The best aspect of this course was the passionate and extremely knowledge professor. The professor had deep knowledge of Russia and the Middle East, and was effectively able to translate that knowledge into great lectures and class discussions. The worst aspects of the course included the drawn-out lectures and the emphasis on certain historical subjects as opposed to others. The course could improve 248 if the lectures were spread-out through the week instead of having one long class period each week. Prospective students should be prepared to do a lot of reading for this insightful class with a great professor.

The better aspects of this course included the professor’s engaging manner and the way he tied current events into their historical context. Students believed that they learned a tremendous amount, and found al of the lectures to be very interesting. Some students believed that the professor had to go quickly in the lectures to cram in al of the information, and thought that the lectures were a bit rushed at times. Other students thought that the readings were dense, and suggested varying the materials for homework assignments and lightening the reading load in general. Students also thought that meeting twice a week would al ow for more discussions in the course. Prospective students should be prepared to complete a heavy load of reading each week. They will find the materials to be challenging but interesting.

Students praised this course for having a knowledgeable instructor who passionately went over a comprehensive history of Russia’s relations with the outside world. Perceived issues with the course included a belief from multiple students that the course covered difficult material and that lectures felt unnecessarily long and draining. Suggestions for improvement included a desire amongst multiple students that the class meet more often, but for shorter periods as well as a desire for the course to cover less material. Prospective students should know that students found that the course didn’t require them to have a background in Russian history or culture; however, students found that they needed to be prepared to work and study hard in order to succeed in the course.