Bartchy is a Great Professor who actually attempts to get the students to understand the material instead of just memorizing countless dates and facts. The reading is extremely dry, however, I found it unnecessary. I did 90% of the reading going up to the midterm and received a B- on it. Post Mid-term, I did absolutely none of the reading other than quickly look up several key terms on the study guide he provided. I also did not do the optional paper he offered. I ended up receiving an A- in the course by attending every lecture and expanding on the study guide he provided. Overall, I would recommend this course and any course Bartchy teaches. As long as you attend lecture, it is an Easy B+

Positives= Provides Study Guides, Optional Paper, Great Lecturer, Interesting Topics, Does Not Take Attendance, No Need for Dates
Negatives= Extremely Dry Reading, Attending Lecture is Key, First Half of the Course is somewhat Dry, Need to Comprehend the Material -cramming will not work