Pretty kool guy, told interesting stories, and gave insightful lectures that required active discussion , but there is alot of writing and participation required in his class so I would only take him if you are serious about GOVT issues.

Real cool teacher, very easy if you come to class. Subject gets boring though.

class involves a lot of group work and class discussion. You really have to pay attention and take good notes cause while his tests aren't difficult he picks the most random facts for his end of the month tests which are ****. interesting guy though.

Awesome Brit guy!! He's so interesting, esp. if you're into the whole democracy and gov't notion. He's funny and makes the lectures interactive w/ group discussions and open opinions. Awesome dude who makes awesome class.

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nice guy, funny too! but your whole grade was based on one vague project. he wasnt specific with what he wanted but then gives you a bad grade for not knowing what he wanted. nice but not fair.

He really gets to know his students and cares about them. Very willing to help anyone who asks. I took him last semester and ran into him at school and he still knew my name. His class isn't easy, but you really learn alot of valuable info.

Excellent teacher very interesting. Makes you really think in class about democracy.. lets you work in groups and no tests just papers.. go to his office hours if you are unsure of anything.

Perfect teacher... I guess it's because he is speacialized in teaching. Very helpful and friendly. "Persons" he says... I love his English accent. Very fun class that makes you think and create your own ideas. Recommended!....

Good professor - always go to class! He knows when you don't, trust me. If you do the readings and get involved in discussions, you'll be fine. You can get by if you skip, but you will understand things much more if you attend, of course.

He is sooooooo incrediably nice but he use to teach at Berkley....basically he should be teaching a higher level class. The class was hard and I never understood what was going on.

Sockett really cares about the subject and about his students. He really goes out of his way to help you succeed. He is, however, difficult to understand and sort of talks in circles. I was confused often, but once I started to write the final paper, the concepts really all come together.

Yes, his class is difficult, intellectually challenging and is kicking my ass, but that's what college classes should be. He is extremely nice and definately one of the top professors I have ever had!

wow did i fail this class. the final kicked my ass in the biggest way. his classes were ok, only fell asleep a few times. he makes it probably as interesting as it could be, he's aight.

Democracy and Education synthesis. I wasn't sure what to expect and wasn't really interested in the material, but Prof. Sockett really engages the class and fuels intriguing debates. He is a brilliant man with a wonderful sense of humor, and seeks to inspire learning in the course. I highly recommend him as a synthesis professor.

I LOVED PROF. SOCKETT'S CLASS. The lectures can be a bit dry at times...but he does make sure you think analytically about the topics. Dont expect to come out of his class thinking the same way about your ideas of government. His class educates you in the best way by giving you confidence and resources to base your ideas on democratic structure.

the best teacher who knows how to teach. He uses all of his teaching methods to help the students to understand democracy. He has 2 term papers, final presentation, group presentation, and townhall discussions. He doesn't trick you, he's easy, and very understandable. I got an essay "A" in these classes

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! And very nice too!

It's the class that sucks, not Sockett. He's a witty, intellegent guy (that does slant a bit liberal) that does the best he can with a rather pointless, dry, waste-of-time/money class. He keeps the lectures as interesting as they can be, and assigns some decent reading. Mill, Berlin, Chomsky, et al. Kind of tough grader, with some hard papers.

Dr. Sockett is by far the most experience professor I have ever had. Two words to describe him are "absolutely brilliant." He is a fantastic professor, but you have to listen to what he has to say in class if you want to get the good grades. Write what you think in your papers, don't be afraid to speak your mind, he likes that a lot.

Prof. Sockett is very bright and knows the material well. If you follow his guidelines and put quality effort into the essay plans and discussions you'll do fine. He enjoys engaging students and making you think. Overall he's a good guy and very fair. If you are afraid of reading and analysis then don't take his class because you will not do well.

Pr.Sockett is a very interesting man. Has a very deep backround in what he teaches. Not an easy proffesor but EXTREMELY fair. His class is mostly lecture sometimes interesting sometimes not. Overall he's a very good man!!!

Very helpful and warm guy, very knowledgable and intelligent, enjoys teaching. However, extremely partisan, was humiliated and laughed at by the him and the class 3 times. Right to bear Arms, free market economics, and Federalism ARE NOT WELCOME. The readings and lectures have a marked leftist slant.

The kind of guy you could have a cup of tea with (he is British too). He is very personable, has your name memorized by the second week of classes no matter how big the class is and very appraochable. He is funny and interesting. The class isn't toohar but make sure to participate on Town Hall discussions and he will make you think in his papers

Great professor! Anyone who says otherwise must be really lazy. In reality, it is not that much work...a few Townhall discussions here and there and a couple of writing assignments. Just do the work and you'll do fine. Super nice guy, too!

Interesting guy but not a very good professor. His townhall discussions consist of "key sentences" which in reality are PARAGRAPHS. Everything has to be exactly how he wanted it, otherwise you're pretty much out of luck. He takes the class too seriously and tends to forget its a 100 level class. I'm sure there are better and easier 101 professors.

THE BEST PROFESSOR EVER! He makes you WANT to go to class.

Extremely challenging...will keep it real..intellectually stimulating..a little much. Class not fun but he tries to make it more interesting...the final paper is CRUCIAL everything else doesn't matter...I didn't do well the entire semester when I tried...but the final paper alone gave me an A, it did take me 26hrs but it was all worth it...

One of my favorite professors (along with Shiraev). He is interesting and intellectually stimulating. Fair grader and pretty helpful. Encourages a lot of really great class discussion. And of course, the British accent doesn't hurt...but seriously, I highly recommend him.

Is unclear with what his expectations are from his students. All assignments have to be exactly how he wants them with little room for mistakes. Takes class very seriously. Although he does encourage class discussion and is very interested in the class choose another govt 101 teacher if you want a decent grade. Final paper is extremely hard!!!!!!!!

He's good at what he does. Highly recommend him.

If you're interested at all in democratic philosophy, take Sockett. You'll be reading Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, etc. Heavy stuff but brilliantly taught, you just need to have initial interest. The entire class is based on learning how to write a strong, comprehensive essay. No tests. Lots of group work.

This entire class is based on writing an essay at the end of the semester. I found it boring. Reading the texts is VERY important and the class is discussion based with a lot of group work. It is a very tedious class.

I can see why people might hate this class, but it's basically taught like political science academic bootcamp. You will have to write and you will have to think, and the standards are high for an intro class. As a prof, he's a little eccentric, but really reasonable. I learned a ton about the roots liberalism and democracy. Very useful.

Droning British accent. no exams or quizzes, but rather the entire class you craft an OUTLINE for an essay (that you never actually write). sounds easy, but he is very critical and judges every word you use and how you use it. you will become a better writer, but that's what english 101 is for. govt 101 should be to study govt philosophy.

Ridiculously hard, instead of simply testing us on the fairly straightforeward subject matter, we are tasked with answering very vague questions and getting failing grades for not answering exactly like the professor wants. As a near 4.0 gpa this class was unbearably hard. Expect a C if you are lucky

Sorry guys I really don t agree with you but this teacher is Simply The Best. Amazing teacher with an amazing british accent in addition to his class and knowledge. Take him you will learn a lot.

Not sure what everyone else is talking about. I found Sockett to be a great professor. He balances humor with getting work done. Class powerpoints are online after the class. He does cite European philosophers during a democracy class. But Locke is the basis for our democracy and democracy isn't America specific. Great professor! take his class.

It takes about halfway through the semester to get used to his teaching style which requires you to keep up with it. He does give you the chance to resubmit assignments for a better grade. Lots of use of blackboard. Final paper is a big deal and pretty demanding but you will take a lot away from this class if you are willing to put the work in

teacher's assistant total lame. class is extremely organized, easy to know what to expect. more like a philosophy/writing class than a government class. good professor, bad class for government majors

Simply Amazing...He is a great professor. I really like him and the way he explains things and questions students so they can keep up with their work. Not bad at ALL

Professor Sockett is one of the truly great professors at Mason. He states on the first day of Gov 100 that he intends to eliminate anyone who is not cut out for political theory. He wants people to actually think. The class is hard, but very rewarding. This class provided the foundation for all my other government classes.

Dr. Sockett is a brilliant professor. One of the best government professors at Mason. Yes, it is an extremely difficult class, but you will learn an immense amount if you put in ample time. If your up to learning a lot, take him.

Sockett is a brilliant guy, but he has a very specific way of writing and if you don't do it his way, don't expect a good grade. Basically, as long as you do all of your assignments the way he says you'll get a pretty good grade. He's very helpful. And in a class of almost 100 he knew every singler person's name.

I loved his class. He is very helpful and always welcoming during his office hours. He knows a lot, I would recommend picking his brain before the semester is over. Warning: Do not be intimidated by him, he's not that bad. JUST be sure to DO ALL WORK assigned and you will be fine.

Excellent professor. Yes, he is hard; yes, the class is difficult. But seriously? The class is 'Democratic Theory and Practice' it's not meant to be a stroll in the park- God forbid you have to exercise your mental faculties. If you're serious about your education and your future, take him.

Class was hard, biggest projects were in groups, and gave alot of assignments. But sockett is honestly one of the most intelligent, and helpful professors I've had. People whine because they are lazy and want an easy A from a 101 class, well youre in college now so grow up. Sockett will help you if you ask for it and he is understanding.

Great professor. Very easy to listen to his lectures and he can be quite funny. Believes that tests are "intellectually corrupt" so all the assignments are writings. This was my favorite class.

Professor Sockett is hands down my favorite professor at Mason. He is a true political genius, and he really knows how to teach. If you apply yourself, there is nothing to worry about; he grades fair, and you really improve on your writing skills and oral argumentative style. He challenges your views and encourages thought. Great professor!

The best professor that I had throughout my entire undergrad career. As previously stated, he is a true political genius and I learned so much throughout the semester. He's an extremely reasonable man and is willing to work with his students. I would highly recommend taking any of his classes. You will work hard, but it's worth it.

A very intelligent and challenging professor. The assignments aren't easy, but if you refer to the material provided to answer the questions asked you will do well. He does not test, and that is one of the qualities about his class that I admired most.

Prof. Sockett is a great lecturer. He is fair, tells it like he sees it, and uses great personal stories to make his points. Work is several small writing assignments (confusing at first), a weekly journal, and a large essay. No tests or quizzes. It may seem challenging, but if you go every class and do your work, you should not have a problem.

I personally found his lectures boring but he is a very intelligent man. Powerpoints just have brief points so it's up to you to take comprehensive notes which can be helpful. Journals are a pain but easy, def better to just do one a week rather than worrying about it later. The readings are key to assignments and final. I would recommend him!

He is definitely a very intelligent man and professor. He loves what he is doing and is wiling to help whenever you need it. If you go to class, do the assignments, and journal you will do great in the class. There are NO TESTS, but one final essay at the end. He builds up to that and has helped my writing a lot! Would take another class with him!

Excellent Proffessor, He is very Intelligent and will do his best to actually teach you and get you to improve your writing style. Writing assignments every week which he gives feedback on, and Final Paper which can be easily done if you paid attention and took note of his feedback. Definitely take him if you are interested in Government !

Dr. Sockett is an extremely good lecturer, and has a way of making difficult subjects fairly simple to understand. While he does flash political bias, he is very easy to get along with and welcomes friendly political debate. Overall, I felt his class was excellent and highly recommend him!

I have no idea about the concept of democracy. Should have got a F, my midterm grade was like 3 out of 25. But the professor actually approached to me and offered help. Gave me permission to resubmit late work, and he still graded them. He change my final essay topic because I had no idea how to start. A C is a bad grade, but at least it wasn't a F

Dr. Sockett is maybe the smartest teacher at GMU. If you go to class, do all assignments and journals you will do great. Very smart and willing to help anytime you have a difficult time understanding a topic. Best class since I am in GMU.

Nice professor but class is boring. Lecture got interesting towards the end of the semester. This class seemed way too hard for 100 level course & not to mention the final paper. Overall he's really nice & open to any questions or concerns but be ready to write a lot!

He is extremely intelligent and British maybe Welsh. But his T.A is a nightmare, her name was Rebecca Loller.Go to his classes and office hours, he likes to get to know students and their goals. IF you want to do well, make sure you make good relations with HIM not the TA. His papers are hard, journals are easy. Be opinionated but not arrogant.

Dr.Sockett really makes an effort to make his lectures interesting. The weekly reading assignments are easy enough. DO NOT throw away your grade by not devoting enough time to the Final Essay (counts for Final Exam grade). I could have earned an A but did not put my best foot forward on that assignment. Sockett and TA Chris both grade fairly.

The lectures are some what boring but he tries to engage the class by randomly selecting groups to go in front of the class and discuss the questions asked. The assignments and journals are fairly easy grades to get. The final essay was really hard especially the format if your not used to it. Had an A and because of the essay went down a grade.

First things first, you need the books, and showing up helps but is not 100% mandatory. Hes a cool guy how really likes his students. He is a harsh grader so the class can be a little challenging but he really knows what he is talking about. Just don't half-ass the homework and you will pass. An A on the final paper (not easy) nets you in A overall

I love Prof. Socket. I don't believe he is a had professor, but he does give work and expects you to do it. If you do the work then you will be fine and get an A. No tests!! thats the best part. But lots of writing.

Great guy and very very smart. Great professor but should not be teaching a 100 level course. Class is very difficult and time consuming and you have to do everything his way or you get a bad grade. Would take again if he taught a 400 level class

Great guy, remembers everyone's name and genuinely cares about his students. All the HW assignments throughout the semester are very short and simple but the final essay is burdensome, especially for a 100 class. My only major complaint is that you MUST do things his way, will only accept things in his format, which I thought was a waste of time.

One of my favorite professors. Great lectures, easy assignments, fair grading, light work load, and interesting. Professor Sockett is incredibly kind and he genuinely cares about his students (meets with all of them in groups to discuss their academic plansadvises them). I learned a lot from his class and thoroughly enjoyed attending.

Dr. Sockett is bascally an institution in the government department, as almost everyone takes him for GOVT 101. He's the rare professor who knows how to teach in a large lecture hall. He breaks the class up into groups based mostly on where you sit on the first day, so you're going to know your groupmates pretty well by the end of the semester.

Prof Sockett is a hilarious and amazing professor. He splits the lectures up into groups with the people that are sitting next to you. He gives weekly assignments as well as a Journal, and a 15 paragraph paper at the end. Do the readings, you'll need them for the paper at the end. Ask for help or to re-do things. Witty British professor.

Tough class but one of the most rewarding classes I have ever taken. You will work but if you are diligent in your work you can get an A, he is also very easy on assignments letting you redo them should you mess up (saved my grade and I learned from it). He also will remember everyone in the class which is very impressive given the size. Great

This is by far one of my favorite teachers at GMU- he will work with you, he grades fairly and lays out his expectations- not an "easy"class, you have to read and do all the assignments, and spend more than 30 minutes paraphrasing for the precis key point paragraphs, final essay. An exemplary teacher, put in required effort and you will do fine

Final essay was frustrating due to the format requirement, but otherwise, was not too hard. Every assignment counts due to the grade scale. Prof Sockett was very helpful and replies fairly quickly to emails. Has been very helpful even after the semester.

Sockett was awesome! His lectures were interesting and he's so passionate. He also gets to know each student in the big lecture room by name. Get ready for reading assignments to supplement writing assignments. Writing assignment leads up to final paper. Take and you'll find yourself a better writer after.

His class is based on reading and writting. He expects you to write the assignments in a specific manner. I messed up my first couple assignments, but he let me fix them later on. I was expecting a C-B grade but the final assignment was weighted a lot which bumped my grade to an A (i wrote/read the lil books all the night before it was due. Amazing

Dr. Sockett is the man! An intelligent guy that lectures well, the beginning of the semester might be a little boring, but it gets better as the class goes on. His hw consists of writing assignments, he's against standardized testing. No midterm, and his final paper is long and tedious, but doable. Put in work and you will get good results.

Witty professor, fair grader, and overall decent guy. Weekly writing assignments that encourage lecture attendance aren't too bad to get done and make up half your grade. The others are the journal that requires thoughtful entires 1 or 2 times a week. The final is a long and strenuous paper that he guides you through but grades toughly.

Great teacher

This is one of the hardest classes I've ever taken and its only a 100 level so beware. You have weekly essays due based off of readings so you have to buy the books (buy all the books, they help you so much!). He can be very tough on the grading of the weekly assignments but he wants you to improve. Prepare for the 15 paragraph final ahead of time!

Professor Sockett was one of the best professors I have ever had. His lectures are so interesting and thought provoking. The weekly assignments are helpful practice for the final paper. He's witty, smart, and wants his students to succeed. Highly recommend.

Dr. Sockett is a great man and educator. This was my second class with him, and I wish I could take him again. Yes, this class has a ton of writing and work, but its more than worth it. He is the only professor I've had at Mason who learns the names of all his students. He truly teaches you how to reason and think critically.

Professor Sockett is one of the most down to earth and caring professors I have had during my time at GMU. He provides great readings and the classroom discussions are always lead wonderfully. I strongly recommend taking a course with him.

A great professor, especially for 100-level course. You might disagree with some of his points, but he will make you think about everything he teaches (and that's what liberal arts in the university is all about). The readings are extensive but his tips for speed reading DEFINITELY helped me. Bonus points for British accent.