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.

Prof. Woods is an amazing lecturer. He really makes you think and question things that perhaps we take for granted such as modernity, human rights, nationalism, perceptions of different cultures, and ethnocentricity...things like that. The point is you personally get something out of this class, even if you aren't that interested in Southeast Asian history and culture. Of course, it can't hurt if you do have an interest or curiousity about the society with respect to religion. Very interesting material. Readings are not too bad and he assigns a fair amount. The midterm (short answer terms and an essay) is more based on mainly the lecture notes while the final (short answer terms and 2 essays) is more from lecture and readings. He assigns three to four 250 word response to the readings (he'll be open and allow you to choose whichever one you find interesting most of the time) This class was easier if you do the readings, but a big chunk is from lecture so go to his lectures. But in all honesty, you'll want to come to lecture. Overall, his class is interesting and he has a perspective that is different and I believe tries to be as fair as possible. He's a really nice guy and really down to earth.