This is a great course to learn about Roman art! Beckmann is knowledgeable and an engaging lecturer. We covered art and architecture starting from the founding of Rome until the last strands of the Empire in the AD. Lots of interesting information! I would say though that Beckmann tries to cram a lot of artworks in, so she doesn't go so much into detail for some of them. I would have preferred if she presented fewer artworks and just went more in-depth about them. Grading is pretty fair and is based on two exams, three short essays (one optional), and a final project. All of these were alright, but the exams definitely require studying. There is a supplemental textbook that is an interesting read, but I honestly don't think it was integrated into the course that well. My biggest issue with the course was the discussions- we didn't do much during them at all. But, all in all, this is an interesting and easy GE for those who want to learn more about the ancient past.

Prof. Beckmann is by far the best professor/ class I have taken in my time at UCLA. Her lectures are so engaging and she is very passionate about what she teaches. Her ability to keep people engaged is impressive and she often cracks pretty great jokes. She's dependable and very good with her email response time. She will go above and beyond to make sure that her students get the help they need. I highly, highly recommend taking this class.

I took this as a GE and loved the professor. She truly tried to make her lectures clear and engaging. All of the assignments were relevant and not just busywork. However, the grading of the exams was a bit nitpicky (I got A-'s on both) but still not all too bad, just HEAVY on writing.