3.9
Quality3.0
Difficulty76%
Would Retake136
Reviews76%
Would Retake
136
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
76
4
23
3
9
2
12
1
16
What Students Say
“He's a pretty cool person but not a great teacher”
SPEECH1 - 2.0 rating“He's horrible at giving direction”
31180 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
88%
Textbook Required
89%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.17 avg changeRatings by Course
63
5.0
(1)SPEECH148
5.0
(2)SPEECHTEAM
5.0
(1)OOOWEI
5.0
(1)SPCH100
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
OOOWEI
5.0
SP100
5.0
SPEEC10
5.0
SPECH1006
5.0
SPCHADLD
5.0
Reviews (136)
hes lectures are really funny and interesting, losts of stuff to learn but you only have 4 speeches...work on speeches way ahead of time, he can tell the difference.
He makes the classroom very comfortable but i felt we were looking more at the structure of the speeches rather than the common problems of stage fright, stuttering and memorization.It wasnt a bad class, i just thought it could have been better
Hes a great teacher and knows his stuff. I gurantee anyone that listens to him will be, if not great at least good, at preparing and giving speeches.
I loved his class. Definately one of my favorites. Was dreading the class but Jim makes it fun. He does a good job with making the atmosphere supportive and encouraging. I would TOTALLY recommend him. He's funny and knows his stuff. You can learn a lot.
FUN! GOOD TIMES!! That's what this class is. Jim can make you into a great public speaker. Very helpful. Just be sure to formulate your speeches around the speech structure that he gives you. (He'll remind you of it 100 times!) Also, take whatever extra credit he offers. You may need it...
Jim was friggin sweet!!! Public speaking can be extremely nerve racking and he somehow makes it into something a bit less scary. Beyond that he is a comedian in his own right. Go just for the lectures! He is also very willing to help if you just ask. TAKE THE EXTRA CREDIT. I strongly reccomend him.
hilarious guy! laughed all through every class. tests weren't the best but definitely do-able. if you're scared of public speeking, he's the one to take it with. he makes you feel very comfortable and makes sure the environment is as comfortable as possible.
If you have to take a speech class feel lucky if you're in Jim's. He stresses the requirments which you will be graded on so much it's hard to mess up. He is a funny guy always willing to help. The name test he gives you isnt as hard as he makes it out to be. Overall great teacher, I learned a lot.
I had fun in Jimbos class he made it interesting. just dont slack when it comes to giving speeches because he WILL be hard on you if you dont care because he does. he might want you to join the speech team if your good so be prepared..
He was a really cool teacher, I was terrified of giving speeches but he made it so much better. He tells you what he wants his speeches to be like so it is hard to mess up as long as you be prepared for your speeches. He is sort of hot and really funny and kick back too. I would recommend his class for sure!!
Jim was great he made the class interesting and fun! And not to mention we only had 4 speeches!! he was helpful but only in his own little way...he didnt give too much away and makes you think for yourself!!
Great teacher, really funny. Creates a really friendly and exciting atmosphere in the classroom, but don't get too comfortable: he expects a lot out of you.
Totally recommend. Experience of a lifetime.
I took his wife for speech. Amy Furber-Dobson. Real great teacher. She is really good too. Makes it fun and interesting.
Jimmy Rocks!
I've never had his class but as my coach he is cool.
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It's a little disorienting to speak to him one-on-one because he seems so personable during his lectures, but he's a good guy. He's so easy and fun to listen to and you learn a lot without feeling too stressed.
Entertaining but don't be fooled by his relaxed laid back atmosphere. He is the toughest grader as far as speeches on campus. I've seen his grade books he gives out less then five A's each semester.
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Good class where you learn a lot and he's a great teacher who's engaging and fun.
He's an awesome guy and I always looked forward to going to his class. If you attend class and and do ok on your speeches he'll give you extra credit usually if you really want the A.
He's kind of odd, but nice enough. He's a good teacher though. You learn a lot about public speaking. But he's a hard grader. I was the only one in my class to get an A and we had some good speakers in there. I thought a lot more people deserved to get a higher grade.
If you want a hot professor take Jim's classes!!!
He was very entertaining and willing to help you get a better grade if you were willing to work for it
hey is the coolest teacher ever
This guy has two sides. Funny, but tough grader. I know its a speech class but lots of work is involved. Make sure you do a lot of research and listen carefully to what he says. Even if you forget to say something, wham points knocked off ur grade. MAKE SURE you take his class in the spring, lots of extra credit(American Idol)Wants everybody do gd.
He is truly amazing. He not only makes you feel incredibly open, and brave - but he is as well! Even though our campus is pretty conservative, he came out to the entire class. You're the best James. TRULY! I did not think I was going to like speech. But this "pathos-man" changed that. He is a blend of genius and heart. I love him...
He's full of energy, and that's what makes him fun. He grades hard, so you have to put in some effort if you want a good score on your speeches. Other than that, he's an awesome dude.
Jim is really awesome and a really nice guy. I did get points knocked off my grade for being late, but if you bring him canned food he won't mark you down. The class was fun and easy but some work does need to go into your speeches. He is very clear with his lectures, but I did have to study a bit for his tests... for sure take him!!!
I've had Jim for more than one class and he's always been a lot of fun. When it comes to projects he really expects a lot out of you but I respect that. When you get an A from him it really means something. That can't be said for all teachers.
I took the basic public speaking course. Really fun teacher! He made it interested and its one of the most fun classes I've had at laspo that I've also learned a lot it. If you have to take speech, definately try and get this guy. He's a tough grader, but worthwhile
I enjoyed his class very much. He was cool, calm and collective and was very helpful in finding my voice in the class. Because of him I now feel much more confident about my public speaking skills. Thank you Jim!!
I thought this class was gonna be really hard for me. I dont really like talkin in front of people but felt very comfortable towards the last few speeches. Jim is a great teacher and I recommend him to anyone who wants to take speech. He makes the class fun, but we learn at the same time. This was my favorite class of my 1st semester at Las Po.
I thought this was going to be an easy A, but I was sorely mistaken. But that's not a bad thing. The class was so funny sometimes I nearly wet my pants from laughing, and he's an excellent teacher; he really wants you to learn, which means he's a really tough grader. But I have no complaints about him or the class.
I love this speech class so much! I always get an ab workout and Jim is an awesome teacher
interesting class. watched some movies i never heard of before, and some of them were pretty cool. hm..i'll throw in a chili pepper, though mcelderry is hard to beat. good luck.
Jim is a great teacher. I would recommend him to anyone who needs/wants to take a speech class. Practice, practice, practice; he knows when you don't. GOOD LUCK
This might be a good class for someone wanting to learn basic job hunting skills but not for someone wanting to learn public speaking. A good example of those who can do those who can't teach.
Jim is dope! It's a kickback hilarious class. I don't like to speak but do what he says and you get an easy A. If you need to take speech, take his class, it'll fly by.
Terrible class. Lots of people like Jim Dobson and his class was highly recommended by previous students. I was very disappointed. Made speeches uncomfortable and intimidating, grading was inconsistent he took points off and would not say why. Didn't learn anything practical about speaking. Never used the textbook, it was a waste of money.
He is hilarious buttt... he makes giving speeches really intimidating. His sarcastic comments may make you afraid of screwing up and being the laughing stock of the class. For the important speeches, make sure you start research early and practice lot.
One of the worst teachers I have ever had. Jim has no respect for his student and will make rude deameaning comments in class and on assignments. Absolutely DO NOT take this class, you WILL regret it. Attendency is mandatory, which is fine and fair, but no reason in the world will be excepted as legitimate by Dobson, doesn't care if your dead.
Jim Dobson rocks my world. Yes his class is difficult, but coming out of his class you come out with a new approach to public speaking. And he's super gay.. for speech!!! Honestly Speech 1 was the most fun and intresting class that i took. This class was great because the class was forced to get to know everyone! And it made speaking in public easy
Jim Dobson is one of the most passionate teachers at this school, and this passion does not equal an easy A b/c guess what, you have to work in college. If you are the type of student who puts in the work, and actually tries you will be fine & earn the respect and excel in speech but if you dont show or take it seriously, then read the neg comments
He's my favorite professor I've ever had. I avoided taking speech for as long as I could because I was terrified of public speaking, but he made the class such a fun and relaxed environment FULL of laughs (he's HILARIOUS). You can tell he cares about his students & sincerely wants them to succeed & he helped me to do so. HIGHLY recommend his class!
The man is an absolute dream, in all senses of the word. Take his class. He offers speech instruction with a hint of Jerry Seinfied, loves the White Sox and lives to share his knowledge. He is a professional, so do not expect to text your way through class. Attendence is manadatory, and consequences are clearly spelled out in his Syllabus. Do it. Y
He grades hard but fair. Jim really wants you to do well and gives you great feedback in your speeches. He's fun and definitely cool to talk to, doesn't mind joking around in class which I love. But you do actually have to try, don't think that you can wing his class. However, if you really want to learn something definitely go with Dobson.
Dobson grades fair 4 the most part but hes not understanding. Also this classes is absolutely useless really everything is common sense don't take it unless your a nurse & its required. He gives finals that are irrelevant to lectures. A prime example of failed public education its evident hes teaching this class only to teach extra class.
Class was excellent!(Interpersonal Communications)Expect to put in great effort;he challenges you and you learn great stuff relevant to the real life! Keeps it so enjoyable,look forward to going to class!!
Really nice guy, easy to get a good grade if you use the structure he teaches you in your speeches. He does give some tests which come from the book.
Can be mean. Picks his favorites.
Play his game and you will do well.
most of my teachers are positive and encouraging but not this guy. You can give a perfect speech and do most things right but one little mistake and he will give you an F. If I was perfect with every detail of speech I wouldn't have needed to take a speech class. I thought we learned from mistakes. Don't take this teacher!!!
I agree, he picks favorites. Spends to much time talking about himself and not enough teaching worthwhile information. "Throws" the information at you and if you don't get it...you are "screwed".
Pretty cool guy. He does give out a lot of information so take notes. The examples he uses makes the info easy to understand. Just use his structure on your speeches, and you will get an A.
His class is a joke. He acts like he is 12 years old. I agree with everyone else. He picks favorites. His grading is inconsistent and doesn't have a clear grading structure. His lectures are useless while he spends the whole class hours with stupid ass jokes. What a waist of my time!!! Las Positas usually has great teachers, NOT THIS ONE!!
He is not funny when jokes at students. This is a speech class and he needs to make students confident in making speeches. Simple he is not a good teacher watch out!!!!! He is mean!!!!!
Overall cool guy. He does play favorites however. Some people had perfunctory speeches and got better grades than others will well prepared and thought out ones due to favoritism. If you play his game and follow the instructions/guidelines he gives you, whether or not you agree with them, the class is relatively easy going, manageable,and funny too
I think he brings he personal issues to class and throws jokes at students that are not funny!! He should keep his personal beliefs out of his professional career and if students have to make comments in speeches to defend other students then something is wrong in the class!! He needs does need to profile students using this as a tool in teaching!!
I think he brings he personal issues to class and throws jokes at students that are not funny!! He should keep his personal beliefs out of his professional career and if students have to make comments in speeches to defend other students then something is wrong in the class!! He shouldn't racial profile students!! He should focus on teaching!!!
Jim can teach but he has favorites! His jokes are not funny while he demeans some students! I wonder how he decides who should be his favorites? He makes jokes towards other students which makes them loose confidence in speeches! If you noticed comment so he can stop this game of his towards other students.
He is an excellent teacher! He didn't have favorites in our class.To me he was funny most of the time.Sometimes his jokes were cheesy but I actually enjoyed going to class everyday.If you just try you will get a good grade. His jokes made our class feel comfortable with one another, making the speeches easier to give.I recommend taking his class!!!
Although I did well in his class got a good grade still found him giving too much attention to other students while degrading some with his jokes. Some of it just wasn't funny targeting certain students we all came to get education not dumb jokes targeting certain students to make them loose confidence.
He picks on students that middle eastern so watch out he needs a class himself on democracy and what it is for everyone that is attending class in America
I took interpersonal communications with him. His teaching structure is, address a subject then let the class do an open discussion. It gets off topic a lot of the time and I often don't remember what we were supposed to learn. Learned from the book.
Awesome teacher!!! =D
I took the introductory speech course and this guy was great. He doesn't play favorites and he encourages participation from everybody. Just listen to what he says and practice your speeches. Do both of these and you'll surely get an A.
I dont know if he was the bully in High School of the guy that got picked on and now he is taking it out on his student. His lectures are useless and his exams are somewhat difficult. So read the text! None of which was talked about in class is in the test. Discussions are basic and no one bothers ever taking notes. Trust me, no one!
I think he uses his dress code to get a good look at the girls in class while he announced in class "I want to poke your tramp stamps". Exact words girls watch out!
He has his times of being funny but he seeks attention. He HAS serious temper issues and takes it out on the kids, which is horrible. He is a hard grader and the only thing this class offers is comedy central/temper! Dont take him!!!!!!!!!
This class was challenging but taught me alot. Jim is awesome though! So funny and made coming to an 8 AM class alot easier. Still laugh thinking about stuff he said, he's hilarious! Take his class, you'll definitely enjoy it! Jim, pursue a career as a comedian if you ever get tired of Las Positas!
I was amazed to see how many people didn't enjoy having Jim as a professor. I took him fall of 2010, and i know our class had nothing bad to say about him. He didn't have favorites, because I felt like he knew everyone of his students well. His jokes are funny! He makes class go by quick. He does have short lectures about how to give speeches, but
I'm serious....don't listen to ANY bad thing that is written about Jim. He is the best teacher I've ever had! Sometimes I think I'm at a comedy show in the middle of LasPo and it's hilarious! ...and yet somehow he still manages to teach the things you need to know in an understandable way. If you take his class it will be the best decision EVER!
Jim is hilarious! He is def. not a weirdo like some people are making him out to be. He's a family man. He made the class so enjoyable and although we were the students we could basically joke about anything we wanted to. And we learned about speech at the same time! :) He's really serious about being on time though.
This teacher is hilarious! Always looked forward to laughing in class but he is a very hard grader. You must work for an A which is fair, but not a class to take if youre looking for an easy A.
Jim is a great guy, if you respect him, work hard and ask questions he will answer them and tell you what he wants. The class was challenging but the support and teaching I recieved from him by asking him how to do things helped me strive and do well. Take his class! Take notes and ask questions. The man knows what he is doing.
I've taken 2 of 3 speech classes with Dobson. SPCH 1 and SPCH 10. Prior to SPCH 1, I had no real interest in public speaking. His classes definitely change how you talk with others. Interpersonal didn't have much speech work, so most of you will like that. You do however need to attend all of the classes, but he makes them entertaining/ worthwhile.
Great class, great guy. Hilarious, makes class fun and entertaining. 2 tests (midterm and final) fairly simple questions relative to the study guide given, 4 very short papers based on films watched in class, and one group presentation. Highly recommend, it's a lot of fun! Only one speech - and it's with a group.Very easy.
He is awesome, fun, really nice persone. I rated him easy because he makes the class easy. If you are there every class on time and follow his instructions you will get A+. class is fun, dont get homework, but when you get your speech. if I could I'll take speech again and again. wish every teacher were like him.
Loved going to his class! His good sense of humor always made the day start right. He gave me a new view on public speaking. So if you actually want to learn, take his class. Awesome teacher and great guy! I wish there were more fun teachers like him!
Pretty awesome teacher. I wasn't really looking forward to taking this class at first, but glad I did with this teacher. I've learned so much and definitely helped me feel more confident with my public speaking. He's really funny too, I can't remember a class I didn't laugh!
Take Jim's class! I learned so much and now have a whole new perspective on public speaking. He's super funny and will have the entire class laughing, not only that but he knows his stuff. He's one of the best teachers at Las Po. He gets to know every student and grades fair. You will have a blast in his class and learn so much!
A great time taking his class. He expects the very best out of his students (attendance, dressing up for speeches, and reading from the text book) but that's what a good teacher does to help his students succeed. Jim will definitely provide you with laughs that makes class very fun and interesting. I would take his class again, highly recommended
He has high expectations which makes every speech challenging and exciting. The textbook is expensive but after taking the class I found that we read almost the entire book, so it is highly utilized. Class time is always well-used; never a dull moment.
Really did not enjoy his class. Although he is very funny, he is extremely critical and judgmental. He is not welcoming and can make things awkward and embarrassing for students. For a speech teacher i think he is horrible. Take someone else if you can, there are way better speech teachers at LPC than him.
So if you miss more then 3 classes you get -10 pts. Even 1 pt can make a difference b/c of the few speeches. Didn't get the grade I wanted over participation. Not afraid to say your topic is stupid (i eavesdropped). Class pointless to go to b/c he needs to incorporate practice/learning activities into the class. Need book, midterm/final mult-choice
Really cool guy
People either love him or hate him. He definitely wants to be liked be "the cool kids". There are no rubrics, he just writes what he thinks on a paper. He will be very selective when it comes to speech topics and reject many of your ideas until you are doing a speech about something you don't care about. He will grade your outfit on speech day.
Jim is absolutely one of the best professors I took at Las Po. He's tough, but he's kind as well. If your topic is stupid, he will help you find one that is good. If you make him like you, you're golden. Don't miss class though, and definitely don't bs on a speech because he will definitely know if you did.
Mr Dobson is an awesome teacher! He was always hilarious! I loved going to his class everyday I had it and I was never tired of the class either! I would definitely take this again and I recommend mr Dobson for anyone who has towants to take a speech class!
Mr dobson is an awesome teacher! He was always a really funny teacher and i always loved going to class. If anyone has to wants to take a speech class at laspo, i totally recommend Mr. Dobson!
This guy is a joke! He absolutely gives no direction as to how to structure scripts. He assumes everyone knows how to write scripts. There are no pre reqs for the class so it's impossible to understand what he wants. He doesn't explain reader's theatre terminology at all. He's horrible at giving direction. Thumbs down is an understatement!
I liked him at first, but his lectures are completely usless, the book doesn't help. He has two major speeches and no matter if you do amazing if hes mad he will grade you poorly. Expects wonders from speeches, but if you are not naturally good at speaking... you might aswell drop, he wont help you learn.... Expects you to just know it.
Took Dobson for speech and and he was a really great teacher! There wasn't homework and as long as you showed up, listen to the lectures, and applied them to your speeches you'll do fine. The mid-term and finals were pretty hard but as long as your doing fine with your speeches, you'll pass.
The class is more of an acting class than a speech class. Readers theater is hard concept to comprehend but it was really fun. You get close with the people in the class and you can learn a lot from a Dobson who really knows what he's talking about. Show up and be ready to rehearse and you will do great! It's a fun class and a fun concept to learn
Jim is by far the funniest teacher I have come across. Speeches are easy as long as you do what he tells you to do, if you don't youre grade will reflect it. Easy class with a great teacher.
I was incredibly anxious during my speeches and felt as if I had bombed every single one yet somehow I ended up with an A. All you have to do is follow his formatting guidelines and all the other rules that he explicitly points out to you and stumble over a decent speech with okay supporting materials and you'll easily pass. EC is 5% of grade!
I learned a lot from this class! I've done public speeches before, but this tuned it in for me. He expects a lot from the class, but if you show up and try your hardest you will get a good grade. I had a few attendence issues so I didnt get the grade I wanted and that is my own fault. You will learn a lot from this teacher! BE CONFIDENT!
Extremely funny teacher, never dreaded going to class. However, his lectures are somewhat pointless. He tries to teach the material sometimes, but gets lost on many tangents, although very entertaining, it can get a little annoying at times. He makes you memorize everyone's names in the beginning, but it actually helps you feel more comfortable.
Hes super funny, and all you have to do is your speeches. When he says practice your speech, actually practice it.
Genuinely a great teacher! Made speech really fun, but preparation and attendance are a must... It really shows when students didn't prepare.
I love the way he makes his class become really close to each other like a small family, but he grades speeches really hard which was the downside. There are 4 speeches in total, but a lot of time given in between. His tests were super easy and there are only 2, however, speeches really impact your grade more.
Attendance is a must. His lectures are very conversational. There's a name test in the beginning of the semester. We watched 5 films and wrote papers on each of them. He's a tough grader, but he makes it clear on what he expects. There is a group presentation before your final. No other HW, just a midterm and final. Would take again.
Jim is also Las Positas' speech coach. He knows what is needed in order to give the perfect speech. He's very helpful with feedback. The textbook is used a lot in his lectures. He gives a lot of life relevant examples that are useful for the class as well. Very approachable and accessible.
Jim is an awesome teacher! His feedback is extremely helpful so take it to heart whenever he gives you back your speech grades. He is very specific in what he wants to see in speeches so if you follow all of that then you're golden. Almost no homework but when it comes time to prepare for those last 2 speeches, start like 2 weeks in advance.
Jim Dobson changed my life. I would not be the person I am today or where I am today without the passion and drive he instilled into me on the forensics team. He is the best!
Jim's my favorite professor I've had at Las Po. This class was easily my favorite. Having to learn everyone's name at the start made this class so close and it felt like we were a family. Jim gives great feedback and really challenged me to be a better speaker. There wasn't a day where I wasn't laughing in this class. SO worth taking.
I've heard this is the most difficult speech class of them all but I believe that's because he actually makes you try. Hardish grader but is always fair and blunt with feedback. I only used the textbook twice for the midterm and final. Very nice guy and a class I always looked forward to going to.
I took his interpersonal communications class. He doesn't lecture, and when he tries to he gets lost in his tangents. This isn't so bad until you realize all the reading you have to do to actually learn the concepts. He's not clear with what's on the test and his grading criteria is a bit odd. He's a pretty cool person but not a great teacher.
Horrible teach is told me that why I'm struggling is because i have a mental disability ( which I don't) He is beyond rude and he will never explain homework or assignments just throws them at your and expects and A. I had to drop this class before the 3rd speech .He grades really hard and criticizes your work until you feel bad about yourself.
Great teacher that will really help you learn a lot about speeches and performing in front of an audience. He will give good feedback that is important and will want you to be successful in the class. He has a great sense of humor as well and is easy to talk to if you need additional help in the class.
I wouldn't take this class unless I was absolutely desperate. I took public speaking with professor Dobson and he was kinda weird and was a tough grader. He picked on irrelevant things and called people out in class like clothing and having a messy room. Instead of focusing on the speech, he picked on dumb things that had nothing to do with class.
Professor Donbson is a very good teacher. If you reach out to him he is more than happy to help you understand the material. Grades fast, so dont fall behind. He doesnt accept let work; therefore, you have to put in your work on time, getting you ready to be on top of your assignments. Lastly he will post the assignments early on canvas.
I took Professor Dobson's class an 8 week intensive course and it wasn't that bad compared to what people have said on a full semester class. There are four speeches for the class, multiple quizzes, you can rent an online pdf of the textbook. Overall the last two speeches were the hardest one make sure to prepare as much as you can!
Professor Dobson is an awesome teacher who helped me improve on my speech performance in front of an audience. He is very clear on what is expected for assignments and gives really helpful feedback too. He is super funny and makes the class material fun to learn! It is easy to tell how much he cares about your success in the classroom.
Great professor, clearly passionate and knowledgeable about the subject. Had CMST 10 Interpersonal Communication with him and it was an enjoyable experience. Light on homework, mainly weekly or biweekly essays that most people had no issues with getting nearly 100% on. If I had to take more Comm classes, I would definitely choose his class again.
Professor Dobson cares a lot about public speaking and truly teaching it to his students, and he grades pretty nicely as long as you do the work, and especially if you improve each speech. I wouldn't call his class easy, but I found it very useful, and I feel much more confident in my public speaking after taking his class.
This was one of my best classes I have ever taken, not only did I make a lot of friends I also learned a lot about public speaking and it has already improved my work in other classes. Dobson youre awesome.
Jim is great, the class is very open and friendly.
Really great professor, class was always fun and interactive!
I took professor Dobson class because I had to for my GE. I would not recommend this class to anyone, he is a tough grader and doesn't give much instruction in class. I had to buy the text book but I barely used it in class. I got an A in this class but you have to put in a lot of effort to get an A.
He is no pushover and is definitely strict. That said, I learned a lot in this class and I had no problem getting an A. Just make sure your speeches meet his guidelines and you'll be fine. Midterm and Final are easy. He leaves detailed feedback after speeches and is willing to help if you ask for it. Overall, a good professor.
Jokes are sarcastic. Rude to students. tells you to be passionate about the topics you choose then says how terrible your topic is. Gave a midterm, not telling us till two days prior. Questions came from a textbook that was never assigned. Have to miss a speech for an emergency? he will say tell you to drop out. 3/4 or more dropped out of the class
Tough Grader but I learned a lot and improved significantly in my Public Speaking skills. If you struggle with public speaking I would recommend his class.
Almost all the grade is based off your speeches, he grades pretty hard on some stuff but lets other things slide - he understands it's not easy to get up and speak and gives you wiggle room. offers like 8% EC , lectures are super funny hes a hilarious guy. All in all Jim has hilarious, engaging lectures and is a cool guy, but can be very rude.
Jim gives helpful feedback that shows you how to improve and succeed in the course. He genuinely cares about your learning and makes the material easy to understand with concise lessons. He has a great sense of humor and is an excellent professor.
Professor Dobson is a great professor! He is very kind to all of his students and creates a wonderful atmosphere in the classroom. He gives great, constructive feedback on papers that really help you improve your skills in the class. He makes it feel very comfortable to participate in the class discussions. He is such an amazing teacher!!
There are truly terrible professors out there. Mr. Jim Dobson is not one of them. The class is easy as long as you show up, do the reading, follow directions, and complete the assignments. He gives you everything you need to succeed and I truly believe he wants all of his students to succeed. Mr. Jim Dobson gave helpful feedback and I learned lots.
Jim was a great professor, him making us learn everyone's names honestly made the class feel like a huge family, you can tell he really cares for his class and his lectures are hilarious! Some days his class would be the only one I would go to for the day and I would retake the class if I could.
Amazing lectures. Jim's videos cracked me up every time, it's very obvious he wants you to succeed and leaves thoughtful videos for each speech you do in his class. One of the most caring professors i've had at Las Positas.
This class was okay at best. Professor Dobson is passionate about public speaking however for a communication professor, his communication with students is not great. He is also pretty unreasonable and not understanding.
I had this class in Fall 2022. I winged it and got an A easily, but the class wasn't that fun. I appreciate that we had to learn everyone's names at the beginning of the semester, and the class itself is encouraged to be supportive, but Jimmy Dobson himself was pretty insufferable. I'm at a T14 law school now and thinking back I just laugh.
This class didn't have a lot of assignments, but they were all BIG. In comparison to other speech classes, this one is a lot harder. You have to spend weeks preparing, look professional, and be ready to be graded harshly. If you want to get good at speaking, this will help. If you want an easy class, it's not this. He also tends to be sassy...
Jim is an awesome teacher to have! He and his classes are really fun and engaging. This class absolutely helped with public speaking, and the material we learned will definitely be applicable later in life. Finally, he gives great and constructive feedback, and very clearly wants his students to succeed, which is a telltale sign of a great teacher.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
88%
Textbook Required
89%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.17 avg changeRatings by Course
63
5.0
(1)SPEECH148
5.0
(2)SPEECHTEAM
5.0
(1)OOOWEI
5.0
(1)SPCH100
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
OOOWEI
5.0
SP100
5.0
SPEEC10
5.0
SPECH1006
5.0
SPCHADLD
5.0