This class seemed like it was possible to get a good grade in because it's point-based, but it's actually really hard. There's a quiz every class on the reading which is worth 1 point and there's 4 questions. These happen at the end of the class so pay attention to the beginning of Professor Zhang's lecture where she goes over the homework reading because that often includes answers to the daily quizzes. Then, there's mini-exams which are 12 questions and the same format of the daily quizzes - fill in the blank, true or false, etc. These are 6 points and there's around 5 of these. Finally, there's two papers worth 25 points so they matter A LOT. Even though I usually got perfect scores or one thing wrong on the daily quizzes and the mini-exams and got a high B on the paper, it looks like my grade for the class is still not going to be an A. Maybe an A-, but probably a B+. The points-based system kind of screws you over without you expecting it because it seems like it's fine once you see how easy the daily quizzes are. This is a great class because it fulfilled more than one requirement for me and the content is truly interesting, but don't take this to boost your GPA unless you think you'll have a really good handle on all of the readings.

Professor Zhang is awesome, she grew up in China so she gives interesting anecdotes about the way history from this time period still has holdovers in China's culture today. The reviews I see from 2014 isn't how the class is structured anymore- there are 6 quizzes (she calls them mini-exams) and two 5 page papers. As far as history classes go the reading is relatively light, but she gives reading quizzes every class. Not an easy A but still a fulfilling class.

This a pretty standard history class, but definitely not the most interesting thing out there. There is a lot of emphasis on Chinese philosophers which can be a bit boring. The class consists of 4 quizzes, a term paper, and a take home final essay. They're not super hard, but Zhang is not the easiest grader. Take if you're actually interested in the subject, not if you're looking for an easy A.

Throughout the semester you have to write 20 one-page responses to the reading for each class (1% each). There are four fill-in-the-blank quizzes (5% each), one 5-6 page paper (30%), and one take-home final exam (30%). Professor Zhang has a passion for the material and is a good lecturer. She makes herself available for answering questions during office hours or at other times. Overall, an interesting class, very manageable, and not too difficult.

The reading was a lot less intense than I expected considering it was a history class. The little fill in the blank tests that you have to do are just strange but it's not too bad. Very early morning which can make it difficult to concentrate but well worth it if you can make yourself get up!