Tolczyk was a fun, earnest guy who really wanted to teach about Poland. But the course felt totally aimless and the lectures could be dry. The movies were fun and the books totally worth reading. Only a midterm and a final paper, both were walks in the park. Worth taking as a filler class or to learn a little about Poland, but don't expect too much.

This is a great, easy class (coming from a non-history, non-humanities major). Tolczyk is SO knowledgeable and funny, and even thought lectures were somewhat dry at times, I learned so much. There is only a midterm (easy peasy) and a final paper, as well as participation points towards your grade. I recommend it if you're interested in European history at all, or just want a little (easy) diversity in your schedule.

I loved this class!! Professor Tolczyk is so kind and extraordinarily knowledgable on every single topic of Polish history. He grew up in Poland so he experienced some of the history that we learned about later in the semester. You get to watch some really interesting movies and read a couple cool novels as well. Study for the quizzes, there's only two and a final quiz. Honestly my favorite class I have ever taken at UVA and favorite professor by far. HIGHLY recommend (even if you know nothing about Polish history/culture going in- I didn't)!!!