Introduction to 21st Century Archaeology · Anthropology
Some readings, midterm and final essays.
1 Project, Weekly discussion post (graded on completion) , 1 Final Essay
Weekly (ungraded) discussions on courseworks Lots of reading 1 Midterm paper Final exam
I joined professor Boyd’s class for several reasons: I wanted to know more about archeology and I also wanted to take a more "fun" class alongside my economic requirements.However, I could not predict that I will eventually face a professor who is indeed very knowledgeable but also very, very political and controversial. I honestly do not understand how this professor received a silver nugget. Yes, the class was extremely easy. I missed ALL classes following the midterm and still got an A. I decided to skip the second half of the term and just attend our TA's sessions after some poisonous comments made by Boyd about my home country of Israel during class time. Making various claims, mostly subtle, about Israel and Palestine, Professor Boyd made me as an Israeli student feel extremely uncomfortable. Mostly, Boyd’s comments were not necessarily direct but highly suggestive. Are you teaching archeology or are you using the academic stage you were given for the expression of your own political and anti-Israel agenda? Asking the class about an historical location called Masada, the professor asked the class if we knew what was the location of Masada. I responded with “Dead Sea, Masada NOT even mentioning a country. Professor Boyd’s response was “Masada, actually not in Israel but in Palestine. Funny thing is that I didn't even mention a country but it was STILL important for him to…
Great courses! Easiest A+ in my life. The homework isn’t too challenging, and the project is fun and straightforward. The discussion sections are manageable—just skim the readings beforehand, and you’ll be good to go. The activities in discussion are enjoyable as well!
Don't do it. She doesnt do Archaeology justice. It is obvious that this class is at the bottom of her list. I really regret taking this course... uninteresting and the Ta was useless. Even though it was a very small class she wont even know her face. You dont even have to show up to follow along, most of the class didnt. The TA grades everything by herself.. dont cout on her to help you out or read your work.
incredibly light readings which you don't need to do. 10 page midterm essay, 10-15 pg final essay.
the midterm was a kind of cool project but the weekly journals were a lot, and the final is SO MUCH. Its four essays total - two 800-1000 words, one 1000-1500 words, and one 500 words all due on the same day.
I must say this class was a disappointment. I read the culpa reviews, all of which claimed it was a fun and easy class. Yes, this class was very easy - you didn't have to do any of the readings (most people didn't do any), and even if your midterm/final essays were utter BS, you could still get an A. That said, the lectures were boring boring boring! If you take this class, don't bother going to lecture. He let's you out over half an hour early each class. his lectures are completely hollow, as are his power points. He really doesn't give you any information other than telling you what's displayed on the slides. ( "here are some mounds. here's the cover of a book someone wrote. let's think about the way people view time, does anyone want to comment?) The essays I'd say were actually very difficult to write because I had absolutely nothing to work with. even the prompts were shallow and could be answered in a small paragraph or so. I was thoroughly uninspired, and so writing the essays were merely a good exercise in how to make something out of nothing, which was made even more difficult by his 10 pg minimum rule for BOTH the midterm and final papers. discussion section is mandatory, and just a tad more interesting than the lectures. however the TA's were fully aware that there wasn't much to talk about, so most of the section was spent with the TA waiting for someone to answer…
do not take this as an easy elective. it is very boring unless you genuinely want to be an archaeologist. you have to go to at least some of the lectures because there are weekly "journals" (500 word essays) about what you learned in the readings and lectures.