It was difficult but enjoyable. Professor Fordham is enthusiastic about the topic (Painting and Science, 1700-1900), and clearly he is very knowledgeable. Professor Fordham is friendly but kind of awkward (like most UVA art history professors I would say). Unfortunately, it only covered a few European countries and the Americas briefly, but British art is his niche. The class covers some very very niche topics (e.g., French women in botanical illustration), but they were interesting overall.

The structure was simple, but Fordham is a bit of a strict grader for this class. There are weekly discussion posts and class time is generally spent on whole-class discussion of the readings. The readings are generally intermediate, but some are very theoretical and difficult (he acknowledges this in class). You have to complete a short summary and presentation on a reading of your choice as well. The research paper has stages that are spread throughout the semester which are helpful in getting feedback and balancing the workload. I will say that his feedback is a bit sparing, but he'll always give you more feedback or clarification if you ask for it.

I would recommend this class if you are an art history major that needs to fulfill the seminar requirement, but NOT if you are an art history minor or a casual learner because there are way easier art history classes to take.