Professor
Michael Rothberg
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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.
Most Helpful Review
Winter 2022 - Putting aside the fact that Professor Rothberg is a world-renowned expert in genocide studies, he is an amazing professor as well as a kind and caring person. He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what he teaches (that being the Holocaust section of the course) and breaks down complex academic concepts in a manner easily understandable for a freshman. This has been one of the best classes I've taken at UCLA thus far. There is a fair amount of weekly reading posted, however, you never need to read all of it in-depth. Sections are incredibly helpful (I had Sharon as my TA but I've heard the same for other TAs with particular recommendations of Steve and Yair). In section, you break down the weekly readings and end up walking away with a more than sufficient understanding of the readings whether or not you actually did them. Lectures are helpful for understanding concepts, however, they are not required and are recorded. While you can still succeed without lectures, I recommend at least watching the recorded lectures as it helps you build continuity between the three case studies. The miderm/final is essentially 2 essay questions that ask you to discuss overarching class concepts while referncing at leats 2 of the case studies in each question (referencign each of the three at least once). Great class. Highly recomend.
Winter 2022 - Putting aside the fact that Professor Rothberg is a world-renowned expert in genocide studies, he is an amazing professor as well as a kind and caring person. He is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about what he teaches (that being the Holocaust section of the course) and breaks down complex academic concepts in a manner easily understandable for a freshman. This has been one of the best classes I've taken at UCLA thus far. There is a fair amount of weekly reading posted, however, you never need to read all of it in-depth. Sections are incredibly helpful (I had Sharon as my TA but I've heard the same for other TAs with particular recommendations of Steve and Yair). In section, you break down the weekly readings and end up walking away with a more than sufficient understanding of the readings whether or not you actually did them. Lectures are helpful for understanding concepts, however, they are not required and are recorded. While you can still succeed without lectures, I recommend at least watching the recorded lectures as it helps you build continuity between the three case studies. The miderm/final is essentially 2 essay questions that ask you to discuss overarching class concepts while referncing at leats 2 of the case studies in each question (referencign each of the three at least once). Great class. Highly recomend.
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