U.S. in the Era of Civil War and Reconstruction · History
typical of a 3000+ level CU history class
100 pages of reading a week 2 essays - Around 6 pages each --> She/her TAs are tough graders. A good paper will get you a B+/A-. Only perfect papers will get you an A. Midterm/Final -- If you know your facts cold, a B+ is assured. The extent to which you understand different themes and can make persuasive arguments in the essay portion will elevate you to an A-/A.
Eric Foner may be the most impressive lecturer in the historical profession in the world. He's certainly the best I've had, and this comes from a history major who makes a point of filling her electives with 3000+ level history classes. People can say whatever they want about Foner's political predilections - and he's certainly far to the left of "mainstream America" (whatever that means), myself included. But Foner presents a compelling, fact-based interpretation of a profoundly important period in American history that proves far more objective than those who would seek to criticize him typically offer as an alternative.
One of the best lecturers the school has to offer. She shows the outline of her lecture on the first slide of her power points (which you should hastily copy down to organize your notes) and then proceeds to speak without stuttering for the next hour and a half. Sometimes she may go to fast, but for the most part she is clear and it is really enjoyable to be there. Because she covers so much, you end up with over a hundred pages of single spaced notes by the end of the semester. You're gonna work really hard in this class, but it's worth it. She's a pillar in her field.
There is a lot of reading, but it is very interesting and it is chosen very judiciously. That is to say, Professor Foner doesn't assign reading just to assign it- it is all very relevant to class and goes very nicely with the lectures. Although students can get away with skipping some of the reading, doing the reading is a huge advantage in class and in the discussion sections. The midterm is one essay, very straightforward and concerning something we had talked about a lot in class and discussion. The final was a little harder, and it required studying, but there were no real surprises on it. Also, one 10-12 page paper that required us to read books not on the syllabus. It was kind of pain to read the extra books, but we could pick the books and the topic of the paper. Discussion section also requires weekly posts over the readings, but these are not a big deal at all.
2 5-page papers, a midterm, and a final. I have yet to take the final but the midterm was probably the hardest history midterm I've taken at Columbia, and she reserves As on papers for "truly exceptional work." I've done well on everything so far but it's definitely been a labor of love. The class isn't a walk in the park but it's not supposed to be--it's complicated material and you have to work hard to really understand it. Do the reading and attend lecture and you'll be just fine.
I'm in this class now, and I feel like the reviews from six years ago are just as applicable today. Professor Foner is an absolute leader in this field, and it is a privilege to take a class with him. Each lecture focuses on one pretty narrow topic, such as the Southern antebellum economy or Northern patriotism in 1863, and the class is impeccably organized. Every class, Professor Foner stands just next to the podium, and talks to the class very conversationally, glancing at his notes once or twice the whole class. He talks so easily, at the end of each class, it's hard to believe it's been 75 minutes. The class is wonderful, and Columbia is very lucky to have Professor Foner on faculty.
I'm not a CULPA review kind of person, but course selection is coming up and the immortal Stephanie McCurry has no reviews and that is unacceptable because this class is earth-shatteringly good. everyone deserves to experience the grace, brilliance, and wit of Professor McCurry. Is she terrifying? Yes. Is she hilarious and warm and genuinely interested in her undergraduates? Also yes. She takes difficult material and spins it into some of the most powerful, fascinating lectures I've ever heard. Everyone in the class adores her. I'm not going to lie, its a lot of reading. I guess you could get away with not doing it but there's a lot of information so the reading is helpful.