SOCIOL 132
Social Psychology: Sociological Approaches
Description: Lecture, three hours; discussion, one hour. Survey of contribution of sociologists to theory and research in social psychology, including theories of social control; conformity and deviation; reference groups; and interaction process. P/NP or letter grading.
Units: 4.0
Units: 4.0
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Most Helpful Review
I skimmed through some of her past reviews and I honestly have no idea what those particular students are talking about when they say, "Don't take her!!" etc. etc. I took Social Psychology and it is thus far my favorite class at UCLA. She is also one of my favorite professors at UCLA thus far as well. And to give you an idea of what type of professor I like, here's a short list: Victor Bascara (Asian American Studies), Bruce Barbee (Education), Neil Garg (Organic Chemistry), Matthew Fisher (English), Akram Almohalwas (Stats), and Debra Pires (Life Science). As you can see, these professors teach completely different courses (and some are a lot tougher than others) but what they all have in common is that they really care about their students, have a passion for material they are teaching, and they love teaching in general. So for SOC132 specifically, there were readings every week but they were doable. If it's "too much" for you, you probably shouldn't be in the humanities to be honest. They were doable, period. They were also very interesting! And she makes you apply what you learn through journals, essays, etc. It's a very good class. I would explain how much I love it, but then you (the reader) might just think I'm biased or something. All I can say is that she is an excellent professor. If you don't like her, you honestly probably just disliked the course material or the way she structured the class. She's a wonderful person and wonderful teacher. Please take her. I highly recommend it.
I skimmed through some of her past reviews and I honestly have no idea what those particular students are talking about when they say, "Don't take her!!" etc. etc. I took Social Psychology and it is thus far my favorite class at UCLA. She is also one of my favorite professors at UCLA thus far as well. And to give you an idea of what type of professor I like, here's a short list: Victor Bascara (Asian American Studies), Bruce Barbee (Education), Neil Garg (Organic Chemistry), Matthew Fisher (English), Akram Almohalwas (Stats), and Debra Pires (Life Science). As you can see, these professors teach completely different courses (and some are a lot tougher than others) but what they all have in common is that they really care about their students, have a passion for material they are teaching, and they love teaching in general. So for SOC132 specifically, there were readings every week but they were doable. If it's "too much" for you, you probably shouldn't be in the humanities to be honest. They were doable, period. They were also very interesting! And she makes you apply what you learn through journals, essays, etc. It's a very good class. I would explain how much I love it, but then you (the reader) might just think I'm biased or something. All I can say is that she is an excellent professor. If you don't like her, you honestly probably just disliked the course material or the way she structured the class. She's a wonderful person and wonderful teacher. Please take her. I highly recommend it.
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Most Helpful Review
Fall 2023 - I loved Professor Placek's class! A lot of people complained this quarter about the quizzes being hard, but I'm pretty sure it's because they just didn't go to lecture. The class is recorded, which can be helpful, but this also makes it easy to fall behind and miss out on important concepts that Placek talks about in class. Everything on the quizzes is mentioned in lecture and in the review guides, so as long as you show up to lecture and study the review guides, you're set. The workbooks are basically a guaranteed A if you follow the rubric. She also gives a lot of extra credit and curves. Placek is also a very understanding professor and willing to help you out if you reach out to her. It's clear that she really cares about what she's teaching, and the topics she chooses for lectures are so interesting and relevant. I definitely would recommend this class, and to anyone who's hesitant/ on the fence about taking it, I 100% think you should do it! The things I learned in the class go so far beyond the classroom and can be applied to my daily life - Placek really encourages her students to question the system, shatter the glass ceiling, and practice sociological thinking in your day-to-day activities. This is my favorite class so far at UCLA as a junior – so engaging and fascinating.
Fall 2023 - I loved Professor Placek's class! A lot of people complained this quarter about the quizzes being hard, but I'm pretty sure it's because they just didn't go to lecture. The class is recorded, which can be helpful, but this also makes it easy to fall behind and miss out on important concepts that Placek talks about in class. Everything on the quizzes is mentioned in lecture and in the review guides, so as long as you show up to lecture and study the review guides, you're set. The workbooks are basically a guaranteed A if you follow the rubric. She also gives a lot of extra credit and curves. Placek is also a very understanding professor and willing to help you out if you reach out to her. It's clear that she really cares about what she's teaching, and the topics she chooses for lectures are so interesting and relevant. I definitely would recommend this class, and to anyone who's hesitant/ on the fence about taking it, I 100% think you should do it! The things I learned in the class go so far beyond the classroom and can be applied to my daily life - Placek really encourages her students to question the system, shatter the glass ceiling, and practice sociological thinking in your day-to-day activities. This is my favorite class so far at UCLA as a junior – so engaging and fascinating.
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Most Helpful Review
Spring 2023 - Sigmond was a pretty good professor, I enjoyed the small tangents and personalization in his lectures. Everything on the final exam was on the slides, I would be cautious on the exams because there is accurate and false questions in which you have to write why something may or may not be wrong and the short answers. But the majority is multiple choice and there's one research paper. The class can most def drag on, but he's def one of the better sociology professors.
Spring 2023 - Sigmond was a pretty good professor, I enjoyed the small tangents and personalization in his lectures. Everything on the final exam was on the slides, I would be cautious on the exams because there is accurate and false questions in which you have to write why something may or may not be wrong and the short answers. But the majority is multiple choice and there's one research paper. The class can most def drag on, but he's def one of the better sociology professors.
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