Prepare for a LOT of reading. She is a tough grader and will have you cite sources on the midterm and final. I worked very hard in this class and only got a B. I knew plenty of people who failed. One thing that was good-- the midterms and final written answers she usually picks a topic we know well and discuss a lot in class.

2 discussion posts, a midterm, and a final. A lot of reading and the midterm and final together make up 80% of your grade. A good grade is far from impossible in this class is you put in the effort.

Interesting and informative lectures, work throughout the quarter can be very time consuming. It's not a class for those looking for an easy A. She doesn't take attendance and it's easy to slip out of class but a lot of the info in lecture+ readings is what will be on the exam. She randomly selects 3 essay prompts out of 6 for the exams.

Overall she is a pretty average professor. Her lectures are a bit disorganized and she doesn't give a clear outline of everything you need to know. You can just do all the readings and not go to lecture; it really just depends on your TA so try and tell if they are a easy grader (most are) but if you get Marina Chavez, take it pass/ no pass.