Professor
Damon Woods
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Most Helpful Review
I took Hist. 9E with this prof after looking at the grade distributions on bruinwalk. I expected somewhat of an easy A, but I had to work my ass off just to get an A- in the class. If you get Steve Rodriguez as your TA, you are fucked- he's the worst TA ever. During discussion he talks about things irrelevant to the class, and only started talking about our readings beginning week 8 -_-. The professor and TA's scam you on the midterm; for the identification terms you will need to have at least a half page of information on each term to get full credit on the term (they tell you you only need 2-3 sentences describing the term's location, significance, and definition). I would've got a B, but luckily for me I got some guidance from the OTHER TAs' review sessions. Overall, my TA gave maybe 4 A's and the other TA's gave about 20+ A's. Don't take this class, i'm not even kidding.
I took Hist. 9E with this prof after looking at the grade distributions on bruinwalk. I expected somewhat of an easy A, but I had to work my ass off just to get an A- in the class. If you get Steve Rodriguez as your TA, you are fucked- he's the worst TA ever. During discussion he talks about things irrelevant to the class, and only started talking about our readings beginning week 8 -_-. The professor and TA's scam you on the midterm; for the identification terms you will need to have at least a half page of information on each term to get full credit on the term (they tell you you only need 2-3 sentences describing the term's location, significance, and definition). I would've got a B, but luckily for me I got some guidance from the OTHER TAs' review sessions. Overall, my TA gave maybe 4 A's and the other TA's gave about 20+ A's. Don't take this class, i'm not even kidding.
Most Helpful Review
I took Intro to Southeast Asian Studies with Prof. Woods - not History: 1A. There was no SEA course option. Great professor! His lectures are very easy to follow, and he's extremely friendly. If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask because I'm sure he'd love to help. The class consists of a map test, 10 page paper, the midterm, and the final. The midterm and final are quite easy because he gives you a study guide, and the questions will only come from there. The only thing that you have to be aware of are the TONS of weekly reading that you'll have to do. BUT, if you use your time wisely and read the articles in advance, it is not very difficult to finish. Take this class! It's a really easy GE, and I found some of the readings very interesting.
I took Intro to Southeast Asian Studies with Prof. Woods - not History: 1A. There was no SEA course option. Great professor! His lectures are very easy to follow, and he's extremely friendly. If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask because I'm sure he'd love to help. The class consists of a map test, 10 page paper, the midterm, and the final. The midterm and final are quite easy because he gives you a study guide, and the questions will only come from there. The only thing that you have to be aware of are the TONS of weekly reading that you'll have to do. BUT, if you use your time wisely and read the articles in advance, it is not very difficult to finish. Take this class! It's a really easy GE, and I found some of the readings very interesting.
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Most Helpful Review
Professor Woods is so passionate about Southeast Asian history!!! His lectures are just him speaking, which is hard to concentrate sometimes, so better drink a cup of coffee beforehand. Be sure to take notes because those are the only references you have to study with! No Course Reader!!! A week's readings consist of one to three academic journal articles, which are posted online. Discussion is unnecessarily two hours long, but it does help with understanding the articles, which may come back as an essay question on the study guide. For the midterm and final, Prof. Woods provides you with a study guide with the ID's and essay he would choose from. The midterm is easy, as long as you're acquainted with the study guide. The final is double the terms along with two essays, which is a bitch for your wrist, but everything is expected, and the only thing you have to do is write. The 10-page paper requires thorough research but as long as you meet its requirements, you'll be fine. Ended up with an A because I studied only the terms and essay thoroughly on the study guide. From the lectures, you can see how passionate and devoted Professor Woods is to the subject. Overall, the subject is easy to grasp and exams are totally manageable.
Professor Woods is so passionate about Southeast Asian history!!! His lectures are just him speaking, which is hard to concentrate sometimes, so better drink a cup of coffee beforehand. Be sure to take notes because those are the only references you have to study with! No Course Reader!!! A week's readings consist of one to three academic journal articles, which are posted online. Discussion is unnecessarily two hours long, but it does help with understanding the articles, which may come back as an essay question on the study guide. For the midterm and final, Prof. Woods provides you with a study guide with the ID's and essay he would choose from. The midterm is easy, as long as you're acquainted with the study guide. The final is double the terms along with two essays, which is a bitch for your wrist, but everything is expected, and the only thing you have to do is write. The 10-page paper requires thorough research but as long as you meet its requirements, you'll be fine. Ended up with an A because I studied only the terms and essay thoroughly on the study guide. From the lectures, you can see how passionate and devoted Professor Woods is to the subject. Overall, the subject is easy to grasp and exams are totally manageable.
Most Helpful Review
Summer 2022 - I took this class based on the reviews I saw. This summer’s class was hardly like that. He’s one of those professors that doesn’t give 100s for a full score and up to a 95 only. His TA Jessica is also known to dock points on assignments if they’re not perfect or go above and beyond. Professor’s grading plus Jessica’s grading is a recipe for struggle in this class, and they make it so difficult to get an A. Unless something changes, then I’d recommend it as a lower division GE.
Summer 2022 - I took this class based on the reviews I saw. This summer’s class was hardly like that. He’s one of those professors that doesn’t give 100s for a full score and up to a 95 only. His TA Jessica is also known to dock points on assignments if they’re not perfect or go above and beyond. Professor’s grading plus Jessica’s grading is a recipe for struggle in this class, and they make it so difficult to get an A. Unless something changes, then I’d recommend it as a lower division GE.
Most Helpful Review
Excellent professor. I also took 176E. I agree with the other poster - he's actually the antithesis of whatever that poster wrote. He's organized, his lectures are clear, and he is actually very approachable. There isn't much to say except to rely on lecture materials - a high percentage of IDs are from lecture. Readings are important only as much as needed for citing. He works closely with Sardesai and Dutton I believe - so if you had had either Woods would be a great choice.
Excellent professor. I also took 176E. I agree with the other poster - he's actually the antithesis of whatever that poster wrote. He's organized, his lectures are clear, and he is actually very approachable. There isn't much to say except to rely on lecture materials - a high percentage of IDs are from lecture. Readings are important only as much as needed for citing. He works closely with Sardesai and Dutton I believe - so if you had had either Woods would be a great choice.
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Most Helpful Review
***TOOK SEA ST 1*** The option for Southeast Asian Studies 1 wasn't available but that's the class I took with Professor Woods. I took it during the summer. One word: wow. I absolutely loved this class with Professor Woods. I went into the class knowing little and had no special interest in the subject matter. However not only was he a great lecturer, but he was one of those professors that you knew truly cared about student learning. He was extremely kind in and out of the classroom. He made the extra mile to ensure that his students understood the subject material. The way he lectures is that he talks the whole time with very little visual aids. He will sometimes use the board to spell out certain names or draw diagrams but that's about it. I never was bored during his class and really enjoyed every lecture. He is very clear and concise but also adds a bit of humor here and there to lighten the mood. The workload was manageable. There was a map test (multiple choice), cultural paper (4-5 pages), research paper (8-10 pages), and a final exam (3 essays of 1000 words each) as well as weekly readings. Although it may seem like a lot of work for a 6 week summer session, it was very rewarding in the end. This isn't just some other GE class where you do as little as possible to get the A. Professor Woods motivates his students to really connect and to be passionate about the material. I found the research paper and final exam essays to not be too challenging but others probably thought it was too much writing. However, this class is a must-take. Professor Woods certainly makes all the difference. He only teaches this class during the summer so don't give up the chance!
***TOOK SEA ST 1*** The option for Southeast Asian Studies 1 wasn't available but that's the class I took with Professor Woods. I took it during the summer. One word: wow. I absolutely loved this class with Professor Woods. I went into the class knowing little and had no special interest in the subject matter. However not only was he a great lecturer, but he was one of those professors that you knew truly cared about student learning. He was extremely kind in and out of the classroom. He made the extra mile to ensure that his students understood the subject material. The way he lectures is that he talks the whole time with very little visual aids. He will sometimes use the board to spell out certain names or draw diagrams but that's about it. I never was bored during his class and really enjoyed every lecture. He is very clear and concise but also adds a bit of humor here and there to lighten the mood. The workload was manageable. There was a map test (multiple choice), cultural paper (4-5 pages), research paper (8-10 pages), and a final exam (3 essays of 1000 words each) as well as weekly readings. Although it may seem like a lot of work for a 6 week summer session, it was very rewarding in the end. This isn't just some other GE class where you do as little as possible to get the A. Professor Woods motivates his students to really connect and to be passionate about the material. I found the research paper and final exam essays to not be too challenging but others probably thought it was too much writing. However, this class is a must-take. Professor Woods certainly makes all the difference. He only teaches this class during the summer so don't give up the chance!
Most Helpful Review
the class is really interesting, if you're into S.E.A. he's from the phillipines with a filipina wife, so sometimes he forgets what country he's referring himself to (because he identifies himself as an american and filipino) and refers to both. just bring it up, and he'll correct himself. the class was pretty good. i turned in my paper late so i got a B in the class. it's relatively easy, but so interesting! you gotta be into the subject though, or you're be bored. i wish he taught more upp div seasian classes, but then i would have to wish for more seasian classes in general. the downside to small departments, i guess.
the class is really interesting, if you're into S.E.A. he's from the phillipines with a filipina wife, so sometimes he forgets what country he's referring himself to (because he identifies himself as an american and filipino) and refers to both. just bring it up, and he'll correct himself. the class was pretty good. i turned in my paper late so i got a B in the class. it's relatively easy, but so interesting! you gotta be into the subject though, or you're be bored. i wish he taught more upp div seasian classes, but then i would have to wish for more seasian classes in general. the downside to small departments, i guess.
Most Helpful Review
I took SE A ST 1 with Professor Woods and, although I had no connection the topic and no real interest, he was wonderful in giving information. His lectures are pretty simple, he tells funny stories and they end early very often. The midterm and final are fair, and he gives you study guides so you know exactly what you need to study which is extremely helpful. The readings are interesting, but not necessary at all since you simply are recommended to state them in your exams but not required. There is one 10 pages paper which is a little rough, but it is about any topic of your choice. the TA's are amazing and very fair, and Professor Woods was a very fun and sweet professor. I would recommend his class, a pretty easy A.
I took SE A ST 1 with Professor Woods and, although I had no connection the topic and no real interest, he was wonderful in giving information. His lectures are pretty simple, he tells funny stories and they end early very often. The midterm and final are fair, and he gives you study guides so you know exactly what you need to study which is extremely helpful. The readings are interesting, but not necessary at all since you simply are recommended to state them in your exams but not required. There is one 10 pages paper which is a little rough, but it is about any topic of your choice. the TA's are amazing and very fair, and Professor Woods was a very fun and sweet professor. I would recommend his class, a pretty easy A.
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