Through studying a particular topic in history, students gain insight into historical methods and skills. Course designed for freshmen and sophomore history majors or prospective majors. Others may enroll by permission of instructor. Topics vary by quarter and instructor.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeI had Prof. Blumenthal for a history methods course. It was a little unclear what we were supposed to be learning but assignments were graded fairly and consistently. Personally, I find Crusade history dull but Prof. Blumenthal's passion for the topic is refreshing. She's a pleasant person that I always enjoy seeing in class and would take again.
Really bad professor, she rambles/stutters and yaps too much. Feels like she won't prepare you for the midterms, 2 days in, I already wanna drop. All she do is glaze maps and really boring lecture, don't even go. Hopefully the readings will be fine... Try to not get this class pls.
She rambles A LOT in lectures. Also, I literally quoted something she said from lecture in an exam, and she circled it and put a question mark (and I assume marks points off), which is annoying. This is not the class to take for an easy A. 7 reading responses (2-500 words), in-person midterm w/ study guide, 5-pg paper, and an in-person final.
I feel like a lot of these ratings on her teaching style are unfair, I thoroughly enjoyed her class and she has an obvious passion for teaching. I would recommend using her office hours as she will help you shape your essays and is clear with what she wants. I would definitely take her again given the opportunity, but a lot of writing and readings.
She's very enthusiastic about the class topic, but I'd say she's TOO enthusiastic. She gets so excited about the topic that she rambles and mumbles and gets lost herself. Her lectures are boring and don't help you pass, you'll have to really read the books (one book for lecture and another for the section). BUT she's really sweet and accessible.
Blumenthal is a nice person, and is very knowledgeable about history, but a terrible lecturer. Lectures are a waste of time, and Blumenthal will often talk herself in circles. Reads off a piece of paper the majority of lecture. The class itself isn't too difficult, 2 papers, 1 midterm and final that are IDs and essay(s).