Professor
Michael Rothberg
Most Helpful Review
Fall 2019 - This cluster is fantastic. All the professors are so passionate about the work they do and it definitely translates to their lectures. The content is very heavy so beware of that - I would not recommend taking this class if you are not in good mental health, because the course content just makes you lose so much faith in humanity and is quite angering at times. But Rothberg is uber-knowledgeable about the Holocaust and is extremely willing to help you understand the historical context and importance of literature of this time period. There is quite a bit of reading that is "required" for discussion sections, and while you do not necessarily need to read all of it, it is good to skim a reading or two so you can speak up a bit in discussion to get your section participation points. There's no midterm, but there is a final, which the professors graciously give an in-depth study guide for, which is all you need. The final is essentially just 6 (?) short answers which are defining and explaining vocabulary and two essays for which you are given the prompts beforehand. Again, very easy. I highly recommend this class and these professors (Rothberg, Luft, McBride, Robinson), if you are okay with being sad twice a week every time you leave lecture.
Fall 2019 - This cluster is fantastic. All the professors are so passionate about the work they do and it definitely translates to their lectures. The content is very heavy so beware of that - I would not recommend taking this class if you are not in good mental health, because the course content just makes you lose so much faith in humanity and is quite angering at times. But Rothberg is uber-knowledgeable about the Holocaust and is extremely willing to help you understand the historical context and importance of literature of this time period. There is quite a bit of reading that is "required" for discussion sections, and while you do not necessarily need to read all of it, it is good to skim a reading or two so you can speak up a bit in discussion to get your section participation points. There's no midterm, but there is a final, which the professors graciously give an in-depth study guide for, which is all you need. The final is essentially just 6 (?) short answers which are defining and explaining vocabulary and two essays for which you are given the prompts beforehand. Again, very easy. I highly recommend this class and these professors (Rothberg, Luft, McBride, Robinson), if you are okay with being sad twice a week every time you leave lecture.