This course takes a scientific and evolutionary lens to cultural phenomena.We consider the origins of culture in non-humans and humans, and how tendencies to imitate, conform, teach, and uphold social norms via punishment and reward shape behavioral variation.
4
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeUpper division only
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeTHIS IS FOR ANTH 106 (It was not an option)! Prof Lawson is very funny and passionate about anthropology so this was a fun class. Attendance was not mandatory but very few students showed up so he might make it mando in the future beware. Online midterm and final (he might change this). Very interesting material and great prof. Recommend for sure!
Lawson is a very engaging professor w/ funny lectures. Quite a bit of work honestly w/ 2 papers, midterm, final, and weekly quizzes. Attendance is also mandatory. Quizzes could sometimes get a bit hard, same with midterm and final. Overrall though, it was a fun class and I enjoyed going to lecture!
Great professor and easy quizzes only if you read and attended lecture. Midterm was pretty hard but he does drop your lowest grade between 2 papers, the midterm, and final. Lectures are fun and enjoyable. Dr. Lawson knows a lot and is passionate about his subject. Definitely an upper division level class but very interesting.
Professor Lawson has clear, engaging, and comprehensive lectures that pair extremely well with his readings. He is willing to chat with me after class whenever I have questions. He helped me understand concepts I did not understand until I took his class. Highly recommend for anyone interested in HBE.
Best professor I've had at UCSB, really funny and chill. Amazing lectures w great studies, videos, and sometimes memes lol. Group presentations were straightforward. Do the readings or you won't know what's going on. This is my 2nd class I've taken w him and I'm taking a 3rd in Fall. Take any of his courses, he'll most likely bring his dog in too
Emailing him outside of class he told me "dont email me on Saturdays I don't work on weekends," we had a paper due on Sunday. No ruberic for assignments, and Killgalen marks off points for no reason, even when following instructions to a T. Ended with 93.7% and didn't round to an A or allow for EC, even tho syllabus mentions EC available. Just bad.