Paul Apodaca - Chapman University

Professor: Paul Apodaca

Department: Sociology

College: Chapman University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ANTH102
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Midterm and Final, plus 2 papers 10 pages and 15 pages in length. The worst class I've ever taken, I highly recommend never taking his class ever because he is a horrible teacher. He doesn't care about his students, doesn't listen to them, and doesn't teach anything for the entire semester.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ANTH282
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Dr. Apodaca's class is very intimidating at first, but I encourage you to stay in it. He's super insightful, and while a little crude at times, Dr. Apodaca proves to be very knowledgeable about what he's saying. Sitting back, listening, and volunteering every-so-often is the key to gain lots in the class. The workload was manageable.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ANTH372
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Paul Apodaca is an amazing teacher. Yes he does criticise the world we live in, and sometimes it is frustrating, but if you are patient and let him talk, his class is one of the most eye-opening classes I have ever taken. You learn so many interesting things, it's really mind blowing. Be ready to be challenged, leave your ego behind.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ANTHR302
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: No
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I can see why Paul gets the negative reviews he does. The guy is rough. He'll put you in your place. But he's also the best teacher I've ever had. I can't count the amount of lectures he gave that literally blew my mind. He'll make you write long papers, and do a lot of work, but he has taught me more than probably any other person.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ANTH102
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Professor Apodaca's course will only benefit you if you allow it to. He comes off as a bit harsh, but he genuinely cares about informing students about the topic. Do the reading assignments on time and go in with an open mind. The midterm and final cover material that is directly from the books so make sure you understand what your're reading.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ANTH102
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

You are graded on two reports, a midterm and a final. The tests are multiple choice and short. Class consists of talking about the book and professor rants. Attendance is strict and taken every day. Although it is possible to get an A, you must work very hard for it. Study guides are not representative of tests. Tough GE, I would not recommend.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ANTH102
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Apodaca spends the entire class time belittling students to boost his ego. He clearly dislikes rich white people, yet teaches at Chapman. He will take any opportunity to talk about UCLA, and often spends the entire class time comparing the two schools. Apodaca is easily the rudest and most unprofessional professor I've ever had. Save yourself.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ANTH397
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Comes off as tough/mean, but genuinely cares about his students. Will definitely challenge you to think critically and open your mind, and warns that if someone isn't willing to do so this class isn't for them (in his syllabus). Always willing to help students who ask for it, whether by email or office hours. I haven't learned more in one class!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ANTH296
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

When a professor constantly complains about students having the same issues year after year, yet does nothing to change his teaching style, it seems like a teaching issue. Rather than attempting to understand Individual issues, he will use lots of blanket statements in an attempt to downplay faults in teaching. Look for other ways to do your ges.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ANTH396
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Prof. Apodaca has a lot of knowledge to impart, but the manner in which he chooses to communicate it is the problem. He says he encourages discussion, but shuts everyone down when they try to share an opinion. He behaves as though the students are determined to demean Native Americans, while most want to learn and grow. Negative and often rude.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ANTH102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Apodaca was alright, but he tends to repeat himself and waste time going off on tangents (for example, telling long stories he's already told the class before) and explaining over and over that "I'm not going off-track, I'm just modeling the idea for you." I never really participated in class and I did just fine, but the papers were hard.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ANTH282
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Did not display any respect for students, and he seemed to think his Ph.D. made him so much better than everyone. Also, seemed very insincere and apathetic talking about Native American Culture, which was surprising given his heritage. He subtly implied he cheated on his wife, more than once. Would not take again, would not greet politely.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ANTH100
• Grade Received: Audit/No Grade
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

He was not helpful at all and would not recommend for anyone.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ANTH396
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Don't take this class. This guy should have retired before he even thought about teaching.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: ANTH296
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Tough dad-love is what he gives. Don't be sensitive or take things personally. He has a wealth of information, he's a professor that doesn't teach from the PP, but from actual knowledge. Ask him questions about anything, he probably has the answer.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ANTHRO102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Professor Apodaca is incredibly intelligent, and well spoken. The problem is, he constantly contradicts himself in the illusion he creates to "help" students. He constantly berates claiming that we choose ignorance over knowledge. Because of his spoiled white resentment, instead of helping us with our ignorance he decides to make us feel horrible.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: 281
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

not helpful at all! asking questions gets you nowhere because he will embarrass you and make you feel stupid. always thinks he is better than you, doesn't understand that students have questions. doesn't pass back assignments, 2x10 folklore essays and doesn't help. don't go into his office because he'll just make you feel stupid. DON'T TAKE

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ANTH282
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Nice guy. Good sense of humor and interesting. Read the books, finals focus on them heavily.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ANT101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

He will talk about indians literally any chance he gets, but he is the man and knows his stuff really well. Wants everyone to succeed.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ANTHR360
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

This professor took every opportunity he could to berate students and boost his own ego.