3.0
Quality3.8
Difficulty42%
Would Retake103
Reviews42%
Would Retake
103
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
103 total ratings5
30
4
20
3
12
2
11
1
30
What Students Say
“Best banjo player in the South”
350 - 5.0 rating“Expects book learning”
350 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
56%
Textbook Required
87%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.38 avg changeRatings by Course
SOC103
5.0
(1)SOC472
5.0
(1)MANY
5.0
(1)SOC999
5.0
(1)MANYSECT
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
BSC101
5.0
SOC400W
5.0
SOC360
5.0
SOC3
5.0
ALL69
5.0
Reviews (101)
He is sooooo hot and smart
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Finally, a professor who encourages critical thinking! The class has a relaxed atmoshere, in which the only drawback might be students in the class who have a closed mind (like bad apples,there's one in every bunch)
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AMazing
he looks down on students as if he were better than them. He is working at a public school but does not relate to poor people he would prefer to be surrounded by the elite. he criticizes often and holds right wing christian beleifs. He is also NOT HOT.
I liked his style of teaching, he expected a lot of work but at the same time he was there to help. I lkied the boots and his stories of his first marriage, truck, REM and his son.
He works in a school? In what capacity? He's not hot as someone says, unless you think John Denver or Rochester's Bob Lonsberry is hot. He's passive but boy, don't challenge him with hostility - he'll show a side you won't want to see again! Got an A in every class with him. Truck stories bore.
After reading all the other comments he tells the same stories to all of his classes, what a bore! This teacher has a way of talking down to you so that he can feel better about himself. He is also very unprofessional because he talks bad about his collegues behind their backs to students.
SHELTON IS ONE OF THE ONLY PROFESSOR'S I'VE HAD THAT ACTUALLY REQUIRED ME TO THINK ON MY OWN. I HOPE HE READS THIS
dr. shelton does not hold conservative christian beliefs, as is sometimes thought. most of the students who take his classes do not understand his teaching style and tend to walk away with mistaken impressions of him.
Very interesting and insightful... but hey as long as we're calling people superficial lets at least spell it right, okay??
The teacher annoyed me because he was so self absorbed, always talking about the prices of his clothes, pen, ANYTHING. It also bothered me that he would put down buff state and its students, hinting that we're not as good as private school students, or won't go as far.
SHELTON IS FANTASTIC. IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT DO THE READING. OFTEN HIS STORIES RELATE TOO WELL TO MATERIAL IN CLASS BUT PEOPLE DON'T READ THUS THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT. HE MAKES YOU THINK--EXCELLENT PROFESSOR.
Shelton is the best, if you don't get it you didn't read and can't write. How can you complain about this laid back style, awesome topics, and NO TESTS? He's unlike any other teacher at this silly school, and if you just have an open mind you'll learn more than you could in any other class.
He's a snob, but a great teacher. I'm STILL not quite sure why he liked my papers so much, but I won't complain. More teachers in this school need to produce the kind of fervor Allen Shelton's teaching style does, but not his personality. If you are easily offended and have unmovable beliefs, you won't like him (and it sucks to be you).
I am so glad I stopped using "rate my professors" as a guide for class registering. Shelton might just be my favorite professor at this school thus far. He expects you to to be creative and to know how to write effectivly.I wish another professor had expected this much out of me when I was a freshman,I would have been a better student because of it
He's okay, probably not good enough to account for his extremely repellent superiority complex. He has some interesting stories though, and has a VERY creative approach to making students understand sociology. He also has an extremely warped view of Buffalo State in general, and if you're not a sociology major you're not worth his time.
Great professor, with a challenging course load. His class has helped me to write and helped me to develop my thought processes. He is hard to follow at times in fact his Sociological concepts are often hard to understand. He is a great story teller and through his stories he teaches Sociology.
Shelton is very unorganized & has no idea whats going on. Had us read books that made no sense & could not answer our questions. Often he said he couldnt remember what the book was about & danced around questions. Essays were 2 pages long 10 pt font single spaced. Do not take him! He also tells stories that take whole class & dont connect to course
It seems like what he talks about in class has nothing to do with the course but if you follow along carefully it can help you write the papers. Try to write your papers the way he talks in class thats the way he wants them. I did learn some things in his class but very different learning style and he never learns anyones name even if participate
Okay, if you plan on taking a class with Shelton, BEWARE. His class is the hardest class I have ever taken and ever will take. He is a smart man but has a weird way of showing it. The books he assigns are impossible to read. And if your writing style doesn't match his, don't expect to get a good grade in his class. He's useless if you ask for help.
The class is very challenging; however, I found it to be interesting. He has a great sense of humor and is flexible with students. The reading list is difficult and you must be willing to think outside the box.
Very approachable and very helpful even outside of office hours.
Great professor
The best professor I've ever had, the classes are challenging but if you stick it out you'll learn something. I'll admit his papers are tough and sometimes crazy but they are the only papers I've wrote that I'm proud of.
Best professor ever. Intelligent, Knowledgable, told the best stories ever. I will forever remember the Garbage Madonna. I enjoyed comming to class and writing the papers. They were difficult, but that is to be expect in a college corse. The class really challenged my learning ablities and I enjoyed the books that we had to read against each other.
He plays favorites. If you are one of the "chosen" you'll do fine. If not then you will not do well in his class.
Outstanding knowledge base, very well read. The world is an onion in his eyes with its many many layers. Can go off subject and on tangents. Can be a bit explicit about sexual things for no clear reason. Attempts the truth which is his biggest +. I feel that I must be gifted to understand him it does one good to be in the realm of his gifted mind!
If I weren't so intimidated by the man, dare I say I'd marry him. He is a complex ball of ridiculous; both abrasive and delicate. I would be so very grateful to walk around with his thought process...what an interesting and entertaining world it would be. He is the only reason I stayed at this beat down school, and I am not even on his radar!
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Shelton talks about himself all the time. He talks about his life and his thoughts. He needs to get over himself. He doesnt try to know names or you as a person. He talks down to you and thinks hes so smart. If you are obssesed with him and think like him then you'll be ok i guess.
Mixed feelings on the guy.He loves what he does and is passionate about his work and the success of his students. However,his ego and way of thinking tends to lead him to make decisions that dont exactly benefit the student. Some classes I find myself asking , what is the point of this class and is this even worth my time?
I graduated from Buffalo State a few years ago. I recently realized that the best experiences and most memorable college moments I had, took place in one of Dr. Shelton's classes.Don't worry about being one of his "favorites", I doubt he would remember me at all but I did well. Oh- and he tells the most beautiful stories ever. Good Luck !
He has no idea how to teach the books he assigns. His classes degrade into frivolous discussion. He whines about being stuck at a public school and loves to talk smack about other professors. Don't be fooled into thinking he's some high level intellectual. He's self centered, plays favorites and his class should have been called 'seminar in elitism.'
He is intelligent and good looking and knows this oh-so-well. He enjoys letting everyone know how amazing he is. Sooo egotistical. On a positive note, he is effective in opening the mind to thinking about things completely differently.
Allen is one of the best teachers I have ever had. He is complex and wonderful - anyone who might have the balls to say his classes "suck" obviously has no ability to think or read since those are the only two requirements. Super-Friend Sheltonites FOREVER!!!!
His class was extremely difficult. It's the only class to date since I've entered college that I have learned 0 from. Unless this is a last resort or requirement, do yourself a favor and don't take him as a professor.
Beautiful. Nothing but an Amazingggggg professor...
I was involved with the learning community he organizes, and I must say he is part of the whole package of odd teachers you will get when you sign up. I appreciated his classes, not because he is an outstanding teacher or anything, but it encourages you to think and write differently about your world. Class with him is a mind-altering experience.
Absolutely, the best professor at Buffalo State College. Those who write these negative comments should not be in college, or maybe should learn how to read and write. Dr. Shelton is an example of a perfect professor who can teach. He is elegant, professional, and amazing writer. My favorite professor ever and I will remember him forever.
Super interesting guy with a unique take on EVERYTHING... Hes a little confusing in his assignment descriptions but if you can get through his papers you will be golden!
This Man is kind of confusing but all you have to do is understand him. Once you do that everything should be good but how long will it take for you to understand is the question lol but on the plus he is a cute older white man..very built and he wears form fitting clothes which is always a plus!! ;)
I had Dr. Shelton back when he used to teach at Geneseo about a thousand years ago. He is the only reason i majored in Sociology and he was probably the hardest prof i ever had. He will break your brain, so be prepared. if you're just looking to fulfill a requirement, don't take this guy; he will infuriate you.
For someone teaching a 100 level course, he sure knows how to make things unnecessarily difficult. He's also obsessed with himself, and loves nothing more than to let you know how much better he is than everyone else. I could go on for hours about how this guy infuriates me but there's a character limit. DON'T TAKE HIS CLASS.
This class was interesting to sit through but he isn't very clear on what he wants from his students. He is pretty long winded in his lectures. I liked the class but his arrogant attitude ruined it a little.
There are good professors, there are bad professor and then there is Allen Shelton. I can tell you for a fact there is no one like him here. His lectures are truly a unique experience as you never know what he will say. His papers are not hard if you read some of the books and talk to him during office hours.
He is weird-very funny, but weird. So are his lectures and assignments. For a final paper, we had to write about how zombies escaped from Haiti and transcended into supermodernity..using Karl Marx's Capital. If I was a Soc major maybe I'd like him, but he was a little to abstract for me. He challenges students to really think creatively.
Shelton is a genius. He's by far the best professor I've ever ad and quite possibly th best I ever will. If you do the readings and pay attention to his lectures you should get at least a B. He cahllenges you to think way outside of the box and to create a new perspective of the world that surrounds you
I hated this class. Completely confusing & totally into himself & his ideas. You were always wrong no matter what you said. Gives extra points on class participation. If you participate a lot he will notice when you're absent, otherwise doesn't notice. Makes you buy & read FIVE different books. Including his own. SAVE YOURSELF THE TIME.
Reading requirements are unrealistic (at least 300+ pages of DENSE reading per week). Supported by lectures had little to nothing to do with social movements. If I had just dropped before the deadline like everyone else this semester would have gone much smoother. Now left doing all I can to mitigate the damage to my GPA.
One of the most brilliant professors you will ever encounter as a student. Yeah, this class is demanding in the amount of reading, but the connections drawn together after doing the reading will change your perspective forever. This class will make you a better student. This class will make you smarter.
He started with a full lecture hall with 35 students, by the end of the semester only about 5 or 6 were left. Caught him misquoting Marx on numerous occasions, and/or takes it way out of context into no-man's land. More pretentious than smart if anything. One look at his website and I realized he was regurgitating his own writing in his lectures.
Very intelligent teacher. His class is challenging but completely worth it if you are able to step out of your comfort zone. A lot of reading is required and learning how to write good concrete papers is a must since your grade depends on the quality of your paper. Hard to understand at first but rewarding experience once you do get him.
Allen Shelton is very strange. I find his class very challenging & hard to grasp.I understand that he wants you to think outside of the box & I'm all for that. However, his thoughts & lectures are so abstract that I leave the class confused. He assigns 5 books that are 150-300 Pgs & 5 articles that are 20-100 pgs.The class is very overwhelming.
This class is pretty awesome. I love reading his assigned books and his papers are relatively challenging if you are unable to have a change of perception. Grammar, spelling and citations are of little to no importance in this class and what truly counts is your thought and intellectualism.
The class is a little challenging, but overall its interesting. There is a lot of reading, but it is a 400 level class. Its important to keep up on the reading for your papers. Lectures are different than most other soc classes I have taken, but different is good :)plus you can always talk to him if you have a question.
Hands down the most amazing professor I have ever had. A little intimidating/challenging at first but it will literally change your life if you go into his class with an open mindset and a good work ethic. Pay attention to detail in all of his work and you'll do fine! I will never forget this class.
You need to read, you need to go to class, you need to do work. It's whats expected of a college student. Shelton use to teach at a Division 1 school, now hes here at Buf State, he is super smart and you'll take away alot. About time Buff State has a professor who actually can be called professor.
very intense, but amazing. Different. Be prepared to accept hurtful things.very kind under it all. Difficult. but worth the experience to meet someone who cant ever be compared to someone ese. One of a kind. At firrst i hated him, but i really had to accept that he speaks from facts.
not worth the time.
What a great an interesting professor.personally I find him motivating and helpful .This class isn't meant for those who are lazy because it really does need time and personal studying.
Does not expect you to read every page of the writing. Will assign sections for reading and encourages a discussion in class. Develops the essay questions in class. Only 3 essays. Thats all the graded work. Will even ask students for essay topics. Attendance is not mandatory but GO TO CLASS It will help. He makes the essay questions based on class
Best banjo player in the South.
Truly believes each and every one of his students are intelligent, sweet little dumplings and values their presence in class.
Expects book learning. I didn't come to this school to read books!
I don't find Shelton to be brilliant, I find him to be arrogant. Very opinionated and not afraid to shove it down your throat. Top that with a intense workload that's not interesting. no thanks.
Always wanted you to think out of the box and give your opinion, but it always seemed wrong. Papers are 10 font single spaced and 2 pages was already starting you at a C. 5 books were required.. 2 in which are his own.. and he wanted you to spend 2 hours a day on his class. Your wasting your time, patience, money and energy.
Let's just put it this way. I would bet money that a good amount of his positive feedback is written by him. Not that I could ever prove it or anything but all of the comments that rate him high on everything except easiness bear a strong resemblance to the way he talks. Condescending, projecting, generalizing, burdensome, nebulous, and confusing.
The class was really interesting but very difficult. Shelton is well different. He is brilliant , i wish more professors in Buffalo State were half as smart as he is. He is very honest and up front. This class is challenging but it is a class ill always remember just because of him. Dont take unless you are serious about putting time into it
Funny guy, but weird. First day of class he explained his sexual fantasy to us (watching fire ants come out of the holes in Jesus's hand when he was on the cross) Hilarious, but TMI. Expect to buy at least 9 books the store will probably sell out of.
If you plan on graduating with a decent GPA, avoid this professor. His reading assignments are nothing more than a time-sink for the average full time student. I am sure he is a brilliant guy, but the reading pace he expects is about 12 credits worth for a meager 3 credit class. Unless you are taking 1 class per semester, avoid.
If you don't have the 9 books that he tells you get you won't pass. You have to read a lot and then on top of reading the 8 other books he'll have you read his book every time he gives an essay out. Buts only 3 essay, no tests; but they are single spaced and 10 front. It's harder but if you put time into the papers you can pass with an A.
This man has changed my outlook on life. The sole reason I've become so interested in sociology.
I took many classes with this professor - he expects college level work and is someone demanding compared to some of the other professors in his department. However, he is extremely helpful as long as you're making an effort, doing the assigned readings, seeking out help and GO TO CLASS you can easily get an A.
Gave crazy essay questions, they did not even make sense and if you don't red the 10 books he assigns you are screwed and all he talks about is sex. very awkward. i would not recommend taking any of his classes with a ton of other classes consumes a lot of your time
I had him for two classes. Talks about sex. He makes you read and analyze his own book. You have to read and attend all classes. The essay questions are long paragraphs that are unclear on what he wants done. I asked him for help, and he told me "if you don't understand what this is asking then I can't help you." Not a very clear teacher.
Shelton is the best, he truly connects with his students and is beyond funny. He gives 3 papers which are your entire grade so read the books and spend a lot of time on writing. Prepare yourself for a whirlwind of hilarious stories and unlikely book comparisons. If you put in the work you will not regret his class. I took SOC 330 with him as well!
Allen Shelton is one of the greatest professors I've ever had. His lectures leave you shook in a mesmerizing way. His questions may be challenging but they will transform you into a better writer. Be patient with him and try. Try for the sole purpose of bettering yourself in subject of Sociology. Intelligent man that deserves so much more credit.
After getting a B+ I was kind of sad, thought I would at least get an A-! Lol but this class is hard for people who choose not to read and skip class often. However, Shelton's class allowed me to get creative while writing papers. Although it was difficult, it's still one of the most interesting classes I have taken at Buffalo State.
He speaks to a certain crowd and is very demeaning towards people who he feels are not of a certain status... An example of this would be when he talked about a former student of his wearing expensive clothes "but closer to his skin the cheaper he was." Why in the world would you talk down about the same people you are supposed to be uplifting.
If you don't care about the course, he won't care about you. Simple as that.
My thoughts: quite mysterious, interesting, writes reviews for himself on here
Registered 29th of August, dropped 30th of August. DO NOT REGISTER TO HIS CLASS
After switching from psychology to sociology, I realized that Freud actually did have something valuable to contribute. After reading Shelton's book I saw that it was only through plants' libidinal drive that cotton production and farming were possible, leading to a booming plantation economy in the antebellum south. Thank you for opening my mind.
Ive taken this class because I thought it would be interesting, it was interesting but lecture and the way he was talking about these books that we had to read and lectures from other sociologist was not understandable. Essays questions was out of the world thinking , take this if you like 10ft single space 3-5 pages of work.
Learned a lot from his class; such a knowledgeable guy! If I could switch majors, I would definitely change it to sociology because of him.
He seemed to talk about things not related to anything. Theres 3 papers that are written in 10pt font, single spaced that have to be 3 pages minimum. I went to class once a week out of the two classes and still did fine. Theres about 5 books you need to read, 3 of them are his. Hes a very.. interesting person..
Dr. Shelton's class is the first class I've taken that felt like a real college class. No textbooks, but there are several real books. The books can be difficult but he will guide you, it may be in a somewhat abstract way but you'll leave class feeling as though you've really learned something.
Allen Shelton has a superiority complex, white male ego and leaks insecurity He tells stories the whole class that are either him looking down on people who aren't as "succesful" as him or wear as fancy clothes as he does also tries to act like hes down He constatly talks down about Buffalo State probably the only school that he could get a job at
Do you like teachers who love to make generalzations on races, women etc? If so this is your man. He thinks hes intelligent but speaks with much ignorance. He once made a comment no woman professor on campus dress good compared to other schools. he makes many subjective comments. He screamed at a girl for going to the bathroom. I can see thru him
JUST DO NOT TAKE, VERY narcissistic and sarcastic. The first week he was the best I have no clue what happened. would not recommend it. A lot of talking rather then actual curriculum.
this class was the most mediocre, boring, unorganized class I've ever taken. he talks badly about his colleagues, and others and listening to him ramble on was like watching paint dry. and don't even try to correct him on his inappropriate comments he doesn't care and you will be penalized for any opposing views. beware racist Trumpie in disguise.
Just avoid it. I beg.
Listen to the reviews that are warning you !
Took this class the same semester that Covid started, so half was in class and half was online. He required 7 books for a 200 level class, I could barely understand the material and he did not help. I eventually retook the class with a different professor and got an A+. Just avoid taking him in general. Literally horrible.
This is the worse class I've ever taken in my entire college career and I've been here for 4 years. He is borderline racist and sexist and says a lot of ignorant things about students and other professors. He talks in circles and his lectures have nothing to do with the material, very confusing. If you aren't forced to take this PLEASE DONT
Honestly just show up to class and talk about what you read even if you didn't do the readings yet just show up go over what you didn't read, and read accordingly. He may not have a filter but he's not a bad person he just want's his students to learn instead of giving out grades. He disregards irrelevant things but he does offer to help if needed.
Professor Shelton is great! You have a lot of reading, but discuss the readings 3 times a week in class. If you are just in college to take easy classes that don't make you think and you get a diploma, then I wouldn't take his class. But, if you are looking for actual knowledge and enrichment, then any of his classes are where you should be.
Dr.shelton is someone that is worthwhile to discuss with.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
56%
Textbook Required
87%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.38 avg changeRatings by Course
SOC103
5.0
(1)SOC472
5.0
(1)MANY
5.0
(1)SOC999
5.0
(1)MANYSECT
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
BSC101
5.0
SOC400W
5.0
SOC360
5.0
SOC3
5.0
ALL69
5.0