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very smart and helpful even with a 200+ sized class

Elaine is brilliant, funny, and insightful. Sadly, she's preoccupied with her other duties as Dean of Social Sciences, and I think that takes away from her the content of her courses.

Awesome class, awesome lady...wish she taught more than Intro...

Awesome, insightful lady. Can't wait to TA for her!

Good class. Interesting speakers. Let's you call her Elaine.

fun and entertaining

this teacher rocks!!! aweomse lady very down to earth. her lectures were very interesting and captivating. i would sit and listen to her for hours if i could! and im not even a soc major!

Great class and a wonderful teacher. Theres a lot of reading but its all really good and she makes the class so interesting that its fun to go. (It was the only class at Sonoma that I have gotten up that early for) Take this class!!

Great teacher! Great speakers that come in, always interesting! I love this class, it's really opened my mind.

Ms. Leeder likes to keep you on your toes, and she's done so many things in her life so when she does go off on tangents, they're always fun stories. Very cool lady.

She gives my far the most interesting and insightful lectures out of any teacher i've ever had! Wonderful class!

The only class I've ever had where I didn't want to miss a day! She is so interesting. The class was two papers, a midterm, final and New York times journals. Not very hard. A friend pointed out to me that she resembles Robert Deinero...Now I can't get it out of my head

Easy teacher, just don't expect to learn much. I took a sociology class in high school and learned more than what I learned in this class. Aside from that, Leeder thinks too highly of herself: she never fails to mention a reward she's received or a famous person she's met. TA's do the grading, and I felt smarter than the TA that was teaching me.

Leeder is by far my favorite teacher at Sonoma State. She made me want to take sociology as my minor. Her class was fun and very interesting due to guest speakers and fun lectures. The readings are very good. Her tests are easy, just study the key words. You barely use the book so dont buy it but do buy the reading books, they are very captivating

Great class! Take it!

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One of the most interesting classes I have ever taken. She was always willing to help, and she tried to make it fun.

best class i ever took!

this is the best class i have had yet. the classes are very interesting, elaine is cool, and the readings r on my list of favorite books now. We had convicts, prostitutes, ****s and other speakers in the class.

Easy and Interesting class. Will make you want to be a Soc major. Do this class for GE!

Amazing class and amazing professor.

Like her....she a little harsh.....and she talks about herself the whole class period and her life...this is interesting once, but not fifty times..if we had to take a midterm on her, I would get an A

Make the class ectremly intersting with personal stories and guest speakers. These speakers are everything from sex workers to prison guards. Extremly intersting, not alot of work two papers and two exams.

awesome teacher, great guest speakers, never bored one class. learned a lot. highly recomend!!!

Great teacher really gets her class invovled. IT is a lecture but she encourges discussion and questions. Their is alot of reading but it is very interesting. This is a class that you will want to go.

This was such an interesting class. It wasn't too hard, however attendance is key so make sure you don't miss more than 2 classes. The required books were alright, but the guest speakers and topics covered in class is when it gets really interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed this class and this teacher.

The guest speakers were the best part of this class. I found the class pretty chill, good discussions. Something was missing though from the class, but I can't really point my finger at what it was.

Amazing class...awesome professor....made it so interesting..i was never bored and the guest speakers are the best part and are so fun and interesting.. really makes u think about life

She enjoys talking about how her definition of ethnocentrism is better then yours. Apperently she has written a book on every subject and is...to an extent omniscient. She can levetate and bowl a 300. If you are devoted to being a sociologist, take this class...if you dont want to hear someone ramble about life dont take this class.

In this class we had a prostitute come speak, homosexuals, ****s, and prison convicts. It was interesting. Pretty easy too. Tests aren't that hard (and I'm a bad test taker). I defninitely recommend taking this class if you want to boost your GPA. One of the few classes I will remember once I graduate.

Elaine Leeder is very passionate about her work, which makes this class great! This has been one of my favorite classes I have taken so far at SSU! Tests aren't very hard, and the books you read are very interesting! Take this class!

Loved this class and most the the reading is very very interesting. Makes topics relatable by telling stories. I would take more classes if she taught others.

Elaine is amazing! I'm still in this class. Everyone that says she talks about herself too much is ridiculous! The fact that she takes her lectures and relates them to her personal experiences is beyond helpful. Her personal stories make you feel as though the information is applied to life and you're not just being taught from a textbook.

she is great...really sparks your interest and makes you think...def take this class!

Amazing woman! she is incredibly knowledgeable and is the only professor in a large lecture class who makes an attempt at getting to know students individually. Her stories are interesting and RELATE (all those comments about her being self-centered need to reevaluate). You need to put in work but its fun. Take Prof. Leeder

Very good professor! She made the class interesting. The only thing that was bad were the weekely study sessions with the TA. They didn't seem needed. Overall it was a good class.

Tough- but fair, good, even in big classes

I loved her and her class! Go to class because your ta's take attendance every time. Interesting lectures and good guest speakers. If you TA is cool you should do well.

She's a good teacher but comes off as if she is so much better than us. The only books we really use are the novels we read and not the text. Of the 50 min lecture its mostly about her rants and 10 min of lecture

Her passion is seen in her teaching style, and she has excellent examples and guest speakers

I don't know if it's my section leader, or Leeder, or both, but i feel like this class is nothing but a grammar class. If I wanted to be slammed on my grammar constantly and never even have my thoughts on papers mentioned in the critiques then I would have taken English, again,which I got an A in, btw.

2 papers and 3 tests. Not demanding but reading is preferred (for example in text to use in tests and papers) but can easily be sparknoted. lectures are hard to go to because its just people telling examples on a particular vocabulary word. attendance is a must though, you get points marked off if you decide not to go.

Elaine is so wonderful. This class is great! Def one of the best I have taken at sonoma. I HIGHLY recommend it! So many interesting topics are covered and you will learn A LOT. Make sure not to miss class too much, you will be marked down. Do the extra credit, it will help mucho in the long run. TAKE THIS CLASS

Attendence mandatory; points are marked off if you don't go. The class read three book and wrote two essays. Only used a couple of sections from the textbook. I feel like could have been copied to class so entire class wouldn't have to buy the textbook. What put me off the most is that sometimes Leeder contradicts what she says and is stubborn.

INTERESTING CLASS. if you don't go to class you lose points. Leeder teaches us a lot of vocab and that gets very repetative. 3 books to read, 2 essays. Not an easy A but very attainable. I personally think Leeder is very intimidating when you talk to her, and very contradicting to herself sometimes, but I'd still recommend this class.

TAKE THIS CLASS. it's so interesting and she has the best stories to tell. a lot of cool guest speakers, and only two tests which are really easy. i recommend taking it

This was a class that I always wanted to go to-Elaine has so many interesting stories/guest speakers! For a wonderful intro to sociology, take this class-how you think will most likely be changed after taking this course!

this is the most interesting class I have taken she has amazing stories and makes the class so interesting this was the one class I didn't mind going to you work very closely to your TA but if you need to talk to Elaine she is very approachable and encourages people to schedule an appointment with her

i never dreaded going to this class. it was very interesting, especially because there were a lot of guest speakers. really easy and interesting.

Honestly one of my favorite classes if not my favorite! She is an awesome teacher and has a great teaching style. After this class, I decided to minor in SOCI and I met with her and I like her even more. If you have the chance to take this class, do it! You learn a lot and it's not too hard. Just study for tests and go to class and you'll get an A.

Definitely one of the best classes and teachers I've ever had. She was hilarious! Do the journals and read the books and you should walk out with an A. DEFINITELY take this class.

TAKE THIS CLASS! I took it as a freshman and it totally opened my eyes. Elaine teaches in a way that is very relatable, using examples that are applicable to our lives. There are also several guest speakers that are VERY interesting. Semi-challenging class, but totally worth it. I expect to finish with a B

I was shocked to see this professor got anything less than a 5.0. She is an incredible lady and professor. She is intimidating at first but always loves to talk to students. And her stories are amazing. The best class I have ever taken in my life! Highly recommend for anyone, it opens your eyes!

This class rocked my world. Elaine is pretty intimidating, and half the class is spent talking with students. However, I learned so much & the discussions with the TAs were awesome. I'd take this class again in a heartbeat.

Most interaction is with your t.a. Elaine is very knowledgable but has an ego, she enjoys relating everything to her life and flaunts her accomplishments. Most people loved this class as its straitforward and interesting. Take notes go to class after 3 absences your grade drops and don't be late or everyone will stare as you try to find a seat.

Elaine is amazing! These comments that say she is egotistical and intimidating are wrong. Her stories make sense and it is nice to have real examples of concepts. She always asks if we want to hear the stories first too! She is always there for her students, so don't hesitate to contact her. I learned so much in this class- best class at Sonoma!

She is the best! I don't know why people are complaining about her stories! I think that they really add to the class and help with all of the concepts that she teaches. The journals are pretty tough, and take a while to do, but other than that, the class is great! Be sure to study all of the terms for the test though or you will not do well.

This is my favorite class! I absolutely love her stories and they really help with the concepts in class! She brings in the most interesting and amazing speakers!!

If you want to take a real college course that is fun, and will help prepare you for life take this class. There is a solid amount of reading, but I find between Elaine, and the TA's in the class you can get all the help you need for your work. the one page article essays are extremely easy, and honestly fun to write. The Midterm has a lot of terms

Love this class! I can honestly say that Dean Leeder is the reason I became a Sociology Major! The way she relates her past experiences to the subject matter makes the class so interesting. I wish this class was longer than 50 minutes. Class is easy overall as long as you read the novels and take notes in class! Take this if you can!

This is an awesome class. It helps you view the world in a different perspective. It also helps you become a more open minded person.

Dean Leeder was an awesome professor for my intro to sociology course. She made things interesting, included a ton of current events, and she's also very friendly and funny. She's willing to work with you outside of class if you're interested in the field. Definitely take this class if you can, you won't regret it.

Best professor I've had so far! She is extremely knowledgeable on the topics she talks about and always tries to make class interesting. I would definitely recommend taking her sociology 201 class!

Amazing class, even better professor. TAKE THIS CLASS!!!

She is the best professor I have ever had! If you go to Sonoma State you must take her! Elaine has changed my outlook on life and I am even switching my major to sociology because of her. If you really want to learn something you will actually use in life then take this class. The tests and papers are easy and the lectures are very interesting!

She's awesome! Soci 201 was so interesting and Elaine really went in-depth with each topic. Also, the assignments were all pretty easy, but attendance is absolutely mandatory. I loved this course and I would definitely recommend it!

the easiest A in your life. She isn't really available to help you if you have a question but the class is so easy you will never find yourself needing to ask her plus TA can be there to help at times.

A fantastic teacher. Extremely passionate about sociology and does a great job holding your attention for the entire class. The class is fairly easy and consists of a weekly homework assignment, two easy papers, a midterm and a final. There are several TAs that are more than willing to meet with you outside of class and clarify any lesson.

Great class. really easy to take and understand. A large lecture with a discussion once a week. She is a great professor, its not that hard to get a good great in the class, you have to actually not show up and try to fail. great class!

She is a great teacher! She is super passionate about sociology and even is funny at times. There's two lecture that last 50 minutes and a small group meeting once a month, reading is mandatory, but it is an easy read. Great class!

You won't like her unless you approach her outside of class. She's such a big help. A TA that graded my essay gave me a B- but didn't leave any comments, so I went to her for clarification. She not only explained but ended up bumping my grade by 7%. She's a very interesting woman.

One of my favorite professors at Sonoma. Her sociology lectures are always interesting and eye opening. Only had 2 essays and 2 exams.

Elaine Leeder is a really nice lady there is not much to do in the class. She wants everyone to participate, but doesn't judge on your answers. If no one particapates then she will start to pick on students.

Honestly one of the best professors I've had here at SSU. Her lectures are super entertaining. There is work but it's not bad at all. I HIGHLY recommend taking this class :)

I was planning on psychology being my major and then I took her class. I walked out the first day and knew I was going to do sociology. She's extremely inspiring and has an incredible amount of knowledge. By far the best professor I have ever had. She does make you work for it though. If you don't show up to class you won't get a good grade.

Elaine is an incredible woman- she has so much experience and wisdom to pass along to her students. She shares so much about her life with her students and it just makes her that much more amazing. I always looked forward to coming to this class. It's a very laid back class, but you must put in the effort. She wants to see her students succeed!

Professor Leeder is very passionate about her subject, Sociology. She shares her story working with prisoners in this line of work, and opens your mind immensely. You're perspective on the world will change after taking this class. I loved going to class because we learned about problems in society everyday and encourages us to create change.

Leeder is an amazing professor and person. She is very passionate and has worked in the field of Sociology for a long time. For my semester, she gave us a midterm, weekly responses, and two papers for our class grade. If you try, you will receive an A. As Leeder puts it, "You have to try hard to fail in this class."

This class is one that makes you want to switch your major. She is very knowledgable in what she teaches but also knows that it's important to keep the students engaged. I took this during my first semester at SSU but I know that this is likely one of the best classes I will ever take.

I always looked forward to soc201 with Elaine because we were always laughing and learning about amazing topics in her lectures. She is very honest and personal with the way she teaches and it draws you in to what she is talking about. Take in everything you can from this class. Show up, do the reading, and you'll be fine!