Martha Dow - University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC

Professor: Martha Dow

Department: Sociology

College: University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, BC

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: SOC352
• Grade Received: D
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

She is a great proffesor in every other course I have taken but this one. This course is dry, heavily political, and difficult. If you don't need it stay away! Martha is by far one of the BEST prof's at UFV. She is funny, passionate about teaching, student success and her career. You will always learn SO much from her. This course was not the best.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: SOC245
• Grade Received: WD
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Does not provide readings, expects you to remember everything, but does not allow technology in her class. In fact, she descriminated against me for requiring technology, and yelled at me in front of the class. She intimidated her students, I would avoid at all costs, do not take her class!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: SOC435
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I have taken several classes with Martha and I have enjoyed each one. This class was an incredible learning opportunity. Martha encourages students to research topics that they are passionate about. I cannot recommend her enough, She will absolutely change your outlook on life.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: SOC275
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Martha is the best professor I have ever had and really hope I can take more classes with her in the future. Her lectures are discussion style (so don't skip) and 3 hours absolutely flies by. She has a great sense of humour and makes her classes very enjoyable. I looked forward to them every week. The books are important to read for the two tests.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: SOC101
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Martha Dow is an excellent instructor. It s the only class in which the whole book was covered. Excellent discussion style class. Exams include both book and class discussion material. Exam preparation is excellent. A lot of material is covered. Fair grader.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: SOC245
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

super hard to reach outside of class, no clear expectations

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: SOC245
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Martha does not have slides. Her lectures are done through conversation and she writes on the white board key ideas. Read the chapter before class as it makes lectures easier. Upper level courses have learning contracts where you create your own assignments, but I never had that. Because of her I am taking a minor in sociology she's incredible.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: SOC275
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Martha is a fantastic prof. Loved her to bits. She keeps the class engaged with her sarcasm, wit, and overall knowledge of the material. But, you NEED to be @ class. Lectures are discussion style, which makes attendance vital. Tests are very fair, as it was all from the reading / discussions. Highly recommend her.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: SOC245
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I had Martha for Soc. 245 and she was great. You'll be fine for lectures if you just skim through/skip the readings before class, but definitely do the readings to study for midterm and final. Had one 8-page paper, but the topic materials were interesting and you got to choose what to write on. Her lectures are great, but be prepared to take notes!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: SOC101
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Sociology 101 was definitely an entertaining and eye-opening class, and I was never uninterested while she spoke. However, every class was all lecture, no homework, and one abnormally large (8 page!) paper towards the end. Overwhelming, being fresh out of high school. She was sarcastic and not too approachable, but also very amusing & passionate.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: SOCSEXUALITY3
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Martha is a gem. She is such a wonderful professor who gets you to connect each class with the world around you. She doesn't believe in "safe spaces" but thinks all students should be challenged and look closely at their biases. Martha is one of the best professors you will ever have.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: SOC245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Martha was awesome. I took this class out of curiosity as I needed a chill elective and I was not disappointed. The class was such a break from my usual course load and she's hilarious. Classes flew by! Would definitely recommend if you're looking for an interesting class to earn a few credits.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: SOC245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I looked forward to Martha's lectures every week. No power points,just take notes from her lectures. She is a very tough marker on tests so make sure you know your stuff and definitely do the readings. She is also s very slow marker.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: SOC445
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

If you want to be able to see this professor outside of class or email, don't count on it! She DOES NOT reply to emails. I had to miss two classes in a row because of personal matters and she did not get back to me at all about whether I could hand in my projects later and feedback about the lectures I missed! In person she told me to email her..??

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: SOC101
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Martha is AMAZING!!!! You will not regret taking her class. I have had her 3 times and have always enjoyed and done well in her classes. I love how enthusiastic and passionate she is. I always want to learn more. Tests are fair and she loves when you participate. Such a great and caring teacher! HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: SOC399
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

There is no doubt that Martha is hilarious and makes you very excited about what you are learning. She doesn't however respond to emails, is near impossible to meet with outside of class, does not give any feedback on assignments and does not make outlines of assignments clear in anyway. I loved her style but would not take her class again

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: SOC245
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Really enjoyed her class and would take any class that she teaches. Pre-reading the chapters for that class is helpful as she doesn't cover it all in class. She gives hints for what will be on the tests. Engaging class with lots of open conversation/inputs. Overall, AWESOME instructor

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: SOC245
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Amazing prof!!

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: 299
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Martha is an amazing professor- so talented and professional! Her lectures and course materials are engaging, thought-provoking and inspirational- she's also very funny and student-focused. I never wanted her classes to end. UFV is priviledged to have her! You will most definitely learn a lot from this teacher.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: 275
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Really great teacher who is passionate about her subject areas. Don't skip class because you'll miss something important you need on a test. Tough but fair grader and gives you about 80% of the test material before the text through obvious hints during lectures.