AFRS BC3004

discussion posts, map quiz, midterm and final, 5-7 page paper, and participation

midterm paper and exam, final paper, final exam, some postings, a lot of reading

two classes per week, with about 100 pages of readings (all articles and essays) per class, along with a non graded post about the readings responding to his convoluted question before each class. A 1,000 word midterm paper with an in class midterm as well (which had no connection to class material, though he gave us the midterm before hand as our study guide), and a final 5-6 page research paper with a take home final.

for an intro lecture, prof. george's standards are too high. i had friends who got 75% on their discussion posts and she has a 10% participation grade but is quick to judge those who opens their mouth. the content is interesting but you end up stressing more about your grade than enjoying the class. i def won't be taking another class with her. super unapproachable and if she doesn't like you or your ideas, you'll know

I adore Professor Beck. She knows exactly what she's talking about, her lectures are fascinating, and she cares about her students. I learned a lot in this class and I would recommend it to anyone.

This guy isn't even a professor - and yet he is teaching my Africana studies course: past, present, and future. This is by far the worst class I have ever taken, in every way. Not only is this "professor" an air head who rambles on about nothing and really makes no sense even when you try to follow him, he also created the worst possible syllabus. This was suppose to be my interesting course, I was even considering minoring in Africana studies before this class, but it turned out to be the biggest disappointment. Not once during his "lectures/discussions" did I feel inspired or moved in any way, something I was fully expecting to feel due to the subject matter. This course is very heavily based on the "abstract idea of Africa," how can we "talk" and "approach" what Africa is today without being too general. We read a whole bunch of scholars', historians', and anthropologists' writings who argue the concept of Africa and the word Tribe and why it is all politically incorrect today. Not only was the subject matter dull and had no real flow or focus, but the work load was ridiculous as well, ESPECIALLY for an introductory course. This professor really has no idea what he is talking about and it showed as my originally 20 person class started dwindling every week, and continued to dwindle in attendance past the drop date. There is only so much I can say about this class and how th…

Heavy reading: you'd better do it and be prepared to discuss it. Trip to the Met and response paper. Map Quiz. Exams hinge heavily on reading comprehension, but possible essay questions are given in advance and notes--two sided sheet, handwritten--are allowed, so don't blow it.

Professor George is young, energetic, and a very good lecturer. I took this class to fulfill the global core/diversity requirement. I was initially a bit worried about the sheer amount of reading that was required as well as the "two absences will result in a failing grade" policy, but I stuck it out. The readings were, for the most part, interesting, and Dr. George makes sure that differing views are presented in each section. It's VERY important to READ THE THINGS IN THE ORDER THEY ARE LISTED ON THE SYLLABUS. She never tells you that, but I found that in a series of three readings, the first two will represent two different views and the last will represent a compromise between or a synthesis of the first two. That's KEY in understanding how to engage with the readings in this class. Participation is a full 25% of the grade. If you have something to say: say it. There is also a museum trip and a paper, a map quiz (she provides any number of resources to help with this), a midterm (one page of handwritten notes is allowed) and a final (also one page of notes). The midterm was all essay questions. The final involved IDs and essay questions. This class is not "easy" by any stretch of the imagination, but it will challenge your ideas about Africa and give you a tiny insight into a part of the world that is largely neglected and misunderstood.

Medium. Some times there was a higher amount of reading but it wasn't unmanageable by any means. Often when there was a larger reading assignment it was pretty light and really interesting/engaging literary stuff like a popular novel. Some other people talked about this class as if the reading were ridiculous but I think some of the reviews may have been recent high school grads who weren't used to college yet (not to delegitimize their opinions, but college is really different than high school and can surprise people)

I loved this class. It was challenging and had great readings. The professor blends historical/fact-based readings really well with different types of literary readings based in historical concepts, events, and movements we talk about. I came out of the class feeling much better read, having learned a lot, engaging with old ideas in new and exciting ways, but not overwhelmed or exhausted from the course. I also went up to Prof George multiple times after class to talk about things we'd talked about and she would offer really great insights and was always receptive to talking. She also wrote me a great recommendation to a very competitive program I got to and helped me get accepted! Overall I definitely recommend George and this class.