This class is great, both for anthropology majors or any other major. There's a lot of reading so be prepared, but the books are novels or easy reads for the most part so the material is really fun. Damon's lectures can be hard to follow, but the TA will always explain everything for you so no worries if you can't quite understand Damon. even if they are confusing at times, Damon's lectures are pretty down to earth and hilarious.

There is a LOT of reading, but you'll be okay if you don't finish it. There were 5 "response" papers and a final 10 page-ish paper. If you like your TA and the subject matter (coming of age, "cowboy" culture, sports, basic economic structure) you'll be fine. Damon is awesome - lectures are pretty amusing - but he's not very approachable. David is the man! I took this for second writing requirement which was a good decision.

Alot of theory.

The readings were generally fun, accessible and interesting because they were about contemporary American culture. Toward the end of the course, Damon's lectures grew more difficult to follow. The course culminates with a research paper rather than a final exam. Andy Nelson is a great TA.

You only have to write two papers and a research paper in whole year. Lectures are really interesting and well prepared. But get ready to keep up with the notes. Even though you don't go to lectures, you can understand everything in discussions cause TA is amazing.