The way one event led to another throughout the narrative of the period of history we studied. Seeing the connections throughout history makes hte present feel more like its continuation. 

I thought it was straight forward

I like that the class included some economics as it pertained to history, because economics is something I'm interested in. I also appreciated the parts of class that allowed me to use empathy to connect with the significance of the material, because outside of that it was fairly difficult for me to connect with the material.

The teaching style

More room for the students to come to the conclusions

I found this class to be dry, difficult to understand and connect with, and overall not optimal in terms of the weekly schedule: this is coming from a highly creative and artistic individual who values open expression, multiple perspectives, and flexibility. Take what you will, and consider your own preferences.

I don't think I had the language, background, and desire to thrive in the environment created in Joe's class and the situation that it was, though I did try. In honesty, had I the choice to go back in time and change my choice, I would go ahead and take a different class were it not for the genuine value and gratitude that I do carry for the lessons I learn about myself through challenging situations. This course wasn't helpful for me in terms of my quality of life; I think I would have learned a lot more effectively if I were in a classroom that was more lively, engaging, and slightly more friendly towards feelings. The class wasn't good or bad objectively (is anything able to be defined objectively?) -- it just wasn't particularly good for me in terms of supporting my mental health and college experience by its nature.

The big picture concepts that were pointed to by the material we learned were fascinating, but I don't feel that I will be able to remember the history that was covered in this class besides some very basic and broad timelines and connections -- which, for the record, I do appreciate now being more familiar with. I did nearly all of the reading assigned (usually one or two pages were left unread because my mental capacity tapped out before I made it through, and I had to prioritize something else to continue caring for my well-being and self) and I participated the best that I could, but reading the book took me so many hours that I consistently was left without enough time to prioritize repeated exposure to the material following completion of the reading. 

I might have some Jeopardy bits tucked away, which I may surprise myself by recognizing in the future, but I don't like Jeopardy, and reading each week took me so long that I did not have any time leftover with which I could prioritize active recall studying and repeated exposure to the material without greatly neglecting or compromising other classes/areas of my life. It just took so. dang. long. to get through one chapter! :/ I would submit here that I recognize there is room for improvement and modification regarding my own time management, but that really it would have been  unequally split. I don't think it was a realistic and healthy amount of material for myself to commit to, personally. There are many possible reasons for why this phenomena took place, but I know one reason is not that I am lazy or do not care. I am a highly engaged and intelligent student, and individual, who found that this class wasn't very conducive to my learning. I think it may be tailored to very particular types of individuals/personalities who value rules and structure over adaptability and flexibility. I thrive in environments were collaboration and open-mindedness is prioritized and valued, and that didn't feel like the sense that was here, though Joe did teach history, and a lot of it. He does hope for students to do well, but seems quite fixed on immovable expectations about how "success" may be obtained. I would almost venture to say that his desire to sheerly teach history has taken away from the overall reach (regarding number of students) that his teachings might have were the class setup warmer and more inviting for students. 

I learn well when there is engagement and liveliness present, and this class felt fairly dull to me, though it was fun to see Joe become excited and enthusiastic about the things that he finds exciting. He does show a substantial amount of spirit when expressing his interpretation of what is significant about material, and he does communicate clearly, though that doesn't mean the language of the class will be easy to understand. 

I also think this class would be best recommended to students who without a doubt have a very markedly solid background in understanding history thoroughly and well. It was always challenging for me in high school, and it was doubly more challenging in college. Take this class with caution, and if you're a poet and a perfectionist . . . please give yourself more margin than you think you need for the term which you take this class. Give yourself a lot of time, so you can get through it somewhat effectively, while also taking breaks to care for your body and soul. It's going to take a lot of discipline, and you're going to have to accept that it will not be what you want, but that it's ok and you're still valuable. 

Also, Joe will encourage you and see you as capable if you are willing to try to communicate. He showed me that he valued and believed in my ability, even though we conduct ourselves in very different ways as we interact with people and the world. I credit him for that willingness, and for his tenacity and drivenness as a teacher. 

I don't think it can to be honest