I'm not a history major and have never enjoyed learning about dates/battles/names... This class is nothing like that. Gary Gallagher is the most passionate, knowledgable professor from whom I've had the privilege of taking a class. I understand US history and the US military in a way I have never before. More than worth the demanding reading and the writing. Don't miss out on the chance to take from Professor Gallagher.

Loved the material this class covered! And of course I could go on about how cool Gary Gallagher is but I would just be repeating all the other reviews. I'm a history major so I was use to the crazy amount of reading this class required (which could sometimes be kind of dull and unrelated depending on the book assigned for that week). With that being said, I don't think I would recommend this class to non-history majors unless you are VERY knowledgeable on military history because of the amount of dense reading and the midterm and final (which were two 13 page papers you had to write at home and were basically death). Like the other reviews said, it's all about the TA. I had Lauren who was definitely a tough cookie but very cool and helpful especially if you took the time to stop by her office hours. I managed to get an A- in the class, which surprised me, but definitely not an easy A class especially if writing isn't your thing. All in all, really great class that I enjoyed though!

With so many dull and unknowledgeable professors in this world, Gallagher gives me faith in education. This guy is the bomb. He's so incredibly knowledgable about every aspect of this house, especially the Civil War (which he gets very excited about), that he's able to pull out random fun facts about every military leader we talk about to keep the class interested and laughing. He leaves the first 10 minutes of class open for any random history of personal questions you may have for him, so you can get away with walking in late, but his answers to some questions are so entertaining that you'll want to be on time. He's hilarious and clearly loves what he does. I definitely recommend Clayton Bulter as a TA, chill guy who doesn't grade too harshly like I heard other TAs did. I took this class as my "fun" class this semester and while it was a good deal of work with all the readings, Gallagher's lectures makes it so worthwhile. MUST TAKE!

Mr. Gallagher is by far the best professor I will ever have at UVa. He is incredible. I have never been so excited to attend class every day. I can't recommend his classes enough to anyone even remotely interested in War. THAT BEING SAID, watch out for your TA. TA's decide 100% of your grade in this class, and I had Scott Miller who was just the most ridiculously tough grader. Gallagher is the bomb, be careful with the TA, and you'll love this class. 2 exam essays, and 2 short papers, with like 60 pages of reading a week.

MUST TAKE CLASS! Professor Gallagher is absolutely incredible! He is brilliant, hilarious, and extremely enthusiastic about everything we go over in the class; he is literally all you can ask for in a professor! He give the entire class about 10 minutes of class time to ask him questions about anything (history related, or personal), and his answers are either hilarious, fascinating, or both. He really makes you think about our military establishment in a brand new way which was really cool, and lectures are very engaging. This is not an easy class by any stretch, but I feel like if I had either talked to him or my TA more I would have done better. The class is graded on two 12 page take-home exams (really just papers), and 30% discussion (which also consists of several shorter papers). Overall, take this class regardless of your major, you will not regret it!

Gallagher is an amazing public speaker and can talk about topics in a way that makes you excited to learn. He does talk very fast, and he doesn't use powerpoints, so be sure to take notes quickly and go to every class.

This class is very enjoyable with zero busy work. Mr. Gallagher is fun to listen to. The midterm and final papers are a huge pain in the ass but if you do at least some of the reading you should be completely fine. You're TA also matters a lot because 30% of your grade is discussion participation

Very glad I took this class. Illustrates historical military developments as you likely have never before considered them. Provides an outstanding framework of our American military institutions, with special attention to relevant formative ideological factors and debates. Decent amount of reading - it helps to highlight while you read so you can pull quotes and such from books come exam time. Overall, not terribly difficult, but I'd say an A requires substantial effort.

Overall great class. It was enjoyable to go to class. Heavy reading but not necessarily needed. Must put in a lot of work to get A but overall not difficult. Def recommend.

Only a Midterm and a Final. My TA did writing assignments that were graded for completion so he could get a feel of our writing and give us tips before we wrote the Midterm and Final. Gallagher was a great lecturer and very knowledgeable about the topic. He's also very funny and entertaining. I would suggest taking a History class with Gallagher.The course material was also interesting because it gave an interesting view on the military as well ideology during American wars. Learned a lot in this class and I would suggest it for anyone