I'm a dumbass but I got an A. Hope that helps

Gerstel is very reasonable, wacky, and nice. Lecture is about 90% of the exam. If you skip, I think you'll be screwed because none of the information is in the textbook. The textbook is just pointless, don't bother reading.

Section is a bigger component than in most classes--separate material/readings for section that are on the exam. That was kind of annoying.

A children's book that you make is a huge percentage of your grade. Kind of nice because you can do well on it, but also a pain in the ass in the long run.

The exams covered somewhat random stuff--not what she emphasized in the lecture. But she gives extra credit opportunities.

I got an A, it was pretty easy but not overly easy. She's really cool though.

Professor Gerstel is a great professor I'm a South Campus Major who decided to take this class as a GE and therefore had no clue about art history whatsoever. Moreover, I am a male and have no artistic talent at all (but I'll get to that point later). Professor Gerstel only teaches this course every 2 years, so if you have the opportunity to take this course, I suggest you do. I took this course with the intent to drop the class, but I as I learned more and more about the subject, the more I learned to like it! Professor Gerstel provides numerous resources for her students, including her powerpoints after lecture is over. If there is one thing I wish she did differently, I wish that she could provider her powerpoints before lecture, so you could print them out and take them to class. Do show up to class. There is a lot of important material that she covers that isn't part of the textbook! And be sure to go to discussion as well. Your TA's (I had Jessa as well) are very helpful. The class for Winter Quarter 2010 did consist of 2 exams (one midterm and one final during week 10) and of course the Children's Book. The Children's book was what initially turned me off from this class. Being a male with no artistic talent and knowledge of art history entering the class whatsoever, I felt that my book was going to be a failure. BUT, with hard work, research, and effort, my book was able to get a good grade, despite my rather primitive illustrations. All in all, take the class. Professor Gerstel is a very kind professor, and motherly at that. She will do everything in her power to help you out! That includes send out images to study for her midterm and final! Great professor, and a great experience. I'm really glad that I did not drop this class!

I really enjoy Prof Gerstel's lectures!! Her lectures are clearly organized. Many paintings or architectures she discusses are elaborate. It's a pity that I cannot take her classes any more (I need so many courses to fulfill my major requirement D:) Finals and midterms are fair. Be sure to write fast in exams. Jessa is my TA. She is very helpful, approachable and concerned with your study!! She'll help you review general ideas of required readings which are usually written in a professional, confusing way. Take this class if you want to enjoy yourself, learn something and get a fine grade.