3.7

Andrew Barlow

Social Science - Diablo Valley College

3.7
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
50%
Would Retake
84
Reviews
3.7
Quality
3.2
Difficulty
3.6
Helpful
3.8
Clarity

50%

Would Retake

84

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

38

4

16

3

12

2

11

1

7

What Students Say

I called it "Socialism" class

SOC101 - 2.0 rating

Pushes his political views really strongly and grades on 3 exams and one short essay about dams in India

SOCIO120 - 2.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

68%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

89% confidence
Based on 13 grades
Most common grades:
A (8)
B (4)
Not sure yet (3)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(4)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 17 reported grades
A: 8
B: 4
Not sure yet: 3
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
Common Tags
Amazing lectures (4)
Inspirational (3)
Tough Grader (3)
Respected (2)
Participation matters (2)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (2)
Caring (2)
TEST HEAVY (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.15 avg change
Sep
Jan
May
Jun
Dec
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOCI120

5.0

(1)

SOCIO1201802

5.0

(1)

SOCIOLOGY

4.8

(4)

SOCIOLOGY120

4.8

(4)

SOC120135

4.5

(2)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

SOCIO1211831

5.0

120

4.5

121

4.0

SIO120

4.0

SOC122

4.0

Reviews (84)
5.0
1.0
SOCIOLOGY
Sep 7, 2001

This is a great class. He makes it interesting and easy to follow. Five stars!

5.0
3.0
SOCIO120
Sep 10, 2001

interesting, intelligent, love how teaches but never do good cuz of essay tests!

5.0
2.0
SOCIO120
Apr 9, 2002

very good teacher, you'll learn a lot, very interesting

3.0
3.0
SOC120
Sep 12, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
SOCIO120
Jul 16, 2003

Prof. Barlow is one of the best teachers ever! His lecture style and manner of speaking is very engaging, making even boring stuff a pleasure to sit in on. HE IS VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

2.0
3.0
SOC101
Aug 22, 2003

I found this man utterly intolerable. I felt as though I was having his opinions crammed down my throat, more so than I was being taught about anything at all. I got nothing from this class but his biased opinions.

3.0
4.0
120
May 23, 2004

i am sorry but i didn't like this guy at all. school work wise and tests he is a hard one.

3.0
4.0
SIO120
Jul 1, 2004

not easy to get a good grade in this class

2.0
1.0
SOC135
Oct 31, 2004

He forces his opinions on you, and will not listen to anyone else. Tries to incorporate other subjects into his lectures, but doesn't understand them enough to do it. I didn't learn very much beyond what I already knew: minorities are oppressed. Worst...teacher...ever.

5.0
4.0
SOCIO135
Nov 5, 2004

Brilliant guy--very enlightening class. Barlow was affable and easy to understand. He is opinionated, but if you're not smart enough to take what he says, evaluate it, and form your own opinion, you don't belong in his class. If you can't at least tolerate your profs. opinions, quit college now.

5.0
4.0
SOC135
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Dec 11, 2004

He is brilliant! He challenges your mind and still manages to be cool.

5.0
4.0
SOC135
May 11, 2005

Barlow is a very intelligent guy. He seems to have a tremendous about of information in his head which can pull out and recite at any time. It's hard not to like and respect the guy. Very good teacher

5.0
2.0
SOC101
Jun 28, 2005

Best teacher ever!!! Exams and paper were veyr easy, study the book definitions and you should be set!

4.0
2.0
SOC
Sep 5, 2005

He's very passionate about what he has to say and it's pretty cool. I thought I wouldn't like the class but I do...

5.0
4.0
SOCIOLOGY
Sep 17, 2005

He was one of the best professors I have ever had... he is so smart.. Stanford/Harvard, um yeah... and he is awesome. I love him... Everything he said was so well done... I used to think he was BSing us so I would write down what he said and check the facts, and it was all correct... he is amazing... take his class!

5.0
4.0
120
Sep 28, 2005

He is very smart man and I feel privlaged to have him as my teacher.

3.0
1.0
SOCIO
Jan 30, 2006

The guy preaches instead of teaching, tries to correct your own thinking and claims that racism is the answer to everybody's problems. He preaches bs and unfortunatelly the whole class repeats it like a choir. Try not agreeing with the guy and see your grade go down...

4.0
4.0
SOCIOLOGY
Apr 28, 2006

lectures are kinda boring and testing method isnt the greatest. usually keeps class 5-10 minutes late because he has to cover one more quick thing

4.0
3.0
SOCIOLOGY120
May 6, 2006

Class was based on lectures. Gives a review sheet before mid-terms and expects that you can cover the material. He is very clear with what he asks and made class interesting while also touching on worldwide issues. Class is not the easiest, but you'll come out with a better understanding of your surroundings.

4.0
3.0
SOC122
May 25, 2006

He is a really intelligent teacher, but sometimes he uses his lectures as a soapbox. You will be taking lots of notes and taking tests where you transfer notes to a bluebook. He obviously favors liberal viewpoints and gives more facts for that side. Overall the class is interesting, but some of the format was really boring and tedious.

5.0
3.0
SOCIO135
Dec 13, 2006

If your looking for a class to be enticed, critically engaged/thinking, and thrive off of knowledge this is an awesome class. If you come to class regulary lecture and discussion is interesting. He ISN'T tideous but he stays on topic, is clear, and consecutive into his information. This man know's his stuff. He's an awesome proff!

4.0
2.0
SOCIO120
Dec 20, 2006

There were 3 tests. He provides 20 "concepts" and 5-6 essay questions before the test, and you figure out how to answer them. Then, before the test he comes in and circles 2 concepts, and 2 essay questions and you write everything in your blue book. There was one paper due.. on India. I think he's an idiot.Not helpful.Feels like he knows EVERYTHING

2.0
4.0
SOCIO122
Aug 7, 2007

don't ever take this class. the guy is arogant and full of himself.

3.0
5.0
SOC122
Jan 21, 2008

He was a very smart man. Sometimes he did seem a bit like a know it all, but he does! This guy knows his facts, check them! Some of the things discussed in class were difficult to understand, there was however a good variety in the material so if you didn't like one subject you could very well like the next. The class was a challenge.

4.0
3.0
SOC120
Feb 28, 2008

The book is RARELY used. Is this class hard? No, IF you know what to pay attention to. Show up to every class (&if you dont, copy someone who takes great notes), write down EVERYTHING he says, especially when it comes to the 'concepts'/definitions. There are 3 tests, all written, no notes & no scantron. Study notes the week before and you will do O

3.0
2.0
SOCIO120
Jun 2, 2008

I did not agree with all he said in class, but that's not the point, the point is he expressed his point of view in an intellectual, coherent way that enlightens and expands your mind. Strongly recommend.

5.0
1.0
SOCIO120
Jan 20, 2009

Professor Barlow is my favorite teacher/professor of all time and I only had him for a semester. He is very open minded , and blows your your mind every class

5.0
1.0
SOC135
Jul 19, 2009

most interesting teacher i have ever had!

3.0
4.0
SOCIO135
Dec 15, 2009

Mr. Barlow is amazing (Harvard PHd, prof @ Cal)! The class was fun and he's really knowledgeable. Do the reading, pay attention in class and you'll get an A.He gives the questions that will be on the exam a week before so you can prepare. You have to work for it though! He is a little over the top liberal, and can be condescending sometimes.

3.0
2.0
SOC101
May 11, 2010

Some people were just not meant to teach and Barlow is a prime example. Teaching is last on his list. He shows up late, unprepared & lectures in an unorganized manner, constantly insults student's intelligence. Wasting class time on his personal life and his personal issues. Attending Harvard didn't teach him any professionalism or respect.

2.0
5.0
SOC120
May 11, 2010

I agree that the instructor is arrogant he is very offensive and seems angry all the time. I did not enjoy his class at all. He kept us late because his lectures dragged on since he arrives late and then wastes 30 minutes on Political Science or current events. Not nice or helpful if you ask for help. Rude actually. Take someone else!

4.0
4.0
SOC135
May 17, 2010

although he is a teacher the comments of his students don't seem to matter. many times i've seen him blow off a student when he didn't agree with their opinion. the class isn't hard if you do the readings and write according to how he feels and your golden

2.0
5.0
SOC120
May 25, 2010

Tests are based on lectures. ALL ESSAY! Main textbook is a waste of money. Do buy the Power Politics book. I regret taking this section, the instructor had a negative personality and berated the class on a regular basis. He claims to be a humanitarian/advocate of humarights, yet he was unable to ever be friendly or approachable. Skip his section.

2.0
4.0
SOCIO120
May 26, 2010

It's not the worst class in the world but he definitely things he knows everything and everyone. Will put you down if you don't agree with his views. Tests are mostly essays but there are only 3. Overall, I didn't like him due to the fact that he thought he was all that and even when you put what he lecture on the test, he always wants more.

2.0
5.0
SOC120
Jun 13, 2010

It should not be a difficult class, but Barlow makes it that way. He is the gatekeeper of the definitions, very stingy. Poor lecturer, strays off topic, several tangents- with nothing to do with class content. Teaching is a low priority for him. He was absent 3 times during the sem, yet expected us to be present & endure a crazy substitute. YIKES!

5.0
2.0
SOCIO122
Oct 16, 2010

Very critical and has a counter-attack if u say something opposite of his views. BUT he is an excellent lecturer. Keeps u fascinated the entire class and makes u think in depth about social issues. His class is pretty easy as long u attend and take good notes though he does come late and is absent a lot. Still a fantastic teacher, one of my faves.

3.0
2.0
SOCIO120
Nov 12, 2010

An intelligent man whose political viewpoints are agreeable, but he is absolutely full of himself. Constantly berates students for the sake of humiliation. Arrogant as hell. Has no respect for his students, contrary to the subject he teaches. Will disrupt the class to pick on non-disruptive students. There are better Sociology teachers at DVC.

5.0
1.0
SOC120
Dec 9, 2010

best teacher i have ever had... pushed my thinking to a whole different level and my aspect on life. Test r cake almost give u the answers...he just wants u to learn and apply it to ur life

5.0
1.0
SOCIO121
Dec 9, 2010

Barlow's class really makes you think about problems you've never taken the tame to look at. Text book use is high and the readings are relatively easy. He reviews all tests and gives you the answers. Don't take this class lightly but trust me you will like Barlow. He will discuss anything, so don't hold back.

5.0
1.0
SOCIO120
Dec 13, 2010

Very Smart Man and great lecturer. Instantly became my favorite class and every day his lectures were mesmerizing and got you thinking. This class totally changed my life and the world would be a much better place if everyone took it. Easy if you apply it to your everyday life and think about what he says outside of class and with others.

5.0
3.0
SOCI120
May 18, 2011

Barlow is a very smart and passionate guy, and he knows what he's talking about. If you go to his office hours he'll help you out a lot, and his class is interesting for sure. However, he is absent a lot, is kind of full of himself. He talks about black people, Latinos, and women a lot.

5.0
4.0
SOCIO120
Nov 30, 2011

Barlow is super smart, and he knows how to prove people wrong. Dont try to answer a question if you think you might be incorrect; he'll crush you. Other than that he is very helpful in his office hours and is crystal clear when it comes to explaining even the most difficult subject matter. Tests are pretty tough but if you study u'll be alright

5.0
2.0
SOCIO121
Dec 10, 2011

freakin awesome

5.0
2.0
SOCIO120
Apr 22, 2012

AWESOME teacher. He is super passionate about his work and captivated a room full of 50 students on a daily basis. Changed my entire view of society, would definitely recommend.Tests are based on concepts discussed on lectures, must attend class to pass, always takes attendance. Helpful during office hours too, wants students to do well!

5.0
5.0
SOCIO135
Jun 6, 2012

Attendance is a must! Study guides given, and he's extremely helpful. If unclear, he's always at his office. Class is difficult, but he provides everything in his lecture. Papers are difficult, but he helps. Great class!

5.0
3.0
SOCIO135
Sep 12, 2012

Very intelligent man! His lectures are awesome and very intriguing! Attendance is a must! Office hours are very helpful and hes clear on what you need to do to get a grade that you deserve in his class.

1.0
5.0
SOCIO135
Dec 10, 2012

Very unhelpful. If you go to his office hours for help, he won't tell you the right answer. He thinks he knows everything and everyone else is wrong. His lectures don't make any sense. Don't take him.

5.0
4.0
SOCIO121
Dec 17, 2012

Difficult class yet a great professor. He is unlike any other I have previously had. He doesn't focus on grading or testing like other teachers. He focuses on the students. He didn't lay out the answers and make you memorize them. He challenged you to learn and understand the subject. This is a great class if you truly want to learn. Recommended

4.0
3.0
SOCIO121
Dec 31, 2012

I looked forward to learning in this class. It wasn't about learning the information for a grade. It was about learning for the sake of learning. He gives the questions that may be on the test so it's all about you knowing the details of the subject. Be sure to do the reading!

4.0
3.0
SOCIO121
Jan 15, 2013

Barlow was one of my favorite teachers. You really learn his views toward what he believes in. You must do the reading and take notes in his class to pass. He is really devoted toward his job and makes the class really interesting. Tests are rather easy because you know the prompts he is going to ask. Very ingesting class.

5.0
3.0
SOCIOLOGY120
Apr 5, 2013

rather pompous with a tendency to pontificate, but he is still very inspiring. great at helping you relate to the material. fabulous professor. keep in mind the fact that his tests are all short answer and in class essay.

5.0
3.0
SOCIOLOGY
Apr 8, 2013

Mr Barlow is seriously the best! his lectures will stick with you even if you try to forget em. seriously take him and your eyes will be opened

2.0
5.0
121
May 12, 2013

Do not take him. He doesn't help you at all.

4.0
2.0
SOC120
May 14, 2013

2 Midterms, 3pg essay & a Final. If you attend every day, take notes & pay attention, you will have no problem passing the class. If you don't understand a concept, go to his office hours. He will explain to you in detail what it is that you need to know. He wants everyone to pass is class. If you don't pass, you didn't make much of an effort!

1.0
5.0
SOC120
May 30, 2013

Barlows awful, thinks he's the greatest man to have ever been born, and reminds you of how great he is everyday.

1.0
5.0
120
Oct 22, 2013

AWFUL TEACHER. Thinks hes all that in a bag of chips. & material is useless & 99.9 % of the classes he discusses irrelevant topics.

4.0
4.0
SOC120ANDSOC121
Nov 19, 2013

After enjoying 120 I decided to take his 121 class. Barlow is truly passionate, and educated on the subject matter. These are not easy classes! But if you sit close to the front, TAKE NOTES, read, and ask questions you can absolutely succeed. The classes are challenging yet relevant to everyday life and society making it easier to stay interested.

1.0
4.0
SOCIO121
Dec 5, 2013

Honestly, I could see how some would like him, BUT this class was terrible for me. The syllabus did not match what was on Web CT, and the 10 page essay which as I quote was a "gift" to us. He changed what he wanted every time we would talk about it which deterred me from wanting to talk to him. I'd write a rant but i only have 350 characters.

5.0
4.0
SOCIO121
Grade: A
Dec 19, 2013

He is the most inspirational and amazing teacher I ever had. It's a privaledge to have been taught by him. All his classes are lecture, he memorized everything! Dates, names. It's amazing! He's hard, but worth it.Two test, one essay. He is very willing to help, and doesn't move on until everyone is clear.U will leave with a new perspective on life.

3.0
4.0
SOCIOLOGY135
Jan 9, 2014

During "discussions" he would ask the class questions while looking for a specific answer, and I got the message after I had been interrupted so many times, that if I didn't say what he wanted to hear in the way he wanted to hear it, I wasn't worth listening to at all. Teachers and aspiring allies should be more humble and respectful than this guy.

5.0
5.0
SOC135
Feb 28, 2014

Despite what the other professor said about his book, I thought it was great!

5.0
3.0
SOCIO120
Grade: B
Jun 1, 2014

Barlow is very smart. He knows his stuff, let me just say that. His class is entirely lecture. He talks and you take notes, no power points. You really have to pay attention and be a great note taker to pass this class. Grade is based on 4 exams and a paper. Barlow is a great prof, but this is pretty much a self study class.

4.0
5.0
SOCIO1211831
Jun 19, 2014

I had Barlow for two semesters. He's a tough grader, based on college level work and expects the most out of his students. That said, he is an amazing teacher and teaching Socio is his calling. Highly recommend, but don't expect an easy A. Blue book exams and a paper at the end of the course. If you have no interest in socio, don't waste his time.

5.0
2.0
SOCIO121
Sep 17, 2014

I am an AB student. I have been at DVC 2 years and this is the BEST prof i have ever had. I walk away with my mind blown every class and this is the first class where I have not looked at the clock often or been disappointed to see its almost time to leave. Best lectures great study guide. TAKE HIM

5.0
3.0
121
Grade: A
Nov 17, 2014

An all around great teacher. Engaging lectures keep students interested. He teaches you a lot and many say he's "blown their minds". Three essay tests. One final paper. He's there to help you outline the answers to his tests so they're not difficult if you study and take advantage of office hours. DO THE READINGS. Classes are all lecture about them

4.0
2.0
SOCIO122
Nov 29, 2014

It's him who made me realize I like sociology so much! That's the impact of an inspirational professor on you

2.0
5.0
120
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2014

Doesn't help you at all. Makes you feel stupid. Most of the time, doesn't even talk about Sociology. Gives you a list of 20 concepts and 5 essay questions and picks two each for the tests. When he actually talks about Sociology, he talks really fast so he can get back to irrelevant stuff. Full of himself. Condescending. Pushes his political views.

5.0
3.0
SOCIO1201802
Grade: A
Jan 11, 2015

Barlow makes sure that everyone understands the concepts & gives plenty of good real life context. I never felt intimidated by him; he has his best intentions in mind & wants everyone to succeed. I always read the text but as long as you listen & take good notes you'll be perfectly fine, his lectures are everything you need to know & exlpained well

4.0
3.0
SOC120135
Feb 7, 2015

Professor barlow is an amazing sociology professor! He teaches at cal also. Really challenges his students making them listen and actually learn the material. I would take his class again! Best sociology professor at DVC. Exams are based mainly on lecture but add additional info from the book. You'll do well. Office hours if you need help :)

3.0
5.0
SOC
Feb 16, 2015

He is a very hard grader. Take this class if you want to learn, but honestly this class is similar to classes at a UC. Very intelligent professor, but it might hurt your gpa. Luckily, we can afford to learn and let our gpa drop a little when we're at CC.

5.0
3.0
SOCIOLOGY120
Feb 19, 2015

Mr. Barlow is the best professor I have ever taken. His lectures are eye opening and mind blowing. He does not give many assignments or tests. But he will grade them diligently so pay close attention to his lectures and study!

5.0
3.0
SOCIO121
Grade: A+
Sep 1, 2015

Best prof at DVC without question. I am now at cal, and am determined to take another course with Barlow here before I graduate. Do the reading, make flash cards for your tests, and never miss a lecture. They leave you with new insight, and are very interesting to say the least. He goes over almost all test material in class, amazing prof!

5.0
4.0
SOC135
Grade: A
Jun 3, 2016
Would take again

Best prof I have ever had. Very inspirational.

2.0
4.0
SOCIO120
Jun 28, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Pushes his political views really strongly and grades on 3 exams and one short essay about dams in India... if you write down everything he says and repeat his exact opinion on a matter you'll be golden, otherwise, good luck

2.0
1.0
SOC101
Grade: B
Sep 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Pushes Marxism. Easy to pass with a good grade, just repeat "The rich victimize the poor." I got a B just by not challenging his BS and repeating his garbage. He provided quotes from the Communist Manifesto as gospel to kids, without citing the source material. I called it "Socialism" class.

5.0
3.0
SOC120135
Grade: A
Jan 6, 2018
Would take again

Prof Barlow is one of the few instructors that will challenge you to think critically about the world. He exposes his students to facts and uses evidence to strengthen his ideas. Ive taken multiple classes of his and still recall all the ideas and concepts he taught. His lectures are heavy but are memorable. You use what you learn outside!

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
1.0
4.0
SOC101
Grade: Not sure yet
May 22, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Just repeat everything he says in class on the tests. He pushes his ideas on students and if you try to have your own opinions, he shames you. Dont take this class if youre bad at taking notes from what he says because he doesnt write anything and make sure to talk about racism or the rich oppressing the poor in every question or its wrong.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
SOC101
Grade: B
May 22, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Determines your grade before he even reads it based on how much you suck up in class. Sometimes he doesnt even read your full answer on tests before giving you a grade so you will need to check everything over to make sure he wasnt being lazy.

Tough Grader
4.0
3.0
SOCIO121
Grade: A
May 29, 2018
Would take again

Barlow is a great teacher and you'd be very lucky having him for a semester. He gets a little cocky now and then, but he also knows so much of the subject. His lectures are definitely inspiring and make you feel motivated. Tests were on the lectures, pick a unique topic for your paper and you'll be okay.

Participation matters
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
SOC120
Grade: B
Jun 5, 2018
Would take again

He lectures everyday and gives 2 mid-terms, 1 final, and 1 paper. For all the test he gives a clear study guide on what you should know. His lectures were fascinating to me because I am a sociology major, so I enjoyed his class.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
3.0
SOC120ANDSOC121
Dec 1, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Condescending tone and uninspiring lectures. There was hardly any 2-way discussions because students were cut off when asking questions or presenting ideas. I'm a sociology major and this teacher made me hate showing up to my only socio class this semester. Assignments are easy enough if you show up and pay attention.

3.0
4.0
SOC120
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I'm still a little conflicted on how I feel about him. Not a lot of work, but the exams and paper can prove difficult if you don't offer HIS exact opinion for the answers, so make sure you pay attention during class so you can catch his wording on certain topics. Otherwise, he's kind and cares a lot about the field.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
5.0
3.0
SOCIO135
Grade: A
Dec 13, 2018
Would take again

Professor Barlow has changed my life. Rarely have I had a teacher throughout my educational career, who has honestly changed my perspective of the world.

Respected
Inspirational
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
SOCIOLOGY120
Grade: A
Jan 10, 2019
Would take again

Prof. Barlow's class is like riding a roller coaster because he pushes you outside of your comfort zone to look at things in a completely different light. He listens. He cares. He gives great feedback. He's one of the best professors I've had.

Inspirational
Amazing lectures
Caring
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

79%

Textbook Required

68%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

89% confidence
Based on 13 grades
Most common grades:
A (8)
B (4)
Not sure yet (3)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(4)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 17 reported grades
A: 8
B: 4
Not sure yet: 3
Not_Sure_Yet: 1
Common Tags
Amazing lectures (4)
Inspirational (3)
Tough Grader (3)
Respected (2)
Participation matters (2)
GRADED BY FEW THINGS (2)
Caring (2)
TEST HEAVY (1)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.15 avg change
Sep
Jan
May
Jun
Dec
Jan
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOCI120

5.0

(1)

SOCIO1201802

5.0

(1)

SOCIOLOGY

4.8

(4)

SOCIOLOGY120

4.8

(4)

SOC120135

4.5

(2)
+16 more courses
Difficulty by Course

SOCIO1211831

5.0

120

4.5

121

4.0

SIO120

4.0

SOC122

4.0

Similar Professors