HIEA 3171

This is a very interesting course that is extremely fun to take - if you're willing to put in the time and effort and provide the necessary patience to let the course blossom as intended. How it works is that Professor Stolz starts laying the groundwork that doesn't seem at all related to the course material - that of Meiji Japan - but if you keep track of what is going on, all the threads are pulled in together at the very end and you realize that, even though the history is taught in a somewhat unorthodox manner, you actually understand it and can make an informed opinion on the topic. There are two papers - one early on and another which is the final - and a bibliography project which formulate a large chunk of the grade, in addition to in-class writings based upon the previous week's readings. The readings themselves are long and at-times tedious, but if you're interested in the material, you won't notice the time you sink into doing the work. Definitely worth taking, especially if you're interested by Japanese History, even though the lectures can be a touch confusing and dry at times. Professor Stolz knows what he's doing, so put your faith in him and enjoy the ride. It'll be worth it, but only if you stick all the way to the end.