This class was the most boring GE ever, unfortunately. I wanted to like this class so bad as I am very interested in Greek mythology, but they should genuinely rename the class to ARCHAEOLOGY of ancient Greece. the whole class was based off of 3 essays, so it was insanely easy, but I never once went to lecture and I just wish it was a more interesting class to take. If you like archaeology take the class though.

If:
1. isn't your major (Anthro/Art Hist)
2. you aren't interested in Minoan archaeology/Aegean archaeology
2. you aren't well versed in Ancient Greek history
... I would NOT suggest this class.

It's a lot of work in terms of memorization of slide IDs, and the paper can be hard if you don't have a great grasp of the class material (its 50% of your grade). I personally dislike his sole use of slide IDs on exams, as it's just pattern recognition and no written responses other than "name, date, location, etc." We don't really go into analysis of the objects as much as I would like. He also said at the beginning of class that he wants 'mastery' of the material, so be prepared.

You don't have to show up to class (many people I know skipped all the time), but I found it was helpful to retain information. He's a great lecturer, but I think he should have focused more on Minoan sites, rather than the others around the Cyclades/mainland... hence the class being a bit overwhelming at times if you don't already know some background information.

Get the textbooks for the paper. Start the paper early. Start slide ID studying early.

He's an incredibly interesting person, and I like how he presents the material to the class. I would recommend this if you are interested and a hard worker.

Honestly such an easy GE.
There were 3 writing assignments all year which honestly had nothing to do with the lecture so I honestly stopped showing up around halfway. He would assign readings per writing assignment that were discussed in the lecture but were repeated off the book/ readings he assigned. He also had his lectures through Zoom so I did still attend those but didn't bother taking notes as it wasn't necessary for my grade. I got an A-, didn't attend lectures and if I was on Zoom I didn't pay attention and still managed to get a good grade.
If you scored worse on the first essay, if your TA sees progress in your writing they will take the greater grade and the first essay would have a smaller weight on your overall.

30% 30% 30% and 10% participation

This class was very interesting for those who are inclined to the topic. Professor Papadopoulos is a great lecturer who is clearly very knowledgable and practiced in his field. I really enjoyed lectures and the class materials. Your grade consists of 3 papers, which all have topics that are very interesting and enjoyable to do. However, if you mess up on one paper it effects your final grade a decent amount, as that is what your entire grade is based on, so beware! But overall this is a great class that I would recommend and enjoyed taking!

PRO: Very Easy GE. No final/midterm. Lectures on Zoom and sometimes off for holidays. Only 3 essays (5 pages long) worth 30% each, participation in discussions worth 10%. Textbook not needed, provides documents and lectures are sources

CON: boring lectures (really kind professor), no extra credit, no recorded lectures, no late submissions, no essay rubric

The class itself wasn't terribly interesting to me but he was obviously very knowledgeable about the subject. It's definitely art & ARCHEOLOGY, the only real mentions of art are when they are dug up and they are kind of mentioned as an afterthought with very little delving into the art itself and instead making inferences about what it's exsistance implies about the people. Which depending on how you feel about art is either a good thing or a bad thing but as an art history major it was definitely a negative imo. The essays were short and decently straightforward, and there is no final which is suuuper nice.

This class will be the most boring class that you will ever take but it will also be pretty easy. Your whole grade is 3 essays worth 30% each and 10% for discussion participation. If you have a tough schedule I recommend taking this class because you don't have to lecture and don't really need to read the textbook since most of the essays are based from videos and small readings that's it. If you get a good TA this course is a breeze just make sure to do what they want you to do in your essay.

Ummmmmm. I'm still really mad about my B, but this class is pretty easy. I went to the very first lecture and that was it. Did zero readings except for skimming the ones required for the papers. Your fate in this class is literally dependent on your TA. So my advice would be to engage during discussion at least once each section. And go to office hours to sculpt your paper into something that they'll grade highly. That is, if you want an A. If not, please don't bother. In fact, don't even go to the first day of class. Let section be a period of meditation. Choose the spot in the back and furthest from your TA. Sit and reflect. Maybe journal? Start the paper a day prior and turn in what you have before 5 PM. That easy.

There are only 3 essays worth 30% each. No other homework besides that. If you are a good writer, there will be no problem getting an A in this class. Your grade is basically dependent on your TA (since they grade it) and discussions (mandatory) so lectures are kinda pointless to attend. My advice would be to participate in discussions so you have an understanding of what you need to write about and attend your TA's office hours for any questions/thesis clarifications. Papadopoulos also has a zoom option for those who don't want to go class in person, which I definitely took advantage of. The one con is he doesn't record it, but again, the material needed for the essays are given through outside sources and documentaries. I also never bought the book and didn’t need it, but that may depend on your TA!

This is a very good course, your entire grade is based on 3 writing assignments and 10% on discussions. No final or exams takes the pressure off and actually allows me to learn in a way in which I retain information and knowledge.