Professor Fessler is a real cool and interesting guy. You can tell he knows a lot about anthro and he's super passionate. But ngl this was by far the most stressful class I have ever taken. I appreciate learning so much from Professor Fessler and my TA, but his tests are extremely difficult. The rubric is far more specific than what he leads on, and they are not worth a lot of points making it hard to get a decent grade without missing a single question. Getting a solid A is totally possible in this class, but make sure that you're willing to put some time and work in.

Took it as a science GE, is pretty manageable. Fessler is a very funny and engaging lecturer; he often drops weird little facts or anecdotes in class, but I think that actually helped a great deal in explaining the concepts and making it relevant to our daily lives. Reading the textbook and doing the online quizzes helped me a lot. I do feel like I walked out of the class with a bit more insight on us.

This was a cool class, really interesting subject matter. The tests were straightforward content-wise but the grading on essay questions was horribly arbitrary. They slash points like nobody's business if you miss certain components or key words that the TA was looking for. I took it as a GE and did well but would say it's pretty hard for a GE. Overall enjoyed the class though, take it if evolution is interesting to you.

My favorite professor this year by far. He teaches you so many random little facts and has a lecturing voice that I never felt tempted to fall asleep to. The midterm and final are all writing and are not easy, the grades are curved. Discussion stinks, but you gotta go. Still think he's worth it, though.

I took this class in Fall Quarter, yet I just realized that I didn't write a review.
Fessler rocks! He is the best lecturer I have had all year, bar none. He keeps it interesting and has everyone engaged, even at 9:30 (when my class was). The class is tough and requires alot of time if you want to get it all and do well, but it is easily worth the time. I got a TON out of the class and I'm applying stuff from it almost every day- amazing considering I'm a PoliSci/Econ major.
My highest recommendation.

i love professor fessler. taking his class made me decide to do an anthro minor or perhaps major.

for homework, you read a chapter every week, which isn't so bad, and you do 2 or 3 homework questions.

i wouldn't say it's EASY but it wasn't HARD either. i got a C on the midterm but got the 2nd highest grade on the final so i ended up with an A.

Very interesting class, Awesome professor, Not a lot of work. Highly recommend if you're interested in the material.

Dr. Fessler is an amazing lecturer! I never felt bored or fell asleep in class because he really knows how to captivate his audience. He is a dynamic speaker and very funny. His tests are all short answer, but don't let that scare you. All the questions are on the material emphasized in lecture and discussion, and he grades on a curve, which works to your advantage. This is my third year at UCLA, and Fessler is one of my best professors I've had. I can vividly remember almost everything he taught in lecture, even though I have a terrible memory. He is that good!:) If you have the opportunity to take any of his classes, I would highly recommend doing so.

Fessler is the most amazing professor that a student can ask for. His lectures are amazing, he makes anthropology incredibly interesting, and he has a good sense of humor. This class was no easy A though; I definitely had to work really hard, but it was so worth it. After every lecture, I wanted to just give him a hug or standing ovation because he was just amazing. The midterm and final are pretty difficult, but not tricky. Study hard, you won't regret it.

I have nothing but praises for Professor Fessler. He is hard, don't get me wrong. You probably won't get an A. However, this is one of the most engaging classes I have ever taken at UCLA. His unorthodox style of lecturing is impressive and entertaining. He keeps the class' attention and he loves to teach. His tests are difficult. You have to study. But this class is well worth it.

His discussion sections are amazing as well. This is one of the only lower division social sciences classes that I have taken where discussion is somewhat useful. Prior to this class, discussions were pretty much a waste of time. However, Fessler uses this time to go over key concepts, re-enforce course ideas, and make sure that students understand the reading.

If you're looking for an easy GE, don't take this class. If you're looking for an interesting, challenging GE, take this class. Fessler is an amazing professor.

He is difficult, but an amazing prof. It is more than possible toget an A just by studying and doing the reading. His grading system is incredibly fair, he even guaranteed As to the sudents who do exceptionally well on the final, regardless of prior preformance in the class. He cares a lot about the students and chances are you will even get a chance to go tolunch with him. Take him, you won't regret it!