Study of archaeological plant remains, including field/lab methodology, the reconstruction of ancient environment and the subsistence, spatial and temporal analysis, quantitative methods, and taxonomy. Divided between lecture, discussion, and labwork, involving microscopic identification of paleoethnobotanical remains.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeProf. VanDerwarker really cares about her students! The material was tough at times, but she makes herself available in her lab whenever needed for questions. Graded on labs and 3 tests. Show up to class, absorb the material, and ask questions for clarification. Lecture-heavy and has helpful PowerPoints, take good notes when she's giving examples!
Professor Vanderwarker was so sweet! It was clear that she genuinely cares a lot about this subject. It was only graded off a midterm, final, and a mini research paper so definitely make sure you study for those tests, but don't sweat it too much as they were really easy if you just go to lecture.
Exams are term definitions that can help or hurt depending on the type of test taker you are. Only three things are graded: midterm, paper, and final. You do have to put in the work to study if you are not familiar with ANTH and take this as an elective. The TA and professor were very helpful overall.
Professor Vanderwarker is super fun to listen to. She is very knowledgeable of the subject and you can tell she really cares. She does lecture quickly so you have to type fast so I personally recommend using her powerpoints in addition to typing as she provides information not included in the powerpoints. Overall, super fun class!
This class is both easy and useful. As long as you do the assignments you get the credit. She gives you incredibly valuable information and feedback and is super accessible. Takes time to truly get to know each student and personally looks over and grades all of the word she assigns. If you have the opportunity - take her class!
Professor V was one of the best I've come across at UCSB. She is so helpful, always emails back quickly - her lectures are extremely interesting and she's very fair and clear about her grading criteria. Class is graded based on one midterm, a final, and a paper. Do the work to study for the midterm and final and take good notes and you'll do well.