James Holoka
- School: Eastern Michigan University
- Location: Ypsilanti, MI
- Department: History
- 4.8Overall Quality
- 4.7Helpfulness
- 4.8Clarity
- 2.9Easiness
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HIST 324
Fantastic Professor! He is extremely enthusiastic about what he teaches and you WILL enjoy learning in his class. As long as you come to class, pay attention, and take notes you will do well. I can't wait to take another class with him next semester!
HIST 324
Great professor. Exams are a little difficult, but I learned so much from this course.
HIST323
He was very enthusiastic. He made greek history come alive! He makes it easy to get a good grade if you come to class and listen and take notes. Take lots of notes!! The class overall was very fun. Hes makes a lot of jokes and keeps it interesting.
HIST323
One of the best professors on campus. After having taken four classes from him, I am terribly sad that there are no more left I can take. He's very clear in letting you know what is expected in the class. His grading is fair and reasonable. The tests are designed so that if you paid attention in class, you will do well. Ave Holoka!
LATN101
Great professor! I am a Bio major and have no interest in Latin and I enjoy coming to his class. He is very clear on what is expected. Quizzes weekly, a chapter a week (usually), midterm, and final. He calls on people at random just like in high school. So make sure to pay attention and do your hw! (even though its not graded)
HST323
By far one of the best professors at Eastern, I have had two classes with him and I am taking a third one. His classes are interesting and fun, he also covers some pretty inspiring topics and characters. Showing up to class is must if your aiming for a good grade. The grading is pretty fair as well.
HIST323
Absolutely the best professor I have had at Eastern. I was excited to go to class every day, I even signed up for a class with him next semester even though I do not require the class for my major or minor.
HST323
Great Professor. Very helpful and knows his stuff. Makes the class very interesting. highly recommend. Going to class is a must as most testing material is covered in class.
HIST324
Professor Holoka, is by far the BEST professor at Eastern. He is so entertaining during his lectures, and extremely easy to talk to. It is very important to go to class because there is so much material he goes over, and not going will definitely show in your grades. I would recommend him to everyone, history majors & non history majors!
HST323
I thought Hot or Not was in reference to how fun the class was, not appearance. Well, the class is fun anyhow. Not hard so much as challenging, nothing unfair.
CLAS301
Professor Holoka is amazing! He's fluent in both Latin and Ancient Greek and practically has an encyclopedia of information in his head. He's enthusiastic and really makes learning the subject fun. Taking classes with him makes my semester(s) so much better.
HIST323
Professor Holoka is great! I knew nothing about Greek History when I took his course, and came out the other end educated and with a deep appreciation of the subject. He really cares about his subject and teaching, and if you take him you will learn! I think of him as what all college professors should be! Just make sure you go to every class!
HIST323
I highly recommend this professor! He's a classic professor type, with mainly lectures, but he keeps the class engaged and really knows what he's talking about (doesn't need to refer to notes during lectures). His grading is made up of quizzes and exams, and they aren't easy, but if you study you'll do fine, and he gives you the benefit in the end.
CLAS301
Professor Holoka is a most excellent teacher! His lectures are very structured and easy to understand, even if some of the material is heavy. If you go in knowing nothing, pay attention to him and read the assignments, you will come out with a well-rounded bank of knowledge on the subject.
GREK101
Took him for an ancient language class and succeeded in a language class more than I ever had before. Attendance is verryyy important, so don't register if you don't plan to attend class or do quite a bit of studying. Vocab quizzes every other class period and two exams. Requires you to do reading and translating aloud in front of peers. Great prof
HIST323
Holoka is my favorite professor here at EMU. He makes the subject extremely interesting, and he is challenging enough to make you think. I love going to his classes!
LITR106
Great lecturer. He truly knows a lot about Ancient Rome, a I learned a lot from him. However, he is an outrageous essay grader. He essentially tells you that your writing sucks and practically rewrites the whole paper, word for word almost! In person, he is helpful, but comes off as a bit haughty. Overall, a lukewarm teacher.
clasall
He really knows the material and is willing to explain it but he can go off on tangents.
HIST324
Easily one of the best professors at EMU. Eastern is not necessarily a bad university, but the ratio of good the bad profs is way off. Holoka is in the 5% of talented, passionate professors. Smart, relevant, handsome and very funny.
hist324
Great Prof. He was the reason i ended up doing a semester abroad. the classes are entertaining and informative, and he really knows his greek and latin.
HIST324
Amazing - 'to overwhelm with wonder'... Class was not a lecture, but entertainment. Ties in other classes he is teaching during the semester (helpful to those students "doubling-down" and taking multiple class offerings). Prof. Holoka will keep you interested with fun lectures and an exciting presentation of material.
Lit181
By far, one of the best teachers I've ever had. He made me want to switch my major back to a history major. I didn't, but if he taught every mandatory class, I would. I wish I could have the chance to have him again! His exams/quizzes are easy, as long as you come to class or read the books, you'll easily get a good grade. He's amazing!
hist344
After reading these coments,I expected choclate candy to pour from Dr. Holoka's mouth, and for plants to heal as he walked by. Seriously though, he is a top notch professor. If your a history major/minor he is a must take.
HIST323
Greek History was a "can't miss" this last semester. Holoka makes things interesting and fun, and extremely memorable. This is one of the best classes I have taken, and I have at least 2 more with him before I graduate. I can't wait. This is a phenomenal professor, one whom everyone should take a class with. AMAZING!
LNGE132
He makes you happy every day you are in class, and sad when you have to leave. I have taken him twice and without a doubt he is the best Professor at EMU and I would argue one of the best Professors in the country/world. EMU is very lucky to have him and students find out very quickly that they are lucky to have taken a course with him. AMAZING!
HIST323
Tempted to write a negative review so not as many people will take Prof Holoka's future class offerings. He's that good. Amazingly smart and uses that with a comedic twist on history in many instances to make classes interesting and relative. Occasional liberal politic bias, but other than that one of those teachers you "have to take" while at EMU
HIST323
This man is the true definition of a scholar. The class was Greek history, but it's clear that he knows much more than his field of specialty. He never insults your intelligence, but manages to explain things very well. He is a master of the Socratic method. He's a brilliant man who seems to care about students. There's no one like him.
HIST323
The best way to learn is through laughter, and he finds a way to do this. His passion for Greek History with rub off on you, and soon it will be all you think about. If he were alive during the 1770s he would be a founding father and today we would see his signature on the Declaration of Independece! Seriously, he is that smart.
HIST323
I am taking his class Greek History now and it is amazing! It is nice to know something else besides American History! He is funny and doesnt demand your attention, he earns it. The best part of class besides the whole class is when he will take a word and break down its meaning and how it came to be. 50 min classes are too short!!
Hist323
I fell in love with him and history at the same time. The class was romantic. I still think about him.
hist323
even though the class is at the crack of dawn, i still go every time, he makes it easy to learn greek hist, and makes it funny.
LATN201
Probably one of the most amazing professors I have ever come accross. Learning a foriegn language is extremly difficult for me, and he was always there every step of the way doing whatever he could to help me understand, and to do well in the class. Even if I hated the class he would have made it fun. He is funny and truly cares about his students!
LATIN201
Holoka is one of the best profs at eastern. Great classes, he is the classics department!
HISTROME
What a great prof. so funny and entertaining; no holds bar, if he wanted to say it, he did! Knows his stuff and passes it on easily. tests are 2 parts, m.c. and fill in blank and short essay, but tells you really what is going to be on test. quizzes throughout but does the same as tests, drops the lowest score at the end. you'll laugh like crazy.
LATN102
Professor Holoka is extremely intelligent and funny. He expects participation and understanding from students but his classes are very enjoyable. He knows so much about ancient Greece and Rome! Eastern is lucky to have this professor.
HIST324
Very interesting class and although attendance is not mandatory per say it makes the class much easier.
Latin101
Prof. Holoka is an extremely wise and helpful teacher. He really knows his stuff and is very accessible and understanding.
HIST324
Professor Holoka is very knowledgeable and very fair. The quizzes are easy, the test are not. You will need to study and know your notes well if you want an A in his class. I took both Greek and Roman History with him, got A's in both, and the most important thing i can say is show up everyday and take notes.
LATN101
Seriously great professor. King of TANGENTS. But, you will even learn from the tangents. He is SO funny, my favorite prof this semester.
LATIN101
Great professor, highly recommended. Funny, crystal clear, and always grammatically correct. Excellent professor to have for ancient languages.
Latin101
Great Prof! Really knows his stuff. Requires a great deal of vocab memorization, but what foreign language doesn't. Although I'm still confused with all of the cases and declensions, I am enjoying this class a great deal, and am excited to be learning such a language with an incredible history.
Latin101
Dr. Holoka was an amazing teacher in Latin. As part of my requirement to graduate from EMU in BA I had to take one year in a language. They didn't offer Arabic, so due to my interest in studying religion, I took Latin. And I ended up loving the class so much that I was top 3rd in my class. I even dreampt Latin. My sister heard me speaking it i
HIST323
Great class! Professor Holoka has a passion for Greek history and it comes across in his teaching. Make sure to take good notes as the exams are based on them. The main textbook isn't really used much. He is very fair with exams and quizzes but questions are not always the main ideas from the readings or lectures. Highly recommend professor.
HIST323
I loved this class! He explains history like a story and keeps the class interesting. The tests aren't very difficult and always covers the material. I highly recommend any course he takes!!
hist324
his class is easy to pass as long as you attend his lectures. Also makes class extremely interesting!!!
HIST324
He is highly knowledgable in what he teaches. The lectures are very interesting and entertaining. If you go to lectures and take notes you can do well in this class.
HIST323
Excellent professor. Knows his Greek history and is passionate about it. Very funny too.
HIST323
Dr. Holoka is very knowledgeable and passionate about ancient Greek history. His class is informative and entertaining.
LITR106
This class was a combo of American/Roman lit and American/Roman history. I absolutely LOVED everything Holoka lectured on about Roman history and literature. He made me want to get a minor in Classical Studies.
HIST323
Holoka is full of Greek knowledge! The drama unfolds like an amazing Hollywood movie! As long as you attend all classes (which is not hard, they're so interesting!) you will learn SO much and easily earn an A!! This class is Great!
Hist323
I'm rating Dr Holoka midway through so that should tell you something especially since I've only taken 1 quiz & 1 test & don't know what my grade will be. If you enter into his class not interested in Greek Hist you soon will be. Dr Holoka tells the story of Greek Hist in such a way that you leave class wanting more & can't believe the hour is up.
LATN201
Extremely knowledgeable. All material presented in a clear and concise manner. I've had Prof. Holoka for three courses now and I've never once witnessed him talk down to anyone. He is also not without a sense of humor and is clearly passionate about what he knows . . . which is a lot.
HIST324
Holoka is an excellent professor. He has a way of capturing your attention through his little ancedotes. He is the type of teacher that has a lot of passion in what he teaches and it shows. It is essential though to attend class, and his is the type that you will want to. It is also essential that you read the assigned readings.
hist323
very organized, very prepared for the class, extremely knowledgable on the topic however does not speak above your head with his great knowledge makes all students understand his meanings
HIST324
Prof. Holoka is one of the best I have had. 9:00 is early and I am happy that he is the teacher. I am ready to go to this class after really regreting it last semester. He likes things to be a certain way and that's cool, as long as he teaches me I am ready to leran.
LATN101
A-mazing! He is funny, eloquent, relevant, and overall an outstanding professor. You have to keep up on your studying (it's a language, afterall) but he offers copious amounts of extra credit and consistently engages the class with anecdotes and current events.
HIST323
This was a great class! I learned a lot. My class was a 9am, and I really appericate how entertaining the Prof. Holoka was that early in the morning. Word to the wise, DON'T skip class you miss too much.
Hist323
It's funny when he swears and makes jokes about stuff the Greeks used to do. He's very charismatic but not very personable. I was told he was a nervous person by a student who was close to him so that might explain his behavior. All in all he's a great professor and you will learn a lot in his class
CLAS181
The best professor at Eastern without a doubt. I have taken two classes with Dr. Holoka and have become a classics minor because he's just so darn interesting. He could make wallpaper fun to learn about, honestly, and he may be the most intelligent person I've ever met, he knows something about everything and yet still is humble and very funny
HIST323
Jim Holoka is a HOOT!!! I love his sense of humor, and I really love the way he includes other sources of information as well as Greek origins of words in the class. WORD OF WARNING! Do NOT miss his classes - this is NOT one to simply 'blow off' and take his tests and expect to get a good grade! He's a great prof and an asset to theUniversity!
hist 323
Professor Holoka is a great instructor, knowledgable, funny , and any one as smart as he -- i think is beyond hot!
HIST 323
Dr. Holoka may be the best professor I have ever taken. He is not the easiest, but you will learn more from him than most others.
HST 323 an
d 324
Dr. Holoka was an excellent prof who knew his subjects well and obviously enjoyed talking about them. He's certainly the most adept history prof EMU has. I wouldn't really say he's hot, but if it helps him with the babes, then so be it.
CLAS
What a great guy! Such a wonderful time and if you can take Quest for Power with him and Citino, Do It!
Roman Hist
ory
It was back in the early 90's, but I always remember his class as one of my favorites! He is one of the main reasons I still enjoy reading about and studying Roman History!
HIST 323
AWESOME teacher! He actually makes history fun. I enjoyed going to his classes and now I want to visit Italy! His tests were tricky so make sure you study up.
HST 323
Politics should be balanced in the classroom. Other than that the class was very interesting.
HIST
Dr. Holoka's class was amazing. Great lecturer, knows so much. The class was fun. I'd take another one if I could!
hist 323
Extremely entertaining, engaging, and educative class. He obviously enjoys his work, and the enthusiasm pulls the student into the subject. He carefully melds current events with the period of history he is discussing. I love his classes
HIST 323
very clear presentation of material...especially helpful when there is a lot. dr. holoka has the ability to relate historical facts and figures in present day analogies....humorous and fun!
HIST 323
very interesting, good sense of humor, stimulates interest in the course....easy to follow.
Hist 324
Holoka was just great!!! Sadly there are not as many professors out there that KNOW how to TEACH as well as this man. Plus he is not afraid to hold anything back in the classroom (in translation -- nothing is lost).
latn I
The course was taught with clarity, energy, and daily-show humor. keep it up!!!!!!!!!!!
history 32
4
Loved the class, even though the exams were extremely difficult, had no idea that I would be so interested in the subject!
hist 324
Relates well with class. Cool dry sarcasm. Compares Ancient History with today's relevant current politics and events.
HIST 324
Professor Holoka is probably the best professor that I have had at Eastern. I will be in my 3rd class with him this coming winter semester. I would highly recommend either HIST 323 or HIST 324 to anyone who is remotely interested in history.
CLAS 104
Very good at teaching. It's hard not to get drawn into the subject when he's lecturing. You get tons of information out of him, & he's easygoing enough that you can still have fun.Go to class and take good notes, and you will do well.I decided I wanted to marry him but was discouraged by his ring :(
Greek
I love going to his classes and listening to him opine about Bush and the Republican party. You have to take a class with him!
Roman His
This guy is a trip. Very good teacher that really gives you a chance to do well. Try to keep a good attendence and you'll be fine.
Roman HIS
best prof at EMU. inspired my own career in academia. jim holoka is a beautiful, beautiful man.
HIST 104
I absolutely love Dr. Holoka!! He is one of the best professors I've had here at Eastern. His lectures and his days in the "blurt chair" are so interesting and in many ways funny. His team teaching with Prof. Citino is awesome. TAKE THIS CLAS
LNGE223
He's one of the best teachers I've ever had. Great voice, extremely intelligent (but not in an arrogant way). Amazing stories, extremely funny. FIND something to take from him!
CLAS 104
Without a doubt, the best prof at emu. I never skip because I'm afraid I might miss a really good lecture.
HIST 104
Quest for Power (team taught with Citino) is the best class that you'll take at EMU and I'm not a history major.
HIST
Dr. Holoka is the epitome of a professor. Knowledgeable, professional, magnanimous, and full of integrity.
Roman Hist
He is my favorite instructor ever at EMU. He is both informative and makes the subject fun. I hope to be as good a teacher as he is when I graduate
Hist 323
Excellent teacher. Highly reccomend. Presents info in a fun and easy to understand way. Very inspiring!
Greek Hist
Very, very smart guy. Presented material in a very organized way. I had him for Latin I and Ancient Greek history. I never had a problem staying awake in his class.
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