2.1

Jeffrey Rothstein

Sociology - Grand Valley State University

2.1
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
9%
Would Retake
140
Reviews
2.1
Quality
3.8
Difficulty
2.0
Helpful
2.2
Clarity

9%

Would Retake

140

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

15

4

15

3

15

2

32

1

63

What Students Say

He was very condescending

SOC205 - 2.0 rating

This professor is absolutely awful

SOC201 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

51%

Textbook Required

68%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 44 grades
Most common grades:
A (11)
Drop/Withdrawal (10)
B (10)
Grade Distribution
A(12)B(11)C(7)D(15)F(1)A-/B+(8)
Based on 68 reported grades
A: 11
Drop/Withdrawal: 10
B: 10
Not sure yet: 10
Common Tags
Tough Grader (27)
Tough grader (27)
Get ready to read (20)
Participation matters (15)
Lots of homework (13)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (10)
Group projects (10)
GROUP PROJECTS (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.10 avg change
Jan
Apr
Apr
Sep
Nov
Nov
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOC255

5.0

(1)

SOC495

5.0

(2)

201

3.0

(1)

SOC280

2.8

(16)

SOC205

2.8

(16)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

201

5.0

205

5.0

20502

5.0

SOCI280

5.0

SOC377

4.4

Reviews (140)
4.0
2.0
SOC280
Dec 15, 2007

I'd love this professor. Very easy and funny. Only two essays and two exams make up the course. Grading is a bit tough but easy to approach and ask questions. I enjoyed his class!

2.0
3.0
SOC201
Mar 1, 2008

Did not like this professor at all. He's rediculous. All of his quizzes are on blackboard and are not reliable (as are all blackboard quizzes). Easy papers that had nothing to do with the class. If you don't want to learn anything, I guess he's the guy to go to.

5.0
1.0
SOC280
Mar 27, 2008

LOVE this class and prof. He makes things intresting and entertaining. The one class I enjoyed going to. I actually learned a lot. Grades a little hard, make sure you go to the wriring center for the papers. He is realistic and understands people do not read the book. I would definitley recommend this class! I would take it again if I could!

2.0
4.0
SOC280
Nov 20, 2008

He is very sarcastic. Most of his comments were rude and not apriciated. There isn't any point to go to class becsuse he dosen't ever teach anything. He grads really hard and dosen't tell you why you got the grade you did. I didn't like him at all, but if you want a class you have to put little effot into then you should take his class.

5.0
2.0
SOC280
Dec 9, 2008

Very Clear, Used variety of teaching techniques.

2.0
3.0
SOC201
Dec 10, 2008

Hate his teaching style, he was very rude and often used religion and god as a butt of a joke. He likes to talk about making weed legal a lot. I didn't learn much, if you're looking for a pointless class, take him. if not, i would recommend someone else.

2.0
3.0
SOC201
Apr 14, 2009

Rothstein grades essays incredibly subjectively, with no real explanation as to why a grade was given. Attendance wasn't mandatory until he decided 2 weeks before the end of the semester to take attendance in a 70 person lecture. Interesting material though. Would not recommend this prof.

3.0
3.0
SOC201
Apr 16, 2009

Possibly the worst prof. I've ever had. The class is set-up very easy. On-line, open book quizzes every week that anyone can pass. However, his grading style to the essays are unexplainable and unfair. Avoid him at all costs.

3.0
2.0
SOC201
Apr 22, 2009

He seemed like a fun prof. early in the year but that changed really quick. He acts like he knows more then everyone just cause he is from New York. Hes quite possible the worse prof I have ever had

3.0
2.0
SOC201
Apr 30, 2009

He's an interesting person, but with the way the grading scale is set up, one wrong move is fatal to your chances of getting an A. Oh, and don't expect his "extra credit" to be extra...or to mean anything at all.

5.0
2.0
SOC280
Sep 24, 2009

I definitely enjoy having him as a professor. His sense of humor is great, and if you ask a question, he's sure to clarify.

4.0
4.0
SOC201
Oct 15, 2009

Though he talked fast and sometimes was arrogant, his lectures were always interesting and relevant to current events. Fair grader on essays, though sometimes vague. Would take him again in a heartbeat.

1.0
5.0
SOCI280
Nov 28, 2009

quite possibly the worst prof ever. grading is terribly unclear refuses to answer emails, he mocks people, and critisizes you instead of helping

5.0
1.0
SOC201
Dec 12, 2009

I would take him again. Good professor

4.0
2.0
SOC201
Mar 21, 2010

I haven't noticed him use God as the butt of jokes and I have never heard him talk about legalizing marijuana. He is a fair professor. Gives you the test questions a week before the test. Go to class. There are interesting/entertaining discussions.

4.0
2.0
SOC201
Apr 4, 2010

Really funny. Easy class, 2 in class essay exams, the rest are weekly online quizzes. Only need book for online quizzes. EASY.

2.0
1.0
SOC201
Apr 10, 2010

He's VERY sarcastic, but overall has a decent sense of humor. His class is VERY boring, basically goes off on weird rants about irrelevant topics. Can be blunt, sometimes helpful but he's usually vague. Easy class though.

3.0
3.0
SOC280
Oct 24, 2010

A few big things you need to know about this prof. First off, do NOT go on facebook in his class, or text message. He will call you out and embarrass you in front of everyone. He can be a BIG jerk sometimes, he has a VERY dry and sarcastic sense of humor. Overall, the work load isnt that big.

1.0
5.0
SOC280
Nov 11, 2010

Terrible professor, this guy is an idiot! Seriously have doubts as to how or why this guy is certified to teach other individuals. He is sarcastic, conceded, boring, and has a false sense of entitlement since he is from New York. He grades extremely hard and takes points off for absolutely no reason, and will give you no comments on how to improve.

1.0
5.0
SOC280
Nov 11, 2010

Horrible professor, this guy is an idiot! Seriously have doubts as to how or why this guy is certified to teach other individuals. He is sarcastic, conceded, boring, and has a false sense of entitlement since he is from New York. He grades extremely hard and takes points off for absolutely no reason, and will give you no comments on how to improve.

1.0
5.0
SOC280
Nov 16, 2010

This guy is a complete tool and sucks at teaching. He brags about being a doctor, he fails to realize that its a doctor of sociology, therefore, is worthless and does nothing for the world. I would avoid this guy at all costs.

1.0
2.0
SOC280
Dec 5, 2010

absolutely useless professor, has no idea what he is doing. takes points off of papers and essays for absolutely no reason, gives you no feedback, leaves no comments, and makes it impossible to know how to improve or do better. Boring classes, easy to get an A in but an absolutely horrible professor. Takes points off because he feels ne needs to

1.0
2.0
SOC280
Dec 5, 2010

this is guy has no idea how to grade a paper or essay, would not recommend to anyone else. would recommend to the university to hire a teacher that knows how to teach/grade. took my paper to my writing professor before turning it in and he said it was A worthy in a writing class, got a 60/100 from rothstein, didnt leave a single comment for why

4.0
4.0
SOC280
Dec 15, 2010

This class was really fun to be in! Attendance wasn't mandatory, but since the tests are only over class discussions you should go. Also- he gives you test questions ahead of time which I loved. He's very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he teaches. I would take this Prof's classes again. He can be a little too sarcastic sometimes.

4.0
2.0
SOC201
Mar 28, 2011

He was an average professor. I wouldn't avoid nor plead to take the class. He is very entertaining in class if you can get ahold of his sarcasm. His essay is really hard to master but make sure you go and get help and explanation from him on what you did wrong. Quizes every week. Final is a take home. Overall, Average.

4.0
1.0
SOC201
Apr 25, 2011

He is really funny, I enjoyed his sarcasm. Class is really easy just have to take the two essay exams and the rest of your grade is based on weekly online quizzes that have answers straight out of the book. Really easy class and a really cool guy.

2.0
5.0
SOC280
Apr 27, 2011

Guy loved to make jokes that weren't funny, hard grader on essays- which are midterm and final exams! There were weekly online quizzes that didn't affect your grade because the essays were weighed so much. Essays depended on his lectures on very specific topics he would cover in class so you really have to pay attention. AVOID if possible!!

1.0
5.0
SOC201
May 5, 2011

His class was a joke. Sociology does not have to be taught the way he goes about doing it. Your grade is based off of Essays ONLY because those are the exams too and he will give you 50/100 with no explanation at all. He did not even put our final grade on blackboard so I had to email him what I got on the final essay. HE IS RUDE TOO. His jokes are

1.0
5.0
SOC280
Jun 17, 2011

AVOID

4.0
3.0
SOC201
Jul 25, 2011

I really liked Professor Rothstein. I enjoyed going to his classes, and when I had some health issues during the semester, he was more than willing to extend the deadline for me to turn in my midterm and reset online (open book) quizzes because my computer booted me off. I found him to be funny and enjoyed participating in the class overall :)

4.0
2.0
SOC280
Jan 8, 2012

Was my favorite class of the semester. He is whilling to help, and gives you a different point of view to look at our social problems. I loved this class. Put effort into the papaer that is worth 1/3 your final grade. One thing I found out is that the 12 extra credit points was calculated into the final grade and made it 312 overall points not 300.

4.0
2.0
SOC280
Mar 30, 2012

We had to do discussion board posts every week on 1 of the 3 different books we read. They're slightly invonvenient, especially when the reading is dry. I don't see the point in doing the reading as he just lectures on it anyways and there's no tests. The majority of your grade is a huge research paper. I didn't learn much.

3.0
3.0
SOC201
Apr 3, 2012

Don't take this professor. (I got a good grade so that's not why I am giving him a bad rating) he is boring, a hard grader, and can be offensive at times, and really full of himself. I got a B+ and all but seriously don't waste your time with this class. I didn't learn a thing

2.0
5.0
SOC201
May 1, 2012

Nice enough guy but for an intro/gen ed class, he is way too harsh with grading. Do not take him.

5.0
2.0
SOC255
May 1, 2012

Very interesting class. I learned a lot about work, unions and strikes. I will always remember what I learned in his class. Good information. Make sure you do all your weekly assignments and come to class. Those are probably half your points for your grade.

2.0
4.0
SOC201
May 9, 2012

Avoid him. He thinks he's funny, but I would say very offensive. He wastes your time with stories about his life, reads from online slides, and grades ridiculously hard for a GenEd. I would have gotten a good grade until he graded our papers. I didn't learn a thing from this class. I used to love soc. until I took his class.

2.0
3.0
SOC205
Dec 4, 2012

Not a difficult course. Weekly book quizzes, two paper exams (midterm and final) which you can prepare beforehand, and one super confusing paper assignment. Although he's not the easiest teacher to go to for help, if you do so you can easily earn a good grade.

2.0
5.0
SOC205
Dec 5, 2012

This Prof is way to hard for a gen ed, do not take him, avoid him at all costs! he grades way to harshly and has unreasonable guidelines.

5.0
3.0
SOC205
Dec 29, 2012

He is a interesting teacher. I liked coming to class every day because he kept class fun. He is a hard grader on papers but the quizzes are open book.

1.0
5.0
20502
Jan 8, 2013

The most painful professor I've ever had. He is rude and so particular about a simple 2 page essay. Do not take him if you want to remain sane throughout your semester.

4.0
3.0
SOC201
Mar 26, 2013

People may say he is hard grader but if you put in effort you will do great. He is one of my favorite professors at GVSU! He makes class interesting and keeps students interested. Take him if you can!

5.0
2.0
SOC201
Mar 28, 2013

I don't get why everyone says they hated this class, I LOVED it!! There is not much work involved but the work you do have to do you must put some effort in. Jeff has great stories and will explain things in sociology through stories. Kept me and probably a good majority of the class interested the whole time. Great professor! Really loves to teach

2.0
3.0
SOC201
Apr 23, 2013

Avoid this professor at all costs. His humor is offensive and he is just flat out rude. It's a general education class yet he treats it as though we are all sociology majors and on our path to earn a PhD. Also very particular about a 4 page essay and never lets you forget about it. If you want to remain emotionally balanced do not take this class.

1.0
5.0
SOC201
Nov 22, 2013

SERIOUSLY AVOID! If you see his name show up anywhere near your schedule drop/switch prof. This Prof could care less if you pass or fail and has pretty much said and showed that all semester. Also class is pointless your grade is not affected if your there or not.

1.0
5.0
SOC201
Grade: Incomplete
Nov 29, 2013

Horrible teacher, for a gen ed he needed to chill out. Worst grade I ever got in a class and I went his offices hours multip. to have him help me with my papers and give me suggestions. Doesn't care, your whole grade is papers, bad sense of humor

2.0
5.0
SOC205
Dec 4, 2013

Worst experience at Grand Valley by far. Very particular in grading and unclear in teaching. When he grades essays, he hardly comments on what you did wrong. Don't bother going to see him during office hours- he's no help there either. You're on your own for everything. No guidance whatsoever. Good luck! You're going to need it.

2.0
4.0
SOC205
Dec 4, 2013

He is an awful professor. He could care less about the success of his students. His stubbornness inhibits students ability to learn. He'd rather pick a fight with you in class, than teach you anything. He prods students to argue issues out in class "discussion." Absolutely no help in his office, and doesn't care to be. AVOID AVOID AVOID.

4.0
4.0
SOC205
Dec 16, 2013

I absolutely love this class. He's a tough grader and a bit unclear at times but I loved going to lectures. He was so funny, not offensive. He loves teaching, which made the class great. Responds to emails, never went to office hours.

4.0
2.0
SOC205
Jan 3, 2014

I don't understand why people are complaining about this class. He is not offensive at all, he is just sarcastic. There was only one 4 page essay to write, and he gave us all semester to do it. The exams are take home. You do actually have to put effort into the assignments, but is is totally do-able!

1.0
5.0
205
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 7, 2014

AWFUL professor. I couldn't stand going to lectures and eventually dropped because he treated the class like children. Was not approachable or helpful. Worst professor I've ever encountered. DO NOT TAKE HIM.

2.0
4.0
SOC204
Feb 23, 2014

Do not take this class with this professor. He's absolutely awful. Very rude, thinks he's great because he has a phd and is from new york. Overly offensive. Grades papers too hard. Doesn't treat the class like an intro class. Overall a huge jerk. DO NOT take this class with this professor.

5.0
2.0
SOC355
Apr 3, 2014

Rothstein is an awesome prof, who is neither rude or unfriendly! This Soc of Work class is so interesting and he is extremely knowledgeable as it is his specific field of Sociology. Take him! Go to office hours! Great prof with an awesome sense of humor! The class consists of weekly reading responses and one group paper. Mostly discussion!

1.0
4.0
SOC201
Apr 5, 2014

This professor is absolutely awful. His class is so boring you'll have a hard time not falling asleep. He thinks he's hilarious but in reality he's a sarcastic, know it all, arrogant New Yorker. He grades way too hard for a intro class and doesn't give you any feedback for the grade given. Don't take this class unless you're planning on retaking it

1.0
5.0
SOC201
Apr 22, 2014

He is the worst professor I have ever had.. Do not take him. He is not helpful and a hard grader and has no reasoning behind how he grades. He doesn't care about anyone but himself and doesn't care how you do in his class.

3.0
3.0
SOC201
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Apr 27, 2014

He is very funny and makes the class interesting. The only thing I didn't like about him was that he was a hard grader and asked for a lot for a Gen Ed class.

5.0
3.0
SOC205
Jun 12, 2014

Great professor! Very nice individual. He understands Sociology (& government) SO well. This class involves critical thinking; so hopefully you like a good challenge. His wit, sarcasm and sense of humor really made his class worth going to everyday. I truly appreciated him as a teacher!!!

3.0
5.0
201
Grade: B+
Mar 11, 2015

Although humorous, he goes too far. Ignorant comments are made in class that are unnecessary. I felt stupid for asking questions or going to his office hours. I tried to get feedback on why I kept getting an average of C's on my papers yet he "doesn't get what I don't understand". I would avoid unless you can settle for a B or less.

2.0
5.0
SOC201
Grade: C
Mar 23, 2015

Worst professor ever taken. He doesn't care about his students and he is no help at all if you have a question. Don't bother taking him. Although, if you just ignore him, it's an easy A for a class.

1.0
5.0
SOC201
Grade: A+
Mar 31, 2015

Worst professor I've ever had. Doesn't care about his students and is very unapproachable. Avoid taking his class if you can.

1.0
5.0
SOC201
Grade: D-
Apr 10, 2015

Don't say we didn't warn you.

3.0
3.0
SOC201
Apr 11, 2015

Reading is a must! The content isn't my cup of tea, but the course is alright. Quizzes are easy, reading is easy, attendance is preferred if you want to do well on the essays. These are graded pretty tough.

2.0
4.0
SOC355
Apr 30, 2015

Make sure you read a lot and if you don't know the material it's hard to speak in class. Not knowing the history or background of things he talks about in class makes it very difficult to talk in class. Not to mention when you do decide to speak, he can be condescending if you answer incorrecting or if you're not confident in your answer

1.0
5.0
SOC205
Grade: D+
Nov 12, 2015

He expects that since he is a professional sociologist that all of his students are too. Worst professor I've ever had. If you're in this class, DROP IT NOW. The lowest grade I've ever gotten in a class is a B and I got a D in this class even with doing the homework. Terrible class, terrible professor.

2.0
4.0
SOC205
Grade: D-
Dec 7, 2015

His lectures are often based on his personal views and opinions which are often ignorant and he rambles on a lot. His exams are a huge waste of time because he makes you write 4 essays but only turn in 1, randomly selected the day its due so you have to have them all written. He is extremely tough on his grading for a general education class.

2.0
4.0
SOC205
Grade: C
Dec 10, 2015

EXTREMELY TOUGH GRADER. Exams are ridiculous and a waste of time. Makes the class really difficult to get an A in. Definitely get a new professor

2.0
5.0
SOC205
Dec 16, 2015

Since he has a Doctorate in Sociology he expects you to have the same, so automatically you are at an extreme disadvantage. I approached him asking for help with research, and he then sent me to other sources at the library, so don't expect much help from him. He also grades ridiculously strict for a Gen Ed. class. Only redeemable quality, sarcasm.

2.0
3.0
SOC205
Grade: C+
Dec 18, 2015

He was very condescending. I couldn't ask questions without receiving rude feedback that made me no longer want to ask questions. Don't email him about anything either. He's even more rude in his emails.

5.0
3.0
SOC205
Grade: A
Jan 11, 2016

Uses sarcasm and humor to open discussion on controversial subjects and question thought process. Expect to work in this class. Tough grader, but very fair and offers chances to improve and at times even resubmit.

3.0
4.0
SOC205
Grade: C
Jan 13, 2016

He wasn't my favorite prof nor the easiest. The course is mostly based on one paper. If you're good at writing take this course with him we never took any tests except for online quizzes.

1.0
5.0
SOC201
Grade: D
Feb 3, 2016

He never put in extra credit points. Too sarcastic.

1.0
5.0
SOC201
Grade: Rather not say
Feb 24, 2016

This was by far the most ludicrous class I've ever had to take at Grand Valley. Had to take 60 online quizzes, have 6 essays graded by a computer program, and Rothstein only grades 2 two-paged essays. Forces you to write 4 different essays for the exam, but only grades 1 of them. Going to this class was a complete waste of my time.

3.0
4.0
SOC201
Grade: B
Mar 21, 2016

Rothstein is funny and knows what he's doing, but his paper can be difficult. He makes you work for it.

5.0
3.0
SOC201
Grade: B+
Apr 7, 2016

The ratings he got on this site scared me, but I loved him as a professor. I think he had a great sense of humor and he was really helpful when you asked for help. He didn't give tests, but papers and quizzes instead. The papers were hard to do well on, but if you ask him to be specific on what he wants to see, you'll do fine.

1.0
4.0
SOC105
Oct 8, 2016
Wouldn't take again

If you don't agree with him on everything, impossible to get a good grade. I had a 4.0 going into my senior year until I took this class...

Tough Grader
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Everyone in the class began emailing each other because he was giving us terrible grades for things that we all spent hours on and would be considered an A in any other class. Bottom line is this guy sucks and he waisted my money because I dropped the class before he damaged my GPA.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
SOC355
Oct 14, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I took the SWS section online and we had to post weekly responses to the reading which was usually long. The responses were graded quickly but he didn't give feedback and when asked for it and you do what he says you will still get points off. And the group research paper has no guidelines but is graded tough on criteria that is never specified.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
GROUP PROJECTS
2.0
4.0
SOC105
Dec 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Worst prof I've had at GV. I would not recommend him, you can spend hours working on the homework during the week and still receive 60 or 70 our of 100. If you try to email him and ask questions, his replies are rude and he is not helpful. He treats this class like its a 300 or 400 level class and grades very harshly.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Dec 13, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Took this class my final semester and can honestly say that he was THE WORST professor I have ever had. Very hard grader for what should be a fun and interesting class. This definitely made my exit from GVSU a lot easier. Never looking back.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Dec 19, 2016
Wouldn't take again

By far the worst professor I have ever had at GVSU. I am a senior here and he is the worst prof yet. I gave him a "1" rating only because giving a "0" isnt allowed on this website. Grading is based on his opinions of issues so if you dont have a mind like his, goodluck. I failed this class. I will need to retake this class in my final semester.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Jan 30, 2017
Wouldn't take again

If you do things his way you will get a B, otherwise, good luck

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 2, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Only halfway through the semester and I actually hate this class. He grades so harshly, and doesn't have a clear guideline as to how you are supposed to write your research paper. Wishing I listened to the reviews on here, instead of thinking about needing an SWS and Issues course.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
GROUP PROJECTS
2.0
4.0
SOC105
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 16, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Class overall was easy but he graded weekly response extremely hard and it was out of 100 points I averagely got a B, the only time I got an A- was on about a 2 page response about MLK, had to drop because at midterm grade was already near a C an there's also a big paper due in the class that my summary got 30%. When asking questions replies rudely

Tough Grader
SO MANY PAPERS
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
3.0
4.0
SOC355
Mar 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Hard grader on all assignments and papers.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Apr 2, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He's the most condescending and difficult professor I have ever taken. He may be okay for an in-person class but is absolutely terrible as an online professor

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Apr 17, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Absolutely horrible professor. I took this class because I needed an SWS and did not look at Rate my Professor before. The requirements on his syllabus to get 100% do not match up to the way he actually grades things. His comments he leaves on papers are rude and not very helpful. The amount of work per week is triple what any other online class is

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
SOC355
Grade: Not sure yet
Jun 8, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The reading and the 5 paragraph responses are enough with not just one but several discussions going on, but he has a research paper with 12 + sources and expects it to be well developed. Just because this is an SWS course, doesn't mean you need to do this much work. The last SWS course, I got an A and I have a 3.8 GPA.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
2.0
4.0
SOC355
Grade: B
Nov 12, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This is a class that you need to focus and put in your best effort and even if you think you put in everything you have, you need to give more. Extremely tough grader and honestly a little full of himself. You are required to read and discuss a text that he wrote, which students should not have to do because profs are going to be more critical.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
4.0
SOC105
Dec 3, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He is one of the worst professors at GVSU. Lots of participation is required with discussion board posts every week along with quizzes and a final paper. The paper is worth 1/3 of your grade and he is a very harsh and unreasonable grader. I would describe him as an online bully because of how he responds to emails. 0/10 DON'T TAKE HIS CLASS!!!

Tough Grader
Participation matters
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
3.0
5.0
SOC355
Dec 9, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He started out saying it was his challenge to make an online class that was as hard as in-class. I worked harder than my other ten credits combined, Im an English major who failed the final paper, and although he gave good feedback, his standards are too high. The group project was a disaster and I had to research so much to compensate that.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GROUP PROJECTS
2.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: B+
Dec 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

I took this as class as I had interest in the topic. Dr. Rothstein is a man that knows this topic well, but makes it much more complicated than it needed to be. He expects the writing to be on par with graduate writings, but this is a level 300 class. Group project was quite hard even after teaming with another student. Research was harshly graded.

Tough Grader
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
5.0
SOC201
Grade: A
Mar 1, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Absolutely

Tough Grader
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Mar 21, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Literally the hardest class I've taken at GV. No matter how hard I worked or how much effort I put into following the instructions perfectly, he will never give anything 100%. Ton of hw, group project lasts all semester, and he is extremely rude when it comes to comments, emails and voice memos. Absolutely DO NOT recommend.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Mar 29, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor I have ever had. Can spend hours doing the homework and he still grades harshly. I have never once received a 100% on anything. He grades his papers like he is a professional writer not a sociology teacher. If you do not participate in the discussions you will not get a good grade. WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND.

Tough Grader
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: B+
Apr 9, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He is the worst professor I've ever had. He is a really harsh grader and isn't easy to talk too. Don't expect an 100% on anything, even if you put hours of work into the assignments. I worked on a research paper for over a month and had several people/professors read it and still received a 71/1000. I would never recommend he to anyone.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Participation matters
1.0
4.0
SOC105
Grade: B
May 2, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Worst professor I've ever had. This class is a gen ed and a lower level sociology class, yet he treats it like it's an upper level sociology/writing class. He's a harsh grader on discussion boards, even if you put a lot of effort into them. 1/3 of the final grade is the paper, and he was extremely harsh on it, making it hard to get an A.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
SOC201
Grade: Incomplete
May 16, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Rothstein is a very difficult teacher to have. I was in the hospital with my boyfriend who had emergency brain surgery, we were there for 5 weeks, 2 of which were in the ICU and I asked Dr. Rothstein for an extension on my projects till we left the hospital for recovery time and he failed me. Legit the only class I've ever failed.

Tough Grader
Participation matters
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: D
Sep 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

I took this class online due to the fact I work full time. The class consisted of 2 main sections, online textbook tests and discussion boards. I got a 97% overall on the tests and quizzes but got a 63% on the discussion boards because I had opinions he didn't agree with. If you like the freedom to think your own thoughts don't ever take his class

Tough Grader
Participation matters
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
SOC377
Grade: C-
Nov 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

He gives terrible feedback on things. Doesnt explain well. Expects you to spend 15-18 hours a week on the class. Would never recommend him to anyone.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
5.0
SOC377
Grade: C-
Jan 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

For the class, we had to do a group project where we built a website collaboratively. He was very set on what he expected to see in our websites and insisted that we were doing our research incorrectly, but also didn't give us any clear direction on what direction he wanted us to go.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: C+
Feb 11, 2019
Wouldn't take again

It's an SWS meaning it require a C or better (no C-). He makes us do group projects despite it being an online course. Not clear with directions and Extremely nitpicky. Doesn't even provide examples of what's expected. Don't even bother asking for feedback, it's pointless. You can provide quality sufficient work & still never be given full credit.

Tough Grader
SO MANY PAPERS
GROUP PROJECTS
1.0
4.0
SOC201
Apr 1, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Worst prof that I've had at this university. Grades very tough for someone who doesn't specify what he is looking for. Has no care for his students at all and if you suggest you have a different opinion than him he will dock your grade no matter how well your writing is. Take any other professor.

Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
SOC355
Apr 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Hardest grader I've ever had. Grades as if the class is a doctorate level course. Forget about this double dipper and find another one. You'll feel like the Avengers after Thanos snapped half of all living creatures out of existence.

Participation matters
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
1.0
SOC355
Apr 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Avoid him at all costs. Flat out hes the worst professor at GV

1.0
4.0
SOC355
Grade: B
Apr 26, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I quickly found out no matter the effort level you put in, you won't get an 'A'. He feels you must write exactly what he thinks you should write or you get a crap grade. I didn't even feel comfortable asking questions because feedback given on assigns was extremely harsh. Even the writing center person didn't understand why my grade was so low.

Participation matters
Group projects
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: B
Oct 17, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Okay, so took this class for gen ed. worst mistake of my life. Had problems with one of the assignments. instead of helping me, he told me how poor of a student i was over email and then threatened to withhold an assignment from me that is worth a third of the final grade. easiest decision to report him. i will never recommend him to anyone ever.

Tough grader
2.0
4.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
Dec 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The course was quiz heavy and the weekly quizzes were based directly on the textbook and generated from the e-text platform. There were weekly discussions that participation is required in or you will lose a lot of points. There was no midterm or final but a research paper worth 1,300 points and it was a beast.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
SOC355
Jan 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

One of the hardest classes I have taken at Grand Valley. I would not recommend taking his class. Sociology should be an interesting, engaging topic to learn about and he makes it about writing papers and I absolutely HATE the group work because it was an online class which makes it impossible to do. Wanted to drop but couldn't.

Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
SOC180
Grade: B-
Mar 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

It seemed that no matter how specific I read his instructions he would still have a problem with my submissions. Every discussion question posted he comments on mine telling me in the vaguest way possible that I did it wrong without providing any information on how I could fix it. By the end of the year I couldn't stand that class anymore.

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: B
Mar 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Gives out 0's a lot to everyone! People can never do anything good enough for this professor. Worse class I have ever had.

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOC180
Grade: B
Apr 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Out of all the classes Ive taken, he is by far the most difficult. Im a senior at GVSU and took this class as an elective for my Sociology minor. Had many other higher Soc classes but he grades as though everyone is getting their PhD. Groups. Know your policies. Dry humor. Go to class or youll get docked. Even though he gets paid either way

Lots of homework
Group projects
Tough grader
4.0
1.0
SOC180
Grade: A
Apr 27, 2020
Would take again

He does kinda have a bad reputation but honestly he was super easy, caring and kinda funny. We had to read and answer online quizzes every week and attend lectures but that was basically it. We had no exams but we did have a group paper which is only 3 pages so it wasnt too bad. But if you skip class too often youll lose out on participation.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
3.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: A
Apr 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

This is a difficult class. There is a lot of work due weekly for this class and is difficult to keep up with if you have other classes. Get ready to read there are 3 online textbooks for this class and there are weekly papers due on the readings. He is a tough grader on assignments. He is very responsive when you need help.

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
1.0
4.0
SOC105
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Would not recommend him to anyone. Very difficult to get an A on many of the assignments. I took in intro-level soc class with him and it was my worst grade out of all of my much higher-level courses. Ended up withdrawing from the class. Best decision I have made all year.

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
SOC105
Oct 27, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He doesn't actually teach you anything he just makes you use the online book and then videos that others have made. He also grades papers for his elective 100 level class harder than my required 400 level class. He thinks he is god and everyone else is a peasant to his immense amount of writing ability.

So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
SOC105
Grade: B
Dec 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I agree with most of the others on his teaching ability. First of all, he did not lecture once. Second of all he only outlines his expectations to get a C, you gotta blow his mind to get an A. Dont write a conclusion paragraph, he thinks they are pointless, also try to agree with his opinion or he will dock points. Set us up for failure 0/10

Lots of homework
Participation matters
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOCI280
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Rothstein, probably one of the worst professors in the world to be quite frank with you. The other reviews about him are pretty accurate. Hes absolutely horrible. I am not gonna be a teachers pet or a pick me person and pretend he is a good professor. This old, gasping for air man is mean, ugly, and smelly. He is not going to heaven.

Test heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOC205
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Awful awful awful professor. Do not take him. I am a great student and follow directions. I currently have a C and am not able to do anything correctly. He is mean and grades at a level 600, you cannot do anything right. He thinks he knows everything no matter what. He is seriously the worst professor. I dont care for this class or him.

Participation matters
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
SOC355
Grade: B
Mar 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

While Jeff is a very nice guy, he is the harshest grader I have ever encountered. If you are not okay with your GPA sinking, do not take him! (or take as credit/no-credit). He assigns heavy reading, on average 40+ pages a week, with advanced language. He also will say you did well on an assignment and still give you a D. He does a lot of group work

Get ready to read
Group projects
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
SOC355
Grade: A-
Apr 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

He is a very tough grader, this was an all online course for SWS and a lot of writing and reading. I only took this class because sociology seemed easy but take a different SWS class/prof. This prof has really high expectations. If you write like a highschooler he probably won't give you a good grade. It is hard to get 100% on assignments.

Get ready to read
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 7, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I shouldve dropped this class when I had the chance. Ive taken so many sociology courses at GV and this was by far the worst one Ive ever taken. If you dont write your papers word for word with what he thinks they should say, youre screwed for a grade. If you have any self respect you wont take this class.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOC377
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Nope.

Group projects
1.0
5.0
SOC377
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The group project is building a website and he doesn't really give great feedback and doesn't really explain it well. And he is really nitpicky. Even if you do well on something you still will only get a B if that.

Get ready to read
Group projects
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: F
Dec 20, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Reading his response email literally ruined my day. He was so harsh and mean. I would not recommend him to anyone. Like everyone says, you cannot get an A in this class. Don't even bother taking his class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Group projects
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 20, 2022
Wouldn't take again

I was enrolled in his course for roughly two weeks and immediately became fed up with his blatant lack of respect, enormous ego, and ridiculous loads of homework with three separate due dates each week. Also, don't disagree with him and try to write papers how you think he'll like them. He says he grades based off completion, but that's a lie. 0/5

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Apr 23, 2022
Would take again

This was a relatively easy class. I spent about 4-5 hours a week on the assignments/readings. You have to post in discussion forums every week, but that was the only downside. There was no midterm or final exam, instead, it was a short paper.

Clear grading criteria
Online Savvy
3.0
4.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Apr 30, 2022

He grades way to hard for a level105 class. Discussion boards every week, and he may try to prove your opinions to be wrong, so heads up. He says to respond to at least two people, but if you do that he only gives you a 75%, so you need to do more. No exams or anything just 2 papers that were fairly easy. It's an easy class, just frustrating.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Lots of homework
2.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 14, 2022

I actually enjoyed this class a lot, we covered a lot of interesting topics, the Professor is average, and sometimes his directions can be unclear, you are expected to participate and put your best work forward for the papers and discussion boards because he's not an easy grader.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Accessible outside class
1.0
5.0
SOC377
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 5, 2022

Easily the most difficult and rudest professor I've ever had. Micromanages everything about the group project and nothing is ever good enough assignment-wise. Very rude and condescending in emails, throwing specific people under the bus. After reading these reviews, it's sad to see he hasn't changed much throughout the years. Don't take his class.

Tough grader
Group projects
Lots of homework
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 10, 2022

DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. This guy is by far the worst professor and quite honestly the worst person. I literally had him for online and could not stand his disrespect towards others and my self via emails and discussion post. You better have the same view points as him or else good luck. A BIG F**K you and I hope you lose your job a**hole.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
SOC377
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 18, 2022

Easily the worst professor I have ever had. Harsh, unforgiving, and very unclear in his grading metrics. He micromanages literally everything and will send you angry emails frequently about how you are not doing enough work. My class has a group chat dedicated to trashing him and his class. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!

Tough grader
Group projects
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Oct 19, 2022

Wow, i don't even know where to begin. I needed this class as a gen ed, and BY FAR THE WORST PROFESSOR I HAVE EVER HAD. He does not respect any of his students, if it is not his way then your SOL. don't even try to email him, to talk because he will bash you. I got the worst email from him saying that im not allowed to have my own opinions.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
Test heavy
4.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 2, 2022
Would take again

I took SOC105 online, after reading the reviews I was a bit concerned. However, it wasn't bad at all. A lot of reading, but the tests were not hard by any means. Weekly discussion boards. Make sure you post at least 5+ open ended replies to discussion board posts and you will do fine. Try to do at least 1/2 a page for each post.

Get ready to read
2.0
3.0
SOC105
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2022

His grading just isn't the best. He does come off as kind of rude but if you email him, he will always respond and will lay out what he wants done better. Overall, I don't think he is a bad guy. Also, for you conservatives out there, watch out.

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
5.0
1.0
SOC377
Grade: A
Jan 13, 2023
Would take again

I don't know why people hate Jeff. They have worms in their brains or something. His classes aren't extremely hard, his grading criteria are laid out, he is funny, and knows his stuff. People think that he will accept zero effort just because his courses are online. Expect to do the same amount of work as an in-person class and you'll do fine.

Group projects
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: A-
Apr 11, 2023

I wish I never would have enrolled in this class. The content was so hard for me to understand, and I only did it for the SWS credit. He is extremely rude, on emails and talking over zoom. I was left visibly upset multiple times. Watches over you like a hawk and has a huge ego. He is not helpful, and thinks his class is the only one you have to do.

Group projects
Lots of homework
2.0
3.0
SOC180
Grade: A
Apr 23, 2024

Not the easiest grader, and instructions can be unclear at times, but overall he was average. Discussions can get heated depending on which side of the political spectrum you are in. Sometimes I felt as if I couldn't say or type what I wanted because a lot of GV kids are liberals that get offended over everything.

1.0
5.0
SOC355
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 10, 2024

Professor was extremely disrespectful to me.

3.0
3.0
SOC105
Grade: B
Nov 21, 2024

SOC105 was a mixed bag - the professor has a specific teaching style that works for some but not others. Expect a lot of reading and weekly discussion posts. To do well, engage with the material, avoid confrontation, and use tools like Unstuck AI to supplement your studies.

5.0
2.0
SOC495
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 11, 2025
Would take again

He is very funny and caring. He is super understanding and helpful to his students. I really enjoyed taking this class and appreciated how flexible he was with us.

Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
SOC495
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 11, 2025
Would take again

Jeff is a great professor! If you are one of those people who expect to do no work in an online class or any class in general he is not for you. But he genuinely cares about his students. Classes are ungraded so as long as you do the work and try you can argue for your grade. He's so nice!

Gives good feedback
Inspirational
Accessible outside class
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

51%

Textbook Required

68%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 44 grades
Most common grades:
A (11)
Drop/Withdrawal (10)
B (10)
Grade Distribution
A(12)B(11)C(7)D(15)F(1)A-/B+(8)
Based on 68 reported grades
A: 11
Drop/Withdrawal: 10
B: 10
Not sure yet: 10
Common Tags
Tough Grader (27)
Tough grader (27)
Get ready to read (20)
Participation matters (15)
Lots of homework (13)
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (10)
Group projects (10)
GROUP PROJECTS (7)
Rating Trend

Declining

-1.10 avg change
Jan
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Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOC255

5.0

(1)

SOC495

5.0

(2)

201

3.0

(1)

SOC280

2.8

(16)

SOC205

2.8

(16)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

201

5.0

205

5.0

20502

5.0

SOCI280

5.0

SOC377

4.4

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