James Lake - Louisiana State University at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA

Professor: James Lake

Department: English

College: Louisiana State University at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ENG408
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Read everything. He gives a million handouts. Keep them. You will use them for your papers. It helps to have background knowlege in Mythology and Christian theology. He's funny. Laugh at his jokes. Participate in class, the points count. He is one of the most caring professors I've ever had. I'm grateful to have had his class.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ENG408
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

You will probably get a good grade if you follow these rules. 1 - Be to class early (at least five minutes) every day and never miss a class. 2 - Go see him personally before writing a paper and before turning it in. 3 - Participate in class for tons of bonus points.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ENGL215
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Lake is a memorable teacher and if you have taken his class, like I did more than 20 yrs ago, you will remember him. He pushed me to excell in his classes and I learned a lot. Yeah, it was one of the hardest courses Ive taken, but it was worthwhile !

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ENGL408
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Lake, you obviously know your Shakespeare, but you don't teach it well. You teach people who inspired the Bard, but you don't focus on S'peare himself. Plus, you skip over assigned plays then ask us about them on the final. That is NOT right. You are pleasant and willing to help, but your course has left me confused and overwhelmed.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ENGLISH409
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

While I did not do well in this class, it gave me my first taste of college expectations. I did struggle, but I found myself with a renewed sense of purpose and love for english. He gave me my first wall, and I'm so very grateful for it. While it wasn't easy, I did love the experience. This was an eye opening experience. This class is amazing.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ENG408
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

As an English major, I was extremely excited in taking a Shakespeare explicit class, and then I got this guy. Very disorganized teaching style, no clear direction in his lectures, etc. I usually need clear parameters to work with, so it was very frustrating. He knows what he's talking about, just doesn't know how to teach in a clear way.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ENGL408
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I was extremely excited about taking Shakespeare until I had this professor. He is very unclear during the lecture and talks about irrelevant things. Girls and those who come talk to him outside of class receive better grades. I've seriously never disliked a class as much as this one. I was extremely disappointed with this professor and this class.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ENG409
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Lake is one of the best professors I have had the opportunity to learn under. He is probably THE SHAKESPEARE AUTHORITY in the US. Don't believe me? His name is on the books. Seriously. He wrote the book. The New Kittredge Shakespeare Editions are used throughout the US and beyond, and he edited the series. Do yourself a favor, take his class.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ENLSHAK
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Lake is the best teacher I have ever had. He really TEACHES and you WILL learn from him. I retained more from his classes than any other class I have ever taken.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ENG105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Wish I could give this guy a zero. He is a terrible teacher and person. This guy is a straight up jerk. If your a women you will have a greater opportunity to receive a far higher grade on your papers. DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ENG220
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I am glad I got to take him before he retired. If he comes back to teach a Shakespeare class, take him--he knows his Shakespeare!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ENG205
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Lake certainly has his way of working with this class. Up until this point, I honestly had little interest in literature. He's given me a whole new look, and I am deeply grateful for that. He's tough and detailed. People who are lazy will not do well, period. Reading is not really an option but a necessity. Don't show up late to class, either.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ENGPOET
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I had Dr.Lake over seven years ago and I still remember him as one of my greatest teachers ever. People told me how horrible he was but I think those people are lazy and have no sense of humor. He really pushed me to be a better student and I am forever grateful. Thank you.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: LA792
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Took a graduate MLA class in Renaissance literature ? he?s the bomb! He is very knowledgeable and interesting. Gives bonus points for participation and provides coffee and snacks. He does not appreciate anyone coming in late or acting in a disrespectful manner ? I really don?t blame him. I enjoyed his class and learned a lot.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: LA793
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

I've never listened to people saying to avoid a teacher, usually it's because that teacher makes students work hard. However, I profoundly regret not listening this time. Dr. Lake is arrogant and unhelpful, he is only interested in belittling students rather than helping them learn. Worst teacher I've had at LSUS. Avoid Dr. Lake at all costs.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ENGL220
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Lake is a teacher you have to respect. Do all the work and you'll be fine. I'm a freshman and I took him as a higher level sophomore. If I can do it, anyone can too. You can't afford to be lazy in this class. Advise: Don't be late, don't wear hats, and speak up! You'll get a lot of bonus points for talking! He can teach you a lot.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ENGL220
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Very Hard, very mean, but you will leave his class feeling like you have learned something.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ENGL409
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Excellent professor! Loves to help students succeed.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ENGL115
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This man is so angry and mean. I dropped his class halfway through with a 96 average because I could not take his abuse anymore!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ENG205
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Dr. Lake is very hard to follow and boring at times. Do not take him if you have problems paying attention in class. He teachs all over the place and doesn't stay on track. Do not put opinion into your writing. His view is the only correct one. Bonus pionts are helpful , but not if you are a quiet person. Do not take him