"Crushed like grapes"
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“This is an excellent overview course for European history in the time period stated. Not being a student of history, I learned many new things. It makes a good follow-on course to Professor Wrightson's course on early modern England, and does presume some knowledge of this topic (e.g., English revolutions). I had many favorite lectures, especially on Peter the Great, Robspierre, the Middle Classes, Sites of Memory, Sites of Mourning, and many others.
Professor Merriman is an engaging and interesting lecturer, and is passionate about history and showing us all why we should care about it. Having said that, his style may be somewhat an acquired taste. He talks very fast when excited, and I am very glad I did not have to take notes. He also recognizes his own faults, so at least he doesn't go off topic without coming back or apologizing for the aside. I can sympathize: there's just so much and so many stories, he can't cram it all in.
Clearly, his favorite subject is France. While I did take away alot of interesting and important information about France, I would have liked to have heard more about eastern Europe and Germany. Also, the lectures are only roughly chronological, and touch on highlights and specific topics rather than detailed chrronological progression. Professor Merriman's political views do become apparent at times, and he does acknowledge this. However, it's a crucial critical thinking skill expected of college students to be able to distinguish his views from the facts, and one must take his views as just that and do one's own research.
One more thing to add is that occasionally, it's useful to see the video version of the lectures because he does sometimes show slides. Unfortunately, the video version of these slides is pretty bad and only gives a general idea. Addtional online course materials with these slides would be great.
All in all, this was well worth the time spent. The topic is just so big, we can't rely on one person's view of the whole. I will be looking for other similar classes to to get additional perspectives.”
Mapmyrunner via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
05/14/13
More reviews of European Civilization, 1648-1945
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“I listened to the first 10 lectures and finally gave up. I love history, but the constant vocal tics, the leaning into the mic and shouting, the off-topic inserts (do I need to know about his French neighbor's grandfather's issues???) On the good side, Prof. Merriman's biases are clear; no one...”Read full review »
child33315 via Apple Podcasts ·
United States of America ·
09/09/13
☆
☆
☆
☆
☆
“Great overview. Quirky and engaging with distinct french focus.”
Flergie via Apple Podcasts ·
Great Britain ·
08/17/11
Do you host a podcast?
Track your ranks and reviews from Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.
See hourly chart positions and more than 30 days of history.
Get Chartable Analytics »
See hourly chart positions and more than 30 days of history.
Listen now
Artwork or description wrong?
Request an update »
Updates may take a few minutes.
Do you host a podcast?
Track your ranks and reviews from Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more.
See hourly chart positions and more than 30 days of history.
Get Chartable Analytics »
See hourly chart positions and more than 30 days of history.
