Professor Lamoreaux is one of the top professors at UCLA. Not only was she truly concerned about student learning, but she also challenged us to think critically about texts and lectures (something that the history department defninitely lacks). We had a big research paper and a final, which didn't seem like a lot of work, but trust me--it WAS! The paper focused our primary research on the APS database--it certainly was NOT easy, but in the end, I feel that I have learned something valuable that I will be able to take on with me in the future (the database is pretty annoying to use, so you develop great specific search skills). The final was tough as well, but she gives all the identification options before hand, and her review session is well worth attending! There are a lot of required texts and online articles, and it is pretty much impossible to read everything (unless you are some ridiculous speed reader or are only taking 2 classes), so scanning and selecting the important readings are another skill she teaches you to hone (although this probably is not intentional!). She also makes an effort to learn everyone's name in the class, and treats you like *gasp* an intelligent individual, worth listening to. BUT beware--don't take her niceness as weakness, and don't think of her as a pushover, because trust me, she isn't. Take her if you want a challenge, to learn something valuable, and/or if you want to feel like more than just another body in the mass of bored students.