Just take this class. No notes, just conversational and incredibly mind expanding.

Class details: 1 paper, topic of your choice, related to this class. Von Blum isn't a tough grader, but he cares about HOW MUCH THE STUDENT CARES about the topic. So if your even slightly passionate about world topics, this is definitely the class for you!

Our class looked at different centuries of art that had really cool political and sociological messaging in it. Very engaging class! For example, I loved the japanese internment camp art that he showed us, or the European art that touched on classism in earlier centuries.

The class suddenly cared about history in a whole new way each time he was done lecturing. I really respected his approach-- just wanting us to CARE. So god forbid, when we start our careers someday, we are empathetic and well-rounded human beings. SUCH A GOOD CLASS.

The person who commented below clearly doesn't understand the value of this professor. Judging by the year that comment was written, probably a corporate lawyer that no one respects by now.

If your attention is only caught by loud noises and comical exaggeration, take Von Blum. If you enjoy subtle, thoughtful, and grounded lectures/arguments, I'd recommend steering clear of the clown. With each class I found Von Blum's act more transparent and his verbal diarrhea more copious/rank.