The course does not give an introduction to sociology in the textbooky sense (I still don't know many sociological terms after taking the class), but rather Sherwood makes you think about your own life and society around you on your own. His lectures are interesting - he keeps the class engaged. He is a concerned and lively guy, and will remember your name if you talk in class.

Participate during section. Participate during lecture (though it may seem daunting to speak in front of 200 people, Sherwood highly, highly values your participation in the lecture). Write high-quality papers that incorporate both personal experience and sociological concepts.

he's a great guy. a bit overenthusiastic. he will send you a gazillion emails. altho they're not really necessary. he really cares. really likes sociology. which is not found in all the professors.

grade breakdown was 60% = 3 essays, twenty percent each. 10% weekly postings due on saturday midnight. 10% section attendance. 20% on the quiz. 2 quizzes and you get to drop the lower score.

quizzes are based on readings, lectures and films. i would say just do the henslin (main textbook) readings. the other readings are summarized in his lecture summaries.

essays are first-person and pretty much freestyle. which is nice.

course is easy. but to get an A you just have to do the average work you do to get an A. if you''re not so good with writing papers, might not be a good class for you. if you can whip up papers easily, then i say you will get a good grade without doing too much.

postings are annoying. but it's not like the professor asks much from the class other than that.