4.0

Joseph Plavcan

Anthropology - University of Arkansas

4.0
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
63%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
4.0
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
3.9
Helpful
4.1
Clarity

63%

Would Retake

83

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

39

4

23

3

14

2

5

1

2

What Students Say

Seriously great man and knows everything in his field

ANTH1011 - 5.0 rating

Plavcan is a great professor and really knows his stuff

ANTH1013 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

63%

Textbook Required

47%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 17 grades
Most common grades:
A (5)
A+ (3)
C (3)
Grade Distribution
A(8)B(3)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 18 reported grades
A: 5
A+: 3
C: 3
B+: 2
Common Tags
LECTURE HEAVY (10)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Clear grading criteria (4)
Respected (3)
TEST HEAVY (3)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (3)
Hilarious (3)
Lecture heavy (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.39 avg change
Dec
Jan
Jul
Dec
Dec
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

OSTEOLOGY

5.0

(1)

INTROBIOANTH

5.0

(1)

BIOANTHR

5.0

(1)

ANTH3423

5.0

(1)

PRIMATEANTH

5.0

(1)
+18 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ANTHR1013

5.0

OSTEOLOGY

4.0

INTROBIOANTH

4.0

GRADUATE

4.0

BIOANTHRO

4.0

Reviews (83)
5.0
3.0
ANTH1011
Sep 10, 2002

He knows his stuff, and he teaches like a maniac. You'll love it.

3.0
2.0
ANTH1011
Mar 31, 2003

Lectures are fast paced and hard to follow. Entertaining.

4.0
4.0
ANTHRO
Apr 29, 2003

An acerbic sense of humor... be careful or he'll think you're dumb!

3.0
3.0
ANTHROPOLO
May 3, 2003

The Plav is a pretty nice guy, kind of arrogant, but he is always very excited to teach. Tests can be pretty tricky, but the grading scale is pud. DEFINITELY take this if you need another science.

3.0
2.0
ANTH
Feb 26, 2004

Distances himself from his students with his profound arrogance. Assumes that his personal academic affairs are of interest (or should be) to everyone. Probably doesn't care what his inferior, unqualified students think about him...

4.0
2.0
BIOANTH
Mar 4, 2004

Worth taking just for the monkey calls he does.

2.0
3.0
GENERAL
Grade: A+
Mar 5, 2004

No Comments

2.0
3.0
PHYSCORE
Mar 8, 2004

No Comments

5.0
1.0
ANTH
Mar 10, 2004

He is a passionate professor, dynamic in every way. His monkey calls bring out a primal instinct in me. I look forward to each lecture in hopes that he will perform them again and again.

5.0
1.0
ANTH
Mar 10, 2004

How could I forget to give such an attractive alpha male the chili pepper that he deserves?

5.0
4.0
OSTEOLOGY
Mar 10, 2004

Definitely not the easiest class ever, by far harder than Intro to PhysAnth! Plav knows his stuff VERY well, and he's freakin' hysterical! Cool guy.

5.0
1.0
ANTH
Mar 11, 2004

Delicious, too.

5.0
1.0
ANTHRO
Apr 2, 2004

I LOVE the Plav!

5.0
2.0
ANTH1013
Apr 12, 2004

Hard class. Must go every day, but you'll get some entertainment by watchin him. Very animated

5.0
2.0
ANTH
May 26, 2004

Easy class. Make sure you go to class though. Gives a good study guide.

5.0
4.0
INTROBIOANTH
Feb 16, 2005

Regardless of how dull the subject is, you can't help being infected by his enthusiasm. I don't think I've ever seen anyone enjoy his job more. Its the only class where 150 students can sit there hearing about Punnit squares with big grins on their faces.... Long Live the Plav-Stick!

5.0
2.0
BIOANTH
Feb 17, 2005

Funny guy. The class is great especially if you have a friend with you so that you can talk about the subject during class. It's also great to make jokes about the subject for that day, it at least helps me to learn the material. Like Hardy-Weinberg...cupcakes.

5.0
1.0
BIOANTH
Apr 8, 2005

Fun teacher that knows his stuff. He graduated form Duke and knows a lot about what he teaches. Pretty easy class with all multiple choice tests.

5.0
2.0
BIOANTHR
Apr 11, 2005

Great teacher. Very enthusiastic and animated. Makes boring material acceptable. Knows alot about the subject. You should take this class. 85-100 is an A and you get to drop a test.

5.0
3.0
ANTH3423
Apr 12, 2005

I love this man...

5.0
2.0
PRIMATEANTH
Apr 14, 2005

Plav is a great teacher. He makes you want to learn, and you laugh the whole time. This class inspired me. He makes you feel smart and want to do big things to impress him. Just go to class and you can't help but get an A. The trip to the zoo is the best. Field trips in college? I love this man.

5.0
2.0
ANTH
Apr 28, 2005

very good teacher, if he can make pliopliesodapiforms interesting you got to give him some credit. 85-100 A you cant beat that

4.0
4.0
ANTH1013
May 24, 2005

very cool teacher, but you HAVE to go to class!! he also curves a little, like an 85 is an A which is cool but NO extra credit, but you can drop 1 class which includes the final... if you can try not to take the final since it is over the whole semester... easy to talk to and ask questions... very into what he does too... very animated..

5.0
2.0
ANTH1013
Grade: C
Aug 13, 2005

Dr. Plavcan is the bomb! He's so much fun and he's so passionate about what he teaches that he makes the class interesting even if you don't care a bit about it. He's very helpful. If you need help, just ask him, he's great!

4.0
4.0
GRADUATE
Sep 3, 2005

No Comments

4.0
4.0
BIOANTHRO
Sep 6, 2005

I'm sorry.. he was a wonderful teacher, but the tests were HARD! You would think "oh 85-100 equals an A.. piece of cake", but that's not true. I'm a smart girl and I barely made a B.. it's hard subject manner if you're not really interested in it. I did however love him!

5.0
2.0
PRIMATE
Oct 11, 2005

Best teacher I have had so far. Its hard not to pay attention. He really makes you want to learn. Essay tests are not hard if you read, listen, and sorta study. He really makes you care about your work. I wish he would teach more classes though! Zoo field trip - how much better can you get?!

5.0
3.0
ANTH
Dec 14, 2005

Plavcan is just an overall wonderful professor. He is extremely intelligent, funny, engaging, and always makes the subject material interesting.

4.0
5.0
ANTH1013
Apr 10, 2006

I hate this class. I am a good student who very rarely gets less than an A, and I'm sitting on a D in this class. His tests are ridiculously hard, even with the curve. He's somewhat entertaining and genuinely cares about his students, but the tests are simply too difficult.

4.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Apr 23, 2006

Plavcan is hilarious! I get a good laugh every lecture. However, the material is not as easy as one might think, and it is important to pay attention in lecture and study before the tests.

5.0
2.0
ANTH
May 3, 2006

Nice, funny teacher. I like the class. Study hard for the second test! It's not too easy!

4.0
3.0
BIOANTH
May 4, 2006

Plavcan's a funny guy, makes class entertaining. Material is pretty difficult though, so really study for the tests, esp. the 2nd one!

5.0
3.0
BIOANTH
May 6, 2006

He is a good teacher who is very enthusiastic about what he does. He is funny which keeps the lectures from being dry. He loves to answer questions in class. On the other hand, he teaches extremely fast which makes note taking a little hard. His classes always run over about 5 to 10 minutes every time and he gets off subject A LOT.

1.0
5.0
BIOANTH
Apr 27, 2007

horrible

5.0
3.0
ANTH1011
May 6, 2007

Nice teacher, difficult class. Goes quickly through lecture but notes are really helpful. Leaves a complete study guide online for all the tests. Study ahead of time and you will do good. Plavcan has good stories about fossils found, his colleagues, and other random stuff.

5.0
1.0
ANTH1013
May 12, 2007

I loved Plavcan,and I loved his class too! If you are open minded you shouldn't have a problem. There is a lot of information to memorize, but he does give you a REALLY complete study guide. I only used the text to read when I missed a lecture.

5.0
3.0
METHTHEO
Dec 5, 2007

brilliant. his theoretical foundation is rock solid and extensive. his quantitative reasoning is superb and he will take the time to discuss topics with you and explain things step by step. excellent professor, even with the occaisional goofy joke and tangents.

3.0
4.0
ANTH1011
May 9, 2008

Dr. Plavcan delivers some of the most convoluted lectures I have had to endure throughout my four years at the UA. In many cases, he gives information that is not necessary for the tests; resulting in students becoming confused. Additionally, the class requires the memorization of far too much information for a 1000 level class.

5.0
3.0
BIOLANTH
Dec 6, 2008

Fantastic instructor- enthusiastic, funny, interesting, and very helpful! Course material is difficult, but if you use his study guide & attend class, you will do just fine. I highly recommend Plavcan!

4.0
2.0
ANTH1013
Apr 7, 2009

Plavcan is a good professor. He is funny and very friendly. His tests can be a tad difficult, but he has a 5 point grading curve, so the class is very easy if you study a little bit and review his study guide.

5.0
4.0
ANTH1011
Apr 8, 2009

Dr. Plavcan is an amazing teacher! yes, he does tend to rant on about some not necessary things, but they are relevant, just listen because he will say weather it will be on the test or not. if you go to class and take notes, you will pass. PS his curve for grading helps a ton!

4.0
3.0
ANTH1013
Apr 27, 2009

Extremely interesting. Excellent lectures. Just don't talk or come in late...he gets a bit passive/aggressive when people do.

4.0
3.0
ANTH1011
May 1, 2009

Plavcan was seriously hilarious and knows his stuff. He also tells a bunch of interesting stories or facts. He's a little eccentric but really makes a hard subject interesting. Go to class and study the notes/study guide and you'll barely have to use the book.

4.0
2.0
ANTH1013
May 11, 2009

Straightforward class. Go to lecture, you'll need it for the tests.

5.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Dec 10, 2009

Take good notes and study hard because the tests can be pretty difficult. Plavcan is funny and sometimes off topic, but very interesting. Just DO NOT talk during the lecture because he's very short-tempered. Overall, good teacher. Just study hard and you'll do alright.

4.0
5.0
ANTH1013
Dec 26, 2009

great teacher! very funny and couldn't be more knowledgeable. the material is difficult but as long as you memorized the information on the study guide you'll be fine. takes almost all test questions from study guide. if you are slightly interested in anthro he is definitely the teacher to take. this man is huge in the anthro world. great teacher.

5.0
4.0
ANTH1011
Jan 6, 2010

Wonderful professor! The material is tough but if you go to class and put in the time to study an A is definitely possible, especially bc 85+ is an A. He's so knowledgeable and always willing to help even in a class of 365! He goes fast but just tell him to slow down and he will. Seriously great man and knows everything in his field!

5.0
5.0
ANTHR1013
Jan 9, 2010

Great teacher, knows everything and takes the class very seriously but is really interesting!

2.0
5.0
ANTH1013
Jan 14, 2010

At first I was excited to take his class, he seemed very intersting and made the class fun, but when I went to him for help he shut the door in my face. Wanted to heat his lunch up and then went into his office. I even sent emails which I got nothing back in response from him. I would say if you have to take ANTH from there pick another teacher.

4.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Jan 28, 2010

i got an A, trust me YOU MUST ATTEND CLASS. he is a very nice, funny man and perfectly willing to help students understand what is going on. the tests are pretty hard, but you get to erase one test grade which is really nice. i would recommend typing your notes, he talks fast. no need to buy the textbook. he will teach you all you need to know.

4.0
2.0
ANTH1013
Feb 14, 2010

Dr. Plavcan is a great professor and really knows his stuff. Attend lecture and study and you'll be fine. Tests will be difficult if you don't attend lecture. I hope to take another class with him in the future.

5.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Apr 16, 2010

Plavcan is one of the best lecturers I've come across. Extremely knowledgeable of his subject, but also just as well-read on any other subject that might pop into his brain. He's also very funny, and will throw in interesting anecdotes about other scientists. But don't talk during his lecture! He'll stop the class and stare you down.

2.0
5.0
ANTH1013
Nov 7, 2010

I wanted to take this class for an easy science and it sucked. Labs suck, he sucks. I usually make all As and I bombed all the tests after studying for hours. He's unhelpful and forces his views on you. Take another class/teacher.

4.0
4.0
BIOANTH
Nov 22, 2010

Dr. Plavcan is amazing! His class really made me think and he is makes a long class VERY entertaining. For all you haters, get a sense of humor and actually study and you might see the light! He's also very nice to look at:)

5.0
3.0
BIOANTH
Nov 22, 2010

Dr. Plavcan is a very enthusiastic professor. He makes what could be very dull material very interesting. He knows so much about his field and he is also knowledgeable about an array of subjects. Definitely choose him for this course!

4.0
2.0
ANTH3923
Dec 26, 2010

His honors colloquium on primates is great. Very interesting and not much work, just three fairly easy tests and two papers. Plus, a field trip to the zoo! His lectures fly by and are actually kind of fun. He'll even bump up your grade if you're close and you've got good attendance and he thinks you deserve it. He's a very fair grader.

3.0
4.0
ANTHANTH
May 26, 2011

I found the class interesting but his tests were hard. The kind of guy you would want to have a beer with.

3.0
4.0
ANTH3123
Jan 8, 2013

evolution of human mating systems great guy. definitely knows his stuff. go to class or you won't be able to keep up. no extra credit. 3 essay exams/ 2 each... hard to figure out exactly what he is gonna ask. don't try and bs essays- wont work.. extremely interning course.

5.0
3.0
ANTH3903
Nov 15, 2013

Best professor I've had yet. Hands down.

3.0
5.0
ANTH1013
Grade: B-
Nov 20, 2015

This class is too hard for an intro level class, especially if you aren't interested in the department. I had a hard time figuring out the material, and the only grades are from tests. He is entertaining but the class is way harder than some other science credits you could take. I wouldn't recommend this class.

3.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 1, 2015

Plavcan's a pretty good teacher. He's really in to his work and knows what he's talking about. Probably one of the smartest professors I've met. His lectures can be long and boring but he is more than willing to help especially if you go to his office hours! You just have to put some time in to studying for tests.

4.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Grade: C
Dec 9, 2015

Great teacher, knows his stuff. Tests are tough and cover a lot of information. If you're taking this class as an "easy science class," don't. It is a hard class and you really have to work to make a good grade. Lab is also horribly boring.

4.0
3.0
ANTH1011
Grade: B+
Mar 28, 2016

This is one of the easier science core credits. If you read the book and pay attention in class you will do fine. Be prepared for a lot of information and hard tests. He always gave us a curve on tests and let a b+ be an A when I took it. If you're bad at science take this class.

4.0
3.0
ANTH1013
Grade: A
Apr 21, 2016

He really knows what he is talking about. If you don't go to the lectures, you won't do well on the tests. Drops your lowest test grade out of 4 so you don't have to take the final if you like your grade. He puts the lecture slides online but take notes on what he says in class.

3.0
5.0
ANTH1013
May 31, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I took this class as one of my core science credits, and it was WAY harder than I ever expected. I am usually not bad at science, but this class was all about types of monkeys and evolution and was so boring and hard. Do not recommend taking this class unless you are interested in this stuff.

5.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2016
Would take again

Yes, you will need to go to class, but the test so much easier that way. Yes, you will need to study for the tests. His policy (as of now) is that if you are happy with your grade after the first 3 tests, then your final is optional. He is a very respected teacher and I would take him again. He isn't hard, but it isn't a blow off class.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
2.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Oct 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Class is too difficult for a 1000 level. Too much information included on one test. Do not take this if you need a basic science credit.

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Grade: B+
Dec 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Professor Plavcan is extremely intelligent and has an obvious passion for anthropology, but his lectures have so much material in them that even a straight-A student would have trouble keeping an A. During a lot of his lectures, he would spend 45 minutes telling an irrelevant story from his work in the field and then cram 20 slides into 15 minutes.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Tests are tough
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Grade: A
Dec 15, 2017
Would take again

Go to class, pay attention, and study. He is super entertaining and loves what he teaches. Definitely recommend. Plus gives great study guides for tests.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Oct 4, 2018
Would take again

He makes class super interesting! You can take quizzes as many times up to a 100%. Study the material and youll do fine.

Hilarious
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Nov 2, 2018
Would take again

I love Dr. Plavcan. Extremely passionate about Anthro and is really intelligent on this topic. His lectures are really interesting & hes a funny guy. 3 tests, final is optional if you like your current grade. 3 quizzes you can take many times, 6 attendance grades. Lots of terms but I got an easy A in this class bc i studied and came to class

3.0
4.0
ANTH1011
Nov 28, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He does random attendance. He doesn't accept any excuses. You really have to put in time studying to pass the exams. Go to the lecture and pay attention, it really helps. He covers a lot of information in every lecture.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Grade: B
Dec 3, 2018
Wouldn't take again

This class is so boring. He seems to really know the material but the subject is awful. Tests are really hard and cover too much material. Definitely would not have taken this class if I knew this beforehand. He's not a bad teacher but his style is not an effective way for me to learn. Maybe I would have liked it better with a different teacher.

LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
ANTH1013
Grade: B
Dec 4, 2018
Would take again

If you don't have to take anthro for your major i wouldnt. you definitely have to work for your grade in this class but its very doable. Plavcan is a little goofy but he's nice and you can get a hold of him fairly easy.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
ANTH1013
Grade: A+
Dec 4, 2018
Would take again

Plavcan is a cool dude, and keeps the class interesting. Don't take this class if you don't want to have to memorize species of primates, and their characteristics. Lots of material covered, but the exams are easy if you know your stuff. He gives you a study guide with all the info you need for the tests, so study that and you'll be fine. Lab's fun

Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
ANTH1013
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2018
Would take again

Plavcan is a good choice for an easy science credit. He has a clear grading scale. He opens his quizzes for a whole week, and you can take it as many times until you get a 100. He also has random attendance checks. He'll provide all of his lectures and study guides to prepare for tests. You also have the option to drop the final.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
ANTH3903
Dec 29, 2018
Would take again

I took him for Evolution of Mating Systems, would take it again if I could! All of the lectures are really interesting. The only grades we had were for attendance and 3 exams. The 3rd exam was counted as our final. Make sure you go to the lectures or the Exams will be challenging. He only has two essay questions per exam.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Respected
4.0
5.0
BIOANTH
Dec 29, 2018
Would take again

I took Biology Anthropology and Evolution of mating Systems with him. He knows his stuff, make sure you show up for the lectures. He does random attendance checks and it WILL effect your grade if you miss them.

LECTURE HEAVY
Respected
Participation matters
3.0
5.0
ANTH1013
Grade: C
Jan 10, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He gives your a lot of opportunity to pass his class! But his class is super hard!!! I had a really hard time keeping up most of the time. If you miss a class you need to reach out to him and ask if you can meet with him to discuss the lecture. Really cool guy to just talk to and pick his brain! He has been out in the field and has done it all!

Skip class? You won't pass.
EXTRA CREDIT
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
ANTH1013
Grade: A-
Jul 21, 2019
Would take again

Two words. Monkey. Impressions.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
ANTH3903
Grade: A
Dec 12, 2019
Would take again

He is awesome. He'll talk your ear off if you let him, but he is wildly intelligent. I took Evolution of Human Mating which was actually an incredible topic to study. He writes his notes that he tests over on the board and will not post them, so if you skip class you're screwed for the test. The good news is you don't need to read at all.

Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
4.0
ANTH3903
Dec 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Plavcan does not do online class well. His class has 3 total assignments, 3 tests. He wants specific things mentioned on each test, but gets picky in the way you write it. When I reached out to him to see why my test grade was low, he blamed my studying habits. He does have an extra assignment to bring up grades, but it is not easy.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
5.0
2.0
ANTH3903
Grade: A+
Mar 2, 2022
Would take again

Amazing and really interesting lectures! As long as you show up for class, the course isn't that hard. Readings are necessary, but he does have them available, if you miss a lecture. 2 essay questions for exams; no multiple choice.

Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

63%

Textbook Required

47%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 17 grades
Most common grades:
A (5)
A+ (3)
C (3)
Grade Distribution
A(8)B(3)C(3)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 18 reported grades
A: 5
A+: 3
C: 3
B+: 2
Common Tags
LECTURE HEAVY (10)
Skip class? You won't pass. (6)
Clear grading criteria (4)
Respected (3)
TEST HEAVY (3)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (3)
Hilarious (3)
Lecture heavy (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.39 avg change
Dec
Jan
Jul
Dec
Dec
Mar
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

OSTEOLOGY

5.0

(1)

INTROBIOANTH

5.0

(1)

BIOANTHR

5.0

(1)

ANTH3423

5.0

(1)

PRIMATEANTH

5.0

(1)
+18 more courses
Difficulty by Course

ANTHR1013

5.0

OSTEOLOGY

4.0

INTROBIOANTH

4.0

GRADUATE

4.0

BIOANTHRO

4.0

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