The best aspects of the course were the informative and interactive class lectures as well as the knowledgeable professor. The worst aspects of the course included the lack of assignments to help students with their grades, as well as the extensive readings that were required from time to time. The course would improve if students received study guides and materials for the tests. It would also improve if there were more assignments available to help students with their grades. Prospective students should know that attending all lectures and doing all the assigned readings will assist them with the exams and in the course overall.

Students praised this course for having an engaging instructor who shared his archaeological field experiences. They also enjoyed how this course provided an overview of many cultures in the near east. Students’ issues with the course varied; multiple students thought that there was a significant amount of assigned reading. Multiple students thought many of the assigned readings were irrelevant to the class as it seemed the instructor didn’t tie the readings into the lecture or test them on the exams. Suggestions for improvement varied as some students thought the course would be improved if the course better integrated assigned readings into the lecture and assignments, while others wanted the instructor to assign additional work so that students’ grades wouldn’t be dependent on how they do on a couple of assignments. Prospective students should know that students found that the course was a good introduction to the history of the ancient near east. Also, students should sign up for the course only if they have an interest in history.