3.1
Quality2.8
Difficulty55%
Would Retake101
Reviews55%
Would Retake
101
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
20
4
27
3
22
2
18
1
14
What Students Say
“He copies and pastes them directly from there to the test”
GEOG102 - 3.0 rating“The guy is really smart and a really good teacher as well as mentor”
GEOG470 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
28%
Textbook Required
17%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.29 avg changeRatings by Course
GEOG109
5.0
(3)GEO113
5.0
(1)GEOG461
5.0
(1)GEOG350
5.0
(1)GEOG470
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
GEOG461
5.0
GEO113
4.0
GEO101
4.0
GEOG101
3.5
GEOG401
3.3
Reviews (101)
Wants you to do well in the course and gives many helpul excersises that are not mandatory but will benefit you. Our 1st exam was open book. Is very knowledgable about geography through personal experience. Knows his stuff.
Very motivated, knows his stuff but is hard on assignments. Stay on top of reading the chapters, he takes his exam questions from them. The downside to his class is writing 2 pages (single spaced) on for a video review.
Kind of scary, but very honest. Not very animated just stands in front of class talking...lotsss of reading from two books, lotss of writing and grades very hard (not on a curve)...would not recommend!
This teacher obviously loves Geography, however he seems to forget that not everyone is as interested. A very nice guy, but his exams and grading are far more challenging than you would expect from an Intro course. 5-page final paper and several 2-page single spaced video reports. 3 exams.
I did not like the class at all, I felt it was very hard. He clearly loves geography and it shows in his lectures but he is VERY tough and doesn't take any crap. I wouldn't personally recommend him, and after this class I would never be interested in taking any other geography class in the future.
He clearly loves geography but his lectures don't follow any order.We skipped the entire continent of Africa! Laid back class, just READ and do well on the video evaluations that count for ALOT. I wouldn't really recommend this class if you're not willing to make an effort. Not a class for people who want an easy A and don't want to do any work.
Prof. Marcus is actually not that bad. He's always willing to help however his lectures could be a bit boring at times. There's 3 exams including the final, 5 film reviews, and 1 five page final paper. Read the book and pay attention to his lectures because thats where he gets ALL of his questions from
Human Geography is actually really interesting. I thought this class would be horrible, but it was actually AMAZING! I would highly recommend this class for the winter semester. It isn't any easy A, but it is an A you will enjoy working for. The tests are open-book and they are very fair. There is one paper, but it's simply a summary of an article.
Professor Marcus is extremely arrogant, although he clearly really loves geography. He likes to talk about himself a lot and often tells stories about his travels during class. His quizzes/tests are ridiculous. One test was multiple choice, ten questions, worth 100 points! Basically if you get more than one wrong each time you're ****ed!
Professor Marcus is extremely helpful and kind. He knows a lot about geography and is constantly willing to help out. His tests are fair, just read the text and attend lectures. He makes things interesting and has a lot of personal experience which adds depth and appeal to his lectures. Not an easy A but definitely a good class.
Doesn't take attendance, but the only way to do well is to come to class. He tests you on the things he discusses most. He isn't terrible but if I had to take another geography class I wouldn't take any with him.
I don't know why so many people don't like him. He's a really nice guy and he actually looks at this website and listens to what people have to say to try to make the class better for students. The class is really easy but you still learn a lot. I would definitely recommend it if you're interested in geography.
I liked his class. It was challenging but I learned a lot. He's very passionate about geography and makes it interesting since he's experienced a lot first hand. Basically, don't take his class if you aren't willing to work hard or don't attend class on a daily basis.
He's really passionate about geography. Tells you what to study for most tests. Gives lectures on his travels, which is pretty interesting. Also brings in guest lecturers from different countries. I didn't use the book too much, not a whole lot comes from it on the tests. Doesn't take attendance, but go to class and you'll do fine on the exams.
This class is an easy A only if you put forth the effort. He does powerpoints every class and the weekly quizes on based on the powerpoints. The three big exams are quite difficult but the weekly short quizes help boost your grade.He also gives a lot of options for extra credit. This is a good class to take.
This course is okay. Marcus does power points every class, and gives out weekly map quizzes. You have to read the textbook to do well on the 3 tests. He doesn't take attendance.
Very knowledgable professor, but very strict about classroom rules-kind of anal. attendance not mandatory, but weekly quizzes on thursdays, so no one goes Tuesdays. quizzes easy, 4 large tests pretty hard. weekly powerpoints he posts on bbd, a lot of his esteemed guest speakers you don't get much from. Great ex opportunities
Do NOT take Professor Marcus.. (willy wonka if you will).. He decided to get rid of all extra credit opportunities this semester, making his class extremely difficult. He loves to talk about himself and finds ways to retort all lessons back to his "fabulous and impressive" life. Reading is excessive and tests are hard, good luck.
Very Helpful!! Gave extra credit on some assignments. Wants everyone to come out of his class with some basic knowledge of Geography :) Talks about his experience which helps to understand the material better. Will let you know what to excpect on the test!! :)
I want to warn people to ignore comments from before fall2010-Marcus changed his class SO much this yr. He offers absolutely no extra credit anymore. The tests are ridiculously hard for a GenEd, not to mention the class is beyond boring. He's got a huge ego. Who cares if he's "passionate" about geography, that doesn't make his class suck any less.
He's very strict, but you can learn a lot from this class. It's a lot of reading and the tests can be hard unless you actually read the chapters and powerpoints. He has been all around the world, which makes the class more interesting I feel. homeworks online weekly and textbook/software is expensive. If you don't mind reading take him
Marcus is a very knowledgeable man and I respect him as a a person. But as a teacher this guy is sub par at best. The class is very hard for a gen ed unless you aspire to be a geographer. No extra credit opportunities and 4 tests all multiple choice. Unless you plan on reading every word in The text book, you prob won't do well. Marcus sucks.
Marcus is a great professor. Gives out very easy map quizzes, should be an easy B. the tests weren't very hard either. You got to read the book once or twice and take some notes. These people are some complainers don't listen to them.
EASIEST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! The tests could qualify as parts of a "for Dummies" book. Reading is necessary, so study and make use of the resources on WileyPlus. I recommend him because he makes the course as easy as possible. 4 tests, a few online homeworks, and some classwork quizzes that at times can be extra credit.
Make sure you study the quizzes he gives out in class. He puts the exact same questions on the tests. Final is not cumulative and only took me 15 minutes to complete. Very easy class. The website he uses for assignments is also very helpful. Take him!
Marcus is well-traveled and super experienced. He knows what he is talking about, and he is very understanding if you need to miss a class. He was really clear and willing to help anyone who needs it. I love his class even though I hate geography!
Professor Marus is very knowledgeable and knows what he is talking about, however he not easy going what so ever. So don't believe he will help you out in anyway because he won't. Also enjoys pointing out students who are late so don't walk in late or he'll embarrass you. I would suggest a different teacher.
This class was okay...its boring stuff but the teacher is not bad.he goes off track while talking a lot but he has some good stories.his tests are multiple choice and as long as you take the weekly quizzes and take notes in class you will do fine. He also gives a lot of extra credit so its probably hard to fail.
prof. alan is very good professor. the class was easy and he will work with in every possible way. 4 exams and term paper with weekly online quizzes. it was an easy class.
Dr. Marcus is very passionate about his subject and wants his students to understand and appreciate the value of geography. His class is not hard, but he does expect all students to take an active role in learning (read the book, do research, etc) As a bonus, he can DANCE and is pretty cute!
He was really rude to me when he found out I misheard his directions and got angry when I told him a joke about it. He spoke to me constantly as if I wasn't worth his time and didn't care whether he was being rude or not. Even if his class is relatively easy, I would not recommend him.
You know i've read all the comments from basically kids who don't want to learn anything or go to class for that matter. The guy is really smart and a really good teacher as well as mentor. He has really good life experiences that we can all learn from. I've enjoyed his classes and teaching style and look forward to taking him again.
Tests have nothing to do with the powerpoints that he displays in class. only way to pass the tests are if you read and study solely from the chapters. If you are looking for a class just to take as a core i do not reccommend this one. 1 take home test, 3 in class tests, a 5+ page term paper and a final.
This was a ridiculous class. No way was it on a Gen Ed level. Marcus is a nice guy, but expects that you teach yourself everything from the book, which is VERY unrealistic. I went to class every day and still was only able to pull high Ds and Low Cs on exams. 1 Take home exam, 3 in class, Reasearch paper and a final. GET THE BOOK!!!!!! Seriously.
What's ridiculous is that kids think they can just show up and do well without studying. I ended up with a 94 in the class: 4 exams + an essay = Easy. If you stop paying attention to sports or American Idol or what celebrities or doing and start reading the news or books you might actually learn a little something about the world. Quit crying.
He comes off as really pretentious and rude--because he is. Had him for two weeks and dropped the class because I couldn't stand his attitude. Sure he knows a lot, but he doesn't teach it to you. He wants you to spend hours reading every night and then tell him what it's about and gets mad if you don't know. Would not recommend him ever.
He (in my opinion) has very poor public speaking skills and cannot grab the students' attention. Powerpoints have A LOT of pointless info. that is not on the tests, and he reads right from the board. Pay attention to the hints he gives you for the tests. He's a genius, but not all geniuses are effective teachers.
HATED THIS CLASS. he is a terrbile professor and doesnt teach infomation well. geography is an intersting subject, but he tells the class pointless information. DONT TAKE. boring
I enjoyed this class, he knows his stuff and has been all over the world. There were 4 exams that weren't too bad if you studied. I think he is an underrated professor that just needs maybe a different approach to teaching. Being a freshman I was able to do well in this class with barely any stress. If you're a decent worker I suggest this class.
Professor Marcus is a boring professor but not difficult. There are only 4 exams which make up your entire grade so the course load is not too heavy. One of the exams is take-home and one of them is open-book. The other 2 you have to study for but he gives hints. Overall, he is very boring but wants you to succeed.
Very boring professor! It is a pretty easy class although. I skipped a lot of the lectures because mainly it is a self-study class, but the exams aren't hard and he gives many hints. He is very knowledgeable but not a very good public speaker. If this course is something you're genuinely interested in, it may be worth it to take a diff. prof.
Class really resembles a english course as most of it is discussions of various assigned readings. He is a pretty easy grader though. You have on 7 page paper on a topic of your choice. And attendance is graded. Its a super interesting class and Prof Marcus is an awesome guy. Definitely recommend this course!
He is not the best lecture out there but he is very knowledgeable. Going to class is a drag at times because he does not follow through with a topic but all the material you need to know is on Bb. He gives many practice quizzes in class that have questions from the test so its beneficial to go. He is an easy grader and wants everyone to pass.
Easiest class! GO to class and he will literally give you in class quizzes with answers that are on the test. The final exam was a combination of the tests. He's so nice and wants everyone to do well! Definitely makes geography interesting. TAKE HIM
He's incredibly boring to listen to, but the class itself is easy enough to pass. Tests arent hard and he practically gives you the answers. The first test is take home, the second's in class, third is open book, and the fourth is the final. Also only two papers which are no more than two pages long. Bottom line is he's really easy, really boring.
4 exams and two papers. One exam is take home and one is open note (internet included). The exams are multiple choice and the papers are pass or fail. I think only 2 of my 50+ classmates failed a paper; you can only fail them if you try. His lectures are really boring, but what he says doesn't really matter any way, all the questions are on quizlet
He is a good professor with MANY weird stories that are just insane. Kind of bland lectures but everything that he talks about in class is on the tests so if you take notes and do the readings you will get an a.
Geo 102 has been my easiest course! There are only 4 exams and 2 papers. For the exams, he pretty much gives you all the answers before hand. Also, on exams are a lot of questions dealing with maps which help boost your exam grade even more. If you want to learn a lot about Geography Id say don't take the course, but if you want an Easy A TAKE IT!
Doesn't take attendance. 4 tests 2 papers. 1 test is take home and 1 is open note in class. Lectures are long and boring. Doesn't teach you anything. Need to read to pass tests. Nice and easy to talk to. Don't take if you want to learn geography.
Professor Marcus's class was easy and enjoyable. I would recommending taking this as a core! Definitely go to class so you receive the quizzes he gives, they are extremely helpful on all 4 exams!!!
Would not take him again. Tests are extremely hard. The answers weren't even in the textbook. First test was take home. Second one was in class, the class average was a failing grade and he didn't curve it. Third exam was open note, book, and laptop. Final is in class. Super nice, but awful at teaching. Should be a travel blogger.
He is very passionate about Geography, and he is also very intelligent. The tests are difficult and very specific, so make sure you study from the textbook thoroughly. He is not the clearest, most helpful, or the easiest, but you will learn a ton about geography, whether you want to or not.
He's a nice guy, but his lectures are confusing. Tests are all multiple choice and based primarily on the textbook, which he hardly discusses in class. The questions on the tests are very specific and it makes studying extremely difficult.
Tests are extremely difficult and specific to the textbook, which is rarely covered in class. Nice man, but for the difficulty of the tests given, should be more clear in lectures. Recommend taking it with someone else, this was a very difficult lower-level core class, which it shouldn't have been.
The lectures are long and boring and the tests are really hard. I used online sources to study for tests rather than notes, which made this class an easy A for me. He's very passionate about the subject. Lost respect when he got in a girls face during class and yelled at her.
His lectures are extremely long and he rarely covers anything from the textbook. His tests are around 80 questions and are specific to the core! Hard for a 100 level class. There's 4 tests, one test over half the class failed and he will not curve it. Do not take him!
Human Geography was such an interesting class. It was a class that definitely made me reconsider how Human impact the world explicitly and implicitly. Dr. Marcus offers some unique insight into his professional work in Brazil, and shows some quite interesting documentaries in class. Reading the textbook and then participating in class would help!
He rarely covers anything in class that will be on tests (except when he shows videos and gives out practice worksheets). If you want anything higher than a C on your test- go online and find the textbook's test questions. He copies and pastes them directly from there to the test. About 90% of the class failed a test so he gave a ton of EC.
Professor Marcus's class was very disorganized and there were only a few graded assignments (because this was an 100 person lecture class). The content of the tests were often completely different from the material in his lectures and the textbook, making it difficult to study. His lectures were also long and confusing because he was unprepared.
the best part about dr. marcus is his use of multiple types of lecture. instead of just lecture all the time, there is whole days for discussions, videos, etc. this class never drags on. he is very sweet and means well. you have about 6 summary papers, a project, a book review, and a final! he has so much personal experience in latin america
Dr. Marcus is a fascinating guy. He will not blow you away with any one lecture, but if you pay attention you'll find that he includes a ton of awesome, perspective broadening information. Lectures are supplemental to the reading, so read and follow the study guides. DON'T PASS UP ON THE EXTRA CREDIT. It will be the difference between a B and an A.
Professor Marcus was very disorganized and always seems to be a little out of it. His lectures go on all class and its very easy to start daydreaming or sleep in his class. His lectures have nothing to do with the test he gives. One test was take home so that was nice. BUt overall you will leave his classroom irritated that you didnt learn much.
This class is hard and he doesn't make it any easier for you, your grade is depends on your willingness to learn and understand
Please participate ! If not he will call on you and you better hope you read for homework because that's what he will be calling on you to answer questions about. He can be a bit too much when it comes to exams. He does have great lectures. He seems very rooted in geography, hopefully you feel the same, or you might not enjoy the class as much.
Nowhere as scary as the syllabus makes it seem. His lectures are in depth, but the info you need to know isn't really. Study guides are exactly what are on exams. He may not go over everything in class but just search the term in the online textbook or just google it. Attendance helps but it's ok if you miss a couple classes.
Two presentations and a final paper with one or two little things he might spring on you. Not hard but very heavy on the readings. He's very passionate about this subject so it's surprising that he expects the class to come up with most of the content based on readings every week. The class is super interesting though and you will learn something.
Very straightforward class. four exams, one is take home the last is a cumulative final. he posts study guides for the last three exams which are word for word what you will see on the exam. a very easy group project and essay with just five questions. lectures were boring but every once in a while would tell an interesting life story.
His class is pure memorization and worksheets. Study the stuff he puts on blackboard and you'll be good. His lectures are pretty dry but he has good stories and the textbook is not needed at all.
Do not take this professor unless you absolutely have to. He helps his students if you reach out to him but even then his whole demeanor is condescending. He really should not be a professor and teach. His teaching style and him as a person made the class unbearable.
Marcus is a very knowledgeable professor who has some very interesting insights on his career and life. There is a lot of reading but it isnt usually hard to understand. The exams are kinda hard but if you go to his office hours he will help out immensely, especially with your essays
Hes very abstract in the way he teaches. Does not outright tell you what he wants. Would not take again.
Not a very good professor. He knows about the topic and even wrote his own textbook, but he expects way too much from his students. He doesn't engage the class and instead just makes you write a paper and take a few tests. He doesn't do a good job at telling you what will be on the test. I don't usually write reviews for professors, but had to here
Professor Marcus was a good guy and very passionate about what he is teaching. He's a bit disorganized from time to time, and his lectures didn't have much to do with the tests at all. He gives study guides before the test and it's important to follow them if you want to pass. Overall, interesting class.
Basically an online class but he gets annoyed with too many people skip. Tests and quizzes are all online and based on homework and reading. Tests have very little relation to his lectures.
Lectures have very little to do with the information that is on the tests/quizzes (all of which are online). He gets frustrated and sends out passive-aggressive emails to all students when some students do not come to class, but when students do come to class and use laptops to take notes, he gets angry and says that he is, "Wasting his breath".
Easy finesse if you look at the Optional Homeworks. Everything is online, he is just very passionate when it comes to geography so he would want everyone to come to class.
all the reading, quizzes, and tests are online so thats so easy. he doesn't take attendance and class is not mandatory. his lectures have nothing to do with what you are doing with the online book. i missed so many classes and got A's on each weekly quiz and unit test, along with the final exam and paper. he complains a lot too
Coming from a "lazy person" like myself, Dr. Alan's class is extremely easy. The textbook is online as well as all assignments/quizzes and exams. The only time I came into class was during discussion/debate days, which attendance is the only time it's mandatory. Never met a man who complains a lot tho. Guaranteed A+ if you complete the work
This class is easy to pass if you just do all your work and submit them on time. However, the lectures are not helpful at all.
Being online it was very easy. All homework, quizzes, and exams were online and gave automatic grading. 1 paper. Made all due dates on Dec 7 to give students the ability to work at their own pace. Met twice a week on Webex and very passionate about geography.
super easy class if u just do the work. i saw a lot of people said the work he gave wasnt on the test but its literally right on theres. hes very sassy but u also dont have to go to class and u will do fine
I really liked Dr. Marcus. He is really nice and wants his students to do well. Geography of the Blues was very interesting and you won't learn about it anywhere else. He really knows his stuff. A lot of reading at first but don't really have other assignments then. Not too many assignments total. I really enjoyed this class & would take him again
This class was hybrid and we met two times a week so he could discuss extra information on that section of the semester. There were 11 chapters, 2 assignments per chapter and you could do they at any time which was very convenient. You could skip the lectures and get a 100%. The exams are online and are based off the homework assignments.
Professor Marcus is really passionate about the world and it shows in his lectures. As for the class itself, the homeworks, quizzes, and exams are all online. The tests are 99% homework problems and all homeworks are due at the end of the semester for flexibility. Many people skipped the lectures and still got an A. This is a good Core 12 to take.
One word- painful. All major exams were online, map quizzes in class. Days where you have to come to class, otherwise not necessary. Passionate about the class but doesn't seem to understand that people are taking it as a core class. He thinks it's the most important thing you will learn. Doesn't respond well to criticism. Wouldn't take again
Not a fan of this class. Exams online, map quizzes, and other quizzes in class. He's very hot and cold with his mood and is very disorganized. I think he tries his best but it gets very frustrating for students. The homework's are easy points. Follow the syllabus and you should do well, but if given the option take someone else.
Lectures were a bit boring but that was probably the worst thing in this class. Professor Marcus let students know how the semester was going to go from the beginning of the semester, there were lots of homework but you get to see what you did wrong and still correct the answers. There are a few tests but they aren't too hard when you study.
I like the class is interesting, he taught us things from the beginning of humanity from hunt and gather societies till landscape Architecture I would say the only downside is that there are 3 assigned books you have to buy , read, and write about
All assignments were online, including exams. Had to be taken during class time. One 5-page midterm paper and one test taken in class (80 points). Super easy since he gave you the questions. Lectures were boring and dragged. Attendance was not mandatory, but there were 5 in-class assignments, worth 20 points each, all you had to do was show up.
Literally one of the easiest classes you will ever take. everything is online except 1 quiz in class in the first month of the semester. The Final/Midterm are both online. The Homework allows you multiple attempts until you get a hundred and literally as long as you get 100s on the homework, you will pass the class. You do not need to attend class.
This class wasn't hard. There was one assignment in class (the first and only exam) then everything else was online work. This class is lecture heavy and you definitely need to take notes. He always made sure his office hours were known so that anyone could get help if needed. Overall, not a bad class.
I took Geography of Human Migration with him. I liked him and his personality. Tests weren't hard just quite specific. Very lecture heavy class. Tests and exams are based on in person lectures and some were readings. He is very lenient and cares more than he shows, don't be afraid to ask him for a re-do as long as you regularly participate in class
He truly is a phenomenal professor and genuinely cares about his subject matter. I will warn you though if you don't care about: learning outside of your major, going to class, or your grade please save him the trouble. He doesn't deserve it and you won't like him. If you do care though pls take him his class is fascinating -an edu major not geo
Overall a very odd class and incredibly rude professor. Lectures are not mandatory and are unhelpful. All work is just course ware through RedShelf. Would make demeaning comments to students out loud in class, and sent several passive aggressive announcements that were clearly about specific students. Easy enough class, but I wouldn't recommend.
He was terrible, unorganized, boring long lectures, and harsh grader. He says attendance is mandatory on the syllabus but doesn't take attendance so it really isn't mandatory. Just read the assigned texts and write about them that's all the class is to be honest
needs to retire
This is INFACT an elective that you can take for an easy A. Whether its for your major, interested or just need a random elective you need for credits/better your GPA. The professor is VERY LONG WINDED my God! This isn't even an exaggeration guys lol but thats what I mean when I picked "lecture heavy." FOLLOW THE SYLLABUS (days to attend class)!!
Not worth it for the credit, he is very rude, unprofessional, and unorganized. All the tests are online and we do them at home. We are in the finals weeks and haven't given us anything or told us what to study, he just gave a lecture and said "this is going to be on the test". DON'T TAKE HIM.
so, it's not mandatory, but I would suggest going the first few weeks of school, just to see how things are. His test is online and the hw is online. Make sure to keep note of when the online activity is due or else you will fall behind. Make sure to do your midterms. Remember to check when its due, same goes for exams.
This professor is very rude, but the class is a good class to take And when I say rude, he has no patience for students which as a professor doesnt make sense
Everything was online, so I honestly barely made it to class. The work isnt hard but very tedious. In the few classes i attented, he was kinda rude and got upset if people weren't paying attention, but it wasn't too bad.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
28%
Textbook Required
17%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.29 avg changeRatings by Course
GEOG109
5.0
(3)GEO113
5.0
(1)GEOG461
5.0
(1)GEOG350
5.0
(1)GEOG470
4.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
GEOG461
5.0
GEO113
4.0
GEO101
4.0
GEOG101
3.5
GEOG401
3.3