4.7

John Shandra

Sociology - Stony Brook University (SUNY)

4.7
Quality
1.7
Difficulty
93%
Would Retake
147
Reviews
4.7
Quality
1.7
Difficulty
4.6
Helpful
4.7
Clarity

93%

Would Retake

147

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

130

4

4

3

4

2

5

1

4

What Students Say

If you really love soc and want to get a lot out of class, this is not for you

SOC344 - 4.0 rating

As long as you come to lecture and take excellent notes, you will be very successful

SOC344 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

10%

Textbook Required

22%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

95% confidence
Based on 78 grades
Most common grades:
A (46)
A- (15)
Not sure yet (9)
Grade Distribution
A(55)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(20)
Based on 89 reported grades
A: 46
A-: 15
Not sure yet: 9
A+: 9
Common Tags
Hilarious (65)
Amazing lectures (35)
Caring (25)
Amazing lectures (25)
Clear grading criteria (23)
Graded by few things (23)
Respected (12)
Test heavy (10)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.09 avg change
Apr
May
Jun
Sep
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOC348

5.0

(2)

SOC361

5.0

(1)

SOC248

5.0

(28)

SOC104

5.0

(2)

SOC344

4.8

(39)
+5 more courses
Difficulty by Course

SOC202

2.0

SOC340

2.0

SOC344

1.8

SOC105

1.8

SOC501

1.8

Reviews (147)
5.0
1.0
SOC202
Apr 6, 2006

my favorite professor ever. he always makes sure u understand the topics, and always makes himself availble. keeps the class entertained. take his class!!

5.0
1.0
SOC202
Apr 27, 2006

Great professor. Always ready and willing to help during office hours. Makes the class get involved with the lectures. Makes the material very easy to understand. 5 Assignments and 2 Tests. Assignments are not difficult.

5.0
3.0
SOC202
May 30, 2006

No Comments

5.0
2.0
SOC202
Jul 12, 2006

Good teacher, and really nice guy. I hate math and i did great in this class. Kind of anoyying and fake to try to keep students interested and awake, he's funny sometimes though.

5.0
2.0
SOC202
Nov 29, 2006

great professor.makes math interesting even though I hate it.a little over the top sometimes,but it makes the class fun.highly reccomended.

5.0
2.0
SOC202
Dec 13, 2006

The best, nicest teacher at Stonybrook, gives you so much help, no ****, you will understand Stats

3.0
4.0
SOC202
Dec 23, 2006

nice guy overall rele cool professor but can be annoying at times...simplifies things from text...helpful during office hours...attendance is mandatory so go to class, do the work and you'll be fine

5.0
3.0
SOC202
Dec 27, 2006

hilarious--if a little over the top sometimes.awesome professor,knows what hes talkin about,and will definitley help you out with anything.you'll understand statistics better even if you hate math like I do.hiiiiiiiigggggghly reccomended for soc majors for an easy C DEC and statistics requirement.fun class.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
Jan 6, 2007

He makes classes enjoyable. He doesn't take attendance, but he does start to recognize everyone & he'll know if you didn't show up for class. 2 papers, the final for our class was optional. I definitely recommend him! One of the most helpful professors i've had.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
Jan 15, 2007

Made class enjoyable, he is off the wall and always has a smile. keeps lectures short and sweet and youll always come out learning something. two essays and we had optional final in essay form. interesting topics, i learned so much about enviornment. i recommend his class.

3.0
1.0
ENV1
Feb 13, 2007

Thinks he's a know it all, but he's basically ok.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
Mar 9, 2007

Amazing professor. im the type that doesnt go to class. but i go to his. Lectures are NOT boring and go by quickly, not including the days he lets us out early. He cares about the subject a lot and gets really into it. if you tend to run late, don't take his class. he kicks out late comers. and doesn't take late assignments.

5.0
1.0
SOC348
Sep 22, 2007

Has a very energetic teaching style, he knows what he's talking about, BUT I wouldn't say he's the best educator I've come across. If you enjoy the "off-the-wall" type then he's your man...but I would expect that from a peer not a professor - got professionalism?!

5.0
2.0
SOC344
Nov 15, 2007

Ok... here's the deal. This guy is freaking CRAZY he stands on desks and jumps around and is really interesting/interested. His papers are kinda hard (literally 1/2 the class got c- other 1/2 got an a) no middle ground. He almost never keeps you the whole time, and he doesn't really care if you don't read. Final is no longer optional.

5.0
1.0
SOC344
Dec 11, 2007

This class gets you thinking about the environment and enviromental issues. No test only two papers. If your average is really good for the two papers the finals is optional. The final is essay format. Note are kind of random. He is very heplful in his office hours. Cares about students. Ends class early though it should end at 5:10pm.

5.0
3.0
SOC344
Dec 14, 2007

Very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about topic. 2 papers, no exams. At the last minute, he made the final optional. Sometimes can be obnoxious because he's always yelling (not in a mean way, he's just very excited about the topic). VERY helpful in office hours. There's nothing tricky about his papers, wants everyone to do well.

5.0
4.0
SOC344
Dec 19, 2007

He is totally awesome! He is extremely encouraging! This class will teach you more than you ever knew about corporations and...well, take the class and you'll see. Everything you learn here will make for interesting dinner conversation. Shandra is one of the best educator's in the Stony Brook Sociology department.

5.0
2.0
SOC501
Dec 21, 2007

John's style might not be for everyone but I can honestly say I didn't care about stats or math until this class. Not that I love it now, but I finally get it. And John is hilarious and makes the time fly

4.0
2.0
SOC340
Jan 21, 2008

A bit intimidating in his enthusiastic teaching, but overall pretty good. Got the impression that he wanted to get rid of you asap during office hours, but maybe that was just me. Grades based on papers as stated previously, 3 at first, but last was made optional at the end of the semester. Keeping up on reading helps a lot.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
May 14, 2008

One of my favorite professors! Extremely enthusiastic, will stand on desks and shout to get your attention. 2 essays that took some time, but final was optional if your happy with your 2 essay grades. No other tests/assignments. Makes notes super clear for papers and available during office hours. Often let us out of class early. I def recommend!

5.0
1.0
SOC344
May 19, 2008

Shandi is one of the greatest teachers EVER! He always lets you out early and ends class early at the end of the semester. He only gives two papers. If you go and see him your guaranteed a good grade. He always wants to help his students. Really loud but keeps the class entertained. LOVE SHANDI!! take him

4.0
2.0
SOC501
Jul 19, 2008

John is a really good stats professor. I didn't ever get math until this class. He's hilarious (though sometimes he's a little crazy) and he definitely cares whether or not you understand.

5.0
1.0
SOC344
Nov 13, 2008

Awesome prof. His office hours were rushed but the TA are helpful.need to attend class and take good notes beucase the essays he gives are the outline for it.he likes class partic but the readings are improtant for the essays.he is a little nutty, but very enthus about class. really learned a lot. can be intimi if u don't like that kind of teachin

5.0
1.0
SOC361
Dec 19, 2008

TAKE HIM HE IS GREAT

5.0
1.0
SOC344
Dec 20, 2008

LOUD, funny, personable, odd, LOUD, nice; all good words to describe this guy. He's a complete nutjob but he seems to be very passionate about the material (or it might be the Starbuck's). If you want to enjoy a class, and still learn a great deal (most of it frightening), take SOC 344. Shandra knows how to meld learning and entertainment into one.

2.0
3.0
SOC344
Jan 17, 2009

Go to his office hours so he takes a look at your paper before you submitted them, if you dont u will get a C or less

5.0
3.0
SOC344
Dec 8, 2009

Got my first A in this class! A little crazy in that he screams a lot during class especially if you come in late which he hates... a lot. The topics are very interesting. Two 6 pages papers is all it takes to get an A in this class. Go to his office hours and you are almost guaranteed an A. Final is optional. TAKE THIS CLASS! YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

3.0
2.0
SOC344
Feb 2, 2010

Its hard to fall asleep in class because he is loud and crazy! He loves his job and really does know his field Never be late to class or U WILL GET CALLED OUT As long as u go 2 class & go 2 his office hours 4 the paper u can get an A 4 the class But he isnt a helpful prof and wont take any excuse even if its legal hell tell u 2 withdraw 4 the sems.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
Feb 25, 2010

Yes, he is obnoxious and loud but Prof Shandra really knows his stuff. You'll learn a LOT and your tuition will not be wasted. He's funny as hell too. Reading materials are interesting. He does take attendance so go to class.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
Mar 3, 2010

Really passionate about the subject and is also very knowledgeable. He makes a legitimate effort to get to know his students, entertain, and teach well. His readings and lectures are actually interesting and informative. Probably the best class I've taken.

2.0
4.0
SOC344
Apr 16, 2010

He's a decent guy and can be fairly funny at times, but he doesn't understand personal space and his humor can start to wear thin. That said, the classes are usually informative and if you attend office hours for the papers, you should do well.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
May 3, 2010

AWESOME professor! I definitely recommend everyone take a class with him. he makes the material interesting and he's funny too. as long as you go to class and take notes you'll do well in the class.

5.0
1.0
SOC344
May 6, 2010

Didn't know anything about the topics, yet once i took the course it was really interesting. As long as you go to class, take notes, and do the readings, and complete the papers you will get an A!..its Simple, not much work at all and the professor keeps you entertained

5.0
2.0
SOC344
May 26, 2010

Greatest professor ever. Learned more from him than any other professor and this is not even my major. This class gives you useful information. He makes the class very fun so you don't want to miss it. He looks like jack jack from the incerdibles

5.0
1.0
SOC344
May 19, 2011

He is by far one of my most favorite professors at Stony Brook! I took Environmental Soc and Stats for Soc with him and I got an A in both. He is very loud and curses but if you have a sense of humor you won't mind. You DO have to take notes but he will repeat things 4/5 times. skim through the readings and you'll do fine. He makes class fun.

5.0
1.0
SOC202
Nov 19, 2011

Great professor! Even though he jokes around a lot, he really wants every student to do well. He gives major hints as to exactly whats on exams. He helps and explains things whenever you need assistance.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
Dec 13, 2011

Professor Shandra is a great guy. He genuinely cares that his students do well. I have taken him twice now. He explains the exam clearly and makes the class fun and interesting at the same time. HE is very smart and the way he teaches the material, makes it relatively easy to grasp. I highly recommend him.

5.0
2.0
SOC344
Jan 24, 2012

I had Prof Shandra for Stats and Enviornment. I was successful in both classes. Hes a great guy, clearly explains the exam and is very thorough in his lectures. Very cool guy, ery down to earth and makes class fun with jokes and stories. I highly reccomend him.

4.0
1.0
SOC344
May 11, 2012

Def take for an easy A. If you really love soc and want to get a lot out of class, this is not for you. You learn a little about global env legality... but SO EASY

5.0
1.0
SOC344
May 18, 2012

Just take his class. You will learn a lot (I feel) about the global environment and how it affects you. Lectures super clear, as well as what he expects on the exams (which is everything from class). As long as you come to lecture and take excellent notes, you will be very successful. He makes sure you understand the material each time he teaches.

5.0
1.0
SOC344
May 22, 2012

The greatest teacher at SBU. Class was big and participation was low but if you pay attention and read you will do fine on the tests. He does not take attendance for his larger classes, but i recommend you attend because his tests are based off his lecture. Very relatable and just an awesome teacher! plus he GIVES YOU THE QUESTIONS FOR THE TEST.

5.0
1.0
SOC344
Aug 11, 2012

Best professor at SBU!

4.0
1.0
SOC202
Apr 5, 2013

He is a wonderful professor, he interacts with the class a lot and jokes around which makes statitics a lot more enjoyable. He goes over material really well but i wouldn't even buy the textbook because you dont use it at all! His tests are everything he teaches in class! Great & easy class to take !

5.0
2.0
SOC105
May 15, 2013

Professor Shandra is a great teacher he really interacts with his students and makes the class interesting. The class does not require any textbook, but he posts readings online that you have to read. You must go to class if you want to do well because he teaches verbally and you have to write down everything he says. Overall great class!!!

5.0
1.0
SOC501
Grade: A
Apr 8, 2015

He is awesome. So does his TA. I have learned statistics many times since I took it in my undergraduate school for the first time, but never I understand it as clear as when I learn it from his class. His great enthusiasm and his jokes in class often make him looks crazy and could be intimidating for some, but by all mean he is nice and helpful.

5.0
2.0
SOC501
Dec 20, 2016
Would take again

I was never good at Statistics but he made everything so easy to understand. I never get 100s in my life on anything math related till I took his class. So glad I took him. His tests were straight forward gave extra credit and 6 homework assignments. His test were not that hard if you study. He really cares about his students. Getting a high B to A

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Oct 4, 2017
Would take again

I freaking love Professor Shandra. He's full of pep and personality. If you don't leave his class without laughing, you need to loosen up. I'll warn you that if nobody participates, he might dismiss the lecture early and force you to reread for homework. Speaking of reading, there is quite a bit of it for HW.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2017
Would take again

Prof. Shandra is super funny & nice. His powerpoints are very easy to follow & he posts them up online. HW is only readings which he posts up online, although you technically don't have to read (i dont). Exams are easy & straightforward: multiple choice & short answer. His class is honestly super easy to pass, just study for the exams & youre good

5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 14, 2017
Would take again

Prof. Shandra is super funny and nice. His powerpoints are very easy to follow and he posts them up online. HW is only readings which is posted up online, although you technically don't have to read (i dont). Exams are easy and straightforward: multiple choice and short answer. His class is honestly super easy to pass, just study for the exams :)

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
Dec 16, 2017
Would take again

I would need to explain some things about Shandra's class -Don't skip class, slides don't cover all the material needed for examination -There are 2 midterms and 1 OPTIONAL final (emphasis on optional) -Format of test is 20 mult choice worth 60 points and short answer portion worth 40 points -Shandra is the best professor out there, great man.

Gives good feedback
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
Jan 1, 2018
Would take again

Class isnt mandatory but you should attend bc a lot of info he mentions in class is on the exams. No quizzes, 2 midterms, and 1 optional final. HW is only readings that can be helpful for the exams. Bc my average for the midterms was a 90 i decided not to take the final. Do well on the midterms so you wont have to take the final (20 mc 5 pts each)

Clear grading criteria
3.0
5.0
SOC105
Apr 16, 2018
Would take again

Can't believe I am doing so bad this class was suppose to be my easy class.

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
May 4, 2018
Would take again

Shandra is an amazing professor. This is my second time taking him and I'm not even a SOC major. SOC 105 is a super easy class. He has powerpoints but you should go to class because not all the info is on them. You will not be bored by him or by what you will be learning about. This semester he made the final test optional.

Respected
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
SOC105
Grade: B-
May 5, 2018
Would take again

Although I didn't appreciate it at first, Shandra really is such an amazing and funny professor. He truly cares and will help you to the best of his abilities to succeed. I wish I took this class more seriously because it'll be fine if you just go to class and take notes. Do that and you should be good.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: B
May 21, 2018
Would take again

The only thing graded in this class was exams and the final was optional. So basically, study the slides, go to review sessions and do well on midterms 1 and 2. Amazing professor. He's passionate about the subject and wants his students to pass and learn more than what is just on exams.

Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Caring
5.0
3.0
SOC105
Oct 31, 2018
Would take again

Posts all his slides on blackboard but not all the information is on them, you need to go to class. Whoever is saying that the homework readings are not required does not know what they're talking about. The two tests we had, had short response questions from the homework that we didn't go over. Other than that he's hilarious and a pleasure

Respected
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
1.0
SOC344
Grade: A+
Nov 14, 2018
Would take again

Easy A just focus on the lectures that he posts on blackboard. Go to class if youre in the mood for some free stand up.

Inspirational
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2018
Would take again

John Shandra's class is really engaging but he'll get mad if no ones participating. Tests are based completely on the lectures. The readings are only used so you know examples of the topics in class

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2018
Would take again

Professor Shandra is one of the best professors I've ever had! He's super funny, super knowledgeable, and (more importantly) capable of effectively teaching that knowledge. Go to class, pay attention, read the readings, study the exam review guides, and I promise you'll do well.

Inspirational
Hilarious
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Apr 11, 2019
Would take again

he is a great professor, you will enjoy the class. you only have to go through lecture slides and readings assigned for the exam. easy questions .

Participation matters
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC344
May 25, 2019
Would take again

a true gem. he's funny which kept the class interested. the material is easy and understandable. study the slides covered in lecture and you will definitely get a good grade.

Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Oct 26, 2019
Would take again

Shandra is an absolute God. He will singlehandedly save your GPA. This man will give away extra credit on tests like he's Oprah. Not only is he a jem of a professor, his tests are easy and the material is actually interested and he's passionate about it. I've already taken him for both SOC105 and SOC248 and my GPA is better because of it. I <3 you.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 30, 2019
Would take again

This man is angelic. An incredibly genuinely kind and funny human. Makes the material easy to understand and retain. Doesn't give pointless notes/fluff. Lets us out early. Tests are straightforward. Notes are always on blackboard. Makes class fun and is a complete hoot to watch. All around great guy. Take him just for fun!

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2019
Would take again

Professor Shandra was the most caring, personable professor I have ever had in my 4 years of college. He is so funny and really engages with his students in lecture and literally greets everyone as everyone comes in. The tests are easy and he'll even give out test answers so go to lecture! All lectures are on BB but he talks a lot about them too.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2019
Would take again

Professor Shandra is easily one of the best professors at SBU. His lectures are really fun but have a good balance of important information. He also gives you a review sheet for the tests and you should be fine as long as you understand everything on it . I took SOC 105 and SOC 248 with him. Definitely recommend taking him!!!!

Respected
Participation matters
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Nov 6, 2019
Would take again

I never had him as a professor but I sat in on a couple of his SOC 105 and SOC 248 lectures and every day since then I dream of taking this class but because of the Credit limit I can't take the class so I am just stuck not being educated in sociology.

5.0
2.0
SOC248
Nov 10, 2019
Would take again

Tests are multiple choice with short answer and fair. Just need to study lecture slides. No textbook required. Attendance isn't taken. Very fair class and you can easily get an A if you study.

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Nov 21, 2019
Would take again

John Shandra is a god. He gives put free points left and right. He lectures really well. He is engaging during lectures and is the one class that I don't fall asleep in. Take all the courses that this man teaches. He will save your average.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Dec 1, 2019
Would take again

An elite professor. He always checks in before and during class, gives funny, lively lectures, and gives fairly easy tests. Everyone is engaged in the class because of his energetic and hilarious personality. Tests are essay and multiple choice with nothing from the readings really. So just review the lecture notes and you'll be fine. Enjoy him!

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A-
Dec 5, 2019
Would take again

Literally the best teacher I have had and ever will have!

Hilarious
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A-
Dec 8, 2019
Would take again

Out of all my classes I learned the most in this one while it also being the least stressful. We need more teachers like him!

Hilarious
Caring
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A-
Dec 31, 2019
Would take again

Professor Shandra is a great professor who is young enough to care about what students go through. He is an inspirational lecturer and wants to engage everyone in the classroom if possible. Only three tests, final of which is optional if you're happy with your average after the first 2. Take this class, you won't be sorry!

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Apr 15, 2020
Would take again

Please remove the review below. That rating is one massive misconception. This class is by far the best at stony brook. I enjoy every lecture I have attended. It is a shame that COVID 19 interrupted our instruction for the course, but it is still great. I would die for John Shandra.

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A+
Apr 18, 2020
Would take again

One of the few professors I have ever looked forward to listening to in class. He bascially gives you answers to the tests in the review lectures. Powerpoints are easy to understand. Show up, pay atttention, and its an easy A

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A+
Apr 19, 2020
Would take again

Shandra is the BEST! Not only do you get a fantastic professor, but a hilarious comedian! You wont regret taking this course! You will learn material, but it also requires no out of class effort to ace this course! Take Shandra... you won't regret t!

Inspirational
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC105
May 5, 2020
Would take again

Shandra makes you want to go to lecture. His lessons are so concise and easy to understand, and he never fails to make the class laugh every time we met.

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC105
May 5, 2020
Would take again

Definitely one of my favorite professors. He is really funny and tries to talk to everyone in his class. His lectures are super fun and his tests are very straightforward. Even after the course became online, he's still makes me laugh and always reinforces the fact that he's available if anyone needs help. 100% recommend this course with him!

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A+
May 8, 2020
Would take again

Love Professor Shandra! He always ends early (his classes are only about 20-30 mins when we have 1.5 hrs for the class), he tells a joke every minute, his tests are straightforward with a LOT of extra credit, and he really cares about us. You also don't have to take the final if you like the grade of your two midterms. Awesome class!!

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
EXTRA CREDIT
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2020
Would take again

Shandra is the man. All of his material is straight forward and to the point. It is impossible not to do well on the test because everything is straight from his PowerPoints. I wish I took have him for all of my classes

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2020
Would take again

John Shandra was a great professor. His lectures were short and easy to understand and the tests were directly from the lectures. Definitely would take him again!

5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2020
Would take again

Professor Shandra is one of the best professors at Stony Brook University. He cares so much about his students and takes the time to get to know us even in an online setting. His lectures are very engaging and easy to follow. I would 100% recommend him to any student looking to take a Sociology course.

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2020
Would take again

Professor Shandra is amazing! The class consists of 3 exams (90%) and a syllabus quiz (10%). If you do well on the first two exams the final is optional! His lectures are short and straightforward. Just make sure you do the readings because you will be tested on them. No textbook required.

Get ready to read
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2020
Would take again

As long as you watch the lectures and do the readings, the class is easy. Also the material you learn is really interesting and professor Shandra is great.

Graded by few things
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Dec 18, 2020
Would take again

LOVE HIS DAD JOKES! His jokes at the end of every email he sends makes me look forward to reading them every week. His youtube video lectures are really interesting and as long as you take notes during the lectures and do the readings, you will get an A in this class. 100/10 would recommend.

Gives good feedback
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Dec 20, 2020
Would take again

Watch the lectures, do the readings. It's not that much work. Exams are easy. Topics covered are legitimately interesting.

Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
Dec 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Professor Shandra is a very hilarious and caring professor. I took SOC105 with him and his lectures are very concise and straight to the point. Make sure you read the readings he provides to fill in some missing information in them too. The tests are short, like 15-18 questions so very minimal room for error.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Mar 11, 2021
Would take again

He posts vids, we have to watch on our own time, 2 mandatory midterms with great review sheets And an optional final if you need a grade boost That was THE ONLY work The videos were super interesting and informative and SHORT. He was always available for questions and help. Overall amazing, learned a lot, interesting did well Only advice take notes

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
2.0
2.0
SOC105
Mar 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

only 15 questions on the exams so you basically need to get a 100 on all of them to get an A... cutoff for an A is a 95 so getting 1 question wrong drops you down to an A-

Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: Not sure yet
May 3, 2021
Would take again

Easy A. Shandra is literally that Professor that makes you love college for the memorable, real, friendly & HUMAN interactions. No bs, straight to the point, learn his content and test an easy quiz 3x the whole semester. definitely one of a kind ! Appreciate Professors like him.!

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
SOC248
May 4, 2021
Would take again

Just amazing

Amazing lectures
Respected
Inspirational
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 4, 2021
Would take again

I wrote in my other review that we are graded by too few things and each question was worth too much but Professor Shandra was kind enough to give us points back for some questions. He's a nice guy and this class was great.

5.0
2.0
SOC105
May 19, 2021
Would take again

He is a great professor! Professor Shandra taught this course in a really effective manner and allowed students a comprehensive insight into the topics of Sociology. I really enjoyed this class and would highly recommend it!!

Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
May 20, 2021
Would take again

Shandra is an amazing professor. If you get the chance take him, also the material he teaches is actually really relevant to current events. One of the best professors at SBU

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
2.0
SOC348
May 24, 2021
Would take again

Professor Shandra is the man. He makes you think and he cares. Makes jokes about pizza and skiing, such a funny and engaging guy too bad for online course can't see him in person to bribe for higher grade with pizza but don't need it bc he fairest grader at stony brook, he help you write paper to make it better.

Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 26, 2021
Would take again

Professor Shandra is really great at making sure you understand the material. His video lectures are straight to the point and are fairly short. Make sure you take notes when watching his lectures and doing the readings because his tests are all based on those. There are 3 exams for the semester and one syllabus quiz. Take this professor!!

Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Dec 21, 2021
Would take again

prof Shandra is such a gem. the class was async, he posted a video lecture every week with a reading. the exam questions are straight from the lectures and he's very clear with the material. he also posts some questions to guide your understanding and replies to them to make sure u understand the material. great prof, great class.

5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: Not sure yet
May 1, 2022
Would take again

Professor Shandra is awesome. His lectures are short and he emphasizes the main points multiple times so that we really understand. He's always cracking jokes and sending them out in the weekly emails. Plus he gives us freebie points on tests. Update: He just made the third exam optional. I love this guy!

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 2, 2022
Would take again

Professor Shandra is one of the best professors I've had at Stony Brook. His lectures are short and to the point but you still learn a lot because he explains everything so clearly. He made the final optional and gave everyone five extra points on an exam after saying he wouldn't give extra credit. I've never had someone kind enough to do that.

EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 5, 2022
Would take again

If youre looking for a grade boost you need to take a class with him ASAP. One of the best professors at Stony Brook without a doubt. Lectures are clear, tests are straight forward and no trick questions. Clear grading criteria. I would give him a 10/5 if I could.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Respected
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 5, 2022
Would take again

Professor Shandra was one of the best professors I've had this year. His class is very straightforward and doable. In his lectures, he emphasizes the key points and ideas he wants you to remember by repetition. This strategy is actually so helpful because the information sticks to you pretty well when you see a question similar to it on the exam.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Caring
1.0
3.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
May 8, 2022

Lecture material is genuinely interesting but the grading system is bad. There are 3 tests with ~ 20 questions each and 95+ is an A. you get two wrong and u cant get an A. I took this class just for fun and I am really disappointed

Test heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: B+
May 13, 2022

Don't get me wrong the content in this class is incredibly interesting. The lectures are great because they're concise. What is awful about this class are the tests. The questions are not always straightforward and getting 1 question wrong nearly knocks you down a letter grade. The expectations are absolutely ridiculous for an SBC course.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Graded by few things
2.0
4.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 17, 2022

Everyone says this is an easy-A course, but you have to be on your A-game. Beware that the tests are only 20 questions each, leaving no room for error. The work throughout the semester was light which made it nice but you have to basically get every question right to get an A in this class. He does not give extra credit, either.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
3.0
SOC105
Grade: B+
May 23, 2022

I cannot believe the previous ratings are for the same professor. I took this class largely based on all the positive reviews and was really disappointed. I'll take no jokes at the end of the announcements if it means no more passive aggressive emails when numerous students voice their concerns about their grade.

Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
SOC344
Grade: A
Aug 14, 2022
Would take again

Professor Shandra was a gem! Taking his class during the summer was very straightforward and easy. You will learn a lot from his lectures! He is a lovely, caring, and funny professor! I recommend everyone to take his class!

EXTRA CREDIT
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
SOC344
Grade: A+
Aug 16, 2022
Would take again

Very nice and makes the material super easy to understand. No textbook was necessary & provided all necessary readings/materials which is always appreciated. 10/10 would take again

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Inspirational
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: Rather not say
Jan 3, 2023

Worse professor ever, grades were based on only 3 exams, late response to emails and sometimes no response. He was not on rate my professor so took my chances with him, worse decision ever.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
May 15, 2023
Would take again

Took him in Queens College and MAN he was the best. His quizzes are super easy if you take notes of his slides/lecture and apply common sense. Super hilarious, very caring of his students. He took the time in the beginning of every class to ask how are we doing. If I could take him again I would. We only had 5 quizzes and he drops the lowest grade.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A+
May 17, 2023
Would take again

Best prof I have had. He is super engaging. He took the time to talk to every student before class started. He just wants his students to pass and doesn't want to add any stress or workload to our schedule. Just 5 quizzes, no other work. Just come to class, take notes and you'll get an A no doubt. Be ready for jokes because he has a lot of them.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
1.0
5.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Nov 9, 2023
Would take again

RUN AWAY FROM THIS CLASS. HE TEACHES SO WELL ABOUT THE CLASS HE MAKES ME WANT TO SWITCH MAJORS TO SOCIOLOGY.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC344
Grade: A
Nov 16, 2023
Would take again

FANTASTIC PROFESSOR. Low key want to fail to take him again.

Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC344
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 16, 2023
Would take again

John Shandra is so amazing! His lectures are engaging and super funny. He checks in on his students and is very friendly. I definitely look forward to his classes every week! I wish I could take him again!

Amazing lectures
Inspirational
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
SOC344
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 16, 2023
Would take again

John Sandra is a great professor! Super funny, always ends class early, and is very clear about the material on the exams! Love coming to class even though attendance isn't mandatory!

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
3.0
SOC344
Grade: A
Nov 21, 2023
Would take again

This man is the legend at stony brook. He is so funny and entertaining. I actually enjoy coming to class and look forward to it each week. God i never thought id say that about a class at stony brook. Definitely take him if you have the chance.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC104
Grade: B+
Nov 29, 2023
Would take again

i LOVE him. he's the best professor I've had in my 4 years of college. his lectures always end around 30 minutes early, attendance isn't mandatory, and all of the exams are online and open for several days. he is so kind and always asks how your day is and remembers details you tell him. i recommend him to everyone

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Respected
5.0
2.0
SOC344
Grade: B
Dec 5, 2023
Would take again

when i messed up my midterm he said i could retake it or he could weigh it less which was very kind of him. would recommend students take the class not just for the learning or sense of humor but because he was decent to me.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
SOC344
Grade: A-
Dec 24, 2023
Would take again

He was super funny and engaging. I feel like he did not cover a lot of material, but he explained the material he covered well. 3 tests make up your whole grade, so make sure to be prepared.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A+
Dec 27, 2023
Would take again

Overall great professor. Teaches in an interactive way and all of his lectures are incredibly interesting. My favourite class for my first semester as a freshman.

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
SOC344
Grade: B+
Jan 20, 2024
Would take again

He was incredibly helpful and interesting. He gave free questions on tests and wrote exam review guides. Super nice guy.

Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
SOC105
Grade: A+
Jan 24, 2024
Would take again

This professor is awesome. He speaks very highly of his mother. Don't worry he treats the students well. That alone is enough to know he's a great professor. :)

EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
Jan 31, 2024
Would take again

Prof is super chill, gives you some answers that will be on the exam during lecture so try to go to them even though it's not mandatory.

Respected
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Mar 9, 2024
Would take again

He is the only fair prof at SBU. When he makes mistakes on test, he gives us the points back. All the other profs here cants admit when they are wrong bc of their egos, but Shandra is a nice guy

Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Apr 26, 2024
Would take again

The best!! There were only 3 exams that make up the whole class grade. The exams were easy. They were online, open notes, and open internet. He gave everyone extra points on the exams. Attendance is not required, but it is recommended because the slides do not include all of what he says, so it is better to attend. He made the class very enjoyable.

Amazing lectures
Respected
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
May 4, 2024
Would take again

Shandra is a good teacher. The slides are posted but you need to attend lecture to actually understand them. The slides are basically photos and couple words so you have to take your own notes. It was graded 100% on 3 exams. Small curve given on each exam. Shandra is really funny and makes the lecture enjoyable. ATTEND LECTURES AND TAKE NOTES = A

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A
May 6, 2024
Would take again

Second class with Shandra and it was just as great as the first one! Genuinely one of the most kindhearted and understanding professors at Stony.

Hilarious
Respected
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Oct 10, 2024
Would take again

Professor Shandra is the best professor I know, I personally wasn't interested in Sociology but I wanted to take it for Nursing. Professor Shandra made it so that the class was very enjoyable! He takes his time to check up with his students everyday, makes jokes so that it's not too tense. Wishes us luck on our exams. I just appreciate him a lot c:

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 10, 2024
Would take again

fantastic professor, very engaging! if you have a chance to take him as a professor you absolutely should!

Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Oct 10, 2024
Would take again

Could not recommend Professor Shandra enough! Every class with him was genuinely interesting, and he was incredibly caring and understanding. If you can, absolutely take soc 248 or 105 with him, you will not be dissapointed

Amazing lectures
Caring
Respected
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Oct 17, 2024
Would take again

Best class I've ever taken at Stony Brook and also the easiest. The entire grade is 3 online open note non cumulative exams so you should easily get 100. He is really funny and friendly to all the students.

Amazing lectures
Accessible outside class
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A+
Nov 19, 2024
Would take again

Professor Shandra is AMAZING. Exams were online and open-book and he has an incredible sense of humor. He cares about his students and effectively teaches the material. Super engaging and fun! He would always talk to us just to have a conversation before class to see how things are going in life

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Nov 20, 2024
Would take again

The lectures don't have mandatory attendance but I attended every one just because I loved going. Shandra is hilarious, engaging, and makes an effort to connect with students throughout lecture. His teaching makes the material easy to understand and he was clearly passionate about the topic. I've taken three classes with him, definitely recommend!

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
SOC104
Grade: A
Dec 2, 2024
Would take again

very fun guy. extremely easy to get an A just listen to what he says, I didn't even have to take notes

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
SOC344
Grade: B+
Dec 2, 2024
Would take again

Professor Shandra makes the class really engaging and fun. His lectures are hilarious, and he's very helpful if you need extra support. I found unstuck ai great for exam prep alongside the textbook. Would definitely take him again!

5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2024
Would take again

GOAT. Very easy class, guy is hilarious, exams are reasonable

5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
Dec 16, 2024
Would take again

yYou don't have to show up to lectures, but I highly recommend it (he's super nice and funny!). There are readings every week, but you can 100% skip those, and nothing will change. no homework, just 3 midterms and an optional final, all online. favorite class this semester 10000% c:

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A-
Dec 25, 2024
Would take again

Professor Shandra is the GOAT! While attendance isn't not mandatory or graded, I highly recommend attending the lectures as the slides don't provide context or enough information but also the lectures themselves are enjoyable so GO TO CLASS! This class is graded only by 3 exams and an optional final so make sure to take thorough notes in class.

Hilarious
Respected
Graded by few things
5.0
2.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Feb 26, 2025
Would take again

Professor Shandra was the best teacher I have had at sbu 100% recommend you take!

Caring
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 27, 2025
Would take again

Prof.Shandra engages with students and makes class enjoyable and entertaining, allowing for concepts to be easily grasped!

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Test heavy
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Mar 3, 2025
Would take again

10/10, would take again

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Apr 11, 2025
Would take again

Professor Shandra is the best professor I have encountered at Stony Brook. He is hilarious and the way he holds his lectures it's easy to pay attention because he's funny. I think he's one of the few people who likes being a professor, which makes it easy to be his student. If I have a chance to take another course with him I will!

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
Apr 30, 2025
Would take again

If you can take John Shandra please do!! There is a lot of reading but personally, I read some of the stuff and still passed!! Shandra is a lighthearted professor who makes jokes and you still learn plenty. Tests are also straightforward, you attend lectures and you'll pass. The ONLY downside is the optional final can bring your grade down.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 9, 2025
Would take again

Although your grade comes from the exams you take, these exams are incredibly easy. Attendance isn't required but you should go to class to get answers for the slides as those don't tell you much on its own. Professor Shandra is a great and chill guy. Not stressful at all and the easiest As I've gotten.

Hilarious
Caring
Test heavy
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
May 25, 2025
Would take again

Great professor! Easy to do well on exams, as long as you attend and take notes during the lectures.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Jun 12, 2025
Would take again

Entire Grade is 3 tests or 4 if you want to take the optional final

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
SOC105
Grade: A-
Sep 2, 2025
Would take again

Just a cool dude. He deserves all the props he gets.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
5.0
1.0
SOC248
Grade: A
Nov 5, 2025
Would take again

hes literally the best this is the 2nd class ive taken with him and im not even getting credits for it i just wanted to talk a class with him because his lectures are so interesting and fun they make my semester better. i literally picked up a double major in sociology bc his class was so interesting and i love it. THANKS prof shandra

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Caring
5.0
2.0
SOC105
Grade: A
Dec 11, 2025
Would take again

Professor Shandra is a great guy, tests are easy if you take some notes and attend lectures (not boring at all, very engaging and fun), he's very nice and often lets class end early. I would definitely take another course with him!

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Graded by few things
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

10%

Textbook Required

22%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A+

95% confidence
Based on 78 grades
Most common grades:
A (46)
A- (15)
Not sure yet (9)
Grade Distribution
A(55)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(20)
Based on 89 reported grades
A: 46
A-: 15
Not sure yet: 9
A+: 9
Common Tags
Hilarious (65)
Amazing lectures (35)
Caring (25)
Amazing lectures (25)
Clear grading criteria (23)
Graded by few things (23)
Respected (12)
Test heavy (10)
Rating Trend

Stable

+0.09 avg change
Apr
May
Jun
Sep
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOC348

5.0

(2)

SOC361

5.0

(1)

SOC248

5.0

(28)

SOC104

5.0

(2)

SOC344

4.8

(39)
+5 more courses
Difficulty by Course

SOC202

2.0

SOC340

2.0

SOC344

1.8

SOC105

1.8

SOC501

1.8

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