This teacher is crazy. She is a character, her class is enjoyable because she makes it exciting.

I was still in high school when I had her. She was extremely helpful and one of the best professor that I ever met. (yes, out of four professors lol)

The best Anthropology teacher at DVC! (Believe me, I've taken them all.)

Great teacher makes you want to listen to lectures test our fairly easy

had clear lectures and she made it interesting to listen to. allows extra credit, late work and make-ups. she likes if you talk to her or ask questions. VERY reasonable teacher. understands that we have other things to do, and takes them into account. highly reccomend taking her.

Very nice and intelligent lady. Makes class interesting gives good lectures and notes so you can grasp understand the subject. We use the book alot and are allowed to use notes on tests and allows extra credit. As long as you do the work you should pass no problem.

I do not know what that person is talking about, she does not treat you like a third grader. She is so nice and really wants you to succeed and understand her class. Just attend class and take good notes for the test, and will end up with a good grade. Lets just say she makes class interesting that earlier in the morning.

Kinda crazy (in a good way). Very fun and excited about anthro. Always has fun and interesting add-ons for topic. Do read your book and all hand outs and know your ethnic examples for the test!This was my fav. class all semester!

This women Rocks!!! She is a GREAT teacher!! She made learning anthro fun!! She knows what she is talking about and is ALWAYS there to help! Her test are not bad ( you get to use a cheat sheet) and she gives you a review guide!!! She is worth taking! You won't regret it and you will want to go to class!!!

I love her. She is a great teacher, but you have to read the book to do well on the tests, but if you pay attention to the lectures you should do well. She is so helpful, on the tests she allows one page of hand written notes, that can become extra credit, but on the first test I had a broken arm, so she let me type the notes, she is amazing!! :D

By far the awesome-est teacher at DVC! A bit wacky in a good way. She knows her stuff and gets you to think outside the box. Animated, cheerful, and helpful. Will never make you feel dumb for speaking up in class. A LOT of reading, but you learn a ton. Tests are easy; many ppl finish in 15 minutes.

She teaches at CCC too, but only a couple of classes. A great teacher, very interactive with the class. She basically only grades on assignments, which are easy, and tests, which are also easy. Has a wonderful perspective on culture, and is extremely respectful!

i took archaeology and pre history. attendance is not mandatory but in the beginning it is and it helps your grade. theres some ec but its barely any points. tests are open note,friend,and book but still a little tough.teach is a little off kilter but nice.it wouldve been fine but i found the material extremely boring. easy a, take it!

Jayne is awesome! I took her online anthro class and it was super interesting, and the work load was light. She really cares about her students and wants you to do well. She is a wonderful teacher, highly recommended

I took this class online because I don't really have an interest in Anthropology, but I still learned quite a bit just from having to read the textbook. Her online section is straight out of the book and super straight forward. If you can read the text book you'll get an A. There are 6 exams and 6 posts a few short projects and no final.

took this class online...super straight forward about what you need to get done, the reading gets a bit boring because theres three chapters a week, keep with the reading and youll get an A. really nice teacher, always wrote back to me with geat feedback, totally recommend taking her! =]

It was a pretty easy class. A few open note midterms, a research paper, and a field trip. Attendance was counted for a chunk of the grade. Very interesting instructor, so the class will never get boring.

AMAZING TEACHER!! This is the second time I've had her. I'll have her a third time next semester. Loves Anthropogy knows everything about the subject and truly wants her students to learn and enjoy her class. Extremely helpful, straight forward, and fun!! Highly recommended, you just may change your major like I did :)

took this class online; all you need to do is have a good sense of discipline to keep up with reading, READ the textbook but you don't have to be super detailed because you can just find the answers during the test and participate in discussion and do some projects. super helpful teacher responds very promptly. recommended for sure.

Jayne is awesome, she is super fun and makes the material come alive with her unique and very theatrical method of teaching. You will not regret taking her class. She is smart, funny, and obviously knows and loves her stuff. You will never be bored in her classroom!

This woman is the whole reason I decided to major in anthropology. The subject is endlessly interesting, but Jayne makes it even more so. She's helpful and clear,and her tests are straightforward and you can use notes. She's a genuinely kind woman, and above all else she's brilliant. It would be hard to find a more educated anthropology teacher.

She is fun and strict at the same time. She tells a lot of jokes but hates when your late and cell phones are a HUGE no, no. She gives a lot of extra credit so take advantage of it all throughout the semester. Do the reading and ask her a lot of questions. There's a lot of material but she tries to help everyone succeed.

I love this lady. Interesting class. Tests require a good amount of reading to do well.

She is amazing! She made class so fun because she's crazy, but in a good way. She keeps you engaged and wanting to come to class to see what she would do or say next. It's so easy to get an A in this class, I never bought the textbook, used another Anthro book from another class. Lots of extra credit. Didn't have to take the final. Take her!

Jayne is such a cheerful person. She absolutely loves to teach and loves to answer questions and challenge criticisms and assumptions about anthropology, which is hard to find with many of the "professors" at DVC. Very smart and professional, she goes over things carefully to make sure that people understand them. Her class is highly recommended!

She is brilliant and has a lot of experience under her belt! She is a genuinely kind person and very interesting to hear talk. Be prepared to take a lot of notes. The tests are challenging but if you go to class you will be fine. She is always on top of her game. She cares passionately about her job and it shows. Take her if you can!

Jayne Smithson is something else; she's smart, funny, and really nice. She never makes a student feel stupid for asking a question and is remarkably understanding and patient. Her classes are exciting and she commands your attention. Take her if you can, her classes fill up quick!

Great instructor who really wants her students to do well; various extra credit opportunities available. If you want an A, you must put in effort... if you want a B, it's pretty much a given as long as you show up. The subject is interesting too, and she's very passionate.

LOVE HER LOVE HER she is amazing teacher loves the subject actually wants u to understand the subject .A lot of extra credits and if u just show up every class and study for her exams u'll get an A . Even if u need help to understand she will take the time and help u as long as u want. I LOVED HER CLASS,take her class if u need Anthro 140 :-)

very nice teacher, class requires a lot of effort and was a challenge for me

Jayne is absolutely hilarious. She believes in students understanding material rather than sitting down and regurgitating the material. She is quite liberal and the hippy type. The class is pretty easy. Just attend her lecture because they're quite fun. You can use the study guide notes on the test. I'd take her if I were you.

I actually looked forward to attending this class by the way she made every topic fascinating. She is loud, funny, and super passionate about the subject. Lots of extra credit opportunities, get to use study guide on the test&sometimes handouts. Basically, she wants everyone to get an A, the study guide is pretty much the test so use it!

Ms. Smithson is really conversed with anthropology. She's both passionate and helpful. Take her class!

She is a great teacher, probably the best anthro teacher at DVC: enthusiastic, knowledgable, helpful. She is a gentle grader, and this class is not difficult in terms of material. However, it does take time and effort, so don't expect to receive an "A" without doing any of the work. I'd definitely recommend this class.

She's so cool! I only took this class because I didn't want to take a normal biology class. Now I'm considering double majoring in ANTHRO. She's gets really excited about the topics and makes everything really interesting. I suggest reading the textbook but she also provides detailed lecture notes which I think those alone you could pass the class.

She is an awesome teacher! She knows the material very well, and present it to the students in a manner that makes it very interesting. You are allowed to bring unlimited study guide pages to tests. If you complete the study guide, the test is a breeze. Usually one assignment per unit, fairly easy writing assignments. Definitely recommend her!!

She is one of the best teacher's I have ever had. EASY A, especially because she allows you to carry cheat sheet(s)! That being said, you do have to however study nonetheless in order to do well in her class. She is fun to talk to and incredibly helpful! After taking her classes, I have decided to major in Anthropology!

A very motivating professor, possibly the best I've had at DVC. She is very knowledgeable about her profession, and has influenced me to minor in anthropology. Her class is fun, interesting and very beneficial to many aspects of life. I recommend her 100%, although... I'm sure from the many other positive reviews we all know she's great already! :)

I LOVE THIS CLASS. She is my favorite teacher ever. She loves her subject and somehow made an 8am class interesting! gives you study guides that you can use for tests and as long as you complete to study guide and come to class you will pass the test.

Prof Smithson is an incredibly passionate and enthusiastic teacher. She's quirky and class was never dull. Couldn't have asked for a better teacher given I wasn't all that interested in the subject to begin with.

Mrs. Smithson is great! I wish all teachers were so passionate about what they teach, her lessons are very straight forward and she prepares you for the tests! Take her class!

I took Jayne's cultural anthropology class at Napa Valley College right out of high school. I have always been interested in this field, but Smithson and her class convinced me to go for another AA in anthropology and to transfer with it as my major. My life changed for the better after this!

Very understanding, SWEET, enthusiastic on her lectures, easy to follow, offers informative and fascinating lectures, offers useful study guides for exams and lecture notes, ABLE to use completed study guides on tests and gives you an extra credit point, and should not be taken lightly on phone use in her class...

She was an awesome teacher. She taught not only about the class, but really about life itself. One of the best teachers I've ever had. She's so nice and very understanding if you ever need anything.

I'd never taken an online class before I was assuming I wasn't going to come out of it learning much, but Smithson's requirements make the subject very interesting. Turned out to be an easy A and a great summer class you can learn something from. 2 papers, 3 tests, 8 discussions. No problem.

What teachers should be like. She makes learning exciting. I would take her class again so far my most memorable teacher very dedicated to her students and always willing to help. Incredibly approachable.

I took this class in fall 2014 online. It was a hard class discussions weekly and 3 writing assignments which she does not grade that hard. TEST ARE HARD. you honestly need to do study guides she gives to get an A and will need the book. If you are looking for an easy A do not recommend this class its possible but testhard i left class with 95%

Jayne Smithson is one of my favorite professors. She was there for me on so many occasions when I needed a little extra help or leniency. Every semester it's nice to have at least one person supporting your goals and Smithson is on your team. Do the work and you'll do well. Mainly take the time to get to know her and learn what you can from her.

Prof. Smithson was AMAZING (Thank you!). She's exactly the kind of supportive & inspirational teacher everyone needs (says a lot considering it was online class I think). She's supportive. Participate! It's easy to get into the content, even though there's plenty to absorb. The glossary & index of the book helps during timed exams. Eye opening

Great teacher and great class. She is very clear in what she excepts from the students and is a very relaxed grader. I never got an A on any tests which were hard and I still got an A in the class. I highly recommend her and plan on taking a class with her again!

Great professor! All of the lecture notes are online. Three tests (multiple choice, gives and a study guide and let's you bring a cheat sheet), two essays, a few extra credit opportunities. Very manageable if you show up to class, pay attention, take notes. She is a bit oddtheatrical but very nice and offers helpadvice!

This woman knows how to teach! Taken multiple class with her. Gives study guides for each chapter and for each exam. Allows you to use study guides on exams AND give you extra credit for doing so! Cannot rave & praise her enough for being an excellent professor! Wish DVC made her full-time permanent!

I only took this class because it fulfilled one of my GE core requirements and boy am I glad I did. I love this professor. She is always in a good mood and eager to help you outside of class-- especially if you show the initiative. She is down to earth and is one of those professors you dream about getting in college. I would take her again.

Professor Smithson wants you to be in love with Anthropology. She allows you all the tools you need to earn a good grade while becoming a student who will find a subject that will last with them forever, no matter what their major/career path. She puts her heart into her class and her students, and just wants you to be engaged, so engage!

Smithson understands what an online summer class should be about: simple, straightforward, and minimal. Had a total of 3 tests and 1 paper. No homework assignments, only a lot of videos that tend to be 2-8 minutes each. Tests are online as well and last 45-60mins but do not have a lot of questions. Textbook provided online by her FOR FREE.

Awesome teacher! She is knowledgeable and passionate about the subject. Even if you are just taking this as an undergrad requirement, she knows how to peak your interest. She does not believe in students purchasing text so the book is made available online for free. She is flexible as long as you show initiative. I highly recommend this professor!

She will reply to your email soon. But, it is not a easy A class. her tests are really tough, you have to study a lot!! And, she only gave 5 point extra credits. Take it if you want to study. I am not going to take her again.

Smithson is my favorite teacher, I took the class for GE, but came into a class that I enjoyed tremendously and appreciated her very much. Very supportive, and has a lot of passion in the subject. Taking another class with her because of all of this. I turn off my cell phone because I respect her so much, and she makes class fun and worth coming to

Her class if by far the easiest class I had this whole semester! Her tests are extremely easy because she allows you one whole page of notes back-to-back, sometimes more! She gives you points on attending lecture though and sometimes she tends to go on tangents on lecture. A very smart lady, her pet peeves are phones ringing in class! Take her!

Professor Smithson was an amazing teacher. She can definitely keep you awake in an 8AM class. Almost always replies to emails the same day they are sent. Follows a lecture layout that is available on D2L. 1 Annotated Bibliography, 1 Analysis Paper, and 1 Research paper. All explained clearly and each paper leads to the next paper. 4 test (easy)

Took her online summer class, and it was very well-organized and reasonable. Her tests are not easy, so I do recommend actually reading the textbook.

I really enjoyed this class. It was not too intimidating, but there was definitely work involved. Each time I emailed Professor Smithson, I received a timely, clear, helpful response. She was always more than willing to read first drafts of papers, and gave constructive feedback. I really appreciated her professionalism. Would take again.

Took her class during the summer. There was a lot of reading because it was fast paced. We had to do 4 papers, which were all easy as long as you follow the prompt. We had to post discussions every week. Her tests were a bit difficult because you have to actually read but you'll pass as long as you do her study guide and read the book.

She always gives her 100% effort during the class, always smiles, energetic. If you're a Christian, you won't get offended by what she teaches. Go for her, somebody from our class actually decided major in anthropology because of this amazing class.

I took this as an 8 am, that being difficult on it's own Mrs. Smithson made it extremely tolerable. She keeps you intrigued, and is VERY helpful. Study guides outline the tests, and you keep up on your notes during lecture. There's a lot of info but as long as you go to class and pay attention you'll be fine. Definitely recommend her!

Ridiculously easy online course. You can get an A and learn almost nothing. Conversely, you could also get an A and learn a lot if you choose. Tests are open book and the questions are average difficulty. Theres one research paper, 3 tests, and a weekly discussion to do for credit. She's very nice and gives good feedback too.

Beautiful hair, great smile, and fantastic personality. Pretty easy class and makes the topic interesting. Take her and you won't regret it. Study guides are damn near the same as the test which is AWESOME!

She is the BEST prof ever!! This was my first online course and it could not have gone any better. She makes everything so clear and easy to follow. The tests are all very easy and the answers can be found in the textbook and her ppts. She is a wonderful grader and grades very easy. Do the work and you'll get an A. 10/10 would recommend!

One of my favorite professors, Jayne Smithson makes learning great again. She is well organized and always available. Her Canvas work is flawless! I wish all my teachers were exactly like her.

Super chill professor and class. Took the course online and Smithson was clear in everything she assigned. Discussion posts almost every week, two optional extra credit discussion posts, three writing assignments, and three tests. The tests are easy if you complete the study guide. However, she is not the best at replying back to emails.

This is the easiest A, didn't need to read too much for discussions, fill out study guide for the 3 exams that spoonfeed you the answers. 3 essays progressively harder, make sure u do these decently and easy 100. test 3 final exam. her feedback on assignments is really generic. she only answers dvc emails not canvas messages.

Prof Smithson is a great instructor. Took this class online and it was very rewarding. She gives extra credits. Her tests are multiple choice and to get an A, you follow her worksheet which she gives before each test. The test based right out of that worksheet. Tests are NOT difficult if you prepare. I highly recommend her to everyone.

Her online class is AMAZING! She was so clear on what you have to do and explained exactly what she expects from us. Had us write two papers do a discussion every week(which were actually enjoyable, and she asked reasonable questions) and the tests were very easy as long as you do your study guide. Easy A

She is awesome!!! She is very easy in grading papers. If you do a good job, you'll easily get full scores for her essay assignments. I also read for the units contents, but actually, if you do good at preparing her study guides, the tests are super easy.

Amazing Professor she really cares about her students!She really does want everyone to succeed, she will figure out how to help you and makes sure you understand. Took her summer class only 3 exams all t/f , 3 assignments,and weekly discussion groups. it's a easy A as long as you do the study guides she also gives out extra credit!

Professor Smithson is definitely a great teacher, she wants you to be successful, and she is really not a tough grader. We had three papers going for the whole semester, and they were not hard at all, even for a person whose first language is not English like me. She also gives extra credit, which makes it easier to get an A.

She's a very nice and reasonably lenient professor. Probably the most easy-going class I've taken at DVC. I didn't have to study too hard for anything and I still got an A. Despite the minimal studying, I still feel like I learned a lot from her class.

Her course is very fair. There are three papers in a term and that's probably where you'd be spending most of your time on. Most of your grade is determined on exams, however, of which there are three. You should find no problems doing them though as she makes sure that all the material in the exam is thoroughly covered in the PowerPoints she posts

To be honest, I felt like she wasn't too bad. It was an easy class and you can find most of the answers to the weekly worksheets in the manuals she gives out. She had 3 tests for the semester which are also pretty easy. Not sure why there are so many bad reviews. Do the work and you'll ace the class.

Amazing professor and online course. The slideshows and attached study guides are very straightforward. Tests are open note and based off of the study guide. Assignments/papers/discussions are relatively pretty easy just do things on time and read/follow the directions. Grades fast and leniently with commentary. Would definitely recommend.

Professor Smithson was great and it is very to achieve an A if you just do the work on time. There is three tests and three papers but they were not hard. Definitely complete the study guide. You don't have to study as long as the study guide is complete.