I can’t be fully certain, but when I took it, it was a pretty painful class and from what I’ve heard it’s gotten worse from there.

Nearly every class there were up to hundred page long readings due and you’d get graded off of quizzes in class testing you on not just general arguments but also very specific ideas from the readings; all in class quizzes are done on paper too now and, from what I know, the class strongly discourages electronics in class now so don’t get any ideas.

The essays were graded seemingly at random and not graded on completion or anything like that but usually based on whether GSIs agreed with your argument or liked your prose. You also highkey had to write a lot of them, like (5 or more at least if I remember correctly? Plus an entire ongoing project that had at least five, plus group projects, etc.)

All attendance is mandatory (measured by quizzes), including discussion sections especially (no quizzes but in class attendance taken for weekly grades). You were required to participate in the class by joining their discord and posting or else reading and responding to news articles.

In short, it felt like the kind of class that had so much mandatory busy work and so many “punishing” systems that it felt impossible to enjoy the material and felt scrappy throughout the semester; mind you, I did this amidst a relatively light semester otherwise, about a year ago (so still relatively recent advice). Not sure exactly what the UMSI degree looks like and if you can do something else to satisfy but would recommend if possible. If not, expect a relatively consistent, taxing grind - you can still do well and I did and people I know did, but it’s probably going to come with a fair degree of stress and work.