He is really enthusiastic, but unfortunately...for talking a lot, not a whole lot of information is given in class. Instructions for assignments are also a bit ambiguous.
Smith's lectures are completely useless when it comes to actual archaeology. He loves to talk about the movies that he has worked on, but that's about it. A lot of weekly homework and essays, not too difficult if you get a good TA. Don't take for fun, only take if you need it.
Took his class last year. The essays will drive you crazy but not impossible(your TA is your friend in figuring out what you need to do for the essays).He is knowledgeable but easily gets sidetracked in lecture. There is a lot of required weekly but,it's not hard to get an A if you put in the effort. Just remember it's a 5 unit class for a reason.
Archaeology of Egypt class. NEVER went to class, lectures are boring and all over the place. All you have to do is study the terms on the study guides, which you find the terms in the books. That plus a ten page paper make up your grade. Lenient grader.
RUN. Do not take this class if you want to keep your sanity. His "lectures" are terrible. He spends most of the time talking about himself. He doesn't mention when he's transitioning from topic to topic. He assigns work like you're going for your doctorate. It's not worth it.
The WORST class ive ever taken. The unclarity of everything is unreal. Major assignments at the most inconvenient times. The professor has no idea what he's talking about, neither do the TA's. You're expected to do these far fetched assignments where you have NO idea how to even BS them. Tons of busy work. Never know about assignments or when due
lectures are hit and miss. it is a lot of work, but that is because it is also considered a writing course. the work is also hit and miss in the fun factor.
This professor is very unorganized. The material is interesting but there is no real use for it. You should only take the class if you have to for a major requirement.
Wouldn't recommend this class unless you have to take it. Lots of busy work, I felt like I was in high school with all the projects and homework assignments. The material can be interesting at times. You have to use the books a lot & they are very expensive. Homework assignment every week, 2 group projects, 2 essays, and a final.
His lectures are completely unorganized and he talks about a lot of irrelevant information. He assigns way too much homework most of which is pointless and lacks support for the lecture. Only one test at the end but he makes up for it by assigning 2 essays and weekly writing assignments.
Lecture sides are unorganized. Tells you lots of stuff you don't need/irrelevant to homework or projects. Assigns work as if this is the only class you have.
SO MUCH WORK EVERY WEEK. He wont give you time to work on other class assignments
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. i don't know why he's still here: if the admin knew just how cruddy he was, he'd be out in a heartbeat. ARROGANT LIL ISH. he seems nice enough in lecture, suggesting you go in to clarify material ... reality is that he doesn't answer emails and really isn't listening to you in office hours. serious jerk. disorganized & lame.
pretty easy class, homework every week but it was easy and quick to do.
COME ON! The class wasn't that hard. In fact, I missed every class except the first day and the day of the final and I ended up with a B. I remember this one TA let us email everything so I never had to print out the busy homework. There is only one test-the final (25%). I should have gone to class more though because there were so many hot girls.
I am sorry to any anthropology student who is obligated to take this course. He has a very ethnocentric bias in presenting information and also presents false information. HE DOESN'T KNOW HIS STUFF. For instance, he claimed that there are no archaeological dates for domestication in the South Pacific (NOT TRUE). DON'T SILENCE PEOPLES HISTORY!!!
class is 5 units and he makes you work for them. stupid busy work that takes u hrs to do. boring reading. he's nice enuff in class but not approachable during office hrs. really disorganized lectures and boring too. don't take for ge.
He is extremely boring. He would tell lame jokes occasionally, but those jokes are not funny. The lecture are also useless. He just keep showing pictures of Egypt or Maya or whichever place the lecture is about. The textbooks don't help either. Basically you learn everything from the TA. Don't take this class for GE!
ACK! Study guide he hands out before the midterm and final have 50-60 short answers, 10 essays and 20ish slide ID's to memorize on top of a 10 page intense paper. By far the most work I've ever had to do at UCSB. If you don't have a laptop note taking is impossible. Everything he says (which is A LOT) ends up being something you need to know.
I have had this professor twice and both times he acted as though his class is the only one you have. With 4 mandatory textbooks and ridiculous amounts of studying for the exams, it is not worth taking his classes. Its cool that he was the 'go to guy' for Hollywood, but he's arrogant about that as well. Arrogance does not = good teaching.
DO NOT TAKE THIS TEACHER! He is horrible and extremely challenging. His tests were harder than any of my actual major classes. 10 page paper and 50% Final. Do Not Take!
He is the worst teacher I have had in my experience at UCSB. While his lecture style is entertaining, his manner of organization (or lack) makes it very difficult to take the detailed notes necessary for his extremely detailed and extensive exams. Don't take a class from him unless you love the subject and can't take it from anyone else.
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Worst teacher ever, doesn't want to help you, doesn't grade fairly and teaches you inappropriate material, I would recommend not to take him if you don't want to fail, gives you a 10 page paper to write and doesn't give you any instructions other than the handout, wont tell you what he expects, VERY VERY BAD TEACHER, STAY AWAY