ANTH 3630

Not a bad class. I will admit, the topic is a bit boring but the professor tends to supplement his lectures with videos which makes time go faster. The workload for this class is not much, either. 4 homeworks and a midterm and final. You get one week for each homework, and midterm and final are take-home essays that are both two questions each and 3-4 pages per question (6-8 pages per paper). There are a lot of assigned readings for this class, but I was able to do all my homeworks and papers without reading them (and I still managed an A in the class!). Would recommend!

I really enjoyed this class. The first four classes are the hardest part to get through. They didn't relate much to the topic of the class and we never talked about it again. I really considered switching because class was that boring but I'm glad I stayed. I get how Shepard may come across and boring and unlikable but this is the only class I didn't skip all semester because I actually liked going. Shepard is monotonous and can come across a jerk but as someone who really enjoys learning about China and Chinese culture, I really enjoyed his lectures and if you talk to him one on one he's pretty nice. Doing some of the reading before class also helped get through lecture because he puts a lot of info in his slides. There is a lot of reading and some of it is actually pretty interesting but you don't have to do all of it and if you spread it out, it really isn't much per day. It's helpful if you take notes on the collab readings though because it makes the homework and take home exams much easier to do. There two different grading paths for undergrad: two homework assignments and the 20 page paper or 4 homework assignments and no paper. Exams were open note. He's a decent grader and doesn't demand much but you benefit a lot from doing the reading when we have the midterm and final. Overall this was a pretty okay class. Not outstanding but I don't feel like I wasted my time. I think if you are interested in Chinese culture, you'll get something out of the class.

I took this class to fulfill two requirements in my major and the college second writing requirement: it's above the 3000-level and "beyond the west." My friend also recommended this class, because she said she only read what was necessary for writing the papers and chose the prompts that required the least amount of reading. I am honestly glad I took this class for those very reasons. Yes, Prof. Shepherd is not the most exciting lecturer, but this class was a break for me. There are two homework assignments, two open-book essay exams split into four papers total, one term paper with a topic of your choosing, and maybe one bonus assignment. He is willing to give extensions, so don't be afraid to ask. Some classes consisted of watching documentaries. He does adjust final grades based on participation, so ask questions to stay awake and engaged. It is very tempting to doze off in class, because of his quiet voice and boring teaching style, but don't do it! At the end of the semester, I learned so much about Chinese family structures and the pantheon of deities. Take this class if you need to fulfill some major or college requirements. Unlike ANTH 3130, it isn't quiz-based at all!

This fulfills second writing requirement, there is a decent amount of papers. The midterm "paper" is actually 2 papers, 4 pages each, the term paper is 12 pages with citation, the final is 2 papers, 4 pages each (i believe). There are two 4 page papers that are disguised as homework, but they arent too hard. I think he is a pretty lenient grader, and I enjoyed learning about a culture I was not very familiar with and learned a lot. Would recommend to anyone who isnt afraid of papers

I thought the course sounded interesting, but unfortunately the material is presented mostly through powerpoint.
Classes consist of copying down powerpoint slides, and the occasional movie. Luckily, you don't really have to do the readings, except to write your midterm and final, because the same info is presented in class.
Professor's lecturing style is kind of dry, but if you sit in the front and try to engage a bit it is better.

I find the class interesting and how he would bring the props to class. The books are available on reserve at Clemons, although I could not find one specific book that I wanted. Be sure to ask questions, it will make your class a lot more interesting.

I am not an anthro major, but I had to have a class that met the second writing requirement and this was a pretty decent one. Professor Shepherd is the..most..BORING..Professor I have had at UVA so it was absolute torture to pay attention. You DO NOT need to buy the books because you can pretty much use lecture to write your midterm/final essays (all open notes!)and then the 12 page term paper is on a topic of your choice, which should be somewhat interesting. If you need a class for the 2nd writing requirement, take this class..otherwise I would find one that is more interesting and where the Professor actually cares!

Professor is a really nice person. I learned a lot of new things in this class. It was enjoyable, fun, and quite relaxing. Take this class!

The professor has a rather monotone, soft voice so its hard to keep focus during lectures. Also, sit closer to the front -- he sometimes writes outlines on the board, but his handwriting isn't the easiest to interpret. In terms of content, I found the material quite interesting. Professor Shepherd is very knowledgeable and often brings little trinkets, documents, and photographs to class. There are only 3 assignments: one where you are given 4 prompts and choose 2 to do (3-page max); a 12-page (minimum) term paper on a topic of your choice; and an assignment with 6 prompts in which you choose 2 (4-page max). Overall not a very work-intensive class, just attend class take notes and you'll be fine on content for your papers.

Very nice professor. He is willing to help students outside of the class. Go to class, write 3 papers, and you will be fine. Not a hard grader.

Books are prescribed but not necessary. Just go to class and take notes and prepare for the three major papers. Easy grader. Recommended.

He was alright. The books were not necessary. All of the stuff comes from the lectures. The books are only useful for citing at the end of the midterm and final essays.

He is not good at explainning. The class is not fun at all. DO NOT BUY THE TEXTBOOKS.

Monotone. lots of "um's
took forever to finish a sentence
reading not necessary
you can base essays off lectures