Professor: Joukowsky Course format: Lecture Number of respondents: 22 Total Enrollment: 37 Class Composition: Froshs: 6 Sophs: 13 Jrs: 7 Srs: 10 Concs: 4 Non-Concs: 15 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 1.67 Course Average: 1.78

"Archaeology of Ancient Iran" is a course aiming to explore the history and culture of ancient Iran and Persia in the context of archaeological discovery. It provides background in both historical study and archaeological exploration techniques. The course had no formal prerequisites, and few respondents suggested that any were necessary.

Professor Joukowsky received strong reviews from hr students. She was enthusiastic about the material she taught, but still maintained a laid-back style that earned praise. She made use of slides to clarify and illustrate her points, and was sensitive to students' level of understanding. A few students claimed that she moved too slowly in class, or that she had a somewhat droning or rambling style, but they were a definite minority. Overall, Joukowsky was quite well-received, and her style made the class more enjoyable.

The class required two midterm exams, an in-class presentation, a final paper, and a take-home final exam, as well as weekly reading. Although this load may seem demanding initially, most students found it fairly easy to handle. The course material was straightforward and the pace not highly rigorous, so students could keep up with the assignments without a brutal effort. Most students spent between zero and three hours per week on the course, and no one spent above six. The professor did not observe Reading Period however, holding a review class and a midterm exam during that span.

Students felt they came away from this course with a better understanding of a field to which most had received very little exposure. Some became captivated by the subject matter and devoted far more effort than they expected, while others didn't devote enough time to the course to become captivated in the first place, delighting in its laid-back style and straightforward assignments. The material and the professor were by most accounts highly enjoyable.

This course offers a very unusual opportunity to explore a new area of knowledge, while learning from a friendly, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable professor. For a chance to study in a new department, or to further your current archaeology skills, this class is a good bet.

View AE/0038 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.