Great class! Confino is the bomb. Really interesting subject material and the readings aren't tedious. Definitely recommend.
Grade Distribution
6 Reviews
Oscar Ax was my TA and really made this course. Discussions were challenging and intellectual while still focused on historical content (which is quite a feat sometimes). Confino approaches modern German history from an interesting perspective of "memory studies," the focus of his research. A relevant and useful class with poignant readings.
Confino and the TA, Oscar Ax, were a comedic tag team. Confino's all over the place with his lectures but seems to always bring them back to his point and his sweater/glasses combo makes coming to class really interesting. Plus, he's an expert on this subject. Oscar's grading of the material was a little odd, but he taught us well. Overall, a slightly dysfunctional yet very interesting course.
If you pay attention in lecture and discussion, you will have all the material you need to write the daunting papers and midterms AND do well on the final. Just read every once in a while and you'll be fine.
Confino knows his stuff and is a great communicator. Jennifer Le Zotte is a GREAT TA!
Confino was obnoxious and fairly condescending. Attendance at lectures isn't really necessary if you do the readings. He was terrible about scheduling assignments and ruined both spring break and easter. Class still pretty easy.
Professor Confino is an expert in the field. He makes German history accessible and provokes important questions. Plus, the man is hilarious and has a great accent. The course material is very Holocaust-heavy, though, so get ready for some depressing lectures. Also, if you're early, you're on time, and if you're on time, you're late, so get there a couple minutes beforehand.