Wendy Swartz

**Disclaimer: As an EALAC major, I had no choice but to take this class. The material gave me a solid foundation in my region of study, and for that I am grateful. However, Swartz read straight from her notes in lecture. By which I mean, she was nice enough to send out her lecture notes before the final (not the midterm unfortunately) and the lecture notes included "Today I would like to talk about...." and the like. Which was disappointing. However, she speaks Chinese, and so does not butcher Chinese names. If you can keep up to her in lecture (learn to type really fast) you barely need any other resources to pass the exams. However, her lectures move blazingly fast, so I would recommend doing the reading so that what she says isn't total gibberish to you. I had that experience during a couple of lectures. Learn the terms she provides very very well, learn the dynasty timeline like the back of your hand, and get to know the overarching themes of China's history well (of which there aren't many), and the exams shouldn't be a problem.

This class will give you a solid foundation of Chinese literature up to 900's. Professor Swartz is extremely knowledgeable in this field since she's a specialist in Chinese literature. She barely looks at her notes when she lectures. It's also great that she's very enthusiastic about what she teaches. My only complaint is that the class is a little dry. I expect seminars to be full of discussions, but this class was more of a lecture. In some ways it makes sense since we don't have the necessary Chinese background to engage with these texts in the original language. But, I was still a little disappointed. I think going to see her before starting a paper is crucial. She will tell you on the spot if what you're trying to write doesn't make sense. She also clarifies the texts or helps you organize your writing in a coherent fashion. Working with her on papers has improved my writing! For people interested in Chinese literature (especially EALAC majors), this class is essential. Despite the lack of discussions, this course trains you to be a careful reader and a disciplined analyst, which will be necessary later on when comes thesis-writing times. I enjoyed it.

For the most part, the other reviewers have been accurate. Prof. Swartz covers all you need to know from the texts, leads a good discussion, but most of all (my favorite) does not allow students to stray in their arguments. She will correct the students when their rant becomes off topic or incorrect. The two papers are assigned well in advance and are on whatever you like. A fine choice for Major Cultures requirement.

Prof Swartz is a fair and informed professor. She's a better than average discussion leader, keeping the talk on track and away from "I don't agree with the author" nonsense. She does allow the (mostly male) students who are in my opinion in love with their own voice talk over the (mostly female) in my opinion quiet yet informed students, but this is a complaint I've had with all of my classes at Columbia, so it is hardly Prof. Swartz' problem alone. My only real complaint is that she occasionally pulls somewhat middle-school-ish class tricks, like staging a debate, where students represent different schools of philosophy. They aren't wastes of time, but it's a bit hokey for my tastes. Though to be fair, these activities do seem to succeed in involving students who are normally quiet during discussion. She is strict about absenses and deadlines, not unreasonably so, but if it's crunch time and you're thinking about getting an extension in either this class or another, I'd ask the other professor first. Overall very good professor who understands how to lead a discussion class, and when to interject her own knowledge. (Would that I could have said the same about my CC instructor) This is the middle of the semester, so I can't yet comment on paper grading or the final. I'm only posting this since she's the current most demanded review. I anticipate her grading will be strict yet…

I took this class for the Global Core requirement thinking, oh, what great reviews on CULPA and such an interesting subject, it can't be bad right? Well, if you're interested in the subject, stay away. If you're looking for an easy A, stay away. If you're interested in the subject, take a more specific class. Yes it is an introductory class that covers thousands of years in history, but the professor spits out facts so fast its easy to miss the overall picture and parts of the history, only stopping to ask students incredibly stupid questions that no one answers because it's that obvious. God forbid you miss a class since there's no way to catch up on what you missed. In fact, once the professor was absent and a TA lectured instead. I don't think anyone to this day understood what he was suppose to be talking about. Speaking of the TAs, the discussion section was entirely pointless and a waste of time. In addition, my TA never responded to emails, was often late to class, missed appointments/meetings, and talked about her students in Chinese in front of them (not a good idea when 80% of the class understands Chinese). The worst part: the grading. If you took this class looking for an easy A, don't be fooled by the fact it is an introductory course. The medium grade on the midterm was a B- with no curve. Grading on the midterm was completely subjective, especially the essay por…

Very manageable for a 4000x level class. Weekly readings (only 1x or 2x did it exceed 50 pages), one online post, one presentation, and 2 papers.

Absolutely wonderful. Don't miss out. Especially if you're looking for a post-CC reading fix. There is really nothing more that can be said.

This was a great survey class of Chinese history from ancient to modern times. Because Chinese history is long, the class moves very fast, so we don't have time to delve into specific dynasties in great details. Nevertheless, it's not a mere history class. She also introduces the relevant philosophical and literary developments specific to each time period. Professor Swartz is very knowledgeable, and her lectures are clear and organized. Be sure to take good notes, since her exams draw directly from her lectures. I enjoyed her lectures because not only can she pronounce the Chinese names right, but also because she presents the material in a coherent and exciting way. Listening to her lecture totally beats just reading the history book. I definitely recommend this class for anyone interested in getting an overview of Chinese history.

Meets once a week, no discussion section. The weekly readings vary, a bit lengthy at times, but are all doable. You must start the class discussion once during the fifteen weeks and will post on courseworks for that week. Two 5-7 page essays and a 30 min oral final, which is a bit intimidating, but if you know your stuff, it goes by quick since there is a lot of material. It's a 15 min presentation and then 15 min of Q&A.

2 papers, 1 midterm, 1 final. Medium-heavy reading load. It's not LitHum, but the reading does pile up fast if you don't keep up.