strenghths: knowledgeable, concerned with student learning, encourages interaction outside of classroom, extremely organized, good communicator, very passionate about subject.

weaknesses: routine, very structured environment for learning

Recommended for anthro majors...make sure you're somewhat interested in archaelogy if you want to take this as a GE because intro to arch covers a very broad depth of material.

Prof. Brantingham is an enthusiastic lecturer and knows his stuff. He's approachable and always glad to see students at office hours. He encourages students to talk about their paper, as do the TAs, and will offer helpful tips on how to improve it. Anthro 8 covers a lot of material though, which makes studying for exams difficult if you're not good at memorization. Also, he assigns a lot of readings from the textbook, but you really only need to study/memorize his lecture notes to do well on exams. I don't recommend this course as a G.E. for people who aren't interested in the archaeology of human evolution (mostly hominid sites and first agriculturers are discussed) because lectures and readings will be dull if you're not into the topic. However, I think the structure of the course is a great intro for students who wish to get into the field.

Dr. B is very entertaining and enthusiastic about archaeology, and this clearly shows in his lectures. He is definitely better than the other prof who teaches the class, Dr. Smith. Do NOT read the book. Do memorize every slide. If you know the concepts of lecture you have an 80% on his exams. To get the other 20% you have to memorize many dates and places. As previously said, the papers are really easy; majority of the class gets an A on those. You'll earn your A in the class from knowing every date and place mentioned in lecture. Don't skip class either because he gives away test questions on low turnout days (ie day before thanksgiving). Good luck in the class and your future endeavors.

He's awesome. You can choose not to take the final if you do well on the midterm and on the research paper. This means that (assuming you do) after week 7, it's just sweet cruisin'!

What's cool about him:
-always has the right popular culture reference to back up a concept
-looks EXACTLY like the singer Michael McDonald

On second thought...I think it WAS McDonald all along.

Two Exams and a Paper. The Paper can replace the final exam if you score high enough, which he doesn't hand any grade lower than a B unless you didn't try at all. Score well on the first exam, finish the paper, then you're done during sixth week. Sweet

Professor Branting is an awesome lecturer. The class itself has a lot of information and reading, but on the whole is worth it if you are interested in the topic. He is very organized and to the point and welcomes students outside of class. Take this class if you want something interesting.

Things to like: powerpoint lectures, knowledgeable and enthusiastic professor, approachable, and very concerned about student learning.

Things to dislike: Sometimes can be boring

Overall, I think it would be just fine to take Brantingham. Compared to other professors, he's takeable. And he's a nice guy.

this is THE best professor I have had thus far. Brantingham is EXTREMELY approacheable, interested in student learning, organized and knowledgeable. outlines of his lecture are generally posted prior to class, and full slides are posted online after the lecture. The material is very very interesting as well, and I don't know what people are talking about when they say to not take this class as a GE because of the memorization; this class is EASY! brantingham is really lenient it seems with the grades; there are no curves, but that's good because i think 50% (at least )of the class gets an A on each assignment

Very fascinating class! I learned so much about the rise and development of humans. Brantingham is a good professor. He says "um" rather often which can be distracting during lectures but in general he gets across the information. Be prepared for a lot of info! Dates and time periods are essential to remember; not a good course for those who hate memorizing dates. Brantingham is a very amiable person and truly is passionate about his field and sharing this with students. The TAs and Brantingham are nice about grades although he did not curve the final which was very difficult. If this subject interests you at all this is a very worthwhile class.

I loved his course! His lectures are actually interesting, and Professor Brantingham is a really nice, funny guy overall. He throws in bits of humor, and his research is really intriguing. It wasn't too difficult of a class, but definitely keep up on the readings and you'll do fine. All his notes are online, and definitely go to his office hours and talk to the TAs about your papers before they're due. They're short papers, but the topics are actually cool and if you have your TA review a rough draft, your grade should be fine. Brantingham is definitely a great anthro professor! I thoroughly enjoyed his class.