I know that people often say that Grossman is chaotic and disorganized, but I found him to be a breath of fresh air compared to other professors who don't really like to be so personable with students. I enjoyed his lectures and his enthusiasm for teaching 10C and he's just a very kind person. He always checks in on students and wants them to do well. His quizzes are super easy as long as you show up to class, but the oral retakes he offers really aren't that bad either if you at least do the readings. And while he does want you to use physical copies of the books, he opts for individual copies you can get for super cheap rather than the Norton anthologies that can be expensive. If you can't afford to buy or rent a copy, he'll get one for you. He's seriously one of the nicest professors out there. Take him!

Amazing! Thank you Professor Grossman! In addition to being kind, open, funny, and a great speaker, Prof Grossman possesses a thorough grasp of not just the assigned readings, but of adjacent texts and materials, and so could take almost any question in stride, no matter how tangential. I am emerging from this class on 1850+ literature a better reader, a better writer, and with a more comprehensive understanding of the time period as it relates to the evolution of the English language. Taking this class and learning under Professor Grossman was a joy.

I think these other Bruinwalk reviews kind of hyped-up my expectations too much. I liked Grossman, but I certainly wouldn't "take my friends to his lectures." It was a smaller 10C than usual (a lot fewer English majors post-COVID) which meant a smaller classroom, and he ran the class like a discussion. This was incredibly nice and also incredibly frustrating because you can't run a good back-and-forth discussion in a 50-minute time frame. Idk why the class didn't do the 65-minute format, I think it works much better for Grossman's style. I'm glad it wasn't an entire lecture class though, and it's always refreshing to hear from peers. Grossman really tries to strike a balance between rigorous and fair, and i think he's done a very good job of it, I really respect his respect for our time and our mental health as students. That being said, there's still a good amount of reading. He was hit and miss with the lectures, where sometimes his read was brilliant and other times his lecture topics fell flat. I love his bubbling personality and his passion, although he can alienate students with his high energy and quick speed, but he is by no means a bad person. I think he's prone to accidents and he doesn't try to be condescending, but once he shut a student down in class and the person stopped coming for the rest of the year even though they were giving him sound pushback. Speaking of lecture, you have to go to it, non-negotiable, old-fashioned, no recordings, skip a day and it will affect your quiz grade, but the quizzes are so easy if you just show up all the time. If you do miss a day or you want to actually provide substantive pushback on his ideas, he's the friendliest person in Office Hours and he's so happy to chat and catch you up to speed. Book two slots with him as to have more time with him, his slots fill up quick for quiz retakes. The reading list is actually pretty good, everyone seemed happy with it. If you ever see: Cleo Christensen as a listed TA, you should absolutely take them, they rock, section was my favorite part of class. Despite the hiccups, I think I'll take another class with Grossman if I can, because Professors are only human and are very fallible, and they make honest mistakes. It's easy to critique, but do realize he is trying his best and he wants to improve — and that is a very good and rare quality to have in a professor.

This class was so incredibly fun. I Took it just because it was interesting, and genuinely enjoyed going to lectures. I would happily take another class from him, but he only has had Grad seminars since. Each lecture was hilarious. I took my friends to class because it was actually so fun. My TA was amazing also, which helped. You should definitely do the readings, he calls on people in class because he learns everyone's names. But i cannot recommend this class enough. Take it even if you aren't an English major, like I did.

This class was super entertaining and the readings were actually interesting. Grossman is open to discussing things with students in and out of class and always makes sure everyone understands the content.

super open and clear

Professor Grossman is honestly the best. He is so incredibly helpful and encourages you to go to OH. I went a couple of times and it was great because he really gets a conversation going. In lecture, he is incredibly interesting to listen to. He begins each lecture with a mini thesis and then helps the class understand his argument. It is great. Sometimes he does get kinda confusing....but he will openly admit this and rewind to make sure everyone is caught up. He really cares about feedback and making the class catered to his students...Grading is heavily dependent on your TA though. (I had Crescent Rainwater...2/10 do not recommend) BUT if Professor Grossman likes you, he will intercede on your behalf.