This class was incredibly boring. I promise it's not as interesting as you'd think. The lectures are dry and drawn out, and if anyone leaves early he lectures everyone else on "respecting his time." I only went to lecture for the iClicker points, and never did the readings. The only things that matter are essays, participation, and a group project.

I literally cannot stress this enough. DONT TAKE IT. Its not interesting, fun, good, easy, or anything. SO not worth the time and stress, not to mention the hit to your GPA. Smith is not a good prof and doenst teach. He talks and assumes you know about the material. If your TA seems like a bad TA, dip. Or drop the whole class. Thank me later.

If you don't have to take this class, don't. I promise it is not as interesting as you would think. Your TA grades everything, so if you get a TA who seems like they might be a problem, switch your section. Or, save yourself a lot of time and pain and drop the class all together. Trust me on this one, you'll thank me later.

I came into this class excited about archaeology however a few weeks in I realized that the useless activities necessary for your grade outweighed the interesting material. The TA makes the whole class, they grade everything, so if you have a sense that they are gonna be the bain of your essay-writing existence, switch your TA and don't look back.

Lectures were rather boring and didn't expand past the readings, but iClicker questions were used for attendance so you had to show up. Anyone leaving early would make the professor lecture everyone else on respecting his time, but otherwise, the professor is a good guy who loves his work. If you know how to write academically, expect an A.

Took this class as a major requirement. Lectures were boring, kind of felt like a waste of time; went to the class only for the iclicker points. I'd say that it would be pretty important for you to have a good TA. B average for the midterm paper in my section class, while I heard the other sections were about a C average.

Smith is an alright professor. You can tell hes really passionate about the subject. He reduced the amount of papers for the class in favor of using a question and answer forum which was nice. The class isnt too bad, but youll get most of your info for your paper from the book. Sometimes he writes almost nothing on each of his slides.

Had to take this class for my major, but if you don't have to avoid it like the plague. Smith is a nice guy but he has no idea how to teach a class. His lectures contain a lot of information about very specific digs and random stuff, but almost never relate to any of the material you'll read.

Terribly confusing class. Easy material presented in an unorganized and sporadic fashion. Wouldn't recommend this class for anyone simply taking it as a GE.

The class is pretty confusing and boring though it's improved over the years from what I've heard. There is so much busy work with essays or assignments almost every week. Those assignments are poorly written and confusing. I had Erin Bornmann as my TA and she was the harshest and rudest TA and grader I have ever had. She's usually his head TA.

I felt lost in this class. Too much work, lectures are pointless and have very little to do with the readings. I would only go to class for the I-clicker points and for the movies. There are other GE classes that cover the same areas, I would not suggest taking this class unless you needed it for your major. The books are expensive $100+ each.

Nice, genuine guy... However, wasn't a fan of his lecturing style. I actually found his lectures rather useless because of his many tangents and extreme, UNNECESSARY details. 6 papers in this class (3 short essays, 3 medium length)-- if you know how to write, then you'll get the A. Easy class overall.

Horrible Lectures, Tests dont match any material we have covered

Professor Smith is a really nice person, but his lectures and his syllabus requirements are kind of all over the place. Just don't be afraid to ask him specific questions in class about what you are confused on and you'll be fine.

Horrible course. Lecture is worthless. You have a graded section and play that requires out of class work. The tests are difficult and the studying is just rote memorization. Avoid this class and professor like the dead religion he teaches!

Abysmally disorganized, and disjointed lectures make the ID-based tests an exercise in detective work. Students must piece together information for a single topic from a multitude of details mentioned in various lectures. And don't get me started on the group project. I'm insulted to be paying so much to be assigned middle-school level projects.

Terrible class. Don't take it if you don't have to. It's an excessive amount of work, and he really has no idea what he's talking about.

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.