John Ott - Portland State University, Portland, OR

Professor: John Ott

Department: History

College: Portland State University, Portland, OR

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: HST355
• Grade Received: C
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Very understandable professor. Lots of lectures and readings, basically you will read all the week long. He does not use D2L which makes things little bit harder. He is passionate for what he is doing and I truly respect his personality. He always available through email.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: HIST356U
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

-Readings are of reasonable length, and interesting -There are a handful of pop quizzes, but they are very easy. -Fascinating and clearly structured lectures that address major course themes -A very engaging speaker, and excellent discussion leader -Grading is reasonable. Keep up with the class, put in some effort A -Among the best teachers

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HST354
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I am not a history major but will totally take Ott again for electives! His lectures are fasinating and full of wonderful information. There is a lot of reading and it is important. He will remember you if you participate so do so. He is not at all boring and pretty funny.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HST355
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Professor Ott is the man. He is hilarious and knows his stuff. The readings are essential to graded discussion, quizzes, and final papers. He's a really tough grader on content and grammar so I recommend having someone look it over before turning it in. Every point matters in that class. Quiz questions aren't tricky, just do the reading.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: HST355
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. John Ott is one of the best professors you will discover at PSU. If you enjoy history, he is most certainly one professor you should want to check out.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: HST355
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Best lectures I've had at PSU. Passionate and a great sense of humor. Always willing to help. Ott is the man!! Made me want to switch to a history major.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: 405
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Arbitrary and pedantic. Gives great lectures and has a lot to offer, but if he doesn't care for you, you'll never know if you're getting a C or an A until the grades are up. Seems to waver between being incredibly caring about projects and simply critiquing personal style instead of quality of content. Peaks and valleys.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HST300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

He is such an amazing lecturer and probably the smartest person I've ever met. I've taken multiple courses from Prof. Ott and the entire time I am so dumbfounded by his knowledge and his passion for history. His passion is so apparent that he is seriously hot when he lectures about something he cares about. It's kind of ridiculous.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: HST405
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Enthusiastic and entertaining. Ott does not give easy A's, but if you work at it and approach him with any questions you may have, he will do everything in his capacity to help you succeed. His lecture courses are highly engaging and funny, and his seminars are well directed. He wants to make historians, however, not poets: so don't get artsy.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: HIST356U
• 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:

Professor Ott! What a guy; he's a sharp, witty instructor who clearly understands that in order to teach a good history class, you've got to levy your information from the heart. His classes are tough-but then again, so is history. Focus on the lectures, listen to the way he synthesizes hierarchies of themes, and you'll stand a good chance.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: HST354
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Second class I've taken from Dr. Ott. He's a great professor, incredibly helpful, and genuinely loves teaching. The readings aren't bad, and the class only gets tricky if you fall behind (which shouldn't happen as Dr. Ott is always ready to help you out). Definitely one of the more fun and interesting professors at PSU.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: HST354
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Lots and lots of reading, as well as a very difficult testing method (entirely essay)

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: HST405
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Ott is obviously passionate about history. He took a subject that I knew nothing about (ancient Jerusalem) and make it interesting. He runs the class like a philosophical discussion. I really enjoyed it

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HST405
• 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. Ott is an unbelievably excellent professor. Erudite, witty, and absolutely passionate about what he is teaching. Very open to questions and opinions during discussions. Reading material was fascinating. Offers useful, lengthy responses on papers. One of the best professors I've had.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: HIST354
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Ah, Professor Ott. He is brilliant, rarely uses his own notes, just lectures from his mind. He knows his Mediveal European History! He is a tough grader, and this class only two main grades...a paper for the midterm and an insanely dificult essay final. If you love history, take Professor Ott. If you just want to "get by"..Don't bother!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: UNST001
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I loved having prof. Ott! By far one of my favorite teachers- had him for freshman inquiry. He's smart and he knows what he's talking about. Interesting discussions you never regret going to class. Learned a lot and is extremely helpful in grading essays. Highly recommended!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: UNST111
• 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:

He is the best prof I have ever had. Genuinely cares about his students, grades fair, VERY helpful, crystal clear on expectations, and very friendly. Had 3 classes with him and now on my 4th. Classes are interesting and he's very knowledgeable. Best prof you'll ever have!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: MEDCITY
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I took Medieval City from him, and it was great. I wish I had more time to put into the readings and essays, if you do you'll get way more out of class. Discussions are generally great, and he is very good at facilitating, super down to earth, and very friendly and approachable. Not to mention he always provides great insight of his own.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: UNST105
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is adorable...makes the class a lot easier : )

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: UNST104
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

This was a VERY boring class and you must read the material or you won't be able to write essays or participate. Participation is a big part of your grade and that is what killed me.