Catherine Epstein

"The professor was not a good communicator at all, sometimes it seems like she was bored by student discussions. "

"Loved both Professor Epstein and Professor Gordon. Their teaching styles and research interests worked well together, as they are very much foils of each other. Professor Epstein is an expert on the history of Nazi Germany, whereas Professor Gordon is an expert on Jewish history. Both were incredibly available to meet to discuss essay topics. Assignments were always clear and fair. I would not define the class as an "easy A," however, I would not say it's a very difficult course if you show up to class, are thoughtful with your essays, and read the majority of the readings. We even had one extra credit assignment. Both the lectures and the readings were great. Taking this history class, I learned a ton—and, what I think is really great about this class is that it poses questions that are not purely historical but rather philosophical: for instance, how do people become mass murderers, what are the root causes of atrocity, and how do victims come to spiritually endure and even actively resist unimaginable forms of suffering and oppression. "

"The class was the hardest class I had fall 2025. I recommend the course, but would personally not put myself through so much work ever again. It was worth it."