Professor: Symonds Course format: Lecture Number of respondents: 25 Total Enrollment: 32 Class Composition: Froshs: 6 Sophs: 8 Jrs: 6 Srs: 11 Concs: 3 Non-Concs: 18 Don't Know: 2

Instructor Average: 2.04 Course Average: 2.16

"Peoples and Cultures of Southeast Asia" explores the Southeast Asian experience, past and present. A broad range of cultures and societies are studied through videos, guest speakers, lectures, and weekly class discussion. Many class members felt that a familiarity with Southeast Asia was needed for fulfillment in this course, although knowledge of the area was not absolutely necessary.

Lectures given by Professor Symonds were hard to follow for some students; the professor read articles aloud, which seemed to discourage students who wanted more of a personalized format to lecture. On Tuesdays, videos and guest speakers often took the place of lectures, and Thursdays were left for class discussion. Some students believe that this format prevented them from feeling any connection to the professor. Class discussions were said to have often gone off the topic, wandering into students' personal experiences in Southeast Asia and views against the United States. Students questioned the professor's teaching style, and, with the lack of regular lectures and teacher-led discussion, some wondered if there was any at all.

Students devoted about two to six hours per week to the course. The coursework involved two five-page papers, one one-page paper, and a final paper of 15 to 20 pages. There were weekly readings as well, which some thought gave the course all of its worth.

Overall, this course got reviews driven by either the inspirational readings or the lack of a personal connection with the material covered. With a strong interest in Southeast Asian history and culture, however, you may find fulfillment in it.

View AN/0105 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.