I just took EUROPEAN STUDIES 101. I loved having Professor Berend. He was very intimidating throughout the course yet is quite kind. Professor Berend is very intelligent and lectures extremely well. He has a very thick accent that was difficult to understand the first day but it got easier as I went. Thankfully, there was no midterm/final, but there were 5 papers (4-5 pages), that were quite demanding and took LOTS OF TIME. There are lots of readings that took much time to get through (they were very difficult!). You are also expected to participate a lot (he will appreciate this) and go to lectures. You also have to do 1-2 presentations. Show a great effort in class and make sure to note how he likes papers written (organized, focused on one idea that is developed, use outside sources, etc.) and he will reward you. After putting in LOTS OF EFFORT AND HARD WORK, I was rewarded with an A and he grades very fairly actually! You will learn a lot in his class and he will truly enrich your education! :)