I took this class because it sounded interesting, and thanks to Jill Shapiro, I am now seriously considering the EBHS major.

She is a fascinating lecturer and her enthusiasm about the subject matter is contagious. She tends to be very specific about the way she teaches (borderline obsessive-compulsive, like when she times every single lecture and "makes up" for letting us out early by keeping us late, to the minute) but it makes for very organized lectures. Once you know her style, the expectations of the class are very clear and there is little to stress about as long as you stay on top of the material.

Weekly discussion sections are not required but can bump up your grade. The sections earlier in the year were not that informative, but are definitely worth it once the skulls come out (especially if you are a visual learner). Prof. Shapiro specifically dictates the content of the sections and so the it sometimes seemed forced coming from the TAs.

There is a LOT of memorization. The midterm and final (non-cumulative) are 1/3 and 2/3 of the grade, respectively. The midterm is entirely short answer, and the final is short answer and long essays. YOU WILL NOT DO WELL IN THIS CLASS IF YOU DO NOT DO WELL ON THESE EXAMS, and the only way to do well is to set aside time to memorize. Find a method that works for you and just memorize.