This is a three week, summer intercession class. Pretty easy, there are tests almost everyday, not too bad if you read the material. He let's you correct the test in class. I was very afraid of speaking, but he help us overcome that. Arguing is fun.

An excellent teacher, and an adept debater. The class is competitive speaking(Forensics). Mark is a great coach, and really knows his stuff. If you're interested in public speaking/debate, take this class.

Mark is a character that you will either learn to love or learn to hate. He is incredibly intelligent and very good at debate. You will need to be up to speed on things and it would be good if you had basic courses in econ and pols as well as a bit of up to date knowledge on international affairs. Take this class if you want to be with debate nerds

3 week class, all multiple choice tests, not too hard, just study the chapter (they are short). he won't add you, keeps 20 people limit, nice since you get to know everyone in the class. debates are intimidating if you are oblivious to current events and history.

I enjoy the class. I recommend having some forensics experience in the past. He's pretty fair and balanced, allowing both sides of arguments.

He's the coolest! Smart guy, great teacher. He makes everything very clear and understandable. I actually started to like debating even though I usually hate speaking in public.

Yeah, he can be a butthead at times, but he is very informative, and teaches the subject well. It got me to be a communication major :)

I took his Speech 3A class, which is intro to argumentation aka debate. I found the class to be extremely fun, though challenging at times. His homework assignments were by no means unreasonable (20 t/f questions a week) and then practice and graded debates. Do not take this class if you can't take constructive criticism. He knows his stuff.

Easy class. 20 T/F questions a week for homework, and class is all lectures and taking notes. Book and lecture are very similar, and tests aren't that hard if you pay attention (he says they're hard, but he hypes them up. If you've listened and done the homework, they're simple). Not the friendliest guy, but wants you to do well.

He has high expectations, but gives good lectures and makes the class fun.

I was afraid to take him because of the comments below, but I had to because he was the only one teaching comm10. He is a good teacher. Gives you study guides for the three exams, and gives one essay. an A is possible if you study and read the book. I ended up with a B in the class, one point away and he gave it to me.

I was nervous at first, but ended up enjoying the class. He's straightforward & expects everyone to be respectful which is good. Speech topics are easy and he gives constructive criticism to help you on your next speech. He's overall a good teacher and really knows his communication stuff. He's also funny. I laughed in his class a lot.

Good teacher, has lots of very interesting information. If you are a comm major take him, don't take this class to fill GE. You have to be interested in the material. If you read the book you will get an A, I didnt and got a B. Participate and go to every class!! Not much homework, was not bad like everyone made him seem.

I don't know what's these people are talking about, this is a college course.. Expect to go to class and read the material. I enjoyed this class way more than I thought and really enjoy mark. I've had him 3 times and this was my favorite class. Take this over philosophy!!!!

People who struggled in the class either missed days or didn't read the text. I found Mark to be strict at the beginning but later became lenient. This class could be challenging but so rewarding! Nelson expects a lot from his students and really wants us to succeed. Take him if you're a Comm major!

Great class. Loved the debates. We are allowed to select our own topics which makes it fun. As long as you attend regularly, stay up on the text, you will do fine.

I am not a Communication major but I will probably become one after taking this class. We covered all kinds of information from Greeks to internet. Loved the class. The instructor is very friendly and really wants you to succeed. Not overly difficult class as long as you attend and stay up on the reading.

One of the best classes I have taken. Mr. Nelson is very knowledgeable and passionate. He really knows his stuff. He takes time to make sure students understand. We did a lot ungraded debates in class before the graded ones. All exams are online and open book/note. The class is a blast.

This class is a lot of fun. There are a lot of in class exercises and the debates are exciting. Three exams each cover a few chapters and all are on line so you can take them when you want over a four day period and use your book and notes. In addition a pretty detailed study guide for each exam is provided. Mr. Nelson was very supportive

Absolutely loved this class. Pretty easy to get an "A" or "B" as long as you attend. Debates are not difficult--just follow the template he provides. There are three on-line exams you take from home. No major comprehensive final. I found professor Nelson to be supportive and helpful. All information is on moodle.

Good teacher, really knows his stuff. This class is not hard at all if you show up everyday and listen. The tests are all online which means open book/note. There's a paper and group project but other than that no real homework.

This was a great class, one of the best I've taken actually. It was a lot of fun. It seemed really scary at first, but by the time the actual debates begin, you are very much prepared. Easy to get a good grade, just make sure to show up and participate. Exams are easy and are all online.

Best class, best instructor I have had at the SRJC. Really knows his stuff (had been the debate coach for years) and explains complex issues in a way that makes them understandable. The nature of the critical thinking is somewhat difficult so take this class if you can. You will learn a lot. A very fun class. Lots of in class exercises.

Professor Nelson is da man. This was an awesome class. I was somewhat afraid of taking my critical thinking requirement but he made the class interesting and fun. Having the exams on line was great because I could use notes and the book. Some but not a lot of homework. Debates are scary to think about at first but then a lot of fun.

Pretty straight forward class. One term paper (follow the rubric and you will do fine). Four online exams and the lowest score is dropped (I didn't need to take the final exam and still got an "A"). One group project which is fun but I had a good group. Most information is on moodle.

Mostly a lecture class. Some in class group exercises. Roll taken but if you come in late (Like I did a lot) just seem him after class and it ain't an issue. Pretty laid back. Exams are online so notes can be used if you want though exam is timed. Paper not too hard. I am not a great writer and I did ok.

Professor Nelson was very kind and helpful. I had many personal issues that forced me to drop some classes but he worked with me to help me complete the class. I received a "C" but for me that was like an "A". Class material is challenging (at least for me) but also interesting.

Professor Nelson is pretty straight forward on what he expects. While class is FTF many items are online. The exams are on line as are many of the homework assignments. He provides study guides for all exams as well as the scoring ballot for the debates. If you follow those you will do fine.

Thought lots of material is covered I thought the class was fairly easy. You are tested over two chapters at a time. Each exam is on line and the lowest score is not used. Paper was not hard though you must use MLA or you will get zinged. Group assignment was fun as we ran a mock campaign. I would recommend this class though you must attend.

If you are a comm major make sure to take this class. I learned a lot. Mr. Nelson is a wonderful teacher. We take our exams on line and I had some computer problems while I was half way through an exam and freaked out when I got booted off. I emailed him and explained the problem and he opened it up again for me. Very cool.

I really liked professor Nelson. He is very accommodating. I am an athlete and he allowed me to make up work I had to miss due to traveling. His lectures are clear. Uses PowerPoint and puts slides online too. Exams are online and he kicks the worst score. He provides extra credit opportunities which helped me a lot.

My favorite speech instructor. If you want to learn a ton about debate then this is the class for you. After debates (which are so fun) he provides these critiques which kept making me slap my head and say "why didn't I think of that." He is very supportive and gives you the tools to do well. He is very passionate and it rubs off.

The below comments are a joke. Mr. Nelson was friendly and very helpful. The exams are not a piece of cake but not overly difficult either. Just do the reading, study you lecture notes and you will do fine. The exams are all open book/note so you can find the answer. Exams were timed for 1:15 (same as class time) with about 50 questions.

Professor Nelson made Speech 1A pretty easy. Very clear assignments. Just follow the outlines and it''s hard not to do well. All exams were on-line so you can use books and notes. I aced all of them. Just read book and you will do very well. Very casual. Even brought us coffee a few times.

Pretty easy class. Easy to follow. He seems a little bit cold but is actually a nice guy. Just pay attention and do the few assignments he give and it will be no problem. Tests are online so you can use the notes and book making them really easy.

Professor Nelson is extremely intelligent, and he expects a lot from his students. You will need to make the lectures and take notes and read the text and ask questions. If he says something once he expects you to remember it. You can debate with him for fun, but don't ever expect him to change his mind or alter a score. Really tough, but fair.

I have had Mr. Nelson for three classes (Spch 3A, Comm 10 and Spch 1A over the summer). I got an "A" in all three. He is very clear, has provides study guides for exams (all exams online too) and provides his scoring sheets for group or individual speech assignments. Every time I approached him he made time for me. One of my favorite teachers.

I took this class over the summer so it was pretty fast paced but he is very specific in what he wants. The last 2 speeches, informative and policy, were graded tougher. He also REALLY hates late people. And there are online quizzes based off the textbook so you actually need to read it.

I really enjoyed Marks style of teaching! His lectures weren't boring (most of the time). There is a big group project, but a lot of your grade is based on the tests which are taken online- so take good notes! The online reading and videos we had to watch were interesting, and didn't feel like busy work. Basically no graded homework-just reading.

I had mark for speech 3a intro to debate and com 10. Mark is a nice guy. His class seemed really intimidating at first but as long as you pay attention in class, and follow the criteria he gives you, you will do fine. I really enjoyed both of his classes and that is coming from someone who is terrified of public speaking. There were 2 big debates.

Great teacher. I'm grateful that I had him this semester. Clear guidelines. Must read the textbook! Fair grader. He definitely knows what he is talking about during lectures. If you pay close attention you will learn a lot from Mark.

As someone who has a hard time enjoying school, Mark was very engaging and I could pay attention to every lecture. His stories were enjoyable and he was never rude. He can be blunt at times and some students have a hard time picking up his sense of humor. I highly recommend taking him if you don't enjoy long boring lectures.

I had professor for two classes, Speech 1a and Comm 10. I loved them both. He always made time to see me when I had question. One of my favorite teachers. You learn a lot.

Loved Speech 3A. If you like to argue then this class and Nelson are for you. Two major debates and quite a few small online quizzes. Class was a blast.

He could be considered tough if you dont get his personality or sense of humor. His quizzes are open book and online, so if you dont pass, thats on you. I feel like I learned some pretty invaluable information from his course.

Six online quizzes (no midterm/final), paper and group video on a theory. Pretty easy IMO to get A or B. Not a comm major but I loved this class. Mark is one of my favorite teachers at SRJC. His sense of humor is great IMO. Very friendly and casual. Pretty laid back though his lectures can get intense.

As a member of the LBGT community I have never felt so supported in a class. Mark provides a supportive, safe and respectful environment. Not the easiest class, but not the hardest. Quizzes are online and open book/notes so not hard to earn a good grade but must stay up on the reading to get an "A". I will definitely take him again.

Had Prof Nelson for Comm 10 in fall and Spch 3A in spring. Got an" A "in both classes. I was a fire victim in fall and lost everything and dropped my other classes and was going to drop his too. He talked me into staying and basically did an independent study with me so I could pass. I had never witnessed such compassion from an instructor.

Just completed Speech 1A. Prof Nelson was one of the best instructors I have had at SRJC. I was terrified and actually dropped two other Speech classes. He made the class non-threatening and fun. Great class environment. Speeches are actually fun, especially the pitch-it speech. I was cracking up.

Took SPCH1A with Nelson over the summer and it was a good class! He is a very funny professor with a loud, clear voice. The speech topics were always explained very well and he reminded you that there is nothing to be nervous about. Took weekly online quizzes from the chapters we had to read from the books. Definitely read the book to pass quizzes

Pretty chill. Liked the class even though it was summer. Friend recommended him and it was a good call.

Mark has a clear syllabus and grading criteria. He also spends a lot of time making sure you really understand each section before each test! Great professor, funny and class goes by fast!!

Great class. I was a bit nervous about taking a theory class but I loved it. Mr. Nelson made the lectures interesting. Lots of stuff put on line so you can access course material easily. I loved this class.

Just completed Comm 3 (debate) for athletes. Loved the class. Prof Nelson really know his stuff. He is also VERY supportive to student athletes. I got a concussion and he really helped me stay caught up. We were almost all athletes in the class so it was a blast . If you play a sport I would highly recommend you take this class.

Had Prof Nelson for Spch 1A over the summer and loved the class. Was very nervous at first but he really made the process easy. I really liked the speaking assignments. As a result of that class I took Comm 10 in the fall and also really liked that class though it is so different from Spch 1A. I am signed up for Comm 3 for Spring.

One of my favorite professors. Clear lectures. Exams are online and pretty straight forward. Not hard to get an "A" or "B". Just come to class and take notes. Very student friendly.

O, bottom line, it is pretty easy to get a high grade as long as you attend and stay up on reading. Lectures are clear and interesting. I loved all of the video clips and movies we watched. Made theories understandable and made class period fun. VERY student friendly and supportive. Very encouraging and helpful. IMO one of the best SRJC instructors

Prof Nelson is one of my favs. Makes the debate class a blast. I just wish there were more debates. exams on line. grading criteria very clear. Not hard to do well. He is very supportive and encouraging but will also be upfront on what needs to be improved upon. He knows his stuff.

LOVED Mr. Nelson. Made class so much fun. I was very nervous during the first week as the work load seemed like it would be daunting. But once we really got into it it was actually pretty easy and interesting. It is a lively class. He has a fun personality and really tries to relate to students.

Comm 3 is a very fun class, especially if you like to debate. Prof Nelson really knows his stuff and makes the learning environment fun. Debates are graded pretty easily. Just follow the templates he provides and you should do well..

I am not a good college student and really struggle. I was failing this class (my fault). During the last few weeks I sat down with Mr. Nelson and we went over my problems. I was allowed to make us some work I just didn't do. He also gave me some extra material to read that would help me do better. In the end I passed with a "C" and am so happy!

Class fulfills the critical thinking requirement so the material is pretty weighty. However, he explains things very clearly. Quizzes are online so that is awesome. Provides templates for the debates--just follow them and you will do great. Loved the class debates.

Good blend of academic rigor and compassion. He is strict on some of the grading but he provides the pathway for doing well. Show up, stay up on the reading and you will do fine. Exams are online and open book.

Nearly half our class got either "A' or "B" grades. Just need to show up and hand in assignments when due. I liked his lecture style a lot. Pretty laid back.

Great teacher. Loved the class. Lot's of videos. Fun instructor for this class.

Comm 10 is a blast (at least our class was) and Mr Nelson was a wonderful instructor. Very clear. Fun lectures and exams on line. One short paper. One group project. Easy to do well as long as you do the work.

Student friendly grader. Throws out lowest exam score. One paper that is not overly difficult. To get a good grade just need to be present (he does take roll) and say up on the canvas materials. Interesting lectures.

Very friendly. I had lots of questions and he always made time for me. Material is somewhat difficult but he makes it fun and interesting. I highly recommend.

Can come across as tough but he is actually quite nice. Really knows his stuff. One of the best in the department if you really want to learn. I learned a lot. Feel prepared for a four year college. Turned out to be one of my favorite professors.

Pretty straight forward. Show up, takes notes, read and you will do fine. Straight forward exams. Nice guy. good class.

Awesome Comm 1 instructor. Very supportive of students. Fun assignments. Thought I would dread taking a speaking class but I actually very much enjoyed it. Am already signed up for another of his classes.

Just finished summer school. Class was great. Mr. Nelson was very laid back. Fun speech assignments. He makes doing well easy with very specific rubrics. Follow them and you easily get an A or B grade.

Loved the class and instructor. Serious at times but also a funny sense of humor. Very clear instructions. IMO a great choice for a speech instructor.

Very good instructor. Coaches the speech team so knows his stuff. Would highly recommend. Makes the fear of public speaking easy to overcome, well, at least for me.

Cool prof. Nice and respects students. Clear instructions. Follow them and you will get a good grade. Do need to attend.

Excellent teacher. The people that complain about him are the ones that don't listen to him or are lazy. I will admit he does have a blunt personalty which can be difficult at times, but he is knowledgeable. Do not wait until the last minute to work on your debates! They take a lot of time and research. Office hours helped me pass the course.

Mark is one of the best prof. He makes communication class interesting and makes you work hard which is good for me. He grades very well but he has to see your efforts. U miss classes u fail, on a day of speech if u miss your speech is zero grades but follow his instructions and u will pass without struggles.

Public speaking is no one's favorite class but Mark made the class fun and you learn something. Attendance is mandatory! You miss class on the day of speeches, you get no credit for that speech. He can be rude, but he really cares about the speech quality. Would recommend taking over summer as it is shorter, but more fast paced.

I took his course during the summer, so it was very fast-paced. After every presentation Mark has one student give you feedback, pros and cons to your speech content and delivery, then, in front of the entire class, he tells you his feedback. He is very particular about each element of your presentations and therefore is a tough grader.

One of my new favorite teachers. He always made time to meet outside of class and cared about his students success. This was my first debate class and he really made me love the subject. I can see how people might not love him, but if you have a thick skin and care about learning, hes a great teacher.

He is amazing, it's the best class I have taken at the JC. When you enter his class, he just makes the environment so friendly. Even though I was afraid giving speeches in front of everyone he made sure the everyone is respectful and no on was judgmental. He helped me throughout the class to give speeches and made sure everyone was happy.

I really like professor Nelson. Made things very easy. Supplied outline templates that made doing the outlines and completing the speeches very easy. Lot's of the work is done outside of class at students own pace, so I really liked that. Free online text book was great.

Pretty easy class. Speech assignments are not difficult, one is just taking about yourself. Clear grading criteria. Pretty easy to get a good grade. Online exams can be retaken to get better score. I didn't focus on this class (biology major) but still did well.

This was a 100% online class so I never actually interacted with the instructor other than through a few emails I sent. He was prompt in responding which I liked. Class is organized which I liked. I like to work ahead and was able to do so. Lectures are recorded and pretty clear. Allows late submissions. One paper that was not difficult to write.

Loved the class and professor. Very clear. Fun speaking assignments. Always available outside of class for zoom office hours. Made the class very enjoyable.

Pretty easy to get an A or B grade. I would guess that 2/3 or more of class got those grades. Just do the assignments and you will be fine. Speeches are pretty easy and he provides a template. Textbook is free which saved me money.

The teacher is def not for everyone but as long you stick to the template and make sure you hit all the point you are good he is an ok teacher just be aware that he will call you out so not for introverts

I don't know why so many people say he's mean. I think if you just pay attention to what you're doing, you'll be fine—he's really not that bad. He responds to emails quickly and is really there whenever you need help