If you are a History major, this class is recommended, but it really should be required. This is a great class, the materials and discussions are interesting and relevant, and it will make doing research for your 499 paper *much* easier.

she is one of those really good teachers who want you to do well by pushing you really hard. Some people might not like the class for that but if you need to improve on your writting skills I would recomend this class.

When I registered for History 113, I assumed I was taking a history class... turns out Dr. Costanzo has turned it into an English class (in which you read about history)... !!!

Wow. Very hard class. It is worth it though, she has a lot of enthusiasm. Don't miss a single day of lecture, it will kick your ass. Discussions were the best in college so far. Yes, essays are hard, but they push you far. Challenging, but great.

This class is hard. No question. But it is more than worth it. If you think it is impossible, you simply aren't trying hard enough.

A very good class, should be demanded for ALL history majors. Hard grader, very hard, but worthwhile. You learn what she wants to see and your grade will improve. She means well and is willing to help, but you must go out of your way to see her.

People who complain about this class weren't made for college. This is the best example of what a college level course should be. The essays were tough, but if you go in and talk to her she is more than willing to help out and give advice. People are just lazy at Western. I say take it.

I like her class, hate her politics though she does her best to hide them. a good challenge, but she grades essays really hard for a 113 class. i give her a thumbs up, even if she doesnt like republicans!

NOT hard!! I don't know what everyone is complaining about. I did all the work the night before it was due and never got below a B+. And trust me... I'm not that smart. Just make sure you don't B.S. in your papers. Have a clear thesis and make sure every sentence is relevant and supported by "evidence". That's it. Not cake, but NOT that hard.

Costanzo will make you a better writer, she is unbelivably helpful and willing to meet during the writing process. Her knowlege and passion for her subject mater is phenomonal. I hope to take many more classes from her in the future.

Dr. Costanzo is definitely not for everyone, because she does expect quite a lot from students. However, she is more than willing to sit down and help students through the process of writing papers. Her lectures could diverge from what's in the book more often, but her pace is good.

Not an easy class, but it really is helping me learn to write in a different way. She makes the lectures interesting, too.

If you're like me and find that class discussions are typically unhelpful and dominated by shameless self-promoters, many of these classes will be painful for you as they certianly were for me. But Costanzo's lectures are coherent, her expectations are clear, and her high standards will force you to become an intentional and thoughtful writer.

This is a good example of a true college class. Her lectures are VERY organized and easy to follow. She really wants you to understand the material and is available for help when you need it. I wrote all of my papers the night before and never got lower than a B, just follow the instructions on the handouts, take good notes, and you'll do fine.

though she is tough she is good. I took my first paper to her and she told me i did'nt know how to write one but i ended up with an A. If you put some elbow grease into the class she is willing to help.

Costanzo is a truly dedicated Professor. She is hard but she is helpful and truly cares about making her students learn. She wants you to know how to write a historical essay. She is an entertaining lecturer and she knows her subject well.

Great Prof. Her lectures are clearly defined and well presented. She knows what she's talking about. Attendance is not mandatory but sometimes she gives extra credit if you just show up.

Costanzo doesnt mess around, but you will learn the material without too much trouble, and she is a good lecturer. I really liked her class

She is one tough cookie. Her class is hard, she is a stickler for my worst attribute, spelling. VERY interesting topics, class was fast paced and intense.

Highly recommend for those interested in history. Papers are graded very closely but she does provide a lot of feedback and is very helpful if you go talk to her. Very nice and knows a lot about her subjects

Costanzo is fun. And hard. But not too hard! For 398 we had 2-3 page papers answering the same questions every week about different types of primary sources. Talk in class and do the reading. She is a great teacher. I recommend 398 regardless of the teacher cuz you get a very prof. 499 proposal out of it.

Fear the dragon.

If you're not into reading then don't take this class. It's very helpful to go and talk to her about papers. She remembers who sought her help. It is a challenging class but you learn a ton from her. She knows what she's talking about and if you seek her help you will do fine!!! I'v taken 3 of her classes

I LOVE HERRRR!! she's prob one of my favorite professors! she knows her stuff and spits a lot at you during lecture. It's essential to go to class b/c she doesn't post anything on BB. She is EXTREMELY helpful and provides lots of feedback on papers. She's a tough grader but it's for the best! I DEF recommend her to anyone!

LOVE this class! it's small and very helpful! I learned to be super analytical of lots of different sources which will definitely help me for my 499. It's definitely a lot of work but it's worth it! you see a goofy and more fun side of costanzo which is fun. She's super helpful and gives lots of feedback. TAKE THIS CLASS if you're TAking 499!

Writing an acceptable essay for her is impossible. So if you are not a fan of writing or you dont love history, DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. There is only one test and it is to name the counties (and their capitols) of Europe. Other than that, you have 3 essays and 6 books to read (not including chapter reading that you do not have to do).

she is an awesome prof, but a tough grader on essays!

Costanzo is a very tough grader. Very strong emphasis on the importance of analyzing sources. Lectures alright, usu. from whats in the textbook, but on certain subjects is very good. Her limitations on certain aspects of Rus history are evident by mistakes and unanswered questions in lecture. Overall an average prof who gets done whats needed.

Costanzo has difficult classes and expects the best. Do not take her classes if you want an easy grade. There will be reading, taking of notes at lecture, close analysis of sources and strong writing skills required. Don't bother if you won't come to class or put effort into these papers. She is not a pushover. But it is highly rewarding.

Professor Costanzo can seen harsh at times, but it is only to make her students think critically. Take this class and be ready to read A LOT.

Definitely a tough grader, and I wasn't always sure what was expected on papers so my grades varied. When I went in for help on the final though she spent a lot of time helping me through it, and I think just talking to her boosted that final grade. She expects CRITICAL analysis and will really push you for the better.

I've taken multiple classes with Professor Costanzo and I honestly have enjoyed every one. She is a difficult professor but class is usually entertaining and she pushes you to be a better student and a better writer. I would highly recommend her classes to someone who is interested in becoming a history major. I would not take it for an easy GUR.

Professor Costanzo is one of the best professors I've met. She puts a lot of effort into her lectures and assigns readings that are really interesting. She gives a lot of feedback on essays and will try to make you a better writer. She teaches history from multiple perspectives, including women's history and the people's history. She is also funny.

Great teacher! She is so enthusiastic and gets in the zone when it comes to lectures! Every day is a lecture day so make sure to always have paper and a pencil! Notes are very important in the class! For essays and workshops it is always good to look back on notes and remember to read! She is so helpful and I never found any of her talks boring.

I am a junior and honestly this has been one of the most engaging classes I've ever taken at WWU. This period in history is extremely important and has tons of relevance to today. Costanzo will make you work for it but THAT IS WHY YOU ARE IN COLLEGE. Workload- 3 papers and in-class group workshops will turn you into a THESIS WRITING MACHINE.

She's really great. I had her for a film class but the few type of lectures we had they were great. Stays on schedule and is very helpful for office hours. She's a little tougher in grading and really makes you think. Heavy on class participation but I never felt attacked by her. She knows her stuff and really makes you look at history differently.

Professor Costanzo is, by far, one of my favourite profs at Western. She is passionate and her classes are always interesting and funny. Im not sure why her rating is so low, because Ive never had such an engaging professor here. There are a lot of readings and essays, but it is by no means unmanageable. If you like history, TAKE HER CLASS!!!!

Top notch educator. A lot of students are afraid of her because she is a tough grader, but she pushes her students to be the best they can be. She makes you work hard, and you can't get away with not coming to class prepared. If you reach out to her, she will always meet with you and really help you. She made me a better researcher and writer.

While Prof. Costanzo can be a bit intimidating, once you approach her for help she does her best to provide multiple points of view. She made me challenge my personal bias in discussions, and helped me improve my essay-writing with specific feedback. She treats you with respect as much as you do her. Work hard to earn good grades, and she'll help.

It was difficult conceptualizing lectures into essays, and I felt uncomfortable with what few things were meticulously graded. However, I appreciated and benefitted from the professors feedback. They provided clear instruction and drew out strengths and weak points in written work that improved my writing. And the lectures were fascinating.

Professor Constanzo was definitely a scholar of history and good at lecturing. She was good at answering my questions in class providing feedback. Her flaws was that she asks way too much in the writing assignments and essays with our class being only a level 1 class. Definitely one of the toughest graders in the university but kind.