3.7
Quality3.6
Difficulty74%
Would Retake133
Reviews74%
Would Retake
133
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
70
4
22
3
12
2
10
1
19
What Students Say
“He will twist your words and trying to defend your viewpoint won't get you anywhere”
SOC210 - 1.0 rating“He is rude and arrogant, claims being vegan is the best way to live, and is very bias on sociological topics (don't argue with him because you will not win)”
SOC110 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
38%
Textbook Required
70%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.27 avg changeRatings by Course
SOCIALPROBLEMS
5.0
(2)MANY
5.0
(1)SOCIAPROB
5.0
(1)SOCIOLO
5.0
(1)SOC230
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
SOC23263
5.0
SOCIOLGY
5.0
SOCIOLOGY110
5.0
SOCSOC
5.0
SOCIAPROB
5.0
Reviews (133)
Very smart guy...but he preaches more than he teaches!
Vig is a nice prof. He's funny, and easy to relate too. Very smart too.
Oh my gosh, this is one of the hottest people that I have EVER met. Professor or not. He is the superhero of my dreams. He is brilliant. scope out his website. YUM-MY!
Very good prof. Knows what he's talking about. Very fair grader.
No Comments
I think he expects a little too much from an intro class-- the midterm and final are HARD!!
One of the smartest people ever...super nice...expects a lot out of you...but that is a very good thing...and he gives you a chance.
No Comments
Very hard and when asked a question he put me down in middle of class - very embarassing!! Never will i take him again or tell anyone else to
Too many books!!!!!!!
I would not recommend him. He's very biased.
An arrogant know it all.
Do your readings. He doesnt gives "A's" but is pretty liberal with the "B's"Show up to class and pay attention. Expect to be overwhelmed.
I have taken Vig for more than one class and I think his classes are very challengeing but at the same time he keeps you engaged. Overall I would rate him as one of the best prof's I've ever had....
the class is very overwhelming. at times i wasn't sure if i was going to pass the class even though i attended every lecture and took a whole notebook of notes. he's too smart for his own good which makes it difficult to apply. he's a nice guy outside of class
I think he is a very good professor. Not extreamly clear on what the tests or assignments will be like...but gives take home and open book tests. He gives out alot of B's but hard to get an A. Makes class very interesting, and I wanted to go to class every day. He is very libral.
I absolutely LOVED this class! He is an awesome teacher! He's very smart and makes class very interesting. Great class discussions, really get's you thinking. You definately have to study for the tests, but well worth it. I got an A in the class. Deffinately reccomend Vig.
No Comments
this class opened an entirely different world for me, and it was taught by one of the most well educated and prepared professors i have ever had. if you are interested in opening your mind and stepping outside of your safety zone, take this class, you wont regret it!
He is a very good teacher and an educated man, but he lets his arrogance get to him when handing out grades. It's a hard class but worth the effort if he would reward you for your efforts!
The best teacher I have ever had. Everyone should take one of his classes. He is amazing!
This was a great class! Very interesting, one of those classes that keeps you engaged and wanting to come to class every day. Keep up the great work Vig!
Be prepared for class. He is not difficult if you do the reading and listen in class. As long as you can back up your arguments, you will do fine.
No Comments
Vig is awesome...defiantely reccomend him!
No Comments
He's very interesting, interesting class...I just couldn't get up in the morning to go to it. Wish I would have
boooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo...wouldnt recommend!
This teacher is very brilliant but has a hard time getting past his own opinions when teaching. Very radical views, which is ok, but expects you to agree with them in class and then again on the tests. Will belittle you in class with his intelict and make you feel stupid if you have a dissenting opinion.
he's an excellent speaker when lecturing but he's test's are like worse than a fricken final.
im a sociology major and this class sucks. Hes a smart man and he knows it. he degrades his students the tests are by far the hardest i have ever taken. . and he always brags about his wife so let me. its a miracle he found someone that will put up with his ****. And he acts gay. seriously dont waste your time no matter what.
not an easy A, but great classes if you actually care to learn about sociology. Though many find him intimidating, if you get past that he can be one of the most helpful and caring people you'll meet at MSUM. he is often misunderstood, he likes to challenge students in class, NOT to belittle them, to help learning. discussions can be fascinating.
Tests are hard, but he gives you the questions before hand, so there's not much excuse to fail. Seems to like those who participate and show interest in the material. If you're interested in Sociology, I would recommend this class, it was my favorite class freshman year. As long as you show up and put some effort into studying, you should do fine.
Though the class is extremely rigorous, he makes it interesting, even at eight in the morning. I find him to be funny. The tests are difficult, however, it is very clear what is expected, and lack of studying is the only excuse for a bad score.
Vig, I know you read this so I just wanted to say that I love your lectures but you're tests are way out of line for a 100-level class that most of us are taking to simply fulfill a liberal. You're an engaging speaker but your expectations for this level are too high. Did you really expect us to memorize all 300+ vocab words for the last test?
No Comments
He was very engaging in lecture. I really enjoyed his lectures and the topics he discussed. As a 100 level class though, it was WAY too difficult. His exams are impossible, it's like he thinks his is the only class you're taking. If you're down to hit the books and really interested, go for it!
just listen to the other comments his class is not worth the stress
EXTREMLY hard class. I had him for intro to soc. my freshman year and it was really over whelming for my first semester in college. He expected way too much of us. YOu have to know all the vocab for 3-5 chapters...most of hte words he doesn't even say in class. I felt like I learned more in my high school sociology class.
I have learned and understood more in this class than anyother class. I completely recommend this class...but it is not easy, be ready to learn.
Best class yet for me this year. Be ready to actually work and learn something, but it's worth it. This Prof knows his stuff and is an excellent teacher. Highly recommended for serious students!!
a wonderful professor will challenge you but he's very helpful and interactive. Interesting... Interesting...
He's arrogant and doesn't accept anyone's opinions but his own. He's extremely intelligent, which makes it hard for him to connect with his students academically. He expects way too much of his students and getting an A is almost impossible. He will single you out in class and make you feel stupid! I would NEVER take this professor again!
Mr. Vigilant is an egotistical individual. He is not approachable. In the event you email him regarding an absence, good luck on receiving a response. He will not. He will only return an email if it regards debating an issue he presents in class. He certainly is not student-friendly. MSUM Sociology dept would be much better without him.
Cool class. You must memorize a lot of vocab (averages 30 vocab per chapter, 4-5 chapters per test, approx 4 tests). Read your Mapping the Social Landscape Book. Don't miss the class, he takes points off. Nice guy, likes to talk, has habit of making people mad at him. Challenging class for 100 level. Don't take if you want an "Easy" class.
No Comments
awesome teacher. you learn a lot. you also have to study hard to get A
No Comments
I loved this class!!! It was at 8 in the morning every M,W,F and I was sure not to miss it!!!
Terrible prof.! Be warned people...I have a 3.32 GPA, with NO THANKS to this class. Horrible, just horrible
Bad, Bad, Bad teacher do not take him at all.
He was an excellent professsor, got an A in his class, You have to study hard though
He was an excellent professor, he always had is door open and was willing to help you. He was also a very funny guy, is test are simple is vocabulary straight from the book and he gives you all the test questions in advance, you just have to study hard because you dont know which questions ar going to be on the test.
Professor Vigilant is more than fair with his assignments and expectations. If you don't want to study hard, don't come to college, period. Excellent speaker, and very willing to share his views; take that as you will.
A vibrant, though-provoking class that will make you think about your place in the world! He is demanding and expects students to be responsible and responsive. This is not a class for slackers or whiners. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to think about the world we live in and our affet on it.
He provides a lot of good information. You have all the test questions before the test.
Oh, man. Best class ever. Seriously. I absolutely loved being challenged by this professor. I was really disappointed that my classmates didn't take the challenge and I felt gyped that I did get to expand my knowledge with their learning too. Nothing negative to say about the prof, just lazy classmate. Not an easy A for sure - but I loved it.
You have a passion for the subject that makes it very interesting and keeps me wanting to come back. I am not a theory fan but you made it interesting. I think your ARP's should be due after we discuss the readings, some of the readings are very hard and not that easy to write on. Thank you, your passion is awesome.
Hard to understand and follow. Talks WAY TOO fast. Lots of info, doesn't allow enough time to write notes down. Wouldn't refer a friend to his class.
Very Interesting lectures& interesting topics covered in the lectures. a lot of notes though with not much time to write them all down. reading is necessary in this class. vigilant loves statistics. tests were open book/note. I would definitely recommend him to anyone wanting to take a soc class.
The thing about taking a class from Vig is he expects his students to earn their grade - that's how it should be! I've gone to him many times requesting clarification and assistance and he has been MORE than helpful and willing to accomodate. I've taken more than one class from him and I have learn a LOT from him.
earn it by kissing his ass, or just blowing the rest of your classes off to study his.
Vigilant is a excellent professor if you study. People think that college is going to be a breeze, he makes you earn your grade. And so what there is only 3 test you have lots of time to study for his three exams and he gives you all of the questions in advance, and the final exam is posted online. If you study you will do well, I got an A
Don't take his class ever!!! I had psychology form him and it sucked! For the test we had 130+ vocab words and he only put 30 on the test but you had to know them all in order to pass the tests. I would never recommend his class. He's funny but doesn't care if you pass his class.
he has suit-shorts...enough said! and by suit shorts I mean...coat and tie, dress shoes, dress socks...and yes, above the knees shorts
Vigilant is an amazing professor. He makes his students earn their grades and expects you to study. Reading is essential for passing this class. He also gives you all the questions thats on the test @ the beginning of the semester. 3 Exams worth 30% of grade each and one paper worth 10% of grade. Final exam is poseted is his website.
Very interesting class. Prof. Vigilant made it very clear what he expected of students at the beginning of the semester. If you did the work the class was fine.
One word...ARROGANT! The class was very interesting but the discussions were a joke. He argued with and tried to humiliate anyone who disagreed with him. He also brought up all kinds of social problems and basically told us "it's hopeless" Take something from Karen Branden instead, she has a much better attitude!
Dr. Vigilant was a very good teacher, he expects you to do the readings but if you do it's like the easiest test you have ever taken. He is interesting to listen to, and way over qualified for working at MSUM. I had his early class and I would be excited to go to class to listen to what he had to say!
I am a senior doing my internship this fall in social work,& minoring in psychology. Vig remains the worst teacher I have had. I've commented on this page before but could not help comment again because he not only accused me of a racial slur, but also continually ridiculed me in class! Perhsps it's because I'm older than him.Jeff Gilbertson
Vig dog, are you serious?? You are definately one of the smartest sob's ive met, but also one of the most arrogant...Not sure how I feel about you. Very hard course though, at least developed my writing skills
I've had Vig since 2005 every year and I've enjoyed each class. He makes you earn your grade, which is how it should be. His enthusiasm for this science is incredible, and has made me a passionate student for sociology. But, again, he is not for the lighthearted, he makes you earn your grade and he expects you to meet your potential.
I would have to say that Vigilant is the best professor I have had. I agree that he is highly intelligent, perhaps over qualified for his job, and he makes students work for a good grade but he is not setting up students to fail by any means. He provides more than enough information and opportunities to succeed. Work hard and read the book!
Professor Vigilant is the best instructor I have ever had. He's clear, and he even does notes handouts! He grades papers, projects, and tests fairly, and he wears suit shorts. Hilarious.
Four years of college and I can say he was probably my favorite professor. If you did the work you got a good grade. He used a grade contract system at the time and class. I would say he was the most interesting professor (in a good way).
Professor Vigilant is a great and wise professor. The Disscussions are great..and the handouts are helpful but you must read the books and do the student driven test questions..! He Grades Fairly and Offers Help If Needed..I Recommened His Class-Brandon Adams
Professor Vigilant is easily one of the best professors at MSUM. Attendance isn't mandatory, but you'll find that you want to go to class to hear some of his jokes (that are so bad they're good). I guarantee you'll learn something worthwhile in his class, just be sure to keep up with the test questions.
Professor Vigilant is the bomb! He is by far one of the best professors I have had. Plus, he keeps things interesting, and I love going to his class and I will be sad when it's over :(
He's an amazing teacher, very funny and supportive. He's very much integrated with his profession and will help you with anything that you need. I recommend him highly. Oh and he's not that bad to look at either.
He LOVES to hear opinions and input. Sometimes he goes a little too 'personal' to make a funny, but personally I think it's hilarious. Take-home midterm and take-home final, along with 1 very easy 3-page paper. If you get below a B in this class its your fault. Exam questions can be tricky if you're group didn't take the best of notes. Take him.
did a great job!
He is smart, you will learn and it is interesting to be in his class.
was a great professor . u will definetly learn a lot in his class . the class is really intresting , i enjoyd it :)
Good prof. The grading method for this particular class is ridiculous in my point of view. (An A is almost out of the question)He also tries to keep class less formal with group discussions instead of lecture for the most part.
Difficult class if you make it difficult. Follow the syllabus, do the work and talk to Vig about any problem you might have and you will definitely pass the class. Vig is by far my best Professor. I would definitely recommend this class!
Good discussions. I you are willing to do the work and A is not too hard to get. As long as you do your work thoroughly and put time into writing it you will be fine. It is a contract grading which means you do the work you get a grade. So no tests. I have done fine in his classes. He is very good at teaching.
Vig is awesome. He helped me find what I like about Sociology and, after I declared the major, helped me find out what I can do with it. Definitely the best prof at MSUM, from my perspective.
Great teacher. Be prepared for very intellectual class discussions and fairly tough exams. He makes it extremely interesting(even for a business major)
His lecture is so good, it can be compare to those IvyLeague professor's lecture. so interesting and very meaningful. His class is not easy to get a good grade, but you will definitely gain the knowledge from this class.This class is worth it to pay the tuition on it. We are come here to learn, not for grade-that is the reason we come to University
Possibly the best teacher I've ever had. Manages to keep discussions of controversial topics about the SOCIOLOGY, not the issue itself. Very good at explaining concepts. Obviously well-researched and highly intelligent. When I needed help, he was very understanding and was an excellent guide. Genuinely cares for his students. Taking him again!
He's just wonderful.
Super interesting discussion, just make sure you're paying attention and keep up with the readings. And do the papers ahead of time.
He is tough, but keep in mind this is a University! He does his job very well.
He's a nice guy with a cool accent, but his SOC 110 (Intro to Sociology) class is based on a Midterm Take Home Test with 20 essay questions, a book report on Hooking Up by kathleen Bogle, and another Final exam (which i am assuming is a take home)...so that sucks. his tests are really hard and extremely time consuming.
Hard for an intro class, but worth it. I learned a lot - applicable to life. Need to attend every class and take quality notes. Keep up with reading assignments (not nec discussed in class). Take home midterm-time consuming but easy enough. Final is in-class all essay. Took 2.5 hrs. Only other assignment is short paper on Bogle book (sucked).
This guy is difficult, his classes require a lot of work, but I learned more from his classes than any others in my undergrad. Thanks to his classes I was able to retain information, think critically, and engage in thought-provoking discussions. I only wish he taught more classes that I could take.
Amazing professor
Basically this class was pointless. You literally don't have to come to get an A as long as you do the assigned papers that's it. Vig on the other hand is probably one of the worst professors I've had in all 4 years, which is why I'm writing this. I only liked one day of the class and that was the last day.
Such a waste of a class. Worst professor I've had at MSUM 7 a disgrace to the otherwise wonderful Soc/CJ Department. Vigilant is pompous, inconsiderate, & extremely arrogant. If you like listening to people brag about being debt free, vegan, seventh day adventist, and complain about local law enforcement this class is for you. Too bad he's tenured
Vig is great and really makes the class engaging and interesting! I learned a lot. The people who dislike him are usually the ones who show up to less than half the classes and then get upset because they missed all of the lecture notes which is what half the midterm and final are on. Basically, if you show up and actually care, you'll do well.
Vigilant is a very smart professor. However, he can be very condescending and arrogant. A few papers. A lot of article readings. A big group project. Very likely you'll have to take him at some point if you're a SOC major.
he is superb awesome professor, he is my favorite one , his teaching method is marvelous and he understands every single students personal issue and problem.
Dr. Vigilant is an excellent professor. Although his classes do not necessarily relate to either one of my majors, I hope to take more of his classes in the future. If you are looking for an easy A, this is not the class for you. If you prove that you care about the course, ask questions, do the readings, and attend the class, you will do well.
The scariest part was my grade relied on 2 exams and a paper. Attendance may not be mandatory, but highly recommended (or face the wrath of a great professor). He had the best lectures I've ever attended! Would recommend him to everyone especially for his Intro to Soc. I truly learned a lot and am beyond satisfied with my experience in this class.
I took SOC 210 and SOC 325 with him last semester. Both classes were amazing. There was two big writing assignments in SOC 325 but the topics were easy to write about and he is a lenient grader. He gives great feedback in both classes and I learned a lot. He cares about his students and tries to get to know each student on an individual basis.
Great teacher. Tough grader. Do your work and you'll be alright. Talk in class when discussion is happening for extra points.
Never take!Good speaker but swears, finals are extremely long essays, & gives 2 days to complete. Toughest grader for intro course & said straight to my face he NEVER gives 100%, maybe an A-, but never an A unless you go "above and beyond" the questions he asked you to answer. If you have a 4.0 GPA, DON'T TAKE A CLASS OF HIS! Trust me, not a rant.
Social problems is very similar to this course, studying social movements(protesting). Works with relevant concepts and is very intriguing to listen to during lecture. It is difficult to zone out, but studying theories is an exception... Grades oddly lenient, at times I felt I deserved a lower grade. I recommend this professor.
Unless you absolutely have to, I would suggest not taking this class by this professor, in fact, do not take any classes from him. He is rude and arrogant, claims being vegan is the best way to live, and is very bias on sociological topics (don't argue with him because you will not win). He claims he goes to church, but bases all religions.
I would not recommend taking this class; it is way too much work and stress for a 100 level class. He does not seem to have respect for the majority of his students. He has a very high opinion of himself, which can be annoying. Students are only graded on two tests and a book report.
Dr. Vigilant is a very intelligent professor, but will not listen to the points you are trying to make if hey do not line up with his own opinions. He will twist your words and trying to defend your viewpoint won't get you anywhere.
Dr. Vigilant is great! Expectations are clear. Contract-based grading.
With every assignment I submitted, he sent a personal email giving me feedback about what he liked and other resources incase I wanted to look more into the topic. His lectures were really interesting too! All around a great guy, and not that difficult of a grader! I would recommend him to anyone!!
Very very tough grader! He hardly ever gives anyone an A. It's either A- or lower. Don't risk getting a bad grade in this class. He also seems to think he is better than his students. Heavy reading on books as well.
Way to arrogant and self-centered to be in the amazing MSUM CJ/SOC department. Out of all of the other professors that I have ever taken, he is not even in comparison to them. Too much to handle, and way to demanding of you. Doesn't seem like he even wants to interact with students, but instead throw work in your face.
This class isnt so bad if you work on everything ahead of time. This is a contract graded class. No matter which contract you choose, you will not have to do any tests.
Hard class, lots of reading that you must read because a lot of it is on the test, he has a lot of opinions. The tests are very hard and the class is only graded on 4 tests and 2 papers.
Vig is tough, but if you engage in class, and do the assignments, you will learn a lot. He is honestly my favorite professor that I have ever had.
Fall 2020 online asynchronous. Lots of reading and a long lecture each week with discussion questions. Exams were open book but still very difficult. "Ain't No Makin' It" is very long so start reading it early!! The Essay on it was 15% of the course grade. Professor is very knowledgeable but the course it difficult!
Vigilant is awesome! Exams are open note and heavily based on lecture material so make sure you show up regularly. I found his class to be more challenging than most but very engaging and fun. I learned a lot from him!
Vigilant is an amazing professor, professional, listens to his students and always thoroughly explains curriculum. Always ensures everyone understands and is prepared for exams and is always open to critique, comments and questions. Vigilant does a wonderful job making his lectures entertaining doesn't grade on attendance but necessary to pass.
Dr Vigilant is a good professor. Hes very opinionated, but is open to other ones as well. He has genuinely made me laugh, and his exams are open note, which is a plus.
He is a Fashion Icon. Hes a great professor that is willing to help, and hears out your opinion. Textbook is used weekly but only for readings, and there is a Book to read and an essay to write.
My favorite class and professor. He's got the best sense of style with great lectures and discussions. He gives great feedback on the one paper you have to write. Be prepared to take 4 exams with 60+ questions each. He's incredible though, I couldn't recommend him more.
I love this man so much, he's really kind and actually seems passionate about what he's teaching and really goes out of his way to make sure people understand, and no matter what question you ask he never makes you feel dumb. As long as you listen at least a little bit and maybe take a few notes you're all good! and 10/10 with the denim suit
You have to be ready to read a lot and write. professor Lee is my favorite professor, his class is never easy but you get to learn a lot. He is the most intelligent professor.
He is lecture heavy, but they're usually pretty interesting, and he loves questions/discussions. He posts lecture videos so you don't need to attend but I recommend going anyway. He assigns textbook readings, but I never read any of them and did just fine. Make sure you read "Ain't No Makin' It" tho, or you will be lost on the essay later on
I'm writing this three years after taking his class because I still remember him as one of my top professors. I am not interested in sociology and took this as a required class, but his lectures were engaging and interesting. It was an option to come to class and it has been probably the only ones that were optional that I've chosen to go to.
He is extremely honest and his feedback on papers and exams were detailed and you knew how you could have done better. I don't think he believes in being vague. He wrote the text book and is pretty knowledgeable so be sure to be able to articulate your questions and you will get thorough answers.
Vig is probably the best professor I've had so far. He is very smart and challenges you to think about your own opinions. His class was very easy, if you show up everyday and listen to the lecture you will learn a lot. The tests are very easy and he literally gives you the questions before the tests. Also wears a dope denim jacket.
Dr. Vigilant is a sweetheart. He's incredibly caring but takes his classes as seriously as death. He will not miss a day, even when the campus is closed for weather. If you ask him questions and talk to him, he's extremely understanding. Lecture-heavy, paper-heavy, and homework-heavy, but I still learned a lot and had fun! Attendance is MANDATORY.
Professor Lee is an amazing teacher! He gets to know his students and is very accommodating to his students if they are having a hard time.
He would call out students and make them explain their answers to such a specific degree they had no answers and then hound them about not having an answer. Moved VERY fast during lectures that taking notes in class isn't worth it. He made attendance mandatory and no matter how many times you corrected him, he would say your name wrong.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
38%
Textbook Required
70%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.27 avg changeRatings by Course
SOCIALPROBLEMS
5.0
(2)MANY
5.0
(1)SOCIAPROB
5.0
(1)SOCIOLO
5.0
(1)SOC230
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
SOC23263
5.0
SOCIOLGY
5.0
SOCIOLOGY110
5.0
SOCSOC
5.0
SOCIAPROB
5.0