Review from a student who took HIS 366R
I took this class to fulfill my 2nd part of US History. It was far more interesting to listen to (and learn about) than the typical "civil war" and "ww2" speeches given by grad students. The lectures are entirely based around PowerPoint -- which he also posts online. Although it might be enticing to just say "screw going to class, the lectures are online"... DONT. If you miss 3 lectures (or skip out on the TA session held every other week), you automatically fail. Tests: There are two, mid and endterm. Somewhat easy. I wouldn't say that they're gimmes because he pulls 30 points from identification questions. The first exam's ID's were damn near impossible. Taken from one or two sentences not mentioned in lecture but from one of the obscure readings. To swing a B on these isnt difficult. Final: The final exam is given on the last class day and is to be turned in at the end of the week. I found a 10 page, 4 essay final written exam a bit taxing when I had a billion other things to study for and turn in the week before finals. Other Stuff: Random quizzes... (worth 5% of your grade) I didn't care for them at all. The quizzes are unannounced and given within the first 5 minutes of class on the readings that cover that night's lecture. So, if you haven't prepared ahead of time, you're screwed (sometimes...). TA's aren't that helpful, mine lost my second exam. Also, attendance counts for 5% of your final grade.