I took Art History: Ancient through Gothic Art (ART102) as a freshman in the 2019 Fall Semester with Dr. Janetta Rebold Benton, and although it was challenging, it was definitely a worthwhile experience. I went on to take ART103 with Dr. Benton the following Spring Semester and (prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic) the course was designed to have a similar structure to its Fall Semester counterpart.
Dr. Benton has had major academic success, is incredibly knowledgable and passionate about art history (she wrote the textbook for this class!), and her lectures are long but engaging. Taking notes is a necessity (I recommend using whichever method allows you to write the fastest) and will be a lifesaver as the semester progresses. Homework for this course was minimal, and the final grade was calculated based mostly on grades from the midterm exam, final exam, and term paper. Prior to exams, Dr. Benton spent time reviewing with students in class and pointing out particular works and terms to focus on while studying. Midterm and final exams consisted of two parts: short answers and compare/contrast. The term paper was based on works of art observed during a mandatory class trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art guided by Dr. Benton.
Dr. Benton is fair and aware that students often know more than they are able to show in their exams, and she takes this into account when she assigns grades. Overall, the key to succeeding in this course is putting in the effort. Take notes, stay engaged, ask questions, and definitely start studying earlier than the night before the exam (I cannot recommend Quizlet enough)!
Disclaimer: Course specifics may be subject to change from semester to semester!