Professor: Plater Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 18 Total Enrollment: 18 Class Composition: Froshs: 1 Sophs: 0 Jrs: 3 Srs: 13 Concs: 3 Non-Concs: 12 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 1.49 Course Average: 1.57

"U.S. History of American Business," a course with a nicely self-explanatory title, examines the history and growth of American business, and looks at its relationship to American society as a whole. There are no prerequisites, although some background in business or economics was considered helpful.

Professor Plater was considered "super nice," "casual and accommodating," a "dynamic speaker," "open to ideas," and "down to earth." He was very approachable and led the class in a discussion format, which students for the most part appreciated.

The course itself was also well-liked. According to one student, it was one of the best courses offered at Brown. It provided an interesting exposure to business and economics, and related real events to theory. There was a very large amount of reading, however, and students, on average, spent around five hours per week on the course. Some noted, though, that it was not necessary to do all of the readings; at the same time, though, it was considered "hard to BS the professor." Requirements included preparing discussion questions on the readings, as well as one five-to seven-page midterm paper and one 30-page final project written in groups of three. Presentations for the final project were held during Reading Period.

Just about everybody was glad about having taken this course. Should you choose to follow in their steps, be prepared for a lot of rewarding work.

View AC/0190 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.