HIEU 1501

Professor Komornicka is very knowledgeable about the Crusades, and I definitely feel as though I learned a lot by the end. However, it is extremely demanding!!! Especially for an intro class. The readings are pretty cool, but there is so much that it gets to be very overwhelming. Also, because this class fulfills a SWR, there is A LOT of writing, probably much more than is necessary to actually fill the requirement. I would only take this class if you truly like European/Medieval History, which I did, because I think it is this that helped me get through it.

This class was very interesting, but the professor expects a lot. There is a lot of assigned reading every week and since the class is a small seminar it is usually pretty obvious if you did not do it. The assignments take a LOT of work but there aren't very many of them. This was one of those classes I dreaded every week but once I got there ended up enjoying the discussion and learning about a subject I had no knowledge of.

Professor Komornicka is a great lecturer during seminar. She certainly knows what she's talking about. Her courses emphasize writing, but that is typical of a history class. She is always very helpful with her comments, and returns assignments in a timely manner.

Komornicka is great. She's extremely intelligent in her field and is very passionate about the subject. She really wants you to be successful in the course and will be there for you whenever you need help. But you should know going in that this course is extremely work-heavy. Massive amounts of reading every week on top of huge writing assignments. My advice would be to take this class if you are genuinely interested in medieval history. If you are not, and you are just looking to satisfy your second writing requirement, I would not recommend this course to you. This is probably one of the most strenuous second writing requirements that UVA offers, so if that is what you're looking for check back on Lou's List or ask around for an easier SWR. The course definitely put me in a position where I was stressed and uncomfortable a lot of the time, but I do feel like I grew a lot as a student because of it. If you already have a really heavy schedule, I would not recommend adding this class this semester. If you love medieval history and are looking for a challenge, go for it. You might love it.