Recent recorded grades — Spring 2015: 3.71 GPA, 85.7% A/AB (n=7 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.54 GPA, 71.4% A/AB (n=14 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.50 GPA, 80.0% A/AB (n=15 letter grades).
Spring 2027
Advanced Seminar in History
An advanced seminar where students apply research skills to a historical topic, producing a project with original analysis through intensive writing and discussion.
offering recorded3 credits
Summary
1 / 6
Past student reviews · Francine Hirsch
The course required a significant amount of reading typical for a History seminar, though students described the volume as substantial but not excessive for the class type.
What you’ll be able to do
Create, plan, and execute a significant, self-designed and self-driven research project.
Develop an original, well-substantiated argument that synthesizes diverse historical knowledge and is based on a critical analysis of primary sources.
Communicate original historical research findings clearly and effectively.
Lead and participate productively in purposeful collaboration, discussion, and feedback.
Source: UW Guide
Grade history
↗ average GPA
4,8704,870 letter grades
A56.8%56.8%
AB24.2%24.2%
B12.6%12.6%
BC3.1%3.1%
C1.9%1.9%
D0.5%0.5%
F0.9%0.9%
All recorded terms · compare terms & instructors
Prerequisites
Course mapHISTORY 201 or HIST SCI 211
- take one
This is a best-effort interpretation; check the catalog requirements above.
Prerequisite text tree
- Any of
Professors
Spring 2027CC
Cindy Cheng
About this rating
Raw average: 4.28/5 from 78 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2012: 3.85 GPA, 92.3% A/AB (n=13 letter grades); Spring 2013: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=14 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.92 GPA, 94.4% A/AB (n=18 letter grades).
About this rating
Raw average: 4.63/5 from 19 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
For this course: 5.0/5 raw quality · 4.0/5 difficulty · 1 reviews
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Past student reviews · Francine Hirsch
Francine Hirsch described her seminar on Totalitarianism as accessible and fun, ensuring students felt valued as individuals. The reading load was substantial but not insane for the course type, and the instructor maintained high levels of helpfulness and care.
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2016: 3.50 GPA, 78.6% A/AB (n=14 letter grades); Fall 2020: 3.45 GPA, 80.0% A/AB (n=10 letter grades); Spring 2026: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=15 letter grades).
About this rating
Raw average: 5.00/5 from 9 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2018: 3.97 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=15 letter grades); Spring 2025: 3.87 GPA, 93.3% A/AB (n=15 letter grades).
AM
Alfred Mccoy
About this rating
Raw average: 4.19/5 from 58 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2024: 3.86 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=11 letter grades); Spring 2025: 3.75 GPA, 92.9% A/AB (n=14 letter grades); Spring 2026: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=13 letter grades).
About this rating
Raw average: 4.42/5 from 12 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
No course-specific feedback yet.
About this rating
Raw average: 3.75/5 from 48 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2023: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=10 letter grades); Fall 2025: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=13 letter grades); Spring 2026: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=15 letter grades).
AH
April Haynes
About this rating
Raw average: 2.70/5 from 30 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
RMP profile ↗ · All captured review dates; profile matched by name.
No course-specific feedback yet.
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2026: 3.95 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=11 letter grades).
Historical instructors & teaching patterns
Past student reviews · Elizabeth Lapina
Elizabeth Lapina taught a Medieval History in Film course that felt more like a film class than a history class. The semester centered on a large final paper, and most early homework involved watching movies. A student found the course interesting if they liked the topic.
ALFRED W. MCCOY is recorded teaching in Spring 2007, Fall 2007, Fall 2008, Fall 2009, Spring 2011, Spring 2012, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Fall 2013, Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Fall 2020, Fall 2021, Spring 2022, Fall 2022, Spring 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
APRIL HAYNES is recorded teaching in Spring 2020, Spring 2024. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
CHARLOTTE WHATLEY is recorded teaching in Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
CINDY CHENG is recorded teaching in Spring 2010, Fall 2010, Fall 2012, Spring 2013, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
ELIZABETH LAPINA is recorded teaching in Spring 2014, Fall 2014, Spring 2016, Fall 2016, Spring 2017, Fall 2017, Spring 2018, Fall 2018, Spring 2019, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Spring 2025, Fall 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
ERIC CARLSSON is recorded teaching in Spring 2015, Fall 2025, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
FRANCINE HIRSCH is recorded teaching in Spring 2007, Fall 2007, Fall 2009, Fall 2010, Spring 2014, Spring 2016, Fall 2020, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
KARL B SHOEMAKER is recorded teaching in Spring 2008, Spring 2010, Spring 2013, Spring 2015, Spring 2022, Fall 2023, Fall 2025, Spring 2026. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
KATHRYN CIANCIA is recorded teaching in Fall 2018, Spring 2025. Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
Recorded history may be incomplete and does not establish a future schedule.
Calendar & sections
Spring 2027Schedule loads here as you scroll.
| Section | Mode | Enrolled / capacity | Waitlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEM 007 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| SEM 005 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| SEM 006 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| SEM 002 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| SEM 003 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| SEM 004 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| SEM 001 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| SEM 010 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| SEM 011 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
Times are Central. Select a meeting for details; export includes recorded dates for the selected sections. Enrollment reflects scan time.
Meeting source records
Student experience
the class
Past student reviews · Francine Hirsch
Francine Hirsch taught a History seminar on Totalitarianism that was accessible, helpful, and engaging. Students felt valued as people and students, making the course a positive experience.
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2025: 3.82 GPA, 94.3% A/AB (n=123 letter grades); Fall 2025: 3.84 GPA, 93.1% A/AB (n=102 letter grades); Spring 2026: 3.91 GPA, 96.3% A/AB (n=107 letter grades).
difficulty & workload
Past student reviews · Francine Hirsch
The course required a significant amount of reading typical for a History seminar, though students described the volume as substantial but not excessive for the class type.
Past student reviews · Francine Hirsch
Students found the class fun despite discussing heavy topics like Totalitarianism. The instructor’s approach made the learning environment feel supportive and caring.
Topics
- Specific historical topics
- Primary and secondary sources
Skills
- Advanced research skills applied to a specific historical topic
- Original or creative analysis of primary and secondary sources
- Developing well-substantiated arguments from primary sources
- Clear communication of historical research findings
Grades
Historical instructor
Spring 2027 · Projected
Before grades are releasedApproximate 80% prediction interval
0.04.0
About this estimate
The course’s semester-average GPA, not an individual student’s grade. The center uses 5 same-season terms, weighted toward recent results.
The range uses the finite-sample 80th-percentile rank of absolute errors from earlier same-season forecasts. Each forecast uses only records from earlier terms. At least four forecasts are required; bounds are rounded outward and limited to 0–4. This is an empirical estimate: changing instructors or grading policies can reduce its coverage.
8 earlier forecasts · 0.08 GPA average error.
Grades over time
Through Spring 2027
More grade details Grade mix, volume & source data
Where this course fits relative to
Latest available grades · Spring 2026 · all course levels
Higher than
Course GPAs · red marks this course’s range
More recorded grades than
Typical course in this group:
About this comparison
1280 courses over the same term, each with at least 30 recorded letter grades. Cross-listed courses count once. GPA is not a measure of difficulty or teaching quality. The typical course is the median by recorded grade count; tied values are not counted as lower. Grade counts describe course scale, not unique students or typical section size.
Descriptions compare GPA with this group’s average: at least 0.20 higher or lower; otherwise close to average. Section size uses median recorded enrollment: small up to 30, mid-sized 31–99, large 100+. Lectures and discussion/lab sections are described separately.
Sources & history
UW–Madison
Catalog & offerings
Descriptions, prerequisites, and recorded course offerings.
Catalog observation history
Observations at scan time; dates do not imply when a catalog change took effect.
Selected offering source records
Advanced Seminar in History
Recorded 2026-10-14US Cold War Culture
Recorded 2026-10-14Empire & Revolution SEAsia
Recorded 2026-10-14US Working Class History
Recorded 2026-10-14Law & Religion - Middle Ages
Recorded 2026-10-14Migration and Me
Recorded 2026-10-14Supernatural Early Mod Europe
Recorded 2026-10-14Law and Authority
Recorded 2026-10-14Technology and Decolonization
Recorded 2026-10-14Soviet Hist - Memoirs
Recorded 2026-10-14Raw records
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]Rate My Professors
Student reviews
Original comments behind the course and instructor summaries.
Read original reviews
Madgrades
Grade history
Recorded grade distributions by term, section, and instructor.
Explore recorded gradesDataset & model
View the dataset on Hugging Face Recorded 2026-10-14
Model outputs & technical records
Qwen/Qwen3.8-27B
LLM outputs across runs
Full model traces
Recorded model configuration, reasoning, and tool conversations.
Model & dataset provenance
{
"model": "Qwen/Qwen3.8-27B",
"model_revision": "1d4bf0f2ff6012fd82039f2fa52739d0dd7c60c0",
"task_version": "17",
"output_id": "8e51a414bdbfc42c33aa0425a092976933b6efcdb96dbf7cb38e8804355d11a5",
"requirements_status": "valid",
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}