Professor knows a lot about legal cases dealing with racism and America. He even testified against the KKK. Does not give A+'s which sucks because I had a 99% in the class, he blames grade inflation for this. Will write you a letter of rec for law school which is cool.

Easy A-- Von Blum cares about the impact he leaves on his students, not the grades he gives out. He cares about his students more than any professor I've ever had. Here's what you should know. He gives 2 large essays per quarter, and then an extremely fair quiz at the end of the quarter.

Essays are worth 45% each, and the quiz is worth 10% of the grade.

Essays are 6-7 double spaced pages, several topics are provided and you choose one that you feel most comfortable about. TA's grade the essays.

The quiz is like 5 questions, open book, and didn't require any studying honestly. You walk out of his class with more empathy for others and a larger perspective. Just take the damn class, the man is GOOD at what he does, and he walks the walk too. It was an honor meeting him throughout my academic endeavors and being a student of his.

Great professor. Current subject matter is tied into the historical text.

As an African-American Studies major, I look for courses of substantial benefit to acquiring additional knowledge related to my studies. Professor Von Blum is among the most knowledgeable I've had the honor of studying under. He has been fighting against racism for five decades and has stories of his engagement to back it up. This is my last class at UCLA. Had I taken him earlier, I would have taken additional courses he taught. You leave this class more knowledgeable than when you walked in. As it should be. I suggest taking this or any other course led by Von Blum. Amazing man