Dr. Sexton is one of my favorite lecturers in the sociology department at UCLA. The assigned readings are very interesting (learning about prison gangs, ideas about Black on Black crime). The final is based mostly on lecture content, and is easy to do as long as you show up to lecture and take a few notes. It was nice that Sexton provides a list of 8-10 possible questions, and on the final provides you 3 of these to choose from––you can come in perfectly prepared. The final research paper allowed us to select any topic in crime and the discussion sections were helpful for writing this!

With regards to the other reviews, my friends in this class and I were really confused why people were freaking out about the final and research paper because Sexton is really clear on how he grades & what he wants from his students. I've taken 2 courses with him and I feel like the people complaining literally just didn't show up to lecture. Sexton legit gives you the exact questions that will be on the final and the research paper is just a 'pick ur own adventure' sort of thing that is graded pretty leniently by the TAs. The prof is a super nice guy and is understanding, so will give accommodations or extensions if needed.

There was one girl in my section who complained every week about having to write a 10-12pg research paper, and it really made me question how/ why she was a sociology major at UCLA. Like I said above, we literally got to choose any topic we wanted and the TAs were extremely supportive & easy graders. I think she is one of the people who left a hate review lol. So take that as you will. Overall, Sexton is a nice professor who has a lot of interesting experiences and stories to share, and you will come out of his class having learned a lot. It is not hard at all to get an A.

i personally really didn't like this class. i found that sexton mumbles a lot and his lectures aren't really engaging. maybe his lectures just don't fit my learning style - i was able to do well on the final by watching his exam review video but i didn't feel like i learnt much from this class class. structure of the class doesn't really make sense - discussion section covers the readings but not lecture content, even though lecture content is what you are tested on for the exam. your grade is comprised of weekly reading responses + section participation, a research paper, and an in-person final essay. sexton was very nice, my TA Daniel Ramos was funny and engaging, and the readings were really interesting but i probably wouldn't recommend this class.

Very boring class! Would not recommend.

Very boring class! Would not recommend.

I highly recommend not to take this class. The workload is crazy, the research paper is beyond difficult and he's not clear on what he wants, at least pretend to be, but change his mind while grading it. Don't argue with him, he'll kindly ignore and blindly trust their Ta. Such a bummer!

I'm senior and this is the first and Last time taking class with professor Sexton. While his lesson and course material may be fun then only problem is the grading. It's the horrendous TA that he has especially Daniel Ramos, Please avoid him at all cost and this class. A refresh you have to read 1500 pages (3 books total pages) which are not part/helpful not for the final nor the 14 pages research paper. The workload is insane for a 4 units class. However, if you do not agree on the grading and you clearly have proof, good luck finding justice! TA pretends to be helpful, he's gonna be all smiley and then put you a C, even though he emailed me "you're doing a great job on research, just work on final detail" I did work, yet put me a C. So moral of the story if you just want to pass the class take this class.

I love this professor! I took this course during the summer, it was very fast paced when it came to the lectures so his presentation of them were a bit confusing at times, but his final exam was easy; very straightforward questions. He requires two weekly summaries about lecture content but you can view the lecture later if you missed it since he records them all and the summary is very easy to do (10 min limit). Other than that he has 3 kind of book report type assignments due every 2 weeks, but they are easy readings and very interesting ones so the assignments are easy to do. He is also very understanding as I had a family emergency and allowed me to submit a lot of my work late and I thank him for that greatly.

Professor Sexton is one of the best professors I’ve taken at UCLA. His lectures are extremely engaging and boosts curiosity. I had him this summer for a 8:30AM class which is normally a time I find dreadful but I found myself excited to attend these lectures. The workload isn’t too intense but does take some effort. The class consists of attendance summaries for each class. As long as you engage with his lecture, it’s nothing too crazy. We had three essays (personal reading summaries) for three books. All of the books were extremely interesting if your interesting in crime. The grading is not harsh at all on these essays. We also had one final exam. Take the leap and you won’t regret it!

Professor Sexton is undeniably one of the best teachers I've had at UCLA. He takes time to remember your name and make you feel like he is there to learn something from you as well. You can see his passion for the topics he teaches while being entertaining and interactive. Something you do not see often is a professor having first-hand experience in what they are teaching, but Professor Sexton does, which gives a unique teaching perspective that helped me learn deeper. Although each class is mandatory to attend, time flies with his content that makes you think deeper about what you know about how our society views certain aspects such as the prison system and religion. I would not miss out on class because there are guest lecturers who add to the value of the class. There is a research paper due at the end of the quarter but you have more than enough time to finish it. Alongside that, we read 3 books that are fast-paced and easy to digest. His directions are straightforward and if followed you will have no problem leaving the class with a fantastic grade. Professor Sexton makes much time for his students through his office hours and quickly responds via email. There are extra credit assignments if you want an extra grade bump.

Please take Dr. Sexton!! He is not only an amazing Professor, but he is extremely empathetic. Last quarter was the hardest quarter of my life due to personal circumstances. Dr. Sexton was incredibly supportive and understanding. He truly cares about the success of his students! This course is also very engaging. You will read three short novels and engage in a discussion via canvas. There is a research project, but it is very manageable. The final exam consists of an essay question which is dependent upon the class lectures.