Professor profile for Mark Stafford
Student reviews of Mark Stafford
Review from a student who took SOC 366
No, no, he's not so bad as all of that. The Deviance class I'm taking with him is interesting and informative, if a bit simplistic. Yes, it's geared for Sociology majors, but it's a Sociology course! If the subject doesn't interest you, then no, I wouldn't recommend taking the class. The tests are easy if you've kept up with the reading material and attended lectures. Lectures mostly involve him talking and you writing, but periodically he opens them up to interesting discussions which can last for a while. In addition to tests, Stafford periodically assigns reports which are basically bonus points in which you offer your opinions on assigned topics or carry out little 'experiments,' such as the first report in which you are assigned to commit a public act of deviance and report on how others react. Plenty of room for fun (legal) activity there. Dr. Stafford himself is, admittedly, a bit like Dr. Phil, but is friendly and approachable, and also pretty accomplished. As for the course, it's a good, but not great, class. Worthwhile if the subject interests you.
No, no, he's not so bad as all of that. The Deviance class I'm taking with him is interesting and informative, if a bit simplistic. Yes, it's geared for Sociology majors, but it's a Sociology course! If the subject doesn't interest you, then no, I wouldn't recommend taking the class. The tests are easy if you've kept up with the reading material and attended lectures. Lectures mostly involve him talking and you writing, but periodically he opens them up to interesting discussions which can last for a while. In addition to tests, Stafford periodically assigns reports which are basically bonus points in which you offer your opinions on assigned topics or carry out little 'experiments,' such as the first report in which you are assigned to commit a public act of deviance and report on how others react. Plenty of room for fun (legal) activity there. Dr. Stafford himself is, admittedly, a bit like Dr. Phil, but is friendly and approachable, and also pretty accomplished. As for the course, it's a good, but not great, class. Worthwhile if the subject interests you.
Review from a student who took SOC 318
Terrible prof! He reminds me of Dr. Phil from Oprah, since he uses those cheezy metaphors. He tries to act like he's a decent prof, but his tests are confusing and he does not curve in the end. His lectures are also extremely boring. I really don't think this class was worth it at all. And you have to buy a book that he co-wrote that is ridiculously expensive, boring, and basically useless info about theories.
Terrible prof! He reminds me of Dr. Phil from Oprah, since he uses those cheezy metaphors. He tries to act like he's a decent prof, but his tests are confusing and he does not curve in the end. His lectures are also extremely boring. I really don't think this class was worth it at all. And you have to buy a book that he co-wrote that is ridiculously expensive, boring, and basically useless info about theories.
Review from a student who took SOC 366
"Deviance" - one would think that this would be an interesting course, but it's not. If you're thinking of taking this as an upper division nonmajor elective, reconsider. It's definitely geared for sociology majors. Very boring class.
"Deviance" - one would think that this would be an interesting course, but it's not. If you're thinking of taking this as an upper division nonmajor elective, reconsider. It's definitely geared for sociology majors. Very boring class.
Review from a student who took soc 318
I absolutely loved Stafford. His lectures were kinda long but it didn't take much to earn an A in there if you just paid attention. Also going to his office hours was helpful. He really cares about his students and wants them to do well. I learned a lot from his class.
I absolutely loved Stafford. His lectures were kinda long but it didn't take much to earn an A in there if you just paid attention. Also going to his office hours was helpful. He really cares about his students and wants them to do well. I learned a lot from his class.