CLASSIC 10
Discovering Greeks
Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Knowledge of Greek not required. Study of Greek life and culture from age of Homer to Roman conquest. Readings focus on selections from works of ancient authors in translation. Lectures illustrated with images of art, architecture, and material culture. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 5.0
Units: 5.0
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Most Helpful Review
The best classics prof i have taken here at UCLA. Honestly, he makes things interesting, and sure depending on the course the reading is boring, but what do you expect? It's classics, and unless you adore you will think some stuff is boring. I am a classics minor and i keep checking to see when he teaches so i can take the class with him. Brad as the TA is really cool and the prof is very understanding and informed. THE BEST!!!!
The best classics prof i have taken here at UCLA. Honestly, he makes things interesting, and sure depending on the course the reading is boring, but what do you expect? It's classics, and unless you adore you will think some stuff is boring. I am a classics minor and i keep checking to see when he teaches so i can take the class with him. Brad as the TA is really cool and the prof is very understanding and informed. THE BEST!!!!
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Most Helpful Review
I initially didn't have any interest in Greek civilization, but I took the class because I heard classics 10 is pretty easy. After taking the class I definitely have a much greater appreciation and interest in Greek civilization. Ellis' interest and passion in the subject make his lectures much more interesting. He's also very nice, which helps too. Class structure: Discussion: 15% Three quizzes (lowest score dropped): 20% Two response papers (2 pages each): 15% Paper (6 pages): 20% Final: 30% Studying: You HAVE to go to lecture in order to know what's important about certain quotes, images, etc. I recommend bringing a laptop just because you can take notes faster. His lectures are very well organized, so it's not too difficult to figure out what's important. There aren't any previous exams at the test bank except for maybe the short quizzes because there's no midterm and people don't usually get the final back. The exams are all writing, so if you're a fan of multiple choice, this probably isn't your kind of class. Ellis said the final should only take 1.5 hours, but I was writing for 2.5 hours straight lol. My wrist cried. :( :( I'll admit the exam was pretty difficult and there were definitely parts that I didn't know what to write (even though I did well on quizzes and prepared pretty well). But there's a very generous curve. The final was out of 92 points or some weird number in the 90s...There was a total of 250 points on the exam, so I don't know how that worked. Either way, with the curve I ended up getting over 100% on the final. So yeah...go to class, put in the effort, and you'll probably do much better than most of the class lol. Overall: If you're going to take classics 10 and plan to put in the effort (just do the readings and pay attention in lecture), take this class with Ellis. He makes the stuff seem very interesting!
I initially didn't have any interest in Greek civilization, but I took the class because I heard classics 10 is pretty easy. After taking the class I definitely have a much greater appreciation and interest in Greek civilization. Ellis' interest and passion in the subject make his lectures much more interesting. He's also very nice, which helps too. Class structure: Discussion: 15% Three quizzes (lowest score dropped): 20% Two response papers (2 pages each): 15% Paper (6 pages): 20% Final: 30% Studying: You HAVE to go to lecture in order to know what's important about certain quotes, images, etc. I recommend bringing a laptop just because you can take notes faster. His lectures are very well organized, so it's not too difficult to figure out what's important. There aren't any previous exams at the test bank except for maybe the short quizzes because there's no midterm and people don't usually get the final back. The exams are all writing, so if you're a fan of multiple choice, this probably isn't your kind of class. Ellis said the final should only take 1.5 hours, but I was writing for 2.5 hours straight lol. My wrist cried. :( :( I'll admit the exam was pretty difficult and there were definitely parts that I didn't know what to write (even though I did well on quizzes and prepared pretty well). But there's a very generous curve. The final was out of 92 points or some weird number in the 90s...There was a total of 250 points on the exam, so I don't know how that worked. Either way, with the curve I ended up getting over 100% on the final. So yeah...go to class, put in the effort, and you'll probably do much better than most of the class lol. Overall: If you're going to take classics 10 and plan to put in the effort (just do the readings and pay attention in lecture), take this class with Ellis. He makes the stuff seem very interesting!
Most Helpful Review
I really enjoyed this class and thought Professor Goldberg did a great job introducing us to Greek culture and history. You definitely have to attend lecture to do well on the midterms and finals especially because the slides shown are a MAJOR part of the tests. Yes he posts the slides and lecture notes online but the slides don't come with captions and the lecture notes posted are missing some crucial information. The lectures are okay, not overly exciting but pretty interesting. There are two essays in the class based on readings but they're pretty manageable. My TA was a total dooze though but since they grade your exams and papers and there is also a section grade; you should go to discussions as well. If you're a good note taker and can memorize facts/dates, you'll do great in this class.
I really enjoyed this class and thought Professor Goldberg did a great job introducing us to Greek culture and history. You definitely have to attend lecture to do well on the midterms and finals especially because the slides shown are a MAJOR part of the tests. Yes he posts the slides and lecture notes online but the slides don't come with captions and the lecture notes posted are missing some crucial information. The lectures are okay, not overly exciting but pretty interesting. There are two essays in the class based on readings but they're pretty manageable. My TA was a total dooze though but since they grade your exams and papers and there is also a section grade; you should go to discussions as well. If you're a good note taker and can memorize facts/dates, you'll do great in this class.
Most Helpful Review
This class was a class worth taking! I really enjoyed the prof's lectures the most though! He does such a good job explaining the readings since the reading he assigns are kind of hard to understand. You can tell that he is very passionate about the subject. Since he posts all the slides online, try to just take notes of what he's saying that are not on the slides. It's really helpful. Although this class had A LOT of reading, you don't have to read every single page of it. For the midterm and final, they are both really similar. It's just a lot of memorizing dates, people, art, etc. Overall, this class certainly demands a lot of time but is certainly worthwhile. It's not too hard since he gives you a study guide.
This class was a class worth taking! I really enjoyed the prof's lectures the most though! He does such a good job explaining the readings since the reading he assigns are kind of hard to understand. You can tell that he is very passionate about the subject. Since he posts all the slides online, try to just take notes of what he's saying that are not on the slides. It's really helpful. Although this class had A LOT of reading, you don't have to read every single page of it. For the midterm and final, they are both really similar. It's just a lot of memorizing dates, people, art, etc. Overall, this class certainly demands a lot of time but is certainly worthwhile. It's not too hard since he gives you a study guide.
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Most Helpful Review
I took Comparative Literature 2AW, but that's not an option to select on this website. Professor King was an awesome teacher. Her lectures were never boring--you can tell that she's really passionate about what she's teaching and she makes the lectures really interesting because she has such a unique take on everyhing. She is really concerned with making sure everyone does well in the class. There were three essays, none of which were too hard, and the midterm and final were a breeze. I highly recommend a class with this remarkable woman.
I took Comparative Literature 2AW, but that's not an option to select on this website. Professor King was an awesome teacher. Her lectures were never boring--you can tell that she's really passionate about what she's teaching and she makes the lectures really interesting because she has such a unique take on everyhing. She is really concerned with making sure everyone does well in the class. There were three essays, none of which were too hard, and the midterm and final were a breeze. I highly recommend a class with this remarkable woman.
Most Helpful Review
Fall 2019 - Firstly, Kirkland is a great professor. His lectures are very theatrical and he makes them very interesting. You can tell the dude is really passionate about what he's teaching and genuinely cares. That being said, I never actually found the content of this class to be especially interesting (it mostly covers technical, mundane stuff like the architecture/ size of ancient buildings, memorizing Greek words, describing pottery etc.). Also, it seemed like everyone who took this class seemed to have an extreme interest in this stuff and a pretty solid background knowledge. I was kind of taken aback by this as this is supposed to be an intro course, and other people I talked to felt the same way. The professor and my TA would casually through around references to the Iliad, Odyssey, or Plato or something and and most people would nod in agreement, or entire discussions would be based on them and I'd get lost (I've read the Percy Jackson books and that's kinda it for my background knowledge). The lectures are also pretty fast paced, and he uses a very complex, academic vernacular, which made it hard to take notes on his slides. So overall, my main qualm with the class was it seemed like it wasn't very introductory or accessible, as it seemed like a lot of students in the class (or maybe more like a few, outspoken students) had a lot of background knowledge, and that the TAs and the Professor would cater to those students and assume everyone knew everything, rather than describing in plain terms who Penelope was, what the Parthenon was etc. That being said, the class is manageable. My TA was a fairly easy grader and the two papers weren't too difficult. Both the mid term and the final were purely based on you ability to memorize passages, pictures, and define words-- so if you study a few nights and advance you should do well on them (I'd recommend using quizelts and taking notes on his slides to study). Workload wasn't terrible. You can get away with not reading the textbook (McInerny, about 3 chapters per week), but you should read the weekly short (usually not-so-short) stories for section. If you can't understand them or if you're in a time crunch you can use spark notes for most of them.
Fall 2019 - Firstly, Kirkland is a great professor. His lectures are very theatrical and he makes them very interesting. You can tell the dude is really passionate about what he's teaching and genuinely cares. That being said, I never actually found the content of this class to be especially interesting (it mostly covers technical, mundane stuff like the architecture/ size of ancient buildings, memorizing Greek words, describing pottery etc.). Also, it seemed like everyone who took this class seemed to have an extreme interest in this stuff and a pretty solid background knowledge. I was kind of taken aback by this as this is supposed to be an intro course, and other people I talked to felt the same way. The professor and my TA would casually through around references to the Iliad, Odyssey, or Plato or something and and most people would nod in agreement, or entire discussions would be based on them and I'd get lost (I've read the Percy Jackson books and that's kinda it for my background knowledge). The lectures are also pretty fast paced, and he uses a very complex, academic vernacular, which made it hard to take notes on his slides. So overall, my main qualm with the class was it seemed like it wasn't very introductory or accessible, as it seemed like a lot of students in the class (or maybe more like a few, outspoken students) had a lot of background knowledge, and that the TAs and the Professor would cater to those students and assume everyone knew everything, rather than describing in plain terms who Penelope was, what the Parthenon was etc. That being said, the class is manageable. My TA was a fairly easy grader and the two papers weren't too difficult. Both the mid term and the final were purely based on you ability to memorize passages, pictures, and define words-- so if you study a few nights and advance you should do well on them (I'd recommend using quizelts and taking notes on his slides to study). Workload wasn't terrible. You can get away with not reading the textbook (McInerny, about 3 chapters per week), but you should read the weekly short (usually not-so-short) stories for section. If you can't understand them or if you're in a time crunch you can use spark notes for most of them.
Most Helpful Review
Please take this professor! He is truly one of the finest! He speaks eloquently and explains the material clearly. He is a creative genius by comparing Greek culture today to the ancient world. You have two papers but they are understandable, fun, creative, and are enjoyable. The grading is not harsh as long as you argue your point sufficiently and follow the rules. The class was just excellent---you learn so much!! Read the books to be able to participate in discussion--you are graded every time and must participate at least once in section. For the exams, remember to read the in-class notes carefully, as all test questions are pulled from the lecture. There is no need to reread the book as you will not have the time. Dr. Koh will reward those who are responsible and go to lecture, pay attention, and take good notes. I ended up with an A+ and I worked very hard in the class. The exams are extremely fair--multiple choice. The essays are difficult at times but he kindly allows you to choose the essay you want to write about (he provides several options). But they do not grade you on how eloquent your rushed writing is, just on how well you are able to put content and quality. You will not regret this professor, and you will learn so much and enrich your education greatly! :)
Please take this professor! He is truly one of the finest! He speaks eloquently and explains the material clearly. He is a creative genius by comparing Greek culture today to the ancient world. You have two papers but they are understandable, fun, creative, and are enjoyable. The grading is not harsh as long as you argue your point sufficiently and follow the rules. The class was just excellent---you learn so much!! Read the books to be able to participate in discussion--you are graded every time and must participate at least once in section. For the exams, remember to read the in-class notes carefully, as all test questions are pulled from the lecture. There is no need to reread the book as you will not have the time. Dr. Koh will reward those who are responsible and go to lecture, pay attention, and take good notes. I ended up with an A+ and I worked very hard in the class. The exams are extremely fair--multiple choice. The essays are difficult at times but he kindly allows you to choose the essay you want to write about (he provides several options). But they do not grade you on how eloquent your rushed writing is, just on how well you are able to put content and quality. You will not regret this professor, and you will learn so much and enrich your education greatly! :)
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