This class is amazing, you learn so much, and it will be worth it if you like a challenge. Because WOW it is tough, and a LOT of reading. You will not easily get an A in this class, and you cannot skate by. Prof. Makarova is great and very fun, but her teaching style did not mesh with me (she's still a good professor though!) She does talk slowly, and thus it can be hard to follow her and focus in lectures. Most of the learning will come from the many readings, and there's a good amount of writing too with weekly journals. My advice is, if this class sounds fun on paper, you will enjoy it. But be warned.