HIUS 2051

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

Gallagher is an awesome lecturer and makes the most of a subject that can be bland at times. The reading sometimes is a lot and overlaps a lot with the lectures. No tests though, only papers.

Gallagher is one of the best lecturers are the university, and the workload is very light given just having to write essays, very good class.

The course material is interesting and Prof. Gallagher is a good lecturer. I would recommend only taking this course if you are willing to put in the time because grades in his course run a low comparitively. Overall I would recommend the course.

Fantastic class. Not too difficult, really interesting material, and Gallagher is simply one of the best. Can not recommend it enough.

Interesting topic made more interesting by Gallagher

Good class. Grading on papers really depends on your TA though

Knows his stuff and incredibly entertaining. But he know's how popular he is and doesn't try to connect with his students or make himself too accessible as a result. Still highly recommend this class.

I took this class my first semester at UVA and I absolutely loved it. Gallagher is an extremely knowledgeable man who is enthusiastic about his subject. I never skipped a class because it was a pleasure to hear him lecture. While there was a lot of reading, most of it was pretty interesting. I would highly recommend this class to anyone interested in history.

This was a fantastic class. Gallagher was clearly very knowledgeable, and I don't think I've ever had a more energetic professor. If you have the opportunity, take this class!

Make sure to highlight the readings as you go - it helps a ton when it comes to the midterm and final.

One of the most knowledgeable men at UVa

Gallagher is the best lecturer I have had through 4 years at UVA. If you enjoy 19th century US history, don't miss the opportunity to take this class.

Ah Professor Gallagher. I took this class over a year ago and it still entertains me. He's the best lecturer I've ever had and is hilarious to boot. Really knows his shit when it comes to military history and it's very obvious. Extremely engaging and genuinely interesting to listen to. That said, the two papers are a bitch. If you want over a B in the course, you have to plan out your papers well and set aside a lot of time. Still though, I'm not a history major and found this class fascinating. Definitely recommend if you want to learn something about American history.

This is one of the most enjoyable classes I have taken so far at UVA. The lectures are interesting, Gallagher makes the class. However it will not make for an easy A. Graded on participation, and a midterm and final which are both difficult take home essays. Expect to do a lot of reading if you want to make a B+ to get an A your life would have to be consumed, you must be good at connecting readings and analyzing importance and reoccurrence of themes. Overall a good class that I would recommend.

gallagher is hilarious and makes the lectures entertaining. midterm and final paper are pretty difficult.

Professor Gallagher is one of the best professors I've had so far at UVA. He is entertaining and tells you exactly what he wants. I've never fallen asleep in his class.

good

Gallagher is fantastic! There's a reason he wins professor awards every year. Don't graduate and not take one of his classes.
McCormick is a great TA so definitely get him if you can.

gallagher's great. super quick wit. it's a shame everyone incessantly asks stupid questions about sports that should not merit the small amount of free time with such a brilliant guy who shines brightest when making fun of other people. if you liked american history then you'll probably love this class with gallagher

discussion can be painful at times - 30 percent of your grade…forced awkward participation

the two papers are definitely a pill to swallow but it's worth taking the class.

Gallagher is the man. His class is very interesting. It moves very quickly. Multiple pages of notes per lecture. Fair amount of reading that reinforces lecture. The tests are in the form of take-home 12 page papers, which sound worse than they really are b/c you will have so much material/knowledge to write them with. Also, Gallagher uses the first 10 minutes of class for questions and will often go into hilarious tangents, so definitely ask off-topic questions

Gallagher is the most enthusiastic and fun professor ive ever had! He lets you ask any question you want for the first couple minutes of class, so get him on a sports tangent and hell take up half the lecture. Lectures are interesting, but your grade depends entirely on the reading, TA discussion, and your papers so make sure you get a good TA and at least skim the chapters before discussion

Awesome class. Discussion is important so do your reading

The only grades in this class are participation in discussion and two take home essay exams. You get a week to answer the question. Only complaint is grading can be skewed heavily by the TA that you get. Don't take a section with Rhonda Barlow if you can help it.

EVERYONE should try to get into this class. It was great in every way. Though definitely difficult, it was, by far, the best history class I have ever taken. Professor Gallagher was really amazing in presenting the information in such an entertaining and understandable way. You'll never regret taking this class, regardless of the 150 (max) pages of reading a week.

This was a great class, every lecture was interesting and Gallagher is incredibly entertaining. Not an easy A, but still worth taking the class. Also, Jon Grinspan was a great TA, I definitely recommend getting him as your TA

Best class I have taken at UVA. Interesting material, engaging lectures and the knowledge of the professor make this a very worthwhile course. I definitely recommend it to anyone of any major.

He is an amazing lecturer, even if you aren't interested in military history take the course the reading is manageable and it is a really interesting class.

Best professor the University has ever had. It is an honor just to listen to his lectures. He is a gentleman and a scholar who is approachable. Great class for military understanding and take-home test!!

Gallagher has an incredible command of material and develivery. Very entertaining- A lot learned.

Excellent course. Prof. Gallagher is clear and very engaging. Talks fast and you want to write down everything he says in bullet point form so take a laptop to class to keep up. Grade was made up of discussion participation, midterm (take home paper) and final (take home paper). Fascinating class. Sean was also a great TA

There is a whole lot of reading for this class (averages out to be just under a book a week). But go to lecture and it is well worth it. Great class

Professor Gallagher is an amazing teacher. You definitely do not want to miss his lectures; they are entertaining and will help you do much better in the class.

Great professor, but discussion section was painful. I had two TA's over the course of the semester and both were terrible. Would recommend the class just for Gallagher's lectures, which are the best I've seen at UVA, but it comes with a price.

Best lecturer I have had at this University. I recommend any class that Gallagher teaches.

great lectures

Great Course...Emphasizes both individual battles and people as well as general themes in early U.S. Military History...Gallagher is an amazing professor, with an incredible amount of knowledge (he pretty much lectures without any notes, just pulling minute figures out of his head)...A good amount of reading, but overall a wonderful class

This is a great class. There is a decent amount of reading every week but it is interesting so it goes by quickly. Lectures are very informative and interesting. Grades consist of a midterm paper, a final paper, and participation in discussion. As long as you work and do the readings, a good grade is not too hard to get.

Great course. Would take again if I could. Gallagher is engaging and intelligent. The course consists of a midterm and a final..both take home open book.

Gallagher is one of the best history professors our department has to offer. He is hilarious and very entertaining, and the midterm and final were both take home papers. Highly recommended.