Professor: Smith Course format: Lecture w/section Number of respondents: 51 Total Enrollment: 74 Class Composition: Froshs: 45 Sophs: 20 Jrs: 5 Srs: 4 Concs: 6 Non-Concs: 34 Don't Know: 10

Instructor Average: 1.89 Course Average: 1.77

“Cultural Mean and the Social Order” is an introductory anthropology course. The objectives of the class are to gain a greater understanding of basic anthropological theories and research techniques, to show how the human condition varies across cultures, and to introduce students to various ethnographies.

Students maintained a mixed opinion of Professor Smith’s lecturing technique. While many praised Professor Smith for his enthusiasm, knowledge, and effective use of films and slides, others felt that he “sometimes goes off on tangents, and is prone to long-winded speeches and ramblings.” When it came to taking the students’ needs into account, however, he is more than willing to be accommodating. He is extremely interested in the students’ input, and he adjusts his teaching style accordingly.

When it came to course readings, students were not overly impressed by the introductory textbook, which made them want to “holler,” and was generally thought to be extremely low-level. Students thoroughly enjoyed many of the other readings, however, such as the assigned novels. Assignments included five papers, a midterm exam, and a final exam. All assignments were thought to be fair, and the students felt that they were well-prepared for them.

Hours spent on work outside of class for this class ranged from between two and six hours per week. Many students felt that the amount of work was either lower than or had met their expectations. Overall, students felt that “Cultural Mean and the Social Order” was a worthwhile introduction to anthropology, and that the class was manageable as long as they kept up with their readings. The class is stimulating, as it “questions one’s notions of life and what it means to be human.”

View AN/0010 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.