Professor: Kertzer Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 17 Total Enrollment: 21

Class Composition Froshs: 0 Sophs: 0 Jrs: 18 Srs: 3 Concs: 17 Non-Concs: 0 Don't Know: 0	Instructor Average: 1.39 Course Average: 1.59

"Themes in Anthropology" makes an intensive study of the theories and controversies that have developed in the field over the history of anthropology. It uses aseminar format to involve students in leading the course to the areas they are interested in. Prerequisites include two previous anthro courses and junior standing to ensure familiarity with the department and material.

Virtually the entire class adored Professor Kertzer's speaking style (soothing and relaxed, with a dry sense of humor), noting that very little of the course was spent lecturing. Respondents commended his friendliness and ability to communicate difficult concepts so everyone could follow. Occasionally, he lost track of the level of understanding, but for the most part the class meetings were engaging and encouraged the majority to work hard and match his enthusiasm.

The class agreed the workload was appropriate and kept them involved in the material throughout the semester. There were two 8-page papers and a final, as well as two student presentations that made up the bulk of the seminar meetings after the first few weeks. Some felt the reading was pretty long, and the abstract nature of the subject sometimes discouraged them from the text.

This class is very useful for anthropology concentrators as it deals with principles behind the ideas and theories they had studied in other courses. Many had low expectations coming in, but finished the semester with renewed respect for the field and a better understanding of what anthropology is.

Essentially, this course is directed to a relatively small group of students, mainly anthro concentrators, but is not as painful as concentration requirements sometimes are. If you keep up with the reading and have some level of interest to begin with, then Professor Kertzer will make the course very worhwhile for you.

View AN/0130 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.