The class (Race, Gender, and Empire) is basically a hodgepodge of different instances of Western/American Exceptionalism from 1500 to current times, America's empirical-like involvement in different foreign affairs, and a mix-in of pop culture history. It's definitely not a class that portrays the US in a positive light like most mainstream history classes. The grade is mainly a couple of essays, 1 ID midterm, and participation. Von Eschen is super nice and a VERY lenient grader. Her lectures are a bit shakey and the powerpoints aren't the best, so be sure to take notes. There's readings assigned, but just skim the material and highlight the phrases that Von Eschen says for evidence in case you need to justify a point in papers.

Overall: Pretty easy and laidback class. Decent Prof. Material is a bit of everything.