James Vela-Mcconnell - Augsburg University

Professor: James Vela-Mcconnell

Department: TBD

College: Augsburg University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: SOC290
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

James' class was the most academically challenging class I've ever had. I definitely was not prepared for the workload. On top of a (minimum) 20 page research paper, you also have either two exams or 16 short essays you have to write. Also, prepare for lengthy weekly readings and two books that will need 5 page book analysis. So yeah, there's a bit

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: SOC265
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

James is a good professor who really cares and is passionate about his subject. However, the classes I had with him were the most intense classes I've taken in 3 years of college. The workload became ridiculous and exhausting. Some assignments just felt excessive. A plus is that he's willing to work with you and overall you will learn a lot.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: SOC121
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

James is very clear, enjoyable as a prof, and cares deeply about the content. He assigns lots of reading and writing, but it's purposeful and really helps you understand the subject better. Laid back, wants you to succeed, and he loves when the class discusses. I would highly recommend if you enjoy sociology. Just stay on top of homework/ reading.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: SOC121
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Such a great teacher. Caring, inspirational, intelligent, clear, genuine. Very understanding guy. Good feedback and convos. Not too strict of a grader. You will learn A LOT. My only critique is that he gives a lot of homework. Even during finals week there were 2 quizzes and a 5 page paper. If you can keep up and want to learn a lot, go for it.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: SOC121
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He holds high standards, but is a great teacher and has made me thought of the world in a completely different way.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: SOC265
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I loved this class, James is an amazing professor and I really enjoyed learning from him. Although he challenges you and wants you to get the most out of the class, if you stay consistent and on top of homework and readings, you will succeed in this class. Also, he LOVES participation so make sure to participate in order to help your grade!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: SOC265
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

350 characters is not enough for me to write about how horrible of a professor this dude is.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: SOC300
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

I learned so much in this course! James is an AMAZING lecturer. Expect to be challenged, but he is a wonderful instructor for those who want to learn.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: 290A
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Class is very tough, but interesting. the workload is super intense a good class to take if you are not taking any other classes.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: 290A
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

James is the best professor I have had! He is always engaged, and makes it interesting and easy to follow along with! He makes you work for the grade you receive, but is the best teacher I have had! not only is he stylish, but he has a great heart. Lots os essays, about one a week, but they are not to bad! If you love learning &discussion take it!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: SOC121
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

flockaveli does not approve

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: SOC265
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

James Vela-McConnell's lectures are amazing -- I would recommend SOC265 to ANYONE, and make it required if I could. James is interesting, funny, helpful and clear. He plans every class with a lecture, media or group discussion and still manages to leave time for a larger class discussion. His course is worth the money -- difficult, but fun!

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: SOC265SOC375
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

James is by far one of the best professors at Augsburg. While his classes are by no means easy, they are challenging and the learning is endless. He challenges what you believe and how you think on a personal level, yet grades fairly without judgement. Always willing to help and very organized clear on expectations.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: SOC121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This is one of the hardest and most demanding courses I have ever taken. However, James is an excellent professor and I learned far more than I thought I would. Word to the wise though, if you aren't interested in Sociology as a major or minor, this probably isn't the best professor to take this course with. There is a lot of work involved.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: SOC121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Tough class for gen ed but worth it. Definitely a college level course. has high expectations but is very helpful and great person. Focuses on various topics within sociology to spark interest at least once throughout semester. Make an good effort in this class. Definitely worth your time but a lot of work!

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: SOC121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

James is tough but very straight forward. He tells you exactly what he wants and is very helpful. If this is a just on a whim" Gen ed class you take, bad idea. If you want to have any sort of focus in Sociology he is great.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: SOC290
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This class is HARD! You have to go to class everyday, and do the readings he give. There are TONS of readings. Prepare to have your weekends overtaken by readings. But he is VERY helpful. He'll help you with any concerns relating to the class.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: SOC121
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

I LOVED THIS PROF!!! Engaging, funny, helpful, approachable, wonderful. I had NO interest in the class when it started, and by the end, was considering changing my major. The class was hard- lots of reading, lots of writing- but I got so much out of the class. Would absolutely take another from him.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: SOC290
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Excellent professor; very helpful and simply expects a lot of his students. He has high expectations for all students and will give you an answer for any and all questions. Be prepared for LOTS of reading AND writing. He has a subtle, quirky sense of humor and is truly one of a kind professor!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: SOC101
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He was to the point for sure.