Haven't completed the class yet but it's definitely not overly challenging. Subject material for the most part is very, very interesting though sort of morbid at times. Lectures start out pretty slow- ie genocide and why we study it, where the term came from, how it relates to war, etc.. But the case studies are fascinating in my opinion. There are a total of 8 case studies that you will study chronologically. Reading is about 100 pages a week but you don't need to do all of it. Attending lecture is a must. Rossman puts powerpoints online with the most basic structure of his lecture but you'll miss out on a lot if you don't go. He's not what I would call a particularly entertaining professor but the subject matter is serious so you don't really miss the lame professor jokes. There are movie screenings in Clemons every so often on Monday nights and while he recommends them, they aren't totally necessary. There are only 2 TA's and the one I have is extremely nice, her name is Anne Daniels. My section is pretty chatty so it's never a drag having to go. Midterm was to define 5 of 10 ID terms and to write about 1 of 2 essays topic which we were given a few days to prepare. Overall, I have a B+/A- in this class right now and I did so having read about 2/3 of all material.
Grade Distribution
No grade data available
Sections
1Lecture (1)
Expect intense, fast-paced lectures on deeply grim subject matter that require consistent attendance and active note-taking to succeed. You will face a heavy weekly reading load, though strategic skimming paired with focused study of lecture concepts usually keeps the workload manageable. Your final mark hinges on three short response papers, two major exams, and heavily weighted discussion participation, meaning your assigned section leader’s grading style will play a major role. This course is academically rigorous and fascinating, but it moves quickly and strongly favors upperclassmen or students already comfortable with department-level history writing and analysis. Commit to attending every session, contributing regularly in discussion, and prioritizing lecture takeaways to navigate the demanding but worthwhile pacing.
47 Reviews
Professor Rossman is a great professor and his lectures are really engaging. There is a midterm and a final as well as 3 two page response papers throughout the semester. If you put in the time, then you're guaranteed at least a B but an A is attainable if you put in the extra work. I loved this class!
Brilliant class, very eye-opening, makes you passionate about the subject.
Great Class. Highly recommend
Topic is interesting, both midterm and final are relatively easy if you go to lecture and take good notes. Skim the readings so you have something to say in discussion, they're not really needed for midterm/final of you go to class.
Good class. Lots of reading but it's not necessary to really learn it, just get a general idea. It gave me the impression all the way through that the final would be really tough if you didn't do ALL the readings or go to ALL the lectures - it's really not that bad though.
Underwhelming
GREAT class! Readings are interesting and exams are extremely straightforward. Midterm had IDs and essays. Final had IDs, matching, and essays. You are also responsible for 3 2-page papers which were not bad at all. Michael Caires was a great TA!
Very interesting class. It covered other subjects and events I have learned in politics courses but looked at these things from a new perspective. Highly recommended. Mike was a great TA who pushed each student to participate and understand.
this is a really good class in terms of subject and material assigned, but I think that the grading is way too hard for the time that we are allotted to write our exams.