an amazing class... you have to go see him during office hours and just talk... its like enrolling in a whole other course... you won't believe how cool it is and how much he cares and how much you'll learn.

Bruce is an incredible teacher. He's more concerned with how much his students learn than unnecessary reading quizes and assignments. He's deeply invested in his students and strives to make the learning environment not only informative but also enjoyable.

He's not as good a people say he is. He's better.

Bruce is always there to help you, even after graduation... he never forgets and is always willing to help with recommendations or whatever you need. He a great human.

cool guy. caring professor. interesting class. not quite as easy as people say. you actually have to study for exams (i didn't realize this). you have to memorize a lot of names for the tests and to retake something you have to get a C- or worse, i actually got a C on the midterm and he wouldn't let me retake it. still recommend bruce though

Extremely frank and open. Is able to put history and concepts into a context that few are professors can. Really helps you understand the topic. This is my 4th class with him and they've all been great experiences.

Wow... I was just going to leave a comment but I have to respond to the last review. Maybe they never had him before or something but I'm graduating and had him for class every year and he keeps getting more open and always talks about what he doesn't know and how much what we think is more important. His classes are still some of the best at UM.

Power trip? Wrong! All semester all he said from day one was that he could be wrong and that he's only giving us his "best guess." He's VERY open to other comments and loves it when people disagree with him. I think he tries to get people to comment on his stuff. An A+ teacher.

what a great prof. I'm not even in his class but sat in all semester and it was great. he is so interesting and so clear and just made the whole subject spring to life.

One of the best experiences I've had. Not only did I learn about the subject (American Blues) but I learned a lot about myself too. Really stimulating and thought provoking.

Very simply - great class, great prof - go talk to him during office hours - you'll love it

So great... so glad I had him a few times before I graduated. Really a great teacher. He's very accessible and caring. Helps you learn how to learn.

i actually hate to leave UM because it means no more classes or direct interaction wit dr. conforth. he has been so helpful throughout my college career both academically and in giving regular every day advice. he really "listens" to you and pays great attention to who you are and where you're going. ALWAYS treats you with respect.

Taking any of his classes is really a great experience. You learn a whole lot about the subject and he goes out of his way to hold review sessions (these are tremendously helpful) and will always be there after class to help if you need it... or just to talk if you want.

I love this man... he is so inspirational... awesome

I am so glad I took a class with him. I took several classes and he made such a difference in my life that I almost can't describe it. Just a wonderful prof and great human.

A really great guy. He's really willing to work with you to help you get your work done and understand what you need to do. I can't wait to take more classes with him. I'm there!

Now that class and my college career is over I think I can be more objective about Dr Conforth and in hindsight when I compare him to any of my other classes he still stands out as one of the most caring and genuine teachers I've ever met. I learned a lot that I'll always remember, learned about myself, and had a great time too.

ditto ditto ditto a great prof

Bruce is probably one of the last real renaissance men: He was an artist who studied with American great Willem deKooning, went to Juilliard, knew Allen Ginsberg and Tim Leary, was Director of the Rock Hall of Fame, was a trekking guide in the Himalaya, worked in brain research, recorded albums. you name it he's done it. Absolutely Amazing!

There's little that can be said that hasn't already been said except that the more you know him the more you find out about him and yourself and the more amazing it gets.

Killer prof... learn, laugh, leave much better off for the experience. All classes should be this good.

A bunch of us are sitting around talking about last semester... those of you on the waiting list for Prof. Conforth in the fall... stay there and get in... it will be great! we promise!!!!

Dr. Conforth is the coolest, best, most amazing professor you'll ever want to have. Trust me. He's the best!

By all means take a class with Conforth... you'll never regret it.

I waited 4 years to get into one of his courses and it was everything I had heard. He was great.

I just returned from an internship he helped me get over the summer. He VERY helpful in class and out. A really decent guy. Very very good teacher too.

Just a great guy and great professor. We've only just begun this semester and I already know that this is one class I'll never skip.

Really accessible and interesting. It's a pleasure going to class.

He's a very interesting guy by himself but he really makes the subject (folklore here) come alive that you want to go to class to hear what he has to say about the different topics. He's extremely helpful outside of class too and is very approachable. Going to his office hours to talk about the class or whatever is a really great experience.

What a great teacher! He really cares about how you do both as a person and student. He is willing to work with you to find the way that you learn best and then find a way to evaluate you that way, not just through some random test. I wish other professors were like this.

I've had Dr. Conforth for several classes now and it just keeps getting better and better. It's really interesting how at first you think his classes are fun and then you start to realize how much you're learning! I never learned so much about culture, society, the world, and myself as I have in his classes. They're simply great!

He's simply the most inspiring professor that you could ever want to have. He really cares about how and what you learn and is always there to help you. He's very generous with his time and will listen to you, I mean REALLY listen to you. Taking a class with him is like taking a master class in life.

It's amazing how much he knows and how much he's done. His "realy world" experience, on top of his PhD, make him one of the most interesting professors at all if UM. Professor Conforth is really able to make his subject come to life in really exciting and interesting ways. He brings guests to class too, like the Grammy winner he brought to class

This guy is really great. Very interesting. Very funny. You learn a lot too. He really knows his subjects and mist likely has done the stuff that you'[re going to study. A really great prof. A+ all the way.

Just very cool! A terrific class, and he's the reason why. He knows what to teach and how to teach it!

Simply the best! Great! Great! Great! Funny, really interesting and really knows his stuff. I learned so much about American music and culture than I ever thought about.

this was the best class I ever had in my 4 years at UM. It wasn't just that I enjoyed the subject, but DR. Conforth knows such an incredible amount and he's able to really make you understand and live the topics. His lectures are great and when he does musical demonstrations he's really talented!

I never learned so much about something I thought I already knew. Every class was a new experience. I never wanted to skip his lectures.

He's the best prof at UM. 4 years and he still keeps me interested and learning. TAKE HIS CLASSES!

Today is the last day of class and I'm really sorry to see the semester end. I learned a whole lot and his class was really entertaining. He wants you to learn and is really interested in making that happen. This was a great class and a great prof.

the class didn't quite live up my expectations. Bruce came off pretentious at times, and his lectures were a bit scattered. If you're looking for an easy class, good, but if you know something about American popular music prior to this class, do yourself a favor and seek out the knowledge you want to know on your own. Not bad, but not great.

I've had Bruce before and his lectures were always great. It clearly hurt that the technology in the room rarely worked right. He always had to wait for someone to come and try to fix the audio or video and sometimes they couldn't. You could see how frustrated he was with bad technology. It clearly affected his lectures. Not his fault!

I agree completely that he's a great prof, this was a good class, and the technology in the room sucked. He did the best he could under crappy circumstances. Personally I learned a lot. I would never have known about the early days of pop music without this class. I'm not even sure where I would have looked to find out.

I learned a lot from this class, like how to see the trends in pop music. I would recommend this class to anyone and hope that I can have another class with Dr. Conforth before I graduate.

this was just a great class that I'm glad I took. every class with the old doc is a great one and I'm looking forward to next semester with him again. he's very inspirational and really cares if you learn or not. probably one of the best profs at UM

this guy is the best there is. i'm lousy with words so i can't talk like some of the other people on here, but i overheard some people talking about classes next semester and they were all talking about being excited to take his class. he's got like a million on his waitlists because he really is the best at UM

This was a great experience. I truly loved this class and the experience of hearing dr. conforth put all the material in a real context. He knows this stuff and the people and the music. A great class.

If you take any professors at UM try to take a class with Bruce, although his classes are always full with huge waitlists. He's great, fair, honest, and makes learning really interesting. By far one of the best profs at UM.

First two classes already and it's amazing how he can turn a large class (we've got 150 I think) and make it seem small. He talks not like in a big lecture but like in a small discussion. You feel like you're really a part of a class and not just a mob.

Bruce is a great teacher, and I really enjoy going to his classes twice a week. He is one of the funniest teachers in the University of Michigan, and I think it really is a good class. Bruce makes the class fun, and I would recommend this to everyone. If you look Bruce Conforth up on Wikipedia, his past history is amazing!

He's got a very different approach to teaching. It's great. There's 150 people in our class and he makes it feel like it's just you and him. He walks around the auditorium and gets in your face, but in a good way. It's very personal. Not like a big lecture at all. I expect to learn a lot from him this semester.

He's just a very interesting, very caring, very knowledgable professor. One of the very very best.

More than anything else he really wants you to get what the important stuff is. He's willing to give you lots of opportunity to understand and finally get it, but that's the main thing - that you get it! I think that's what all teachers should care about - whether or not you end up understanding, and that's what Professor Conforth cares about!

a really great professor who not only knows a LOT about his subject matter but is also very passionate about it. he wants to "pass on" his experiences and knowledge, and it shows. great class!

It's great the way he includes students in his class. He treats you like a real person, almost an equal (it's still obvious he's the teacher). He makes you feel valued and that you have something really important to contribute. He used a student today to help demonstrate the class and it was great!

Really cool really easy class with a prof that is probably one of the 5 best I've had in 4 years of college.

Definitely the best professor I've had at the U. His classes are great and he's incredibly interesting. He really knows how to make a subject come alive. Don't leave UM without taking at least one class with him.

He's a great teacher and very inspiring. He expects a lot out of you. he's far less concerned with you memorizing facts than understanding concepts, being able to analyze ideas, and apply them to your own life. I just couldn't miss a lecture because he often had me leaving class simply amazed. One of the very best professors I've ever had.

the words mensch and mentor come to mind thinking about Dr. Conforth. He's a really caring teacher who is very concerned about not just your learning but that you learn about yourself as well. He's the best there is! I loved his class.

I just took his final and it was great... very challenging because it was about what you think! what a concept! a teacher who cares what you think! He teaches you facts and ideas from anthropology, history, sociology, but also about thinking outside the box, and not only that. even that maybe the box itself is an illusion. He's amazing!

I learned more, did more thinking, had a better time, and discovered more about the subject, myself, and life in this class than i any class I ever took. Prof spends a lot of time on issues of diversity and social constructs and really gets you thinking about the way your world is put together. A great class!

This was a very rigorous class. We read a lot! Listened to and discussed a lot of music. Talked about racism and diversity, consumerism, and many topics besides "just" the music. But it was great. The best class I ever took and a wonderful way to end my UM career. Dr. Conforth is terrific.

This class was so chock full of information, examples, ideas, that it sometimes mademy head spin with delight. I never thought of the blues and racism and the history of race and diversity; the influence of whites (especially Jewish people) and so much more. What a GREAT class and a great prof.

So the technical expertise of UM has failed and for some reason I can't post my new electronic on-line evaluation of this class so I'll do it here: The class was Excellent The professor was Excellent give him a 5 out of 5. The work was interesting, a lot or reading and listening but he was enthusiastic and REALLY knows his stuff!

I'm another student who can't use the UM's sophisticated evaluation system that is now "down"!But if I could have I would have rated this class excellent and the professor excellent, friendly, VERY knowledgeable, very accesible, and plain terrific. The class was hard too because he used a lot of theory and ideas, but it was great!

hooray for UM online evaluation technology! Not! This class was excellent and so was the professor- 5 out of 5 The class was really intersting and the prof was highly knowledgable about the material. He used great examples and the class taught me a lot about diversity and thinking in different ways. Lots of great social theory. Excellent!

Go back to paper UM... I'm pissed I can't do a real evaluation. Anyway this was the best class I ever had. Ever! Anywhere! The prof was provocative and informative. He pushed us to really think about the issues in front of us. I don't think anyone ever made me think as much, and I'd walk away amazed. A simply EXCELLENT class and prof!

An excellent class and an excellent professor. I don't know why he hasn't won the Golden Apple award yet because there's no one better than he is. You won't believe how much you'll learn and how much you'll enjoy thinking about real solid academics!

Simply the best. Clear, fun, informed, interesting, provocative, his lectures always leave you wanting more. It's impossible not to get into his lectures or not pat attention because they're just too interesting. He's able to use first hand experience to bring the subject alive. A great, great professor!

Conforth is very fair... he tests you on what you cover in class and in the readings and what you think about it. His tests actually make sense in relation to the class. You end up remembering a lot of what you learned, not because you had to memorize it, but because it was interesting and you want to remember it. I learned so much in the class!

A truly wonderful teacher! Not much I can say that hasn't already been said but let me echo the sentiment that he's the best I've had a UM.

Prof Conforth is an outstanding teacher (not a professor, but a teacher). He was engaging, thoughtful, encouraged participation and questions and, best of all, your grade wasn't hurt if you didn't think exactly like him. After five years at U of M, I can say that he is one of the best--other professors could learn from his teaching style.

A great prof and a great class.

I learned more from Professor Conforth than I expected to. He put the blues into a historical view that made it even more interesting than the music.

This was a great class and I learned a whole lot but since he seems to really care that you learn (and means it) you need to pay attention. But he's great. Probably the best at UM.

I've learned a lot already and the class is the only one that's interesting enough that I can't imagine ever cutting it. There's a lot of work but he's really fair.

Dr. Bruce Conforth is an interesting and enjoyable lecturer. The class consisted of a mid-term, a final, (both short essay questions), several online quizzes and a folklore collection project. Must attend lecures (you will want to) in order to do well. You should take at least one class with Bruce before you leave UM.

This class is the most amazing I've ever taken. We're only one month into it and I feel like I've already learned a lifetime of information about the subect and myself. You'll NEVER want to miss a class because Dr. Conforth is probably the most interesting lecturer who ever existed. This is just a remarkable course!

Without doubt the most interesting professor you'll ever take. Today he actually related Dark Matter of the Universe to culture and the 60s as a Supernova event, and it made perfect sense. He's demanding but you'll never want to miss a class. He's the best that UM has to offer.

Holy Crap! He brought legendary blues guitarist John Hammond to our class today and John played and talked about the blues for an hour and a half! Amazing! Dr. Conforth really knows these guys and he can make the class come alive and just become a really really special place! Remarkable.

really interesting lectures.

Interesting lectures is an understatement. I can't possibly imagine missing one of his lectures because there's almost no way to anticipate what he's going to add to the posted powerpoints thats going to make it even more amazing. He adds personal stories and important scholarly insights, and he QUESTIONS the ideas, he doesn't just state them.

A great seminar. The discussions we have are always well-grounded and really interesting. Usually they're based on things we write about in our journals. I can't imagine that anyone knows more about the blues and American Culture than Bruce does.

This has been not only a really enjoyable class (Dr Conforth is a great lecturer and when he brings in his guitar to demonstrate styles look out!) but it really is about so much more than just the blues. Its about race, history, class, gender and all the elements that go into making American culture special. This has been just a great class.

This was just an awesome class with an awesome prof. He was always really interesting and we learned a LOT, but you also had to think. You have to take a class with Bruce before you graduate. You'll be really glad you did and want to take more.

Professor Conforth is the most interesting and helpful lecturer I've had at U of M. He is always one of the most dedicated and nice people I have met.

Absolutely great! What a great professor and great human. He teaches you so much about the topic and life. You couldn't want a better class experience.

Just had my final with him and it's the only exam I've ever had where the prof asked questions about what I thought about the things we studied rather than just regurgitating information back. He really expects you to develop your own opinions. What could be better than that? Terrific class, terrific prof.

very interesting and enjoyable class. I'd definitely recommend his courses

Bruce really makes you think. This was a great class and I learned a whole lot, stuff I never knew or considered about blues and race in America. Terrific prof!!!

This was a great class and this professor is extremely interesting. He's always engaging, interesting, caring, fun, and you learn more than you'd ever imagine. Great stuff.

This was a remarkable class with an even more remarkable professor. I learned a terrific amount about the subject, life, myself and there's no way I would ever want to miss a class. One of the very best UM has to offer -> Bruce Conforth

Excellent class! Excellent prof! Excellent semester! It's impossible to be a better prof than him.

He demands a lot out of you (see my A-) but that's because you learn a whole lot. This was an amazing class and I know that my grade realy reflects a LOT of learning. He's totally fair (I deserved the "minus") and really cares that you learn. Fantastic class and prof.

Amazing class. I wish I hadn't graduated so I could just keep taking his classes. He's the best professor at UM without any doubt!

I absolutely love him! He's the best! No need to say any more. :)

I truly did the best thinking of my entire college career in this class. Bruce challenged many cultural assumptions and stereotypes and he was always asking us to rethink what we thoght we knew. This was a terrific experience and one I'll always be thankful for.

I took this class and I'm a freshman and it was one of the best ways I can imagine to start college. I'm probably going to become an American Culture major because of this class and professor Conforth. He was truly inspiring and the class was great. I can't wait to take more classes with him.

This was not a blow off class. Even though Bruce made it really interesting and fun and was extremely fair you still had to "be there" and know your stuff. More than any prof I took Bruce really wants and epects you to learn and will go out of his way to try to help you get there. And his last lecture is the most inpsiring thing I ever heard.

Inspiring, creative, interesting, funny, intelligent, deep, knowledgable, fascinating, captivating, remarkable, awesome!

This is the greatest professor ever. He actually cares about you as a person and individual. I WANTED to be at every lecture. I will certainly take more of his classes. He also gave the most powerful "last lecture" ever..Take this man!

very interesting. good class and prof

Really a terrific guy and professor. This was the most interesting class I've ever taken. You'll find few (if any) professors who respect you as much and give you as much of themselves as DR. Conforth does.

This was a GREAT class! I never expected to learn about the history of slavery, racism, black/white cultural interaction, bit that's what made the class so great. Every new style of the blues was tied into this deep historical context that made real sense & was interesting as anything. He's a great professor & this was a great & inspiring class

Context is everything to him. When, how, what, why, where, but he makes it really interesting. You'll learn more about your own culture than you ever imagined. And hell make you think. This was not an easy class, but it was a great class. Do yourself a favor and take a class with Bruce. It'll be an experience you'll always remember!

This was not an "easy" class, you really learned a lot, but it WAS a great class. I learned more than I ever imagined I would and really loved the lectures, the classroom interaction, his musical demonstrations (he's an amazing guitarist) and everything.

Great, great, great class, prof, lectures

Simply one of the nicest people and certainly the best professor you'll ever meet.

After a point there's not much to say about him that's new. Everybody already said it. But its worth repeating because he really is the best there is. You will learn more about the subject and yourself than you could ever imagine. Don't leave UM without taking at least one of hisd courses. You'll want to take more.

Just an awesome, awesome prof and a great guy. You won't go wrong taking ay or all of his courses. You'll be amazed at how much you'll learn and what a great time you'll have!

This (fall 2010) is my last semester at UM but at least I can take one more class with this amazing prof. He's the thing I'll miss about UM more than anything. I figured I'd get a good education here, but he's the best of the best. I learned more than I could have ever dreamed of, and he's ALWAYS interesting.

I can't wait to take another class with Bruce. I wish all my classes were with him, even though I'm an American Culture concentrator. No one else at the whole university comes close to being as good as he is. They ought to make him Dean or something but I know he'd probably never take it because he loves teaching so much.

Just like all classes, you can take him and not pay attention (and then not get a good grade) or you can take him, discover how interesting he is, always pay attention (because you want to), never miss class (because you don't want to)and learn and experience more than you ever dreamed possible! he's fantastic!

Bruce is fun, demanding, interesting, provocative, challenging, and the best there is.

I can't wait to take my next class with him this coming semester, I know it's going to great because all of his are.

As the semester gets closer the one thing I'm looking forward to his being in his classes again. Totally radical experience like nothing else.

Ditto everything that's been said, but let me add you should go to his office hours because he's GREAT to talk with. He knows about everything and gives great advice.

Bruce is a truly wonderful person and teacher. His class was very thought provoking and challenged a lot of my preconceptions about both the blues, race, and culture. It was just great.

Bruce asks a lot of you, even in a big class. He expects you to pay attention and do the reading. He runs the biggest class just like they're small classes and that's great. You WANT to pay attention, and you WANT to read, and you WANT to hear what he has to say because he really, really knows his stuff and makes his classes come alive. You'll W

There's simply no better prof at UM. TAKE HIM AS MANY TIMES AS YOU CAN!

Wow I couldn't agree more with what's been said. Bruce is the best, AND nicest!

This "dude" definitely abides, and is never out of his element. He rocks!

I took him ti fulfill an upper level writing requirement and among other assignments we had to do a weekly journal. It was amazing how he'd have the journals back in two days with great comments on them. I really improved my writing in his class. Thanks Bruce!

I took his 337 Blues survey last term and it was great so now I'm taking his 405 intensive seminar on the blues and can't wait!

This was the most interesting class I've taken yet at UM. It didn't matter that there were like 150 or more people in the class. Bruce kept it intimate, interesting, and fun!

I can't say enough said about Conforth. He is awesome and really caring and understanding about students' needs as well. He really shows interest in his students and for that I appreciate him the most.

CONFORTH ROCKS! He really knows his stuff and knows how to teach it. The lectures are great and he makes them fun and interesting. Even though there were a lot of students in the class, he made sure everyone understands the concepts. He is amazing!!!

Dr. Conforth is the most dedicated professor at the University. He's extremely helpful and interesting and always willing to help in office hours or via email. He's an amazing man.

Bruce is one of the few professors at UM who actually spends effort in teaching. He doesn't seem preoccupied with his research (even though he has stuff that's relevant to class) or being condescending like many other professors can. He uses amazing examples and experiences from his own life that make class interesting and helpful.

Bruce is absolutely fantastic. I can't imagine a more engaging, passionate, and talented lecturer with such a great personality. He is totally phenomenal, don't miss a chance to take him!

Absolutely the best professor ever!!! After taking his class (AC209) I decided to major in American Culture. He makes things really clear with funny and realistic examples. He really cares about his students, and takes so much time out of his day to help you in any way possible.

As a prof Bruce is amazing. He's always willing to help any student until they understand the material and he's extremely engaging during lecture - totally, and so will you be! Honestly one of the best teachers I've ever had. Take any class that you can with him.

Conforth is definitely the best!!! Unlike many other professors in large lectures, he will never ever make you get bored or doze off in class even if you haven't got enough sleep the previous day. He makes you feel totally IN to the subject... He's just the best!

Absolutely the best teacher you will ever have. He's charismatic, funny and very (very!) knowledgeable about what he teaches. He's lived all of what he teaches and tells amazing stories that make class come alive! A+++ i wish i could take him for every class.

I LOVE Dr. Conforth!!! Seriously, TAKE any class with him that you possibly can! He is AMAZING and he explains everything clearly. He's nice and helpful and FUN! His lectures were awesome...

He's a legend, not just for American Culture, but for everything he does. He TRULY cares about students. Dr. Conforth should hold a seminar for all the other UM professors and share his secrets to excellent teaching. There's a reason his lectures were always overflowing with students, and that is because he's GREAT!

Take my advice: he knows how to make a class great, because HE is great... just a terrific guy and prof.

Dr. Conforth is awesome. He's extremely clear and very entertaining. He's actually worth the tuition money, and if you take his blues class he'll post over 1500 songs on iTunesU so if you download them all, for free, it's like you're getting a rebate on your tuition! I wish I could take more classes from him because he actually makes learning enjoy

I've been waiting so long to get into this class, now I can't wait for the semester to start! All my friends have taken courses with Bruce and hey all say the same thing: "You HAVE" to take classes with him. I can't wait!!!

I really regret that I can't take any more of his classes. I've never seen students like a professor so much. Students actually gave him a standing ovation at the end of his classes. He really is an amazing teacher.

Well yeah, he's great, just like everybody says, but he ALSO has the coolest office of any professor on campus. You have to check it out!

This will be my 4th class with Dr. Conforth and he never gets boring or repeats himself, he's always really really interesting and you always want to hear what he's going to say and what he's going to do. He's an amazing professor.

The guy is great.

He's lived up to everything I had heard. He really makes even the most boring stuff seem interesting. His lectures are great.

It's wonderful to have a professor who values your opinion and what you think. The semester is only half over and I feel like he's made a huge impact on my life and thinking. He's great!

Dr. Conforth is extremely fair and forthright about your work and grades. He really cares about how you do but also tries to instill the desire within you to do well. He's really an excellent professor.

Everything about Professor Conforth and his class is wonderful. He's compassionate, interesting, caring, fair, intriguing, very smart, and he makes you feel that way too. He has a way of really bringing out the best in you even when you're not feeling into it. He's a very passionate and great teacher.

Dr.Conforth does not cover easy topics. His classes are really very full of information and ideas but he's always will to stop and go over something until you have it clear. This is one of his special gifts - that he cares most about whether you actually learn or not. He's very fair and very interesting. He's the best professor I've ever had.

There's a tremendous amount to cover in this class but Professor Conforth tries to bring it all into a larger context of society and culture that makes it quite a lot more understandable. The class is certainly not just about music but about the forces that help create it and how it, in turn creates new forces. Very cool class and prof!

He keeps it interesting. Cool dude.

I wish all my classes were with Bruce. Then I know they'd be both interesting and informative. No one else has ever kept my attention the way he can, nor taught me so much about the subjects and myself.

Really interesting and its amazing how much of what we learn about is in our everyday lives. This class has really made me open my eyes to what's going on around me and given me a better way to view our own culture.

Dr Conforth is very accomodating. If you have a problem just go see him and you'll work it out. Very respectful and cordial to students.

He's the most fair and understanding professor I've ever had.

always makes class really interesting and relevant. it's amazing how much he knows and how many personal stories he can tell that help bring the subject alive.

You'll never want to miss one of his lectures. You never know what he's going to do or say but you can be sure it;s interesting, creative, intelligent, and just really great. I can't imagine a better prof anywhere.

Bruce is definitely the coolest, hippest, most caring and interesting professor at UM. Sometimes his class can be pretty dense (deep)but he really tries to explain and take his time so you get it and you end up understanding so much more. He's an amazing professor and person. I feel privileged to know him! I'll remember him forever.

Dr. Conforth is very caring and compassionate. he's very interested in you as a person and your individual growth, not just in lecturing on some subject. He wants you to be all you can be in a very real and meaningful way.

You simply can't get a more engaging and interesting professor than Dr. Conforth. He made every single class special this semester. You REALLY want to learn about how American culture works and what authenticity, race, reflexivity, and really cool, deep concepts surrounding our traditional culture then you HAVE to take his course!

I don't think there's ever been any professor more fair, more accessible, more interesting, and more knowledgable that Dr. Conforth. He gives you a real chance to learn and he's really interested that you do.

He's not especially easy, he expects you to learn the material and really think, but he IS very fair and will give you every chance to do your best in his classes.

One of the best professors I've had at U of M. He is extremely interesting and enthusiastic about the material. He is fair and always willing to work with you in regards to grades, tests, etc. You HAVE to take a class with him while at U of M.

Dr. Conforth was a great teacher and an even better person. He really cares about you and wants you to get the most out of class. He's the best!

I learned a tremendous amount in this class about folklore and culture and America. I had no idea what folklore was but now I love it. Dr. Conforth is great!

This was a brilliant class that really stretched my thinking. Dr. Conforth challenged so many stereotypes and preconceptions about race and culture in America. He really helped us all to think outside the conventional cultural box. It was great.

I learned so much about people and culture in this class because Bruce was able to make the topic really come alive with personal examples that had relevance for everyone in the class. He's a really caring professor who does his best to help you learn and grow.

This class was just terrific, because of the professor. He's a wonderful person and a marvelous teacher. He's interesting and fair and fun and I never once wanted to skip class or didn't pay attention. He expects a lot out of you but you actually want to and enjoy learning in his class. He's a sweetie too :)

The greatest class I've ever taken. This guy is so inspiring, and he speaks from practical experience, not just book learning. Sure. he has a PhD, but he's also lived everything he teaches. He's not just some dilettante teacher who only knows stiff he's read in books. He's an amazing professor, the best there is at UM!

Professor Conforth is just an awesome teacher. I can't believe how muchy he cares about whether you actually leave his class knowing more than when you went in, and that he cares about you as a person. If only all UM professors were like this. he's a real exception among the faculty. He wants you to learn and isn't just interested in his ideas.

I knew nothing about the subject of folklore when I took this class but I took it because of the profs reputation. I wasn't let down. This class was incredible. He's incredible. He made a subject that I knew nothing about sound fascinating and really really cared about me as a student. He's personal, interesting, and you learn more than that!

This was the best class and best professor I've ever had at the entire university. I learned so much about our culture and ways of thinking. This class was so much more than just about music. It was about people and why we do the things we do and about me. I loved it and Dr. Conforth.

This guy is amazing. The things he brings up in class are really the things that teach you about life, as well as the subject. He's the best there ever was.

Okay: here's the real story on this guy. His quizzes can be tricky because they make you think and read them carefully. His exams (bluebook) are essays and about you analysis. So you actually have to pay attention and think in his classes. BUT you'll want to because he's funny, interesting as hell, incredibly smart, and really a great professor

This has, without question, been the best class with the best professor I have ever taken at UM. You MUST take at least one class with him before you graduate. I think I'm going to become an AC major!

Ditto what has been said. Bruce is amazing. He's inventive and fun in the classroom, but he also REALLY wants you to learn and cares about you and tries to help you really understand. This has been an amazing educational experience!

I absolutely adore this and and this class. No question, in ever way, he's the best of UM!

Dr.Conforth is the most enlightened, empathic, intelligent, creative, and fun professor I've ever had. I learned SO much in this class that I'll never forget.

Definitely an interesting class, but I'll have to admit it's extremely easy. I put ten times more effort into my 1 credit physics lab. Also, Bruce is interested in hearing your opinion on things, so don't just accept everything he has to say as an ultimate truth.

I don't agree at all about the class being that easy. Of course you probably put more (different kind of) work into a physics lab. It's because Bruce DOES expect you to think that makes this class challenging. It's great, and so is he.

Great class. Really made me think. His final exam was really all about what you thought about things, not necessarily facts or figures. It was the most interesting exam I've ever taken. He really was a great teacher. His lectures were always interesting.

I took this class in large part based on the reviews here, on the university site, and the grade distribution. I think people end up getting good grades in the class, but it really isn't that easy, and you do have to go to class. If you aren't interested in the subject matter, I don't recommend you take the class just because of the reviews

Holy crap! You had to go to class and it wasn't that easy! Yet you gave him high marks otherwise! Isn't that the mark of a great teacher: one who expects you to be there to participate in learning and who challenges you! I agree with what you said. It wasn't easy, but even though I didn't know about the topic before he made it REALLY terrific!

I came here to rate my class this semester - 209 - which is great! Then I saw the previous comment and had to say that's just crazy! The idea that you have to be "enlightened" to take one of Bruce's classes is silly. You take his classes to gain enlightenment, to gain what he has to offer. None of his classes are ever a waste. They're GREAT!

Professor Conforth is great. I loved this class, Survery of American Folklore, and he really just got me thinking...about everything. He's a great guy and he truly cares about you and what you learn, and he wants you to do well in life. Love!

Bruce is amazing! laughed my ass off the whole time and still learned stuff! I enjoyed lecture, which is a first1

There are no words to adequately describe how much I loved this class. The topic is awesome and Bruce is an amazing teacher who really cares about you as a student AND a person. The exams really make you think, but Bruce cares a lot more about your opinion than straight facts. Best professor and best class I've taken at Michigan - by FAR.

You know when people say that a prof changed their lives? Conforth has the magical ability to do that. His classes are interesting and he makes his lectures clear but I think his biggest strength goes deeper than that. He genuinely cares deeply about every student. There is something inherently good in him that people are drawn to. Easy A also.

Really interesting class. The second half of the course was definitely better than the first. If you like music at all, you'll get something out of this class, plus it fulfills HU! Lectures were interesting, entertaining, and I would recommend this class to anyone. Great prof, who loves what he teaches, and his students.

He is a great teacher. You should deff take his class; he's fun and he gets you to think.

Great class! He is definitely passionate about the material and it shows. Though you could probably get by without going to all the lectures, I never missed one because I thought they were so interesting. I'm planning on taking his other classes in the future and even switched my major to American Culture.

Dr. Conforth is by far the best professor I have had at this university! He truly cares about all of the material he is teaching you and while it is not technically required to come to class, you want to just to hear him lecture. If you want to take his class, I highly suggest you are interested in the material though. Great professor!

This class is amazing. The lectures are so engaging that you never want to miss one, & Dr. Conforth puts the material across in a way that's relevant, informative, and highly interesting. I've never had a class that was this good or engaging. MTVu certainly made the right choice in picking him to be the first professor you filmed! He's GREAT!!!

Well what else is there to say other than this year Bruce won the 22nd Annual University of Michigan Golden Apple Teaching Award for being the most engaging and inspiring professor as voted by the student body! He should have won it long before this. This should be concrete evidence for anyone needing it that he really is the best professor at UM!

Very cool guy, interesting class, lots of listening to music and occassionally he'll jam out for the class. Also has a lot of good stories.

Voted by the students at Michigan as the best professor in the school in 2012 (Golden Apple) and I can tell you that he is all he's hyped up to be. I would seriously recommend anybody with interest in American Subcultures (Beats, Hippies, Punks) to take this class or any one of his classes. Even if you don't, you'll love it. You'll love Bruce.

Probably the best teacher I have ever had. His class was great and interesting.

This guy is the best professor I've had so far. I took 208 and I had to take 219 because this guy was so cool. Take his classes, you won't regret it.

BRUCE IS AWESOME, there isn't much more too it. Great guy, interesting class.

Very interesting and engaging. Take anything with this professor.

One of those life-changing professors who knows and loves what he's doing. He can teach you about his subject and inspire you to change your life all at once. Funny, brilliant without being condescending, and friends with almost everyone he teaches about. Take his class--you will not regret it.

This was the most provocative, informative, stimulating class I ever took at UM and it was all because of Bruce. He is an astonishing professor and scholar. He cares so deeply about you as a person and he makes you question everything around you so you can come to a richer understanding of culture and life. TAKE HIS CLASSES!

This guy is the best teacher at the University of Michigan - period! He goes out of his way to make sure you "get it" (as he says), but he really doesn't have to because his lectures and classes are always so interesting that you get it anyway! Te thing he teaches... you won't ever regret it!

I've never had a class as stimulating as this one, and it's a large lecture even! Bruce really makes the subject come alive with his personal anecdotes and great insights. He's just really accommodating at helping you really understand the subject. There's a reason why he has such a great reputation. It's simple. Here's FANTASTIC!

Dr. Conforth has more passion and enthusiasm for teaching and his students than any twenty UM professors put together! His class was truly unique and extremely memorable. I never wanted to miss it and sometimes I only got up to go to his class. He's absolutely amazing!

Incredibly stimulating. Bruce talks about things that other professors won't or can't and his class is awesome. You'll learn more than you ever dreamed.

Totally awesome. A radical professor! Gives you 150% of himself all the time. What a refreshing thing to have: a professor who cares more about teaching and his students than he does his own ego. The guy is amazing! Take anything he teaches!

FABULOUS. FABULOUS. FABULOUS. Everything students say about him is true. He's totally awesome!

This was the best class with the best professor at UM. There's really no one who can compare with Bruce. He should win the Golden Apple every year!

He's a really great professor. I wish I had paid more attention during lectures! It's an easy A, but make sure you still do the work (really minimal, just studying for like three quizzes. and two exams with review guides) and don't just go in with that mindset!

Entertaining to listen to, but the course has very little structure so it's hard to take anything away from it. The times that he does draw large conclusions, they're really without nuance and mostly uninteresting. That said, he's a great guy.

This has been the most stimulating and interesting course I've ever taken. We've learned all about the Beats in the 50s and the Hippies in the 60s and Bruce added such amazing context because he knew most of these guys. It's been absolutely remarkable to learn about something this interesting in such a first-hand way. Bruce is awesome!

Simply a stunning semester. It's no wonder that he won the Golden Apple. This has been a terrific semester. Bruce is engaging, informative, challenging, interesting, funny... everything you'd want in a professor and more. He's simply the best there is.

Wow! This has been the coolest, AND most informative class I've ever taken at UM! Dr. Conforth is amazing in how he brings this subject to life! I never thought I'd EVER be talking about "subcultural theory" but he just made the whole topic so incredibly interesting. The best there is!

A really really good class. The lectures are incredibly stimulating. The quizzes are pretty tricky. The midterm exam was less so because you got to express more of your opinion. It is really interesting to see how Bruce lectures... it's a whole different experience from any other professor I've ever had... and that's GOOD!!!!

Terrific class. Terrific professor. I wish he'd play his guitar more in class because he's awesome at it! But best of all is jest hearing him teach. Bruce is great!

We should campaign to have Bruce win the Golden Apple every year! He's that good!

I didn't have a lot of interest in the subject at first, I just wanted to take a class with Bruce. Wow was it worth it! He's an incredible prof and now I love the blues! Any of his classes are well worth the wait and work!

This class was so much more than what the course description made it out to be. Every class we spoke not only about the subject - folk music - but how the issues around it related to every day life and how we can use those things in our own lives. Bruce is a stunning professor. The topics he brings up are really interesting. He's extraordinary!

This upper level seminar was an amazing experience. Bruce ran it more like a graduate seminar which meant we had a lot of discussion, and in addition to listening to and discussing a lot of music and its history we also talked a lot about culture in general. This was really fascinating. Bruce has a reputation for being the best there is & he is!

Great class. Great prof. Learned so much about life and the subject. Bruce is definitely everything he's cracked up to be.

Really insightful. Very motivating. Highly entertaining but not a push over class at all. You really learn a lot!

Great to hear so much amazing music and learn so much about a stule and culture I just didn't know about before. This class is so worth taking! The history and culture of the blues as tauight by someone who knows so much and is such a great musician is really inspiring.

Really excellent class. Conforth has the real deal world experience with the blues and so learning from him is really learning from an expert. There was no way I could have learned from a more knowledgeable person. This class was great!

The most important thing abouit Bruce's classes are that in addition to proividing you with real scholarship on the topic and real world experience is how he also manages to teach you about life. Almost no professors do this and yet it's probably the most important thing you can ever get out of a class. Thank you Bruce!

This was a seminar and run like a real discussion give and take of ideas. It was really stimulating and Bruce's first-hand knowledge of the artists and the folk scene really made the class vibrant and alive!

Simply incredible. The best professor you will take at the University. Truly loves and cares about his students.

Bruce is simply the best, one of the greatest lecturers at UM. Taking another class of his next semester. Everyone needs to take a class with Bruce during their undergrad career. And don't miss the last lecture! So touching and enlightening. I recommend his classes to all of my friends.

This class was amazing, inspiring, controversial, intriguing, educational, informative, stimulating, and most of all really fun. Bruce is the best lecturer in the world!

Bruce is just the most awesome teacher. He has so much going on that other professors can't even come close to. If you never take a class with him you really weren't at UM!

Unquestionably the finest class by the finest instructor at the whole university. What can I say that hasn't been said before? Dr. Conforth is simply a remarkable, compassionate, caring, knowledgable, incredible professor. Hail to Dr. Bruce Conforth! Give him another Golden Apple!

There are 2 exams and 3 quizzes. The quizzes are on the weekend and are taken on Ctools. If you are unable to take the quiz he opens it another time. He had a ton of office hours. The exams are essay style. You get 4 questions and write about them for about a paragraph or 2. Don't buy the books; I never used mine. As everyone has said, he is great.

He's a harder grader than you'd think, but he's fair. You have to know the material to get a good grade the midterm and final. But moreover he's the most interesting and informative professor at UM. If you want to REALLY learn something, and about life, take any of his classes. I've had three now and they were great!

I totally disagree about the books thing. The books that were assigned for this class were really fascinating and if you didn't read them you missed out on something. The book about hipness in American was really great! and Bruce did post another whole book on Ctools that's out of print that was excellent! Awesome class.

Great class, great prof, really knows his stuff, very entertaining and highly informative. Take any of his classes and you won't regret it! They'll change the way you think about eduication and life.

Unbelievable semester with the most unbelievable prof. I'm in awe of this man's life and expetriences and how much he brings to the classroom!

In this class you could tell that with each lecture Bruce not only had a deep knowledge of the material, but a real passion for the subject, and that he was really invested in each and every student as well. He's clearly the most passionate professor at the University!

It's easy to tell how much Dr. Conforth loves teaching, and because of that he's really inspiring. This was a very, very good course. Quite frankly, he is a living legend among faculty at Michigan!

In my four years at UM Bruce easily passes as my favorite professor. He defines passion. The excitement and dedication he shows toward the material is infectious to his students. You can't help but be enthralled by him and the topic. HE IS AMAZING!

There just isn't enough that can be said about how great this class was. I know most people on here say that, but it's true! Bruce is the MOST passionate and knowledgeable professor that's possible. He isn't as easy you you might think either, but he really makes you THINK about culture and America is new and unique ways. He's fabulous!

I loved this class and couldn't bear the idea of ever missing it. I had NO knowledge of the subject matter beforehand, I just wanted to take a class with Bruce before I graduated. I'm SO glad I did and now I have a tremendous appreciation for the music we studied. Bruce is BEST!

This class was the most entertaining and the most educational class I've ever had. Bruce Conforth is without doubt the most inspiring professor at the University of Michigan. Take his class and you'll never skip one and you'll want to take everything he teaches. He's truly a legend!

Any class with Bruce Conforth is a class you should take.

He's an amazing lecturer and individual and I would definitely recommend anyone to take a class with him simply for that reason. The material in this class was interesting even though it kind of got old. It is definitely not an easy A because your grade is based on a few confusing online quizzes and midtermfinal.

In 4 years at UM I never had a class or professor as good as this was. Dr. Conforth is amazingly knowledgable about an incredible amount of things, he's inspirational and caring. His lectures are wonderful: funny, factual, experiential. He's simply the best professor at UM.

Folklore was not something I thought I'd be interested in but it was the only class I could take with Bruce before I graduated. I'm so glad I did. He made the subject really interesting and come to life. His lectures were always informative and enjoyable. He makes you want to come to class because he's so inspiring. He's the best of the best.

Although many students are usually on their laptops, Bruce is a phenomenal teacher who cares so much about the topic. His last lecture was amazing. I am so lucky that I got in his class as a first semester freshmen!

Dr. Conforth is the most amazing professor at the entire University of Michigan. His lectures are amazing and he really cares that you understand and learn the material. He's far less interested in you memorizing facts than he is in you getting the big picture. If you take one of his classes you'll never want to take a class with anyone else.

Bruce is one of the best teachers I've ever had. He is passionate about what he teaches and clearly loves his job. Attendance is not mandatory, although he assigned weekly reaction papers, it is very easy to write them based off of the power point and they're only 1 page double spaced. Bruce is great and I would love to take another class with him.

Bruce is without doubt the best professor at the entire university. Other professors are good but Bruce is amazing. No one else comes close to being as inspiring as he is, as knowledgeable about as many different topics, and as caring and genuine as he is. You must take a class (or more) with him before you graduate.

This class was a small seminar and Bruce made the topic just come alive. Every lecture and the subsequent discussions were remarkable. Bruce is a world-class expert in his field and taking a class with him is a masterful experience.

There's little that can be said that hasn't been said in other posts: believe them! Bruce is the best professor at the entire university and anyone who says that someone else is never had a class with him. The experience of taking one of his classes is simply amazing.

Inspiring! What a great way to describe Bruce and his classes. Take one and your life will change. He's that good!

Amazing is putting it mildly. Bruce can take the most average (boring) topic and make it not only interesting but something you'll think about for several days. He's totally engaging and really cares about his students. He's simply the best there is.

You may have to work for your grade but you'll want to, just like you'll never want to miss a lecture. Bruce respects his students and we respect him back. He's incredibly knowledgeable about virtually everything and he puts every bit of himself into teaching. There's not a more passionate instructor at the University of Michigan.

Bruce is honest and inspirational, inclusive and intensely confrontational of the tough issues which form social thought. His dissection of the intersectionality of crucial histories are only one way this man is brilliant. Bruce is soulful, and approachable. Truly the best teacher, exemplifying the immense importance of the archetypal teacher.

The semester is almost half over and already I can say this was the most spectacular class I've had at UM. Bruce is nothing short of amazing in how much he knows but even more in how much he cares. If you REALLY want an educational experience that will change your life take any of his classes. You'll never regret it. He's truly a legend.

Bruce is the most inspirational, spiritual, knowledgeable, caring, interesting, professor at the entire University. His lectures are nothing short of amazing performances where he tries to get everyone involved and make the subject come alive as if you had been there. He is truly a remarkable gift to the University, students, and the world.

Bruce' class is an astonishing experience. You've never taken anything like it and you never will again. Taking his class is like taking lessons with a sacred shaman who knows as lost everything and really wants to share it all with you. He's incredibly intelligent about so many things but he's also fun, inspiring, joyous, and uplifting.

Dr. Conforth is perhaps the only professor at this University who honestly and really cares about you as a person. He infuses his lectures with so much "real" learning that you'll never want to miss a class. He's the most inspiring and knowledgeable person I've ever meet or probably ever will.

This was a simply amazing class. Dr. Conforth gave an unbelievable amount of himself to the students. He went way beyond merely teaching this class. We lived the experience through him and his first-hand knowledge of the subject. He also gave of himself as a person. He's incredibly intelligent, witty, funny, caring, passionate. He's amazing.

Hands down the best class by the best professor at the University of Michigan, maybe anywhere. There is no way you can graduate without ever taking one of his classes. Your life will be changed for the better.

Totally awesome. A must take while at UM!

This was an experiential class in which we were supposed to get very involved with the topic and projects. Dr. Conforth really facilitated those opportunities. He's extremely knowledgeable about the topic (he's a world class expert in American music) and really tries to share this knowledge in a personal way. This was simply a great class.

Bruce is just an awesome professor. His classes are astonishing and you'll never want to miss one. I wish I could have taken more classes with him. His lectures are funny, informative, thought-provoking and compassionate. I don't think any professor at UM cares more about their students than he does. Take any class with him and you'll love it!

Bruce is probably the most popular professor at UM and there's good reason for that: he's simply the best there is. No professor cares more for his students, gives more of himself, is as interesting and informative, and brings as much real world knowledge and experience to the classroom. Taking a class with him will literally change your life.

AC208 changed my life. It opened my doors of perception to new vistas that I believed were there, but that Bruce helped me truly see for the first time. To say he is an unbelievable and unconventional teacher is an understatement. Ever class was a complete surprise as to what he would say or do, but it was also spot on and incredibly important.

I must admit I knew nothing about the blues before I took this class. I took it because of Bruce's reputation. It certainly didn't let me down. Not only did I learn about the blues but Bruce was amazing. It was particularly wonderful when he'd bring one of his guitars to class and demonstrate various elements of the blues on them.

Dr. Conforth is the most compassionate and caring professor I've ever had. He really cares if you understand the material, and more importantly, life itself.

I waited my whole college career to get into a class with Bruce and it was definitely worth it. He's the best there is. His lectures are incredibly stimulating and you learn more than you ever expected you were going to. He really cares that you get the material and goes out of his way to make the subject seem very real.

Bruce is the best there is - hands down. The man really knows his stuff and is the best professor at the entire university. If you can even take only one of his classes before you graduate you have to do it!

You have to work for your grade in this class, but it's well worth it. You'll want to do good because the materrial is so interesting. Professor Conforth is the most engaging professor at the University and I wish that I was able to take more classes with him. He's very caring and considerate and really wants you to learn.

I have to admit I didn't know a lot about the subject and took this class only because of the profs reputation. I'm so glad I did however because not only did he live up to everything that was said about him, but I learned far more than I expected or hoped to. He has a real passion for this subject and made every lecture so interesting.

Stunning. There's no other word for how Bruce teaches. You learn so much about the topic because he's such a scholar AND he loved through it all, but you also learn about life, which may be even more important. His reputation is legendary because everything that's said about him is true. He's amazing.

To be truthful I wasn't that interested in the blues but I wanted to take a course with Bruce since all my friends said he was the best. They were right. By the third class I was hooked into both his teaching style and the subject. He's an incredible professor who cares deeply about his students. I don't think there's another professor as good.

Let's be real, he's a really cool guy. His tests are easy but he's a hard grader. I very much enjoy going to his lectures at 8:30 A.M.

Bruce was an amazing professor and gives great life advice. The lectures were interesting/funny and you can tell he's really passionate about what he teaches. Not too much work required, just be prepared for the exams. If you have the chance to take this class, TAKE IT.

He is easily the best professor on the plant. He truly cares about all of the students and wants everyone to learn. He is so passionate about what he does, and it really shows in his lectures, He is just a great person.

Dr. Conforth is an awesome professor. His lectures are very interesting and you can tell he genuinely enjoys the subject matter. The class is pretty easy to get a B- in, but beyond that you really need to work hard to get a better grade. I, unfortunately, realized I was not interested in folklore, but Dr. Conforth still made lectures interesting

Bruce is a legend at UM and there many reasons why. He's compassionate, incredibly interesting, REALLY knows a LOT, worked at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and as a musician, he's a scholar, but most of all he REALLY cares if you learn the stuff in class and how you can apply it to your own life. He's hands-down the best prof at UM!

I was expecting a bit more from Professor Conforth; with all the hype, i thought this would be the greatest class I ever took by a long shot. Not the case - while the course was interesting, it just didn't live up to the hype. Not hard to get a good grade if you study enough for the exams, and lecture was always fairly interesting to attend.

It is absolutely unbelievable the way that Bruce teaches a class. Not only is he an amazing scholar and knows so much about so many things, the life lessons he teaches you are remarkable. If you go to class (you'll want to) and you pay attention (it's hard not to) you'll leave his class an infinitely greater person.

This class has been nothing short of astonishing. I never experienced anything like the remarkable way Dr. Conforth teaches and I don't think I ever will again. He's the smartest, most caring professor you could want. I've already learned more about the topic and life than I have in all my other classes combined and I'm a senior! Take his class

This is the 3rd class I've taken with Professor Conforth and every one has been remarkable. He's a great teacher. Clear, concise, interesting, funny, and extremely knowledgeable. He's just an amazing prof. The best UM has to offer.

Bruce Conforth is honestly one of the best professors I have had. He makes everyone feel like they matter in his class. He tries to make his lectures not only about the information, but also about life in general. The quizzes and tests are kind of tough, but this class is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Take it.

After 4 years I finally got to take Bruce's subcultures course and wow was it worth the wait! I don't think there are any other professors like Bruce anywhere. He's caring, compassionate, unbelievably intelligent, witty, funny, hot as hell, and just is everything and more that you'd want in a professor. An amazingcourse, Bruce is incredible!

Hippies, Beatniks, and Punks was the best class I've taken at U of M so far. I actually WANTED to go to class, because Bruce is such an inspirational guy. His lectures are really interesting, I felt like I got to know all three of the subcultural groups, but my favorite parts of the class were Bruce's life stories. Definitely take this class.

Easily one of the best professors at UM. Never known a single person to have a bad opinion of him. He is incredibly knowledgeable about the 60s and the hippy movement (as a result of him being very deeply ingrained in it). His stories make each class fun, and I am changing my plans for future classes to take more with him.

Legend

Bruce's seminar on American Folk music was an amazing experience. We discussed the incredible link between folk music and left wing politics (something I knew nothing about), the ways in which people band together as communities and create art to express themselves and build solidarity, and so so much more. Amazing class.

The fact that Dr. Conforth is a great scholar in the subjects he teaches (I've taken AC208, AC219, and AC405 with him) the fact that he has personal experience in each topic makes him an invaluable resource as a teacher. I doubt that there are many other professors who have as much and as extensive real world experience in their topics as he does.

This guy was great! He was passionate each and every day he came to class and seemed as knowledge as anyone about the information he was teaching. The material reflected a great deal of personal depth and experience. He was rarely competitive. There are two exams with easy online homework in-between. On the whole, a worthwhile class.

This was my favorite class of all time. Bruce teaches because he wants to inspire, and he wants students to reflect on what they are doing with themselves. I never missed a lecture because they were so interesting, and I would talk about what I'd be learning with my friends because I enjoyed it to that extent. Definitely take a class with Bruce

If you show up to class every day and really pay attention to his lectures, Bruce will probably change your life - fair warning. I have never had another professor that has half the passion and zeal that he brings to every single lecture. He cares immensely about the topics that he teaches and he cares about his students even more. Don't miss out.

Coolest dude ever, really knows what he's talking about and cares about students. Class was based on weekly reflection papers, 3 take-home online quizzes, midterm, final, and one project. Don't bother doing any readings - don't even buy the book. Go to his office hours with your midterm, he will give you points back.

I am so lucky to have taken a class taught by this guy! Insanely passionate and funny, really knows his stuff, and I never wanted to miss a lecture.

Bruce Conforth is the most passionate, intelligent, and talented person and musician I have ever met. I wish I took more of his courses, as his History of American Blues Music enhanced my perspective on so many things. A true icon of the music world.

One of the most inspirational professors of all time. He made me laugh by dancing on desks, and cry on the last day of class with his emotional annecdote on pursing our dreams. He gave every student a special business card with a painting on it to go with the story that I still carry in my wallet to motivate me everyday. Also learned SO much.

Bruce changed my life. He taught how black society invented music as we know it and used music as a lense to evaluate culture, politics, sociology, economics, and history. I remember my office hr visits fondly. His last lecture and what he gave us have stuck with me nearly a half decade later about going after whatever the hell our heart desire.