3.0
Quality3.3
Difficulty54%
Would Retake118
Reviews54%
Would Retake
118
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
25
4
31
3
19
2
29
1
14
What Students Say
“Chavez is an excellent professor, and as long as you study well for the exams you will do fine”
ANT175 - 5.0 rating“He is a great guy willing to help his students and down to earth”
ANT175 - 4.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
40%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.46 avg changeRatings by Course
ANT132
5.0
(1)ANT213
4.0
(1)ANT171
4.0
(1)ANT321
3.8
(17)ANT175
3.1
(93)Difficulty by Course
ANT342
4.0
ANT340
3.7
ANT175
3.4
ANT
3.0
ANT321
2.9
Reviews (118)
Boring material and class, half essay tests, have to go to all classes and read book to do well on tests. don't take if you don't have to
Sergio is by far the easiest professor I've had at Central. Tip, if you go to the class, don't waste your money buying the books, he gives all the info for the test inlecture. Gives the essay question long ahead of time for preperation.Great GPA booster.
He is very knowledgable on his subject matter. He is very good at lecturing. I recommend looking for his name when applying for classes.
I found his class to be interesting but challenging to those with little anthro background. Read the books, lecture notes not as important - except for the vocab lists. Talk about Peru with him.
unclear at times, very knowlesable but not very helpful when you ask and has hard tests over things that he might have no reviewed and is very detailed.
Dr. Chavez is a very good teacher. He is extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter. Also, he makes very clear what you'll be tested on and prepares students for tests better than any other prof. I've had at CMU.
whole class just failed a test that HE DIDN'T EVEN GRADE!!! He had a grad student do it. He has turned out to be worthless
Has Grad student grad essays- she has no clue what we covered in class. Not very helpful when asking question, avoids any communication. Very knowledgeable, but I think he assumes everyone is part archeologist..
He doesn't grade your essays. Some grad student does and gives every person a failing grade. It's a pain. Do not take it if you want a good GPA
I am really frustrated with the grading methodology of the graduate student who critiques the essays. If you don't make every key point, she summarily fails you.
this was the worst experience that i have ever had at CMU. Sergio doesn't grade the tests, and he takes FOREVER to get them back to you. i received a failing grade for at least B+ / A- work. you have to explain every little detail for credit on essays
the majority of people in the class did not get the C they needed to get credit. Not worth it for a UP.
Not an easy class for the lazy student. But, if you go and pay attention it isn't that bad. I got an A-, and I didn't even read the books, I just took good notes, and participated in class. Intresting stuff.
No Comments
Not an easy class at all! You still fail after doing all tests and extra credit work. He doesn't grade the papers and you recieve failing grades with no reason. Nothing else is even written on the papers. Avoid this class!
I can't believe he took a subject like Archaeology and made it so boring. The whole class is lectured in outline. If you sit in the back you will MOST DEFINITELY fall asleep. I took this class and recieved a C as a grade. I hope you don't take this class.
Terrible teacher...its more boring that mathcing paint dry during the summer.
Read the books and go to class. If you take good notes you can ace the tests. He is a very knowledgable man and is very interesting. Definately take this class for a UP instead of a foreign language.
His accent does not get in the way-- just adds spice to the lectures. The imformation is straight-forward, and not overwhelming. Be careful in choosing how to approach extra-credit. It can propell your grade no matter what. Even if you are at the top.
You don't have to read the book because he doesn't either. Just listen and take notes on what he thinks its about.
If you don't like archaeology, don't take this class cuz it's SO borning, but if you do then it's good, cuz it'll be interesting and you can get a UP out of the way. don't need to read the books, just take All the notes and you'll do great.
Can anybody say BOO YEAH!?
good gut but hard class. essay questions are very difficult.
This class is boring, so if you have no intrest in archaeology, don't take it. The tests are hard, and the essays are even more difficult. Attendance is a must, but the books aren't.
Very boring. If you can manage to stay awake in class, you dont need to read the book... I got a B like that.
Horribly boring. Easy if you just go to class and take the notes, study like an hour before the test and the essays are broad enough that they are easy. But you will be bored to tears during class and there is no need to read the book.
hard to understand...lots of reading to do on your own. Very boring class.
BORING!!! Teaches students like they are still in elementary school (for example: he explained for about 10 minutes what latitude and longitude are).
Easy class with easy tests. as long as you go through your notes. He is a bit hard to understand at times but makes his points clear in his outlines. I didnt read the book at all and im passing the class. Not like that says much
No need to buy the texts. However, live by what he has for notes! If you slip up on yur notes you will fail. Everything is practically word for word from note to test.Do the extra credit and make sure you KEEP EVERY EXAM, he does make errors. Overall, this is an interesting class.
Sergio is a very nice guy!! His tests may seem hard at the beginning, but you'll get used to them. My advice (from personal experience) just go to class, and meet with him after classes if you need to! He DOES let you retake exams, granted that your attendance has been good!
Everything from the exams is from the notes. You don't need to read the assignments, but do show up for class. He is very understanding about Extra Credit, etc.
For those people who do not want to take a foreign language class for a UP, this class is definitely the one to take. All the exams are directly from the notes, and he can be very understanding when there are troubles in the class
Very intelligent, interesting man. BUT TOUGH. I loved the subject (my major) but failed the class. A bit dull, lots of work every week, hard tests, but passable and great for a student who wants to REALLY KNOW the subj.
Not my major, simply a UP, but I loved it. He's an amazing man, full of information. Just do your reading comprehensively, and attend most classes; you'll do fine. I'd highly reccommend anyone to take this.
No Comments
For a UP, it's not a bad class. There are four exams which make up your final grade. There is attendance taken everyday that either can help you if you are on the brink of a grade or can tear you down a grade. The whole class is just reading stories and the books are pretty interesting (coming from a non ANT major)
He is a schedueled man to say the least. Yes, attendance is mandatory, tests are wishy-washy- you think you know something and he has you elaborate. You have to find a groove and for god sakes, read the books. All in all, not bad- B-B+
Show up to class everytime and take the notes. Tests come straight from them. Don't buy the book. Tough grader.
Very interesting class...my favorite by far. He makes it very interesting, it's like discovering a whole new way of life. There is a lot of reading but it isn't textbook reading, very interesting.
He sometimes repeats himself but other than that he is a good professor. He is easily understood, despite the accent. He also is willing to help any student with the material.
This class was really interesting, even as a psych major. He's a great guy, and all you need to do is go to class and take the notes. Tests aren't bad at all as long as you study your notes and memorize them 1 or 2 nights before. His study guides are helpful. He shows cool slides. I don't mind going to this class, although you NEVER get out early!
I found the class pretty boring, but he is a really nice guy and is a good professor. His tests cna be pretty tricky if you don't study enough for them though.
Boring, but his tests were totally off of his study guides, so I guess its cool.
He is very organized, and very clear. He tells you the essay questions before the exams. His exams are easy, and come straight from the notes. The books that you are assigned to read aren't even bad! Overall interesting class!
Very easy class.tests are off of the study guides. However comes off arrogant.first day,telling us what hes done and 'how qualified he is to teach us.but constatnly gets facts wrong. uses outdated studies that have been disproven.if you try to show him otherwise, he gets angry.im an anthropology major.ok if your not anthro major, if you are, beware
his exams are completely based off the notes he gives in class; memorize those and you're set. other than that the class is interesting & he's a good prof
Good teacher. If you study all his lecture notes and go to every class you will do fine. He makes the class interesting and sometimes even brings in real artifacts.
excellent prof. has a lot of kowledge and is very helpful to students. One of the best teachers I had.
Hard to understand, Repeats himself constantly, always starts late and keeps you 1-3 min late EVERY DAY. In my opinion very boring, I had no previous interest and now dislike it highly. I struggled with the tests. buy the book online, it was cheap. I would NOT reccommend this class.
The information is very interesting however I did not like his teaching style. He would spend around 15 minutes (of an otherwise 50 minute class) going over the previous days lecture notes. He ALWAYS kept us over our alloted time, if you miss a day it's hard to get back on track for the exam The only grades are the 4 exams and an extra credit paper
Noe helpful, test are hard, doesn't give notes in a helpful manner.
I thought ANT 175 was interesting...I learned a lot. The professor has an accent, but is still easy enough to understand. You don't really need the two books much - just make flashcards with the exact information from the notes. The exams are not tricky at all either. Class can get a little boring sometimes, but I enjoyed it for the most part.
The class itself was interesting. His lectures were very boring and dry. Study guides were to much, hard to study. Over all I really hated this class and I wouldn't recommend this prof to anyone. If you can take it with anyone else that you can.
He had very interesting stories and I really enjoyed this class, although I didn't do as well as I would have hoped. Be sure to study and practice your essay questions and you will be fine.
He takes attendance everyday, so be sure to show up. The tests are relatively easy if you read the books (which are actually pretty interesting/easy) and go to class. He gives you the essays ahead of time too.
He's a decent teacher, and I found the material pretty interesting. Only four exams for grading though, so notes are important. Also one extra credit paper, which helps.
Took this class in desperation for a UP. Wasnt too bad. Go to class cuz he takes attendance. DONT buy the book. There was 99% of the material in the notes. EC paper helped. Exams are really tough. Half MC Half Short Answer. You definitely have to memorize every last bit of info from notes. It was pretty interesting though and hes a nice guy.
Great guy but lectures can be dry. If you are seriously interested in archaeology get to know him outside of class. He sometimes takes students with him into the field. Is very willing to help students if you take the time to talk to him.
I'm still taking this class and after the first exam I can tell you that the study guide alone isn't going to help you. It is confusing and the essays on the exam are extremely difficult. I would suggest taking another UP if I were you unless the class is required.
If your taking this class as a UP in section 4B, TAKE ANOTHER CLASS! Tests are the only points you get besides 1 outside assignment, and attendance, and he grades HARD on the essays. If you don't have every bit of information on the subject that you are writing about he will give you no points.
This was the biggest waste of time. I am an honors student, getting straight As, and I usually love all of my classes. I hated his class. He gives incorrect information and spends more time on boring rants than covering the actual material. His grading is frustratingly hard. Take it with someone else!
He is a great guy willing to help his students and down to earth. His class seems to be boring at times, but its worth the UP. The tests are quite a challenge and the study guides don't help. As long as you take notes, get all your attendance points, and do decent on your paper then you will be fine. STUDY!
Come to class, he takes attendance and all his exams come from lecutre. I didn't read a word out of either texts and I got an A-. Plus, before each exam he tells you what question the essay portion is going to be about, major help when it comes to studying.
Very passionate about his subject. Class is interesting, but a lot of notes will be taken. If you study, an A is not hard to obtain, he will give you everything you need to know in class.
It would help if he spoke up, low talker he is. Also it is really annoying at how slow he passed the test out rather than be systematic. One hour in this class is pure torture. Interesting subject told by a boring low talker.
This is not to hard of a class the textbook is so boring and hard to follow. Just go to class and write extra notes. He is very intelligent instructor and can be funny. He is picky on the essay questions but he gives you the question before. His paper is EASY just don't be an idiot and copy the brochure from the powwow lol.
Knows about the subject because he works in the Andes, but work comes before students. DOESN'T know how to teach it to others. Tests are on EVERYTHING about cultures instead of overviews. Forgets if he changes due dates or details. Leaves out critical information like formatting; originally said APA or Chicago and only graded for Chicago style.
Just not good at teaching.
The literal worst prof ever. I didnt hear one person speak the entire semester Assigns readings then spends the next class flipping through the book, mentioning sentences from the reading Would rather be doing his research than teaching Has no due dates or specific out of class guidelines then marks you off for not doing the one he wanted.
I really liked him, he gives a lot of notes and his out of class assignment was really easy to do well on as long as you try. He also was very funny and passionate about what he was teaching.
HORRIBLE TEACHER!!!! He only gives one assignment and the rest of your grade is from 4 exams and attendance. You need to take tons of notes and then gives your a study guide for exams that is pointless. If you fail one exam, you are screwed. Don't take his class.
He said this semester grades were lower than ever. Tests were impossible, didnt stick to schedule, Im an Honor student and may not even pass this class. DO NOT TAKE IT. It is torture
One assignment and four exams is what you get graded on. So much could be done with this class, I'm very dissapointed
Dr. Chavez is an excellent professor, and as long as you study well for the exams you will do fine. Many people who complained about their grades were the students who never came to class. As long as you attend the class and take notes, you will do fine. If you have any questions about the material, talk to him and he will answer your questions
Unnecessarily hard. Four exams and a paper are the only thing in the grade book. If you want to pass you MUST come to class, take notes, and read the book. Very interesting subjects and he knows what he's talking about. Worked my butt off for a B
Very poor. Grades far too hard on essay questions as he expects you to regurgitate every single little detail. Also takes forever to grade.
I'm majoring in anthro & I absolutely hated this class b/c he would ramble ALL class. The exam essay Qs were graded hard in which he expected us to include ALL details & he took forever to grade & never updated BB even when asked 100 times. It also sucks b/c he only grades 500 points & 400 of them are from exams, do bad on 1=not likely to get an A
Avoid him at all costs. Period
The main issues I have with him is that he is a HARSH grader on the exam essays. If you don't include every detail ever given, you won't get full credit. (and that is difficult during only 50 mins) Just got a 62% on the 2nd exam and only 7 people (out of 44) did better than me... Also, he doesn't answer questions well. So don't bother asking.
So hard! I had to drop this class to keep an E off of my transcript. It was very boring and he is difficult to understand. He doesn't explain very much and the tests are very hard! Your entire grade is based off of 4 exams, which are extremely difficult.
Don't take this class. Just Don't.
Honestly, the best part about this class is Sergio's accent, but the content itself is still very interesting. If you read the book and pay attention during lectures you will get a good grade. He tells you everything you need to know in great detail and is always willing to discuss things after class if you are confused. Love him and this class!
Sergio is one of the worst professors I have ever taken. I hated everything about this class. His lectures were often completely off the wall, says things that just don't make sense and is overall arrogant. DO NOT TAKE HIM.
I enjoyed Dr. Chavez's class!! He's a tough teacher and grader, but if you respect him and put in the work he expects you to do, you'll get along great!! Don't be afraid to ask questions during and after lectures, he'll appreciate you all the more for it and he's eager to help!!
This class was a million times harder than it should've been because he grades exams so harshly. Expects you to include every single detail on essay questions. Lectures are boring and he always holds the class over time. Don't buy the text, exams are entirely based off notes. Take a different prof if you can
This is a 100-level class however he treated it like 300-level class. Tests are extremely hard due to the essay question that he expects in GREAT detail. He does offer study sessions which are extremely helpful. Make sure you go to the class or you will fail. Very kind person, but a very old fashioned professor.
Dr. Chavez is both informative, caring, and passionate. Bad ratings found here are merely the result of that students personal dilemmas. This class is not difficult when the right amount of effort is applied. Dr. Chavez makes is extremely clear time and time again what is to be expected on essays, papers, and readings.
Very hard on grammar! There is one big paper you have to write after visiting the museum. Grammar has to be spot on or he marks you down! Exams are multiple choice and one essay question, but he tells you what the essay will be. Grammar counts on the exam essay just as well!
Have to go to class for the notes. Exams are medium difficult.
100 level course graded at about the 300 level. He never updates grades, grades EXTREMELY hard on the essay portions of exams (40 points/100) & expects you to regurgitate EVERY DETAIL of the material, mostly out of the book that is extremely dense & difficult to read/understand. Not accessible or approachable. Doesn't explain anything well. AVOID.
He was definitely my worst professor that I had for this semester. Everything is lecture based, tells you to read out of these books that irrelevant so do not buy them. You get 4 exams, a paper, and attendance (exams100 pts a piece, paper 60, attendance40). He is a very nice guy and passionate about the subject but the exams were very difficult.
You have five grades for the entire class, four lectures and an essay. This is a entry level class and he treats it like everyone is going into archeology. DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS. You are better off taking spanish or something.
HORRIBLE PROFESSOR, never take this turd face professor. He is very unclear in his grading, and every exam he has you write 3-4 page essay that he does not grade fairly. He always goes late with lecture and does not know how to teach. Grading scale is horrid.
Worst class I've ever taken. He treats the class as if you are an ANT major, for a 100 level its harder than any other 400 or 500 class I've taken. You would be better off doing a language than taking this course. There are 4 exams with 4 page essays , 1 out of class paper and attendance and that is all you get. Exams are very unclear.
He's fine, you don't need the books. If you follow the study guides like a bible and go to study sessions you'll be set.
Exams are pretty tough. Gives extensive notes but it's hard to keep up. Doesn't use blackboard, isn't very accessible through email either. Pretty good professor, you'll do okay if you show up to class. Essays on the exams are ridiculously hard and graded incredibly tough.
Great professor. Lecture heavy, but displays everything you need to write on overhead. Only a few grades, but gives out a detailed study guide and has review sessions. Also gives essay question a week before the exam, so you have plenty of time to study the material. Isn't as hard a grader as everyone says. Very passionate and brings in artifacts
Dr. Chavez is a great teacher and really goes above and beyond to make the class enjoyable for his students. He displays all the notes on the overhead so you just have to copy them down. If you show up to class and pay attention you shouldn't have to ever read the book. I really enjoyed this class and would recommend to a friend.
This is not a hard class just take very detailed notes. The exam questions come exactly from the points he emphasizes on in class, so you really don't have to read the books. He even gives you the exams questions ahead of time so theres really no reason not to pass his exams. The only downside is that the class is only out of 500 points.
He is honestly a great professor. He is very knowledgeable about the material you cover. Just do not miss a class; his lectures are very detailed and helpful for exams. Only 4 exams and 1 out of class event paper.
Exams come directly from notes so going to class and taking detailed notes is essential to getting an A. He even gives you the essay questions ahead of time. The class is only out of 500 point and attendance is included.
Make sure you memorize every single detail of this class for the exam. Incredibly picky. Exams are 40% multiple choice, 60% essay. He wants every single detail he said in that essay. He gives an exam study guide which is pretty helpful, but show up to every single class or miss out on a large part of the exam. Good luck.
Dr. Chavez is a real sweetheart and is funny! He really does care about his students. Personally, I found this class very interesting. Class is completely lecture but if you take notes of what he writes and says, you'll be fine for the exams. Unfortunately, you're grade is made up of only your attendance, 4 exams, and a very easy essay.
Professor Chavez is one of the worst professors I've had at Central. He's very softspoken and his classes are so boring because all he does is lecture. Exams take up the majority of your final grade so if you do bad on one exam your whole grade drops. DO NOT buy the books! There is assigned readings from the books but I didn't think they helped me.
He is very passionate about archaeology. He's not very good at using the internet so you have to be in class if you want the information. He only lectures and your only grades are 4 tests and a paper. You aren't allowed to use a computer for notes either. He is a good lecturer, but you have to pay attention if you want to pass.
Dr. Chavez is a great guy. Unfortunately, this semester got cut in half so it was half online and half in-person. Very lecture heavy, but he does his best to make it interesting! He had us read and do summary reports on A LOT of articles throughout the entire semester. Just write down notes of his lectures and you'll be fine! Not a hard grader tho!
Dr. Chavez is clearly passionate about anthropology. As long as you attend the class and take notes you should do alright on the tests. However, the only grades are for 4 exams and 1 paper.
I did not add a grade above as I took this class as a CR. Chavez gives really long lectures, he will keep the class the entire hour 15. Take really good extensive notes on these lectures, do NOT undervalue them, what's on the lectures is on the tests. Tests were not hard but definitely not easy, I averaged a C. Also graded on a final subject paper.
100 level class with expectations of a 400 level class. A stickler of a grader, grades very hard. Essay portions on exams are graded harshly, and has expectations that you yourself are a ANT major. Exams cover tons of material. Lectures are fast paced and keeps you past time. Doesn't grade fairly and graded by 4 exams and a paper. Set up to fail.
Dr. Chavez is one of my favorite professors I've had. If you're looking for an easy UP credit, this class isn't it, but if you want an interesting class where you can learn, this is an amazing choice. The class is based on 4 exams and 1 paper. If you study for the exams and go to the review sessions, you'll do fine. He is also super enthusiastic!
By far one of the best professors Ive had in my time at CMU. Enjoys participation, and has very little work to do outside of class room, just make sure you study for exams!
Do not take if looking for an easy UP. very lecture heavy and his exams are very detailed and hard. I used the textbook at first but did not find it helpful at all, and he posted all the readings online for us. Only 4 exams and 1 paper, which I felt he graded tough. Class was hard for someone with no ANT background. He is, however, very passionate.
Professor Chavez is very passionate! His lectures are very long, so make sure you take very good notes and use them to study. There are only 4 exams and 1 paper for your grades... thats it. That was not something that I had anticipated. He loves participation as well and make sure you attend class :)
Took class during covid- he was caring about it and would change deadlines. Chavez was lecture heavy but content was interesting, pay attention to them and study it hard for exams. 1 easy paper, but hardest work was the exams- quite detail oriented. Readings before classes were sometimes super long. He is a great guy, and gave us the textbook
Professor Chavez is the reason that I decided to focus on Archeology. He is so passionate about his work and it shows. He is very understanding when it comes to assignments and is there for his students. While he is a heavy lecturer, he posts the powerpoints online. He is quick to respond to emails and is understanding of situations.
Professor Chavez started out as a great professor, but as someone looking for a somewhat easy class to take, this is not the move. Only graded on like 5 things, and there is no extra credit available. He is nice and passionate, but the class is unnecessarily hard. overall 4/10
Ive been in college for 6 years, so Ive had my fair share of mediocre and downright bad professors. This one falls into the latter category. He is a very tough grader and his tests are written to set you up to fail. Literally. The average class score was a 42 on the multiple choice portion of our last test! That alone should tell him something.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
40%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.46 avg changeRatings by Course
ANT132
5.0
(1)ANT213
4.0
(1)ANT171
4.0
(1)ANT321
3.8
(17)ANT175
3.1
(93)Difficulty by Course
ANT342
4.0
ANT340
3.7
ANT175
3.4
ANT
3.0
ANT321
2.9