SOC 1010

The course content and the way Professor Hunter laid it out was interesting however there were definitely some issues with organization and structure. Professor Hunter does not use slides and does not record his lectures so its crucial to be in lecture and take good notes or have a friend at every lecture to get notes from or else you will definitely miss things. I didn't find this to be an issue because I enjoyed listening to his lectures although sometimes they were hard to follow or he talked quietly so I would suggest sitting close to the front. My main issue with this class was the structure and organization. Exams were a combination of multiple choice and short/long response but were extremely hard to finish in the 50 minute class period. He ended up scrapping the first exam entirely because it was so long and was somehow "unedited" but he gave us the option to still have the grade count if we thought we did well (I wish he had given us our scores back before making us choose whether to count the grade or not because this forced us to take a gamble on how well we did, especially because exams make up so much of the course grade). However, the second exam did not feel any shorter and was just as difficult to finish in the allotted time. Further, he relied entirely on the TAs to grade exams and papers, meaning it took months for us to get grades back and we never got to see feedback on either. Also, the original syllabus did not mention papers but 3 weeks into the semester he decided to add them as well as 2 books to read that the papers were based off of. All of that being said, the exam questions weren't overly difficult and pretty closely followed what he talked about in class. I usually studied my notes and made a Quizlet in the 2-3 days leading up to the exams and did well on them. I did find the course content interesting and enjoyed Professor Hunter's unique way of teaching (his goal was to teach sociology like a story, rather than jumping from topic to topic). Hopefully some of the issues we had this semester get resolved and the class goes more smoothly moving forward.
#tCFF23

The class isn't hard if you learn what your TA wants. The TA does all of the grading, so learning to style your writing to what the TA wants is all you have to do to do well in this class. The class consists of 3 exams (Dutch knockout), a paper (critical review of Goffman), and a data analysis project. The Goffman paper was probably the worst, mostly because the time it took the read the book, but if you read the book and write the paper early enough to take to your TA for review, you will be fine. Highly recommend this class as an elective, but do be prepared for very monotone and repetitive lectures.

I personally thought the lecture was super boring because of the way Hunter presented the information. The actual material was super interesting though. My TA was annoying ad she took off points on my essay because she didn't believe that my statement that "UVA is a toxic academic atmosphere because it is more about competition then actually learning".

I LEARNED SO MUCH FROM THIS CLASS! Professor Hunter ONLY TALKS so record every lecture and take good notes. The expensive textbook is super boring and not necessary at all. Only a few online readings will be tested on. The content is amazing and this class clarifies lots of confusions and dilemmas of the modern days. I seriously think every single student should take it even if just as a 1 credit pass/fail class! Understand and recite every pages of the note and you will do good in the test. The TA matters a lot and if you can have Vasfiye Topak, CHOOSE HER! She is the best!

I loved this class and Prof. Hunter. He made the course very interesting and I enjoyed the lectures. Reading is not very necessary except for a few of the online readings. The exams were all based on lectures. Hunter does not use a power point or anything, he just talks and you have to write it down. Grading depends on your TA but mine wasn't bad. Discussions were 20% of the overall grade so you have to go to them. I studied my a$$ off and got a B which really surprised me because I felt very prepared. But I still enjoyed the class and everything I learned in it.

Prof. Hunter is a wonderful lecturer. He is extremely passionate about every topic he talks about, or seemingly so, and his own zeal for the subject makes it easy to pay attention. I will give fair warning though that he does not always speak loudly enough to be heard in the back of the hall so just be sure to get there early enough for a seat that is close to the front. This is a class in which tests are based practically solely on lectures, so attendance is pretty much mandatory to pass (also the reason I gave it a 0 for reading, if you actually read, they assign around a couple chapters or articles a week). Speaking of tests, it may not be explicitly mentioned, but some TAs grade these tests based on the length of your written answers. There are two midterms, a final, and two short (3ish pg) papers. Each test is comprised of a few multiple choice questions, somewhere around 7 short answer questions, and an essay or two. I personally found it difficult to finish these tests within the time given. Luckily enough though, prof. Hunter operates on a Dutch Knockout system (if your avg on the final is higher than on your other two midterms, he'll take your final avg as your total test avg). Overall, I enjoyed the professor, but your TA is CRUCIAL. I wasn't the luckiest in that department, so I would know.

just don't take this class. It's not really an "easy A" it's just an "easier class."
Also all the reviews that saw that Prof Hunter is a "amazing storyteller" is bs. He lectures like he's reading from a speech/textbook. There's so many better Soc classes out there. I fell asleep every class during the 2nd half of the semester. He's so boring.

As a whole, I would recommend this class because I didn't find it that difficult. The material is entirely lecture based: no powerpoints. James also doesn't allow computers, so you have to sit in the lecture hall and write down every single thing he says. He tries to make the lecture more manageable with funny stories and examples. Don't buy the textbook (I didn't and I did fine). There are supplemental readings on collab you're supposed to read. Just skim them. There are only 1 or 2 questions on the readings on the exams and you can probably figure them out from the lecture. I found the discussion section to be very useful. One reading you definitely should read for the exam is the Sociological Imagination. You also have to read the Goffman book because you have to write a paper on it. Vasfiye was the best TA!! She really took the time to break down the material discussed in the lecture and help you understand it. She was also not too harsh of a grader. Exams were not difficult at all if you know the material, but get ready for a lot of writing, especially on the final. Just read over your notes a couple times and memorize the definitions given in the lecture and you'll do fine.

This class was pointless unless you want to major in Sociology. The professor spends most of the class preaching his own opinions and views. These views often seem as if their only point is to get a rise out of the students. Grading tends to be harsh depending on the TA. Josh Chen (my TA) has a strong understanding and was very helpful in discussion. The tests are 10 multiple choice, 6 short answer and 1 long essay in 50 minutes. The time is not sufficient to complete all the writing to the level at which they expect it leading to lower scores on the tests. Overall do not reccomend this test.

This class is 100% lecture based. The material seems easy to comprehend, and the exams are a bit tricky and pull obscure details (from lectures) but should not bee too bad if you study. However, my TA (Lin) was awful. She was an extremely subjective grader, assigning grades on how a paper/assignment "felt" to her. She would give you a 90 and say "very very good," and based of that you can imagine how poorly average papers got graded. If you asked her why points were taken off or what comments meant, she gave very vague answers and used circuitous logic. Do not take it with Lin, your grade will be lower than if you take a different TA's section.

The professor is amazing and makes the lectures fun. Take all notes and NEVER skip a class. His notes are exactly what you will see on the exams. Do not buy the textbook as it is not required at all, though he will recommend to buy one. The readings are helpful, but do them only if you have time. The only reason why most students don't end up getting As is because his TAs are very harsh in grading and take off points for unreasonable things. I had Pik Man Lin and she was absolutely the worst TA ever. She would take off points for everything. No one scored higher than 85/100 in any of the assignments or tests in the class. So if you want to take the class, make sure you don't take this TA or make sure that your TA is not very harsh in grading because the TA determines your grade, not Professor Hunter!

Professor Hunter is an excellent lecturer! He is extremely knowledgeable about Sociology (I think his books/reports/Center support that!!). His lectures are pretty interesting most of the time and tries to "tell a story" when he lectures. Although, he only gives oral lectures (no PowerPoint) and occasionally writes key words on the blackboard. At times this becomes inconvenient when you miss something when he starts talking quickly, but it's good because it forces you to pay closer attention to what he is saying. I would recommend recording his lectures so you could go back and listen when you miss something in class. Tests are ok, about 30 MC, few fill-in-the-blank, handful of short answers, and one long essay. Seems like a lot for only 50mins, but it is doable. Don't bother with the textbook, but do read the short Collab readings... the WILL show up on the test! Some MC questions do reference the textbook, but can be answered based on the lecture. There also is one essay and a project, both pretty easy. However, make sure you put effort into both of those papers! The TA's don't grade easy, but also not super hard! I had Mandy (Pik Man Lin) for a TA and I thought she was nice/knowledgeable. I had her for the 9am discussion, so it would be kinda difficult to pay attention/give effort sometimes, but overall I think she is an average TA.

Terrible class. Boring, not interesting at all. Professor hunter thinks that he is preaching or something but he doesn't make sense very often. Tests are manageable if you find yourself able to take notes in lecture.

TAKE THIS CLASS. The content is interesting, the workload is light, and all it takes to do well on the tests is regular lecture attendance. I absolutely loved my TA, Bailey, and actually looked forward to a Friday discussion. Seriously such a great class, and it doesn't require a ton of work to get an A/A-

Hunter is a great lecturer, but doesn't like to use a microphone so sit in the front. Go to EVERY class. Take copious notes. The tests are basically just lecture plus some (very) light reading. There are two papers (a book review and a paper that lets you "do" sociology) and three tests. The concepts came easily to me, but I plan on majoring in Sociology. Pro tip: find a study group. Discussing the topics REALLY help in cementing them. Overall, interesting class. Not too much work. It is what you make of it.

Not necessarily an "easy A". You definitely need to go to class to do well and I did fairly well reading most of the readings (not textbook ones though- DONT buy the giddens book, like others said its useless). My TA was foreign and no one participated on 9am on Fridays so it was brutally boring and I found her not helpful at all. I did okay on the paper and project. The paper on the book wasn't hard to write but the book was very difficult to read so I opted for summaries online. Overall, I really enjoyed Professor Hunter's lectures. They are thought provoking and have engaging examples. I expect to get a B+ or A-. Kind of wish I could have pulled an A for this class though. Trying to take advantage of Dutch Knockout!

Professor Hunter is a great lecturer and uses very engaging examples. Despite this, I wish he would employ other means of teaching as well. By this I mean: he does not use PowerPoint, a microphone, and frequently writes too small or too illegibly on the blackboard. Still, I would recommend this class to anyone seeking a new perspective and a reasonable work load.

Professor Hunter is a great lecturer! i loved this course. It's a very interesting perceptive to have, no matter in what you plan on majoring. You have two exams that are based off of readings though out the semester. The renderings are light if you read them though out. The lectures are very interesting. You have to go to class if you want to pass this course. But if you go to class, pay attention, skim the readings before the exams, and turn in two papers, you can do well.

Very big fan of this course. Professor Hunter was a very good lecturer and the material was quite interesting to me. Reading out of the Giddens book is absolutely pointless, while the short individual readings are necessary. You are only tested on the short readings and his lectures, which is nice. Take detailed notes, take advantage of the Dutch Knockout, and do the small readings and you should be good to go.

Useless course.

Brutal Class Brutal TA

This isn't the most exciting class, but if you're a soc major, you must take it. Study and you can get an A

FUN and Easy class

Good overall class. Pretty interesting. Not hard to do well in. Just pay attention in lecture and discussions and you should be fine. There are two papers for the class. Both are pretty easy.

GO TO LECTURE!! His tests are based of his lectures. If you go to class and read, you should be able to pull a good grade in this course. Hunter uses the Dutch Knockout system also. Overall if you go to lecture, do readings for anything you're unclear about, and attend discussion, you should be able to pull an A or B without pulling teeth.

Only take this class if you need it for the soc major. Its not that difficult. Hunter tailors the class to first years.

Prof. Hunter is my absolute least favorite professor at UVA. He doesn't allow you to take notes on a computer and he doesn't use power point slides, so if you miss anything in his lecture then there's no way of getting the information. The material in the book doesn't really match the material in lecture either. It was never made clear what to study, so his exams were extremely difficult. Your TAs are your best resource if you take this class. It'd just be better to take it with a different professor though.

decent course. fairly typical intro class. easy if you pay attention. most test material comes straight from lectures

Make sure you go to class. If so, its an easy A.

This class is amazing and it's very straightforward. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in sociology.

This class consisted of a project 10% which was very easy 10%paper on a book we had to read..25% on discussion section and the rest two test and then a final... know word to word definitions

He was a good teacher, but I found sociology boring

Lectures are worth sitting through. Tests are straightforward if you study - Dutch knockout option if you don't really study for the first two tests.

Was a good class, not that important to do reading, lectures were very interesting and concrete then got more theoretical and confusing. DONT BUY THE GIDDENS Textbook it is a waste of money and you probably won't use it.

This is a great class that really opens up your perception of the social world. You will find yourself analyzing conversations constantly! Hunter is great and Roscoe is the most amazing TA ever! He is the funniest guy and really helps in understanding the material. Take this and get Roscoe!

This class is everything I expected from an Intro class. The material itself is pretty interesting but this is a class that you will have to attend in order to do well. Hunter tells you upfront: if you want to do well you have to show up and take reasonably good notes. The tests derive from the lecture so as long as you review notes before tests you shouldn't find them too tricky

This is a good class! Hunter gives interesting information. Roscoe is the best TA!! go see him in office hours! He is a cool/ young guy who can relate. DON'T BUY THE Giddens book!!! you don't read it you only use the smaller book. Hunter is the best teacher to take 101 with!

Good class, mid terms are a little tricky

Great class, very interesting. However, Justin McKeen graded ridiculously unfairly- avoid him at all costs. When I saw the ease of the grading some of the other TA's, I felt I had been cheated. Great class, get a good TA.

Relatively easy. Hunter is funny and a good lecturer.

I took this class thinking I would like Sociology but I really don't. It seems like all the material is mostly made up. That being said, it was really easy. The tests were solely from the lecture with a couple multiple choice questions from the readings that you could get by skimming over them before the test.

Totally love this class. I am always excited to go to this class even thought it is 9 in the morning.

Great class

The class isn't too difficult, but you need to read the textbook. The material covered is very broad and the final is comprehensive, making it difficult to remember everything. Overall, Hunter's lectures are usually interesting and he really loves what he does - it's worthwhile.

Best lecturer that I've had at the University. Take this class if you have any interest in sociology whatsoever; it is most definitely enjoyable. Tests are difficult but very fair, you just need to know the material well. Papers/projects are a breeze.

Amazing class. Very interesting lecture, intriguing topics. Easy class and definitely worthwhile.

Very controversial lectures but it makes the material more interesting. Some exam questions can be tricky, but overall they're pretty fair. Other assignments (short paper & project) are relatively easy.

Professor Hunter is sometimes a bit of a jerk, while other times he is a nice guy. The class will definitely challenge your views, so don't take it if you are easily offended. I found it to be interesting most of the time. Discussion sections are more fun than lectures. The novel that you have to read for a paper is terrible but the other reading is interesting.