mr. Phelps is awesome! This class has such a bad reputation for being hard, but Phelps made this class a breeze. He plays music at the beginning of class and he gets the class involved. The notes are overkill, but his lectures aren't boring. He brings a level of philosophy to his class too. I would definately take Mr. Phelps over any other History teacher.

HIST-119 : Western Civ - Posted 5/27/2007

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

C

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
I would have to say, after being told that Western Civ was suppose to be soooo hard, i disagree after takeing his class!.. dont get me wrong, its not an easy A, but def. not hard to pass this class.. The test are all essay, but he gives u a study guide.. pretty easy if u just study!

HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 3/21/2007

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
Dr. Phelps is the best teacher I have had a Western. He is really into the class, he plays music, uses powerpoint and makes it fun. You have to impersonate a person from the past too. He is demanding and he grades pretty hard but you will definately learn alot and enjoy it! Strongy recommneded!!

UE-175 : University Experience - Posted 4/12/2006

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
This was my favorirte class because it was always talking and doing stuff. We read articles and discussed them in class. We visted different locations around campus and learned how to be succesful. It is easy but you have to write 4or five papers. Funny guy, but kinda weird humor. If your taking UE, take Phelps!

HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 4/12/2006

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
This was a great class. I have never had a history teacher who could make it interesting, but Dr. phelps did. He made me think about how many issues we face came to be. I would say that you shouldn't take him if you aren't intersted though because it is really a hard class and I know alot of people who are had a hard time. He is really helpful though and he has review sessions before every exam. There is also a big paper at the end that takes a lot of time. Nice guy.

UE-175 : University Expereince - Posted 9/13/2005

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Not Specified

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
THis was a great class. He made it alot of fun and I got more out of it than most any other class. He made me think about all kinds of things and he is a great adviser. I will see him instead of my other one because he takes the time to listen. I strongly recommend him.

UE-175 : Freshman Seminar - Posted 5/6/2005

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
THis is an easy class and it is also very helpful. We had class discussions most days and we read articles from a book and read another one. We had to write papers, but they werent very long. Mostly you just have to read, come to class, and do your papers. It was the only class I had that we actually talked. He also brought food some days, and told us about what was happeing around campus and in the world. I also liked doing our film project. I really learned a lot about education and what it means. I strongly recomend him.

HIST-120 : Western Civilization Since 1648 - Posted 4/21/2005

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
Mr. Phelps is an awesome teacher. He is great at lecturing. His tests are hard, but if you come to class you can do well. I had his class as a gateway class and he came to our dorm to study with us. It was awesome. You have to write a paper, but it was a great experience from which I learned a lot. He is always willing to answer ANY questions or to help. Phelps strongly encourages students to come to class and ACTIVELY participate in discussions and in taking notes. There are a couple books you are supposed to read for the class, but I don't think i did too hot on that. GREAT GUY, but strict. Gotta study, gotta read the textbook.

UE-175 : University Experience - Posted 3/15/2005

Overall Rating:

Poor

Grade:

Not Specified

Quantity of Notes:

Not Specified

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
This man is awful. University Experience is supposed to be an easy A. If you want an easy A do NOT take him. He makes you write way more papers than any other UE class and he makes you do a film. Yes, a film project about Western. Unless you are in for all that than take his class, otherwise don't!

UC-175 : University Experience - Posted 12/7/2004

Overall Rating:

Poor

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
This is designed to be a 'bunny' course, but I advise taking someone else for it. I feel like I got no benefit from taking this professor for this class. He didn't really seem to have a plan for the course, and it showed. He mainly gave us busy work and assignments that would insult the intelligence of most. The class is easy but I imagine it would be just as easy with another professor and perhaps more beneficial.

HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 11/20/2004

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
Mr. Phelps is a great teacher who knows what he's talking about. He lectures and you take a lot of notes, but it is not hard to follow along. He writes the content of his lecture on the board before class so you can have structured notes. The test are multiple choice, identifications, and essay. He gives a study guide and a review session before each test.

HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 5/6/2004

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

D

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
History sucks, but Nathan Phelps is a good at what he does. He makes it somewhat interesting, even though I hated the class. His notes are difficult to take, but with any history class, plan on reading the book. Very helpful outside of class. Get to know him. Him knowing your face is a positive thing. Project on a topic in 20th century end of semester is big points, not hard, but plan in advance.

UC-175 : Freshmen Seminar - Posted 4/29/2004

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
Mr. Phelps is a wonderful teacher to have for freshmen seminar. He makes learning the material a lot of fun. You have to write 3-4 papers and you will rarely have homework. You have to take one test on your library skills. It is very diffcult but you can take it as many times as you like. overall, I would recommend taking Mr. Phelps (he is a great teacher).

HIST-120 : Western Civilization Since... - Posted 2/15/2004

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
Professor Phelps is very enthusiastic about history and teaching his class. The course is very difficult because there is so much information needing to be learned. His tests consist of 10 multiple choice and matching questions and then 3 essays and 3 ID's. He is very willing to help and he often holds study sessions before each test. Western Civilization is a very hard class, but I would recommend Phelps to teach the class. You have to study hard to expect and A or B.

UC-175 : University Experience - Posted 1/22/2004

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
I most definitely recommend Mr. Phelps to anyone who is going to take Freshman Seminar! I really, really looked forward to this class every MWF. He is especially good if it is your first semester here and you need help finding buildings or talking with your professors. He brings doughnuts and orange juice for his classes occasionally, and all in all is just a wonderful person!

HIST- : Western Civ From 1648 - Posted 1/20/2004

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
Mr. Phelps is the best teacher I've ever had. Instead of going over dates and names, he tries to get you to understand the "big picture", which is a lot more meaningful than any dates and names you could ever learn. As long as you understand why things happened and the effects they had, you will get a good grade. I highly reccomend him.

HIST-120 : Western Civilization - Posted 1/18/2004

Overall Rating:

OK

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
This class is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. If you read the textbook, it will help your understanding of the topics covered in Mr. Phelps's lectures. If you do not enjoy history, I would recommend another professor because Mr. Phelps goes at a pretty fast pace and requires a lot of critical thinking since the majority of all of his exams are essay questions. However, I feel that Mr. Phelps was a very fair professor and was very willing to help students succeed in his class.

HIST-120 : Western Civ. Since 1645 - Posted 12/19/2003

Overall Rating:

OK

Grade:

C

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
Mr. Phelps is a great teacher! is tests are not all that difficult and he is willing to help out any student in need. I would recommend him for anybody who wants to take western civ after 1645. His final exams are not cumulative.

HIST-120 : Western Civiliation Since 1648 - Posted 12/16/2003

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
This was a great class. I reallly learned a lot and he made what has always been the most boring subject interesteing. You have to write essays on all of the exams and there is a paper, but it isn't too hard. I strongly recomend this class.

UC-175 : Freshman Seminar - Posted 12/11/2003

Overall Rating:

OK

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
Dr. Phelps is an ok Teacher. His class is very easy. It doesn't relate to study skills much at all. The only thing he covers in Studies is the Library Skills part. Most of what we did was read two books and write a few papers.

HIST-120 : Western Civilization - Posted 12/10/2003

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
This was the hardest class I had this semester, but it was also the most interesting. Lots of notes, but I actually enjoyed the lectures. He is also a nice guy.

HIST-120 : Western Civ. After 1648 - Posted 10/28/2003

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
Nathan Phelps is a great teacher. He gives you the opportunity of asking questions over material that you do not understand. He also has study review sessions before each and every major test to ensure that you understand the material that is going to be covered during his tests. His tests are fairly easy and are 80% from the lecture and 20% from the book.

UC-175 : Freshman Seminar - Posted 10/23/2003

Overall Rating:

OK

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
This course is "cake" because even he knows that the only real requirement is that you show up to class and turn in your papers. The material is interesting, but has no real focus. He, however, makes the class hard for me. He says that he doesn't enjoy being the only one speaking in class, but if you try to give your opinion he interrupts you with his own. He seem genuwine and willing to help you learn but alittle overbearing with his anthusiasm. ~ Overall he is a good and knowledgable teacher.

HIST-120 : Western Civ - Posted 10/22/2003

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Moderate

Comments
It sucks, but you do have to take western civ. and since you HAVE to take it, you might as well take it with Mr. Phelps. He is easy to listen too and really puts forth an effort to use as many teaching tools as possible to make the class as interesting as possible. He is also a very likeable guy which makes the class easier to get through. History is...well...history - but its more than tolerable you take it under his instruction. Good luck kids!

HIST-120 : Western Civ Since 1648 - Posted 10/21/2003

Overall Rating:

Poor

Grade:

C

Quantity of Notes:

Overkill

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
Mr. Phelps was one of those teachers that is very knowledable in his field but has no idea how to teach what he knows. He seemed to take things personal at times and would act childish if someone disagreed with him.
He was not easy to talk to during office hours. He might be bitter he has to teach more UC101 courses instead of history. Perhaps he shoudl stick with those

HIST-120 : Western Civ After 1648 - Posted 4/3/2003

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Moderate

Difficulty:

Difficult

Comments
He's a nice guy, but theres alot of stuff covered in this class, and all of it will be on the test. I almost got a C in the class, but the papers you have to write which he grades quite easily, and the final is really easy too. Overall he's better than alot of teachers ive had.

FRESH- : Freshman Seminar - Posted 11/21/2002

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

C

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
Mr. Phelps is a really good teacher! Even though fresh seminar is boring, he still did a good job. He's really nice and cares about what's going on in your life! I missed a lot of days, didn't read all of Tuesdays with Morrie and didn't turn in my final and I still got a C.

UC-101 : Freshman Seminar - Posted 11/7/2002

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
This class is a stupid class that is required for Freshman to take, but since you have to take it, Mr. Phelps is a bad teacher to have. I had a few friends that did a lot more in their freshman seminar classes, and a lot of friends that did like nothing in their freshman seminar classes. Mainly all we do is read two books and discuss a whole bunch of stuff.

UC-100 : Freshman Seminar - Posted 2/13/2002

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
My opinion on Freshman Seminar is that it sucks. But it is probably one of the easiest classes you will ever encounter. So why not go for the easy A, if you can make yourself.
Nathan Phelps is a very cool person. Eventhough I find it difficult to do, he takes Freshman Seminar very seriously. I made a B in there, without really trying much, and he probably isn't the easiest teacher there is. He showed us around campus and left time in class for us to have discussions about anything. Freshman Seminar is a class that's pretty good for bonding, I will admit that much. Nathan really does try to get to know you and will help you with anything that he can.
I highly recommend to take Nathan Phelps as your teacher for Freshman Seminar.

UC- : Freshman Seminar - Posted 1/23/2002

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

A

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
Nate is an awesome teacher-- however UC is not a diffucult course. In his class we had wonderful discussions about life and college and what happens when you graduate. Even after taking his class, I go to visit him any time i need advice.

UC-101 : Freshman Seminar - Posted 1/17/2002

Overall Rating:

Good

Grade:

B

Quantity of Notes:

Few/None

Difficulty:

Easy

Comments
Nathan truly cares about his students. Even though at times, I didn't understand why we had to have a Freshman Seminar class in the first place, I did learn some things I wouldn't have known otherwise. There weren't any tests but there was a paper due at the end of the semester. It was sort of a self-evaluation paper. I strongly recommend Nathan for a Freshman Seminar professor.