Comments:1300 - I think this class is fairly easy and Dr. Gutacker makes it easy to be successful in his class. I adore the content we learned, the pace we learned it, and his teaching style. You do have around 2 readings a week but both are very short and require a short paragraph about them. He even gives you the essay question for his tests and makes them all on material we focused a lot on. I enjoy him lots as a teacher and I cannot recommend him enough.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:HIS 1300 - This class is not the one to take for an "easy A" for your degree requirement! The workload is doable, but excessive at least in my opinion, especially for an intro course. You will complete 2 reading responses throughout the week(300-400 words), and will have a discussion post on Saturdays(200-word min). He's a decent teacher, but all he does is give (what he believes to be) passionate lectures on the big idea of the unit. His office hours are usually one day, but he's always willing to see you any other time, and he responds to emails quickly! Reminder, this man does think he's absolutely the coolest person and historian to ever exist. It literally goes into his grading; he doesn't think an A is deserved unless you "his" exceed expectations, and he has no rubric and no clear establishment of how to exceed those expectations. Literally quoting him, "Work that fulfills the requirements will be given a grade in the B range-a good grade. Work that not only fulfills requirements but also exceeds expectations-showing close engagement and critical thinking-will merit an A. Work that fails to meet the requirements will typically get a grade in the B to C range." -Gutacker(Canvas email to the entire class) <-- this applies to your three exams and overall grade in the class because the exams increase in weight of your grade and the discussion post/reading response count for little to nothing! The worst part about the class is the exams! They consist of three parts; short IDs (3-5 sentences) you must fulfill who, what, and their significance, 5 random multiple-choice questions from the timeline of that unit, and lastly an essay (he does provide the prompt before the actual exam date, so that's a plus!)He pushes really strongly for classmates to meet up and come together on their studying for the exam. His logic is that everyone's notes are incomplete (they will be because his slides are only pictures and names of events, and he doesn't upload them ever.), and this is terrible because no one knows how to study for his exams or how to exceed his expectations he reiterates constantly. DO NOT. DO NOT TAKE THIS COURSE IF YOUR TRYING TO GET A EASY A! If you are willing to apply yourself, love history, or are interested in Anti-Catholicism then get into it, otherwise don't suffer!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - IF YOU'RE NOT PASSIONATE ABOUT HISTORY AND THINKING ABOUT MAJORING IN HISTORY PLSSS DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. This is not an easy A history class. For a stem student like me, the amount of time I have to spend studying for this class's exam is ridiculous. He always talks super fast when teaching, which he called is a method for yall to gather up to study for a test (which means if you are shy and make no friends in this class, you are screwed). The test is even more ridiculous. Each test has 3 parts (2 written sections and 1 multiple-choice section). In the first written section, you gotta identify 4 terms that he gave (out of 6) in 3-5 sentences for each term. Then you have 5 multiple choices questions that are pretty detailed (again if you don't take good notes, you will do badly). Lastly, it's a short essay (4-5 paragraphs), he will give you the essay topic a few days before the test, which is the only nice thing about this class. Also, weekly assignment is just too much for a history class. Everyone has to write at least 300 words for each reading response (there are 2 per week) which you will have to read 3-4 pages to do. Then every Saturday, you will have to write a discussion (at least 200 words). I have to say he's a good guy but his class is just not it.  - Grade In Class:B

Comments:HIS 1300 - TAKE THIS CLASS! Dr. Gutacker made me fall in love with history. For real. He is a great teacher and the way the class is formatted with the lectures and assignments really helps you learn the material. Two reading assignments and responses each week and a discussion board at the end of the week; he grades super easily on these if you try just a little bit. One thing is the tests are difficult and you have to study, but I enjoyed studying with my friends and actually learning some history. GREAT CLASS!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:HIS 1300 - Take this class. Professor Gutacker is amazing. I have never liked history until I took this class. He makes it super easy to get a good grade and he teaches like he is telling a story. Seriously take this class.  - Grade In Class:B+

Comments:1300 - He is not a very good teacher. The man knows what he is talking about and is very educated in history. However, he just lectures at you and wants you to absorb what he is saying. So if that is your style, but all means go ahead and take him you will thrive. He loves to show off his knowledge. However, he will "help" you during office hours by telling you to partner up with your classmates to study because, since it is a no technology class "your notes are not complete, but with 3 or 4 sets of notes they will be." So take this as you will, but he is a very hard grader on the tests and believes that a B is a good grade in his class. But on the good side, you do not really have to do much work outside of class. It is only 3 discussion posts a week. But he also thinks he is the coolest person that has walked the planet and believes everyone needs to switch to be a history major.  - Grade In Class:B+

Comments:HIS 1300 - TAKE HIS CLASS!!! The workload for this class is very doable. You have a reading response before every class and a discussion due every week. As long as you do these you won't even have to study for the tests. There are 3 exams including the final which is not cumulative. For the essay portion of the exam, he gives the prompt in advance. Create an outline for it and send it to him before the exam and he will let you know where you can improve to get a good grade. He does say that the class is not an easy A but honestly the way he teaches, you learn the material without putting in any effort. His A is at a 93 but it is very easy to get. He also gives a few extra credit opportunities.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - I am a STEM major, but this history class was my favorite of the semester, thanks to Dr. Gutacker! Each Prof for HIS 1300 has a particular concentration (https://www.baylor.edu/artsandsciences/corecurriculum/index.php?id=963423) This class is focussed on anti-Catholicism, which I found very fascinating. Relative to my friends' history classes, this class had a very light workload (2 300 word reflections and a 200 word discussion per week over interesting and usually relevant material, though these assingments obviously might change in upcoming semesters). The tests are primarily essay-based, and we have the prompt in advance. I finished with an A, no problem. Dr. Gutacker is a very good prof. I highly recommend him!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - I took Dr. Gutacker's class for the introductory course to history seeing very good reviews for him left by former students. I was very excited to learn and be taught history since this was my favorite subject in high school. I think Dr. Gutacker has very cohesive notes and a particular storyline he teaches based on the theme of his class. I took him when he taught with an anti-catholic emphasis this semester and I really enjoyed the content he had to say about the topic. With all of that being said, his tests are not easy and he expects you to write a 5 paragraph essay, 4 identifications 3-5 sentences each at least, and multiple choice in 75 minutes. You are not given any guidelines as to what he tests you on for these identifications or multiple choice so you have to guess and think about the main ideas. I went in for tutoring after the tests and one time he said parts of my essay were exceptional but he took of two points in general and didn't give me a reason. Even from the beginning Dr. Gutacker explains that this is not an easy A but if you want to really learn history I would suggest that you don't take this course. Since this is a basic requirement for Baylor, I think it's in your best interest to give your yourself a lighter workload and pick a different teacher.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:HIS1300 - TAKE DR. GUTACKER!! I took this class online, and it was my favorite class of the semester. We had weekly reading responses and discussion board posts, which were very easy, and I honestly enjoyed doing them. I knocked them out at the beginning of the week, which was great because then I didn't have any work at all the rest of the week. His lectures were helpful, but I didn't really watch them except for the midterm and final essays. These essays were the only big grades, and if you try hard you will do great. No tests or quizzes!! He is also very quick to respond to emails and is super kind and helpful! AMAZING!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - Dr. Gutacker was great! Our only grades were from our midterm Essay, final Essay and discussion/reading response posts due 2x a week. He graded a little hard on the essays but I still ended with a high A in the class. Pro Tip: use more primary sources than he recommends to use. He recommends 3 sources but I used around 5-7 for my midterm and final essays. I definitely recommend him.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - This guy is a gem of a professor for all of the reasons discussed in other reviews. He is very friendly, helpful, understanding, and a strong instructor. He is a MUST HAVE for 1300 (I finished his course with a 99) and 2365-2366 if you take those. For 1300, I took the asynchronous class, and the grades were based around weekly readings, discussion posts, and two essays (midterm and final) discussing historical myths. The readings were not too bad, and while you will have to put a bit of work to do well on those essays (1,200+ words) an A is absolutely possible. Just do yourself a favor and take Gutacker, you won't regret it.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - Literally the best history professor and teacher I have ever encountered. Dr. Gutacker is such a sweet man who cares about what he teaches and is always willing to meet with students to help them through the course. I'm an international student so I literally do not care about US history and pretty much most of the content of this course. However, Dr. Gutacker has taught me so much through this course. He focuses on teaching students to see beyond just the textbook facts we are often taught and to learn to identify the myth aspect of history. It's a very fascinating class even as a non-US citizen, and I very much enjoyed it. His lectures are max. 30 minutes long. The readings are not at all long, and there's a short reading response and discussion due each week (I took the online, asynchronous section). There's no exams but instead we had to write 2 projects explaining one of the myths we talked about. Again, I'm an international student who knows absolutely nothing about US history yet I managed to get an A. It's definitely not an "easy-A" course but also not at all a difficult course. Highly recommended if you hate typical history courses where you have to memorize dates and events and all the boring stuff.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - Dr. Gutacker is the best option for History. First of all, he is such a nice man, and starts every class with a prayer, pictures of his kids and dog, and talking about the Bills. We did not have that much work to do for his class. He posted questions on canvas before each class and we had to answer them (had to be 300 words, and either over a document/image he posted or read a chapter in the book) and I'm pretty sure he never read them and just made sure we made the word count. Every Friday we had to post on the class discussion (he posts a topic, usually had to do with the questions or something we talked about in class, had to be 200 words). We had NO TESTS, which was both good and bad. It would have been nice to have tests because they are black and white with specific correct answers. Instead we had to write 2 essays. They were not that bad, but he is such a tough grader. You have to use so much evidence and it only comes from either the book, the questions, or his lectures so he knows exactly what he's looking for. In my class, out of the 2 essays, the highest grade was a 90. His lectures were in the form of telling a story, which was cool, but super boring. Sadly you have to pay attention and take good notes so you can use them on your essays. In the beginning of the semester, he says his class is not an easy A but it was. Just do every question/discussion and put some effort into the essays. The only thing that can bring your grade down is how he decides to grade your essay. If you are unhappy with your grade at the end of the class he will not budge on your essay grades or round up your grade.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:HIS 1300 - I am not a history person, but to tell you the truth, after this class, I just might be. Professor Gutacker has a way of making these historical stories and making them so fascinating to discuss and think about. He doesn't believe in exams that just ask you to regurgitate historical dates and whatnot so no exams in this class. You do have discussion boards due once a week and question of the day that are due before each class day, but other than that, 2 essays that are like 2-4 pages which is not really that bad considering the entire class is structured to give you everything you need to type those papers. He also starts off each class with a poll and a prayer, and sometimes even some pictures of his dog or kids so thats always fun!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - Professor Gutacker is awesome. Usually, history is pretty boring, but I was always super engaged during his lectures. For 1300, we had a reading and discussion post due before every class and on Fridays, but it wasn't that bad. He also let us out of class early most of the time. I would totally take him if you get the chance! Very forgiving!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - I loved Dr. Gutacker for 1300! The topic focused on anti-Catholicism, which was so interesting to learn about. He is an overall great person, very friendly, and has very interesting lectures. I didn\'t think the homework was too overwhelming, though there was some reading every week. He grades very kindly though, and I loved his class even though I came in thinking I didn\'t like history at all.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:2365 - I took him over the summer minisemester, and his class was the best class I had, and I actually looked forward to it. He assigned a workable amount of reading and one discussion question. His tests were both essays, but they weren't long, and part of the grade was an outline, which was actually very helpful for me.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - 1300 - I took Professor Gutacker for a minimester over the summer and believe him to be the best history teacher I have ever had. He did not assign any tests/quizzes, rather he had us read a fair amount of material and contribute to a discussion page and respond to a question daily. He made himself very easily accessible despite it having been an online class and was extremely polite and respectful of students' thoughts and opinions. In the past, I have had so many of my history teachers force/impose their opinions and beliefs on me, but Prof. Gutacker does not do that at all! He is a very fair grader and it is not at all difficult to get the grade you want/deserve if you are willing to put the work in. I have never had any desire to really learn history in the first place, as I am a biology major, but I have come out of his class really proud of my newfound knowledge and shocked at how much I did seem to learn. He presents the class in a very unique lens. Discussion posts were worth 30%, Question responses were worth 40%, and the Final essay was worth 30% of the total grade. Do take Professor Gutacker during your time at Baylor!!!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:2365 - This class was awesome! His lectures were super interesting (especially cause he started them off with pictures of his dogs - he even lets you submit your own!) There is A LOT of pop quizzes over the readings, but if you do the readings (actually read them & try to understand them) you should be fine. The exams were super easy if you go to class, they reflect the lecture pretty closely. Highly recommend!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:2365 - WOW!!! Words can't even describe how incredible this class was!! Prof Gutacker starts each class off with a prayer, baby pics, and puppy pics!!! What a great way to start off the lecture. He is ALWAYS prepared, and he has a way of making his lectures impossible to not pay attention to. His lectures are captivating and interactive. He'll ask people questions and make everything interesting!!! There are quite a few quizzes, but as long as you do the reading, you'll be fine! The readings aren't too long and are pretty interesting as well. They will also help you come exam time when you need sources for your essay. (which isn't as bad as it sounds) I'd recommend this class and this professor to EVERYONE!!! TAKE HIM!!!!!!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - If you have the option to, take Dr. Gutacker for history! He is the nicest professor, but he is also great at teaching. His lectures are engaging and you will absolutely learn so much in his class. He's always super available to help you with any questions or go over your tests to help you improve. This class does have readings to complete before every class, with a written response, but once you get used to them, they go a lot quicker. His tests are written paragraphs ID's, an essay question, and five matching questions, which can seem overwhelming, but he is pretty understanding with grades and I ended up with high A's on all of them. Most test days and even throughout the semester, he brought us coffee and donuts for class which was really thoughtful and encouraging. One of my favorite professors I've had at Baylor so far!  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:2365 - Dr. Gutacker was one of the best professors to take history with. he is a very awesome professor and if I had to take another history course I would take one with him again in a heartbeat. He made this class understandable, especially for someone who is not much into history. this class wasn't heavy in course work, and it was easy to study for his exams.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:2365 - There aren't enough words in the dictionary to fully explain how wonderful Dr. Gutacker is. From beginning each class with a prayer, to making himself available to students needing spiritual help, he's just an awesome person - and a great professor, as well. I didn't miss a single class because I enjoyed each lecture so much. He teaches in a way that fully engages everyone, and makes you think critically. The workload is manageable - online/in class quizzes, three exams (including the final), and one project - no huge essay (except for one on each exam). Dr. Gutacker also usually begins class with a picture of his super cute little kid James, or brings coffee, which is super cool. Lastly, Dr. Gutacker's main goal for this class is representing the voices that have been suppressed all throughout history, and he accomplishes it beautifully. If you want a quality class taught by a quality man, take Dr. Gutacker.  - Grade In Class:A

Comments:1300 - TAKE THIS CLASS !!! Dr. Gutacker is literally so awesome. His class isn't going to be an easy A. He doesn't give study guide and he doesn't give out his power points but it is for the best. His teaching methods encourage you too actually know the information and not just have facts memorized to get by. There is a short (200-300 word limit) reading response due before most classes but as long as you skim the readings you'll likely get full credit. His lectures are easy to understand and he makes you think critically , if you have a question ASK IT he's happy to answer or re-explain so you understand!! HIs tests are 4 ID's (you give a paragraph description of the words listed, 5 multiple choice, and one essay. Don't let the essay freak you out its not as bad as it seems. He give you 3 possible questions before the test then he picks 2 from there on the test and you only have to do one. He does send out a message from Canvas before the semester starts don't let it scare you away from the class honestly the lowest grade we had in my class was an 80%. He's a great guy and he genuinely loves the topic and wants his students to succeed.  - Grade In Class:B+

Comments:1300 - TAKE HIM I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH!!!!! I was awful at history in high school but he teaches everything so well that I actually understand it! He is super nice and just overall a great person. I enjoyed this class so much. 10/10 would recommend   - Grade In Class:A