Passionate teacher! Fun to watch. If you're a lazy student, don't take him. If you like a challenge- he's the best teacher around.

Very good teacher, but his mid-term is VERY HARD. Tricky questions from lectures.

Excellent professor. VERY motivated and knowledgeable. Passionate about subject. Covers a lot of material. Highly recommend. Watch out for tricky questions on the mid-terms and finals, but he's very fair about giving credit for confusing questions.

HARD class. Extremely torturous multiple choice tests.

Best teacher I have ever had. If you are an aspiring A student then take this class. If you are looking to just pass then look elsewhere. Class is very exciting and flys by. You WILL learn a lot from this class and it will help you in other clases..

He's challenging but not entirely difficult. You'll learn in his class if you put in your best efforts. His exams are notoriously difficult though. A bit biased in his world view on the US and genetically modified foods. But hey, he's an anthropologist.

Best...Prof...Ever. Not for the timid, but you will learn. Exceptional individual. His Wife (Dr. Zaretsky) is great too.

Very enthusiastic about the subject, patient with a class full of over 70 students, sets aside a lot of time to hold study sessions, understanding towards his students, and is verrry knowledgeable about science. Tests r tricky!Study is necessary.

This guy is hellllllaaa picky in how he wants everything from his scantrons to essays. Can't stand his long boring lectures..

this guy is off the hook. i don't know how anyone could fair this guys class. you must be a dumb ass. Cause his curves are just as phat as J-Lo's. High F gets you a C. You do the math.

Great, great lecturer. But, ironically, his exams are unnecessarily difficult. All that time, enthusiasm, and inspiration can be diluted by his exams. Is this what "teaching" is about? If you don't mind suffering a grade, you'll learn a grea

I have taken nearly all the classes this professor teaches. He is one of my favorites on campus. Lectures are fast-paced. You will learn quite a bit. Anth 12 was one of the hardest classes I took from him, but it was well worth the pain.

Clearest teacher I have ever taken a class with. His lectures are concise and to the point. One of the best lecturers I have ever had. Great teacher if you are willing to learn and are serious about schoolwork.

by far the most difficult grade i have ever earned, but the instructor is excellent. the most enthusiastic, energetic, concise instructor i ever learned from. he also teaches human sexuality, also an excllent class.

Intro to Hum EV was definitly a lot of work, but he's soo into it, and makes it easy for one to take notes 'cause his lectures are so organized. He's Weird Al's long lost brother. :) He's a little political, but I loved him anyway. TAKE GOOD CLASS NOTES!

Tough but fair. You really need to keep up on reading and study hard for tests. He is picky about what he wants from you. NOT AN EASY A! However, if you do get an A, you know you worked your ass off for it!

great teacher! he's not as hard as everyone says...i am taking two of his classes,(and a full load) and i am getting an A in both...and i still have free time on the weekends :) just study for the map quizzes and print out the practice exams!

Well, I'm no anthro major, so maybe I think differnt, but this guys is HARD. He's too anal/picky about things. I dont know why he focuses so much on religion and evolution....YES WE GET IT! He likes what he does, no doubt, but hey, its a GE class, CHILL!

This is definitely one of the hardest classes I've ever taken, but I absoultely love his style. If you're looking for a grade, look elsewhere, but if you're looking for knowledge and an awesome, energetic, and involved teacher, take his class!

This was the hardest class I have ever taken. But it was interesting for sure. His exams are kinda hard but just study the practice exams he hand out thoroughly and you will do fine. But I think he makes it a little too hard for a GE class.

DIFFICULT AND RUDE.

One of the hardest profs ever, but extremely knowledgeable and has a passion to teach. He bends over backwards to be available for help and to give students chances to improve their grades. You gotta study and check out the practice tests!

Human Evolution: if you wanna learn it, take him. If you want an easy class, try someone else. TONS of material and very engaging teaching style. Grades on a super-fair curve. Pay attention in class and check out the practice tests, and you'll do ok!

Really hard, sometimes gives aire of superiority. . . I busted my butt to get a B. He tests you more on technicallities than on relevent material. I did learn a lot though.

hardest class ive ever taken. He talks very fast and covers ALOT of material. If you can keep up, study the practice exams and arent afraid to go to him for help it is a very interesting class. He seems to really love what he teaches

this is by far the best professor i've ever had. his lectures are very interesting. i never believed in human evolution due to religious beliefs but this guy made me a believer. study practice exams and u should be fine. plus, he curves. generous grader

Yes he is a demanding teacher but he really will bend over backwards to help you. Assignments are easy, only the tests are long (100 qs) but he gives you them ahead of time to study! dont be intimidated by his style of speaking, he really cares!my fave!!

He is demanding when compared to most professors who don't care about their students. I struggled with this course, but at the end I learned a great deal. If you're serious about your degree he's the professor to take.

Phenomenal. The materials I learned from this class changed my life.

the most fantastic teacher! i learned more than in any other class/prof! really challenges students, but it is well worth it!

My second time with him. He's tough and brilliant and you find yourself annoying your friends with the brilliance you've learned from him. If you are interested in learning at all, take him. He is very flexible and will do everything to help you pass.

An excellent instructor, knows his material really well. He has strong opinions though and expresses them in class. I want to take other classes with him, but wish I had taken 160 with another instructor.. I was hoping for more detail on actual archaeology.

He is a very intelligent professor that definitely knows what he is talking about. Try to bring a tape recorder to review his lectures because he does talk fast. He states his opinions very bluntly but only expects the students to understand him. If you want to get an easy A do not take his class.

KARPF is a great professor who tells it like it is. He doesn't beat around the bush, he comes with straight facts. If you want to learn about anthropolgy than he is somebody who can explain it very clearly. His class is challenging but rewarding.

He's pretty good at what he does. Bit of a fruitcake, though.

great teacher, challenging at times, favors girls, good guy, very interesting, grades

DO NOT take this class if you just want to kick back in a GE class. Just to get a C, you have to really work hard, as well as purchase 3 or 4 books. Karpf takes education serious, and is dedicated to making sure you learn. He also talks about foriegn affairs alot, and can somtimes be mean.

Very difficult professor but you will learn a lot if your interested in stuff like this. Instructs like a major requirement so don't expect to kick back. Very cool, funny guy that knows his stuff. Makes it fun even with 120students in class. Best prof I've had at college. Will take him for Human Sexuality. Would recommend, learn and have fun.

Of all the classes I've taken, this was the only class I looked forward to attending after a day's work. The class isn't easy, but I learned a lot of things. Prof. Karpf is very knowledgeable and makes everything he teaches very interesting. If you want to get your $$$'s worth, take this class.

He is a very challenging instructor that will make you work just to pass his class with a C. I would recommend taking another instructor or taking him only with a light load of other classes during the semester. Definately go to his study sessions and have specific questions!

He's the best instructor ever! His class is very interesting. I took all his up GE classes and they are very EASY. i got A's in all his classes. Highly recommanded.

He really makes you work hard, however it's worth it. He's very helpful outside of class as well. And this is a cool way for FOX/the government to keep tabs on people.

A very difficult class, but he was really helpful. He helped me raise my grade from a D to a B by the end of the semester.

hes my favorite professor thusfar.

Prof. Karpf is one of the best teachers that I have had in college. He wants his students to learn and that is very encouraging. His classes tend to demand work but he is never unfair.

I agree with 6/1/05. Its weird cause, the words that person used, Id have sworn it was me who put that review up. But it was for a different class so.. prof karpf is a challenging teacher, but thats how it should be. actively take part in your education. he seems interested in teaching the students, and tries to instill good study habits.

one of the smartest people i've ever met, he knew so much information is was insane, his class was very hard, but also very interesting i learned so much, lowest grade i've gotten in college, but i dont have any regrets he is very helpful and knows his material better than most teachers i've had

This class is soo hard, and even though I don't think I'm going to get a very good grade it was worth taking the class just because I learned so much, and Karpf is an amazing professor and man. He's seriously a genious, I've never met someone who knows so much information about EVERYTHING. Plus, his political lectures are fascinating.

tests are all based on lecture, not on reading. passionate about his stuff, a wee bit over the top. learned a lot

Super interesting. Not hard, just a LOT to remember - but he will do anything to help you pass! Really available to students, and actually tells you to study his past exams.

Jonathan's class is extremely difficult, but he is very determined to see his students learn something in his class. He cares so much about his students, that he will help you out with getting a good grade all you have to do is be willing to do the reading and apply yourself and go to the study sessions. He's a really nice guy.

He is the most intelligent professor I've ever had. He inspires his students to do well. You will miss out on so much, if you don't take him.

One of the most challenging classes I've taken. Goes deep into the scientific method-something EVERYONE should understand. He is a mad genius that gave me the only B I got at SJSU. I'll take that B with pride coming from Karpf!

Very nice guy, be sure to be on his good side. He's a no bs kinda person. Very dense material in his lectures but tries his best to make you understand. DO THE PRACTICE QUIZ AND PRACTICE EXAMS! His class is no walk in the park but it is very interesting. Had him for ANTH 12 and loved his teaching style. Very visual with projector slides.

If you want to sleep through your GE classes, don't bother. It's challenging, and he recognizes that fact, and gives you every opportunity to improve.

Once again, Karpf offered an enjoyable class. Extremely interesting teacher, and if you can keep up with his lectures, you'll definitely learn a lot here. Grading is fair (but he can be really picky about format) and is based on a curve. Plus he gives you a lot of test prep (practice MIDTERMS). Just go to class EVERYDAY. 75+% test q's = Lecture

Karpf is a fascinating professor. He is not arrogant at all. He is extremely intelligent and very focused. I feel lucky to have taken his classes. He is sexy but married. Kinda tough. If you study you will be thankful for all you learn.

Interesting, enthusiastic, funny, helpful, answers questions thoroughly. However, he expects a lot of you. Places LOTS of trivial details you never thought you'd have to remember on midterms. Long, tricky tests. Very picky about paper format. Talks fast. Very vocal (sometimes offensive) about his negative opinion of creationism. Overall, good prof.

He's very intelligent and teaches very interesting lectures full of useful knowledge. He's a really really nice person and does not judge people if they think differently than him.

Man, this guy is intense. The material in his lecture is everything. Although his tests are rigorous, he gives you a sample study guide before hand that helps. For night class people, he holds you to the final minute, sometimes longer.

Wow. This guy is hard to rate. He crams way too much info into the class, keeps you late every night, and has difficult tests that are super long. But, he is a nice guy, gives plenty of study material, curves, wants you to do well, and runs the numbers on your grades to give you the best score possible. The class is hard, do NOT miss lectures!!!

Prof. Karpf is the best teacher that I have come across in my many, many years of education. I have taken both Human Sexuality and Reconstructing Lost Civilizations from him. I left his classes with a desire to learn more about the topics discussed. THAT is what signifies a good teacher. In addition, he is a truly good human being...rare.

Don't let him scare you away on the first day! He just wants students to take his class seriously. Covers lots of material, goes quickly, and a lot is hard to understand the first time through. But ALWAYS willing to meet for help, and has review sessions before tests. Grades on a curve and cares about students. I learned a ton this semester!

Doesn't stick to the description of what the class is based on. He teaches what is important, but nonetheless he is a great teacher. Goes a little fast, but explains it as many times you want. Graded on a curve. Midterms and Final are very in deep detail, but he gives you practice midterms to study. Lectures are boring and mandatory.Knows who skips

Interesting & funny. Loves what he does & wants students to be as enthusiastic as he is. Goes into detail & doesn't really follow the book, so lectures are important. Gives practice midterms before all tests; questions on test are verbatum. No reason not to get A. If u are not interested in anth take another prof so that someone else can enjoy him.

this teacher is the best teacher i have ever had. he is so professional, yet so passionate about what he teaches. i automatically remember everything in that last by the end of the day.

He changed my life. Talk about the meaning of diversity! I was so uninformed until I took this class. Fantastic! I did not want to miss one word of his lecture. Tough tests..but does grade on the curve. Pay attention, you will change your perspective of life.

J.Karpf is the best professor I had so far in my 3 yrs at SJSU.He is really smart and passionate about Anthropology and the world.I learned a lot of interesting things about our world and its history.The class is easy because he lets you know what's on the tests.Lectures are extremely important. Office hours are open; he is always willing to help.

J.Karpf is the best professor I had so far in my 3 yrs at SJSU.He is really smart and passionate about Anthropology and the world.I learned a lot of interesting things about our world and its history.The class is easy because he lets you know what's on the tests.Lectures are extremely important. Office hours are open; he is always willing to help.

Definately passionate and very informed about what he teaches. You must must must go to every class, or you will be clueless. He grades on a curve but make sure to use the study guides he gives. And, he is so helpful if you use his office hours.

For engaged students, Jonathan Karpf is an outstanding professor. In my esteem, after 28 SJSU professors, Karpf remains peerless in his energy for teaching and in his commitment to his students and the institution. Attendance is essential to excel in his class, lecture material informs the bulk of his exams; but he holds study groups prior to them.

Doctor Karpf is an excellent teacher. His lectures are very absorbing, and he's one of the most knowledgeable teachers I've ever had. He's one of those people who knows so much it's mind-boggling. I did poorly in his class since I didn't keep up on the reading, but I still got a lot out of it.

Let me just say that had I taken any of his lower division classes, I would be graduating with an anthropology degree. Too late to change now...my parents would kill me!

Class was really interesting and Dr. Karpf is very approachable if you need help. Covers tons of material, so take good notes! It's a good idea to have a study partner because you will definitely miss info. Grades on a curve and challenges you to get an A. Would take him again anyday.

Extremely intelligent, passionate, enthusiastic professor. Lectures are insanely enticing. Genuinely cares whether or not you are grasping the material. Had a crush on his brain. Looking forward to taking him again.

He is a great professor. What I appreciated the most in his class was his passion for the subject. It makes one want to go into this field. I wish more professors were like Prof. Karpf.

BEST in my 4 years, aslo 4 for HumSex. HELLA smart, SUPER helpful, USE study gides & pre-tests! Don't take 4 EZ A, but GREAT if U want 2 lrn. Neg comments have 2B from clueless lookin 4 easy GE class (NOT), or close-minded fundamentalists - he's NOT anti-religion (i'm strong Catholic & disagree with him on some points, but no problem). The BEST!

This guys knows his subject matter but gives 6 and 7 answer choices per multiple choice question. If ANTH is not your major be wary. This guy is hard if you take but you will be prepared for Prof. Simpkins and other ANTH profs later who are easier. The guy is hard.

Professor Karpf is amazing! He is extremely knowledgeable and always willing to help. I learned so much from this class. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS IF YOU WANT AN EASY A! This class is difficult though he does give out practice midterms. Take the practice midterms and go to review sessions if you want to pass. This is the one class i never skipped.

Wonderful teacher. One of my favorite professors from the start. Knows his stuff and presents it in a great way. Makes his requirements really clear so that you know exactly what he asks of you. Just follow his rules and go to class and you'll do fine!

A classmate recommended this professor. He's extremely enthusiastic about this class and has been teaching it a long time. He's most knowledgeable. He has a study session outside of class before every exam. Exams are multiple choice and somewhat tricky so do the practice questions and don't second guess yourself.

FANTASTIC professor! DO NOT take this class, however, if you don't intend to go. If you miss ANY class sessions, you will be far behind. Definitely not an easy A. He provides past exams as practice for midterms and his grading system is BY FAR the best thing about the class. You definitely earn the grade you receive.

Dr. Karpf is an icon of a true professor. He is a leader in his specialty so expect to work hard for a high grade. It is impossible to sit in a single lecture and walk away without learning something new. The textbooks only scratch the surface of his lectures, its paramount to team up!!

This is guy is a great teacher! If you want an easy A don't take this class. You have to study you rnotes in class. You dont really need the book. I never opened and got a B+. Give practice exams, which where helpful. Take good notes to get a good grade! Great Proffesor! who really cares about everyone!

He is brilliant! I am not interested in science, but I am interested in his class. He makes himself available and will go out of his way to assist students and make sure they succeed. The class covers a lot of information but you learn a lot too

His class is amazing. It's a hard class, but he makes it very possible to get an A. He gives you last years quizzes & exams to study off of, which is where most of the test questions come from. The rest come from the lectures so you need to show up & type fast. He's pretty funny too. This class is pretty much responsible for all my study skills.

This was one of my favorite classes at SJSU! He is extremely easy to approach and is always willing to help! For those who say he doesn't accept other opinions and religious views, it's not true. He emphasizes the difference between religion and science and how they can coexist without issue. If you take Anth12, take it from him!

Brilliant teacher. Don't miss class or you will be lost. Very thorough. If you are a Creationist, you won't want to take this class. On the first day he makes a clear distinction between science and religion.

If you want an easy A, take the otherclass. His class is not terribly difficult, but he is a bio. anth. and thus emphasizes anatomy and sexual diff.. Tip: Try and share text book w/ someone (very little material needed from this). Must buy his $25 reader. BTW He gives you all the questions to the first two exams. Btm Line: I enjoyed this class.

This is not only one of the most interesting classes I've ever taken at university but it is also useful for real life (if you like sex) he is very opinionated, you MUST attend lecture and study hard. reading not that relevant, lecture is much more important. one of the best professors I've ever had, very passionate.

Professor Karpf's Human Sexuality class was not a walk in the park-you have to put in the work. HOWEVER, this was easily the most interesting class I have ever taken. He also gives you all the tools to succeed and will clarify repeatedly if needed. Best part is, he doesn't just teach you about human sexuality, he teaches you how to THINK.

I personally was confused the first weeks of school, he speaks so fast and is so knowledgeable, in the stuff is cool to learn but there are A LOT of terminology that can get very confusing and too much. Overall he is a nice professor, I like him. I wish he just take a slower approach because he can talk fast and rush through information too quickly

this is the guy I've taken him for other classes and he is very thorough and detailed in his lecturwe. Dr. Karpf is very generous with his time and knowledgeable about his field he has a great passion for humanity hence his expertise, anthropology.

Met only once a week. There are a couple of midterms, 7 one pg papers, and lots of reading to do. His teaching style is using slides with images, along with speaking. I would say Karpf is very detailed and passionate with this subject. So take REALLY good notes, and take advantage of the study guides he gives you. Midterms STUDY HARD