Chuck O'Connell - University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA

Professor: Chuck O'Connell

Department: Sociology

College: University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: SOC63
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The reading is no joke, I didn't read and the most I got out of my common sense was a 68%, so read read read. Overall, he's a cool professor and I respect him, but the readings for the midterms are no joke. Even reading the mass study guide is a lot, but as long as you start studying early then you're fine

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: SOC1
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He's an amazing lecturer, so I wish he would lecture more often than go on rants or show movies. There are no clickers, but going to lecture is pretty much mandatory if you want to do well. The TA's are amazing and run the class effectively. O'connell does not really show up when showing videos, or for midterm and final. He is also very socialist.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: SOC144
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Thank god he is retiring. Stay away. Get ready to read pointless books for the quarter with hundreds of pages due each week. No power points, he writes on the board. He constantly bashes capitalism each lecture. Midterm and final are hard even with studying. He kept leaving the TA in charge by leaving class early and didnt show up at the final.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: SOCIOLOGY1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

The material is interesting but he teaches as if he's got some kind of political agenda. Instead of discussing different modes of sociological analysis (as an introductory class should), he focuses on Marxism (which he disguises as "class conflict theory"). Every lecture is a discussion of how the capitalist class is screwing the working class.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: SOC1
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Professor O'Connell is one of the best professors I have ever had at UCI. He is so passionate and caring about his students and always open for any discussions during office hours. There is a lot of reading required to do well on the exams but I think it is worth it. The exams were a bit challenging but the class was curved a bit overall.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: SOC63
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

O'Connell get really into the lectures and is passionate about what he's teaching. Theres A LOT of reading but if you don't procrastinate, then its doable. There were only 2 tests (midterm and final) and both were based on the books. Lectures can feel dragging especially if you're only taking the class for a GE and not interested in the subject.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: SOCIO63
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The professor is passionate and interesting. The midterm and final are multiple choice that consist of questions based on the readings and the lecture. Class is considered 'not mandatory' but technically is because material he covers are on the test. The reading load is HEAVY and excessive but needed. Overall the class was good but work was needed.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: SOC120
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Best teacher I've ever had. He's one of those teachers that's been in the game so long he doesn't mince his words at all, and it helps that he's hilarious. He inspired me to get outside of my comfort zone and do something with my life. Easy class and decent amount of really absorbing reading. I honestly would take this class just for fun.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: SOC63
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

There is a short paper and two exams. You have to put in a lot of work in order to do well because there is a lot of reading assigned every week but his lectures make it all worth it. He is so inspirational. I really looked forward to going to his class. Would take a class with him again!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: SOC1
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

1 midterm equal to the final, discussion credit. relentless amounts of reading to which even the TA's admitted having trouble keeping up. to top it off, assigned 200 pages of decently difficult literature over thanksgiving break. exams had super specific questions. i regret taking his 1a course :/

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: SOC63
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Best class I have taken. Very eye-opening. Homework is 5 books (be sure to manage your time), 1 two page paper, a study guide, and a chapter summary. Easy midterm and final. Pretty easy class and is very interesting. Books aren't discussed in class so be sure to read. Final and Midterms are half lecture and half reading.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: SOCIOLOGY1
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

TAKE HIM!! this class is very eye opening and Chuck is really funny. He says what he believes in, you can believe whatever you want. The readings are very interesting, there are ALOT though, so get ready, honestly if you have time to read, take this class, you would love it. Also go talk to him after class, he is very knowledgeable.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: SOC1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Dr. O'Connell is beloved by all for good reason: he is as passionate as he is brilliant. His lectures are consistently thought-provoking and informative, and his wit and informal style bring the material to life. There is a bit of reading, but it is easily manageable and interesting. Tests are straight-forward and based on lecture and readings.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: SOC1
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

I took Professor O'Connell for Sociology 1 & it was amazing. He is really passionate about what he is teaching. f you understand the material and the basic ideas that O'Connell believes in- you'll be set. His lectures are super entertaining. Discussion sections is the only real "mandatory" thing, but I thought discussion sections were very helpful

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: SOC1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

The best class I've ever taken, hands down. O'Connell's lectures are incredibly thought-provoking and entertaining. It's amazing to see a professor that's so passionate about the material. Lots of reading, but most of it is really interesting and the test questions about the books are pretty straightforward. Love everything this class taught me.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: SOC63
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

The professor's hilarious and passionate about his teaching but get ready for a lot of reading (5 books). Grade was based on 3 parts: discussion, midterm, and final. There's a writing assignment in the discussion section and the exams were noncumulative and consisted of 100 MC questions.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: SOC1
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

O'Connell is an amazing professor. Although he tends to rant a lot, he gives students perspectives that they would have never before thought of. Very eye-opening class. Lots of reading however, with 3 books. Discussion (attendance/assignments) count for 30% of grade, midterm (35%) and final (35%) are 100 MC/true or false questions. Would recommend!

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: SOC63RACEETH
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Took this class because I needed a GE, and I never expected to love it so much. This is a one of a kind class that everyone definitely needs to take because it truly opens your mind. As long as you pay attention in lectures and read, you should get an A. Probably my favorite professor at UCI.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: SOC63RACEETH
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

You are required to read a lot (manage your time wisely or you WILL fall behind). His exams consist of a mixture from the readings and lectures (most readings). He does not take attendance and does not require you to participate. He is really passionate about ALL his courses and tends to "rant" once in a while. Great professor just remember to READ

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: SOC63
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Class requires you to read up to 4 books at a time, but if you section off readings you'll be good :) Midterm and final are 100 q's based on readings, and lectures Professor O' Connell is great! He's super passionate and teaches from a different point of view. You'll leave class with a very REAL view of the world. Take his class its def worth it!!