A basic introduction to the history of Japanese culture from its origins to the present day, with particular emphasis on the evidence of architecture and painting (presented through audiovisual modules). Selectedexamples of fiction and poetry will also be used.
5
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeOne of the kindest professors, very passionate. Lectures aren't mandatory (all info needed will be on slides he posts on Canvas), but section is! There's weekly readings that are manageable by skimming and an online quiz on lecture info. No midterm exams, just 2 relatively easy essays and a bluebook final that he gives an thorough study guide for.
I took this class in Fall 2024 and I thought Roberts was an excellent professor overall. His only flaw is that it can sometimes be unclear what you're supposed to gleam from his powerpoint presentations. Other than that, a manageable workload (weekly quizzes + 3 short essays) and a take-home final made this a perfectly doable upper division class.
This is my 4th class with Prof Roberts; he is an awesome professor who is very willing to help. If you complete the readings and attend lectures, you will do well. Workload was a one-page paper due every week, 3 open note quizzes, and a final 9-page research paper (he helps a lot and gives detailed feedback on draft). Go to his office hours!
I LOVE PROF. ROBERTS. Easily one of the most passionate profs ever. I loved taking his class (now taken 2). The layout of the class is great, and the assignments are reasonable. One page every week, but I liked it because it kept me on track with reading. I really enjoyed the lectures because he would always bring things to "show and tell"!
Professor Roberts was great! I took his History of the Samurai class and really enjoyed the content he presented to us. He is passionate about his job and effective in his teaching! Weekly quizzes (you get 2 attempts), 3 short essays throughout the quarter, and a final exam! A little salty because his TA graded my papers harshly (hence my B+)
he genuinely cares about his material. no midterm just essay and final which was alright as long as you study. lectures were boring sometimes but hes such a sweetie. hes funny too. i liked it.