HIS · Columbia University
I learned a lot about Columbia's history, the history of slavery in the North, and the different ways that universities are tied to the slave trade. I also developed strong research and writing skills.
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.
Weekly Discussion Posts + Section Participation, 1-2 Essays, Midterm, Final
This was one of the best classes I've taken at Columbia. I had never before been to the RBML and to spend extended time there was really formative for me. I feel like my research skills got stronger and my interest in doing research grew a lot. I think this class does a lot of important work and it's important to know about Columbia's history
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.
What a joy! Stephanie McCurry is one of the most eloquent and articulate professors I have ever had. She is clearly an expert in her field and excels at teaching large-scale patterns through small-scale stories—all the while relating the material to our present. I took this class as a senior with many history courses under my belt, but I know that students of all years found it approachable and rewarding. Her lectures are structured like chapters from her and Eric Foner’s book, offering multiple ways to engage with the material. Additionally, the exams are thoughtfully designed to test various strengths of history students—incorporating timelines, short answers, IDs, and essays—ensuring a fair and balanced evaluation. There were two short essay assignments with clear prompts and primary sources. For more experienced history students, you can opt to write a longer research paper based on a proposal. It definitely takes some effort, but an A is possible. Would recommend this class to anyone.
I learned how to research archival material and write a research paper based on archival (and online) research.
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.
Assignments: traditional blue book exams and papers; weekly readings
I learned about the history of Columbia and other elite universities' connection to slavery and how universities are trying to take responsibility for these connections