I just have to put in a 'yay' for Foundations of U.S. History - the best first year history course i did. I initally only took it to fill up units but ended up loving it, really well taught, good assesment, reaonable work load. I'd definetly recomend it to anyone, even if (or especially if) you think you disike America/Americans.
Also need to say i HATED Rome: Republic to Empire. I think it was mainly the lecturer, but this class drove me mad. I would back up what has been previously siad though and recomend this course for students who are very interested in historiography - great empasis on source analysis
I also really enjoyed Europe in the Modern Era - huge subject, but really well done, and Chris Forth who does a few of the lectures is fantastic.
I would advise people to stay away from Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome, or at least to not attend the lectures if they do take it - its a very easy course, and some of the readings are really interesting, but its very, very, very vauge and i thought the lecturer was a bit of a nut-job.
And Illuminating the Dark Ages? Just say no kids, just say no. Soooo painful.
As for English, i haven't actually taken any of the first year courses being run this year, but i can say that Libbio Dobrez (Aust Lit) is a very nice guy, very flexable and understanding, a pretty good teacher, though i think he puts forward his personal opinions a little bit too much in lectures. And Ian Wright is pretty cool too, i think My Generation sounds like a fantastic course and i am jealous i can't take it.
To the person who asked if lecturers should be a consideration in chosing courses, i'd say yes and no. I think first year you are meant to experience a lot of different courses and teachers, and use this to make more educated selections in later years when who lecturers in a subject will become more important in the decision making process. So i guess you should probarbly disregard all the stuff in the above paragraph and make up your own minds.
