John Najemy - Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Professor: John Najemy

Department: History

College: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: HIST351
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I took Mr. Najemy's 'Machiavelli' course in Fall 2006. He truly inspired his students, and was clearly passionate about history. He had an unparalleled knowledge of early modern Europe, particularly Florence. He may speak a little softly, but this fits well with his unassuming character. If you like European history, you must take this seminar.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: HIST3500
• 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:

Extremely knowledgeable. Very quiet and somewhat neurotic with his notes. Speaks a little too softly, but is interested in his coursework and his students. Could be somewhat more exciting, though. Readings are excellent. Major complaint is the promise of discussions of texts in class, but we never get to say anything.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HIST3501
• 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:

Most well-prepared professor I've ever had--borderline OCD. Najemy's not interested in big picture ideas or daring interpretations. He is more interested in what Machiavelli has to say than students' interpretations (he'll argue to the contrary) and frequently cuts off comments. That said, I learned a great deal about Machiavelli. Worthwhile class.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: HISTORENN
• 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:

Fantastic professor. He is charismatic in a quiet way. If you want to hear a speaker who doesn't use notes, go to a Pentecostal church.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ITAL468
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I have taken two seminars with Najemy and loved his classes. He is absolutely brilliant and knows everything about the italian renaissance. He is witty, and interesting. I never had any issues hearing him lecture...I took two seminars with him, and wish I had another semester to take another class with him!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: HIST369
• 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:

he never looks up from his notes and goes over time every time

Rating # 7

Overview:

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

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

Comment:

It's been 25 YEARS since I had this class and I still remember the prof as one of the best I ever had at Cornell. Yes, he does speak very softly and you have to be on your toes because lectures are absolutely jam-packed with info, delivered rapid-fire. Brilliant man and very dedicated.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HIST369
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Najemy is probably a brilliant historian on 15th c. Italy but he is not engaging at all. They are not intellectually stimulating bc he doesn't present the material in an interesting way. If you want someone to lull you to sleep in class, take Najemy's course. He speaks SO softly. There's a difference b/t being a brilliant expert and a good teacher

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: HIST350
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

the best professor i've ever had. not only are his lectures as interesting as possible when talking about 500 years ago but he's also able to joke about current issues and a wide variety of unrelated topics. i would definitely recommend this or any of his other classes for anyone

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: HIST369
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

You'll really like Najemy if you're a history major or into romance studies. His lectures are interesting and easy to understand. You do have to go to sections, but not all reading is necessary each week. Overall, a really nice guy who really loves Italy

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: HIST351
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I have taken two classes with this man and will take more. His lectures are uber-stellar. Go to them. Anyone who doesn't like him has no taste and is dumb, besides.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: HIST350
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

My advice would be only to take Najemy if (a) you are prepared to attend class weekly; and (b) you are capable of understanding intellectually demanding topics. If you are one of the few at Cornell who actually meet these criteria, you'll love Najemy.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: HIST350
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Najemy is a brilliant academic and a great professor. I've taken two classes with him and look forward to taking a third.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: HIST350
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Najemy is the single worst lecturer in the hist. dept. the italian renaissance should be a pretty interesting class, right? Wrong. The only things that save this class are the quality reading list and Bob, the TA.