I loved this class and found it really interesting. Balafrej focused on the interrelationships between cultures around the Mediterranean and the way art and art motifs/styles flowed and changed between them. The readings and lectures were interesting and clear.

Seminars will always be mostly reading based so you really have to do the readings and take good notes. If you do so there is no reason this class will be hard. Professor Balafrej leads discussion well and our grade was 50% reading responses each week (a slack post for each reading) and 50% presentation and final paper (15 minute presentation on your research topic and 10 page paper). I was very unsure about taking this class because the topic was so broad but it's essentially an interdisciplinary look at deserts. Going from ancient religious ideas to modern military and artistic uses of the desert. Really interesting readings and as long as you engage with the material you will take a lot away from this class and get a good grade.