4.4
Quality2.3
Difficulty100%
Would Retake109
Reviews100%
Would Retake
109
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
74
4
25
3
6
2
2
1
2
What Students Say
“Professor Tipton's lectures were awesome”
SOC443 - 4.0 rating“hes one of the few best”
SOC445 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
42%
Textbook Required
57%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.63 avg changeRatings by Course
JUVENILED
5.0
(1)SOC
5.0
(2)CJA543
5.0
(1)SOC444445543
5.0
(1)SOCIOLOGY444
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
443
3.0
CJA543
3.0
SOC
2.5
SOC444
2.5
SOC445
2.3
Reviews (109)
No Comments
Prolific instructor
crime and society class was really interesting, good teacher
tests are off letures and book is used for 4 chaperts
Fun and Sexy
Smart, funny. Class is not for dummies, tho.
No Comments
This class was very interesting b/c he made it interesting! He is sometimes hard on the tests..not straight forward..but he gives you one paper to write and 5 vocab. quizzes, where you can make up your points there.
interesting
Took him in summer, got out of major research project. Very nice, lawyer by day. Learn a lot, very interesting. Take god notes and study, you will do well. Don't buy the book for this class. Nothing from book on tests.
Excellent Professor. Knowledgeable, interesting, and proficient lecturer. He encourages class participation and tells great stories. Some test questions can be tricky, take detailed notes. But, he reviews before each exam, telling exactly what to study.
One of the easiest classes I have ever taken. If you are into the subject you'll do great. He is awesome, entertaining and knowledgeable.
great class. lectures are interesting. take good notes for tests.
Class was very interesting. Test can be a bit tricky but other then that the class is great.
Two quizes, and a Term paper, which is the bulk of the grade for the class. Interesting lectures, but tests are tricky!
This class was based out of 135 points which were all tests and quizes and one paper. The tests were difficult, he told you the ideas that would be on the test but the questions were not from the readings or lectures. The lectures were often off topic.
This was a great class. It was probably one of the most interesting classes that I've ever taken. The teacher was really nice and he gave very interesting lectures. I would recommend this class and this teacher.
No Comments
Interesting class. Don't miss & take good notes because some tests can be tricky and alot of what he says isn't in the book or is different from the book.
His class is interesting, 3 exams are kinda of tricky
easy class. 3 exams.may offer extra credit.
By far one of the best at SDSU! Don't really have to read the book to do well on the tests, however reading about the basic theories is helpful. Lots of extra credit. The more you ask the more he'll give.
Kinda hard class. I studied my butt off and in the end received a C+. But he offers extra credit questions for test. Interesting subject
he's horrible, unorganized, and very unfair in grading. thought class would be interesting, it wasn't. only good thing is for night class he lets you go after an hour. avoid if possible.
The best there is. All others profs bow before him. Smart, funny, tests are hard but grades on curve. Concerned about his students. Answers email fast, friendly during office hours.
The SDSU wonder boy. Trained in law, sociology and journalism ... range of knowledge on any topic knocks you out. SDSU should find a way to bottle him and sell it.
very smart and very nice. thanks for a great semester, prof. tipton
hated him!!! unfair,unorganized, egomaniac. everyone cheats one tests and quizes and he overlooks it, unless you unlucky like me and you get a d and accused of copying. avoid, very boring and knows it that why he lets you out early every class meeting. really makes me hate sdsu professors. stay away
Great guy, fun. VERY helpful in career counseling if you want. Tests can be tricky so you have to study. Helped me decide to go on to law school.
Nice guy, smart. Fun to listen to.
Tipton is the man. 2 multiple choice tests and an easy paper. It's an interesting subject and he's laid back. I definitely recommend this class.
Paper is easy but the test are tricky. You better remember everything he said in class. Forget the book. Get out early every class.
This is easy enough class. He is cool. The test aren't too hard. In his late class he takes no breaks but he will let the class get out early.
He is funny and class is very interesting. You dont really need to do the reading, just listen in class (which is easy because he is very entertaining). There are two tests and one paper and the paper is really easy.
Fun, kinda handsome too and VERY intelligent.
I am a good student and typically get A's but I hated this class. His lecture notes are not effective towards the tests, neither is the book. He has all of the above and none of the above on every ? He tests you on picking apart the ? not what you know. Wrote a 10 page paper SINGLE SPACED! Feel lost at what ur grade is in the class. Has pop quizzes
One of the most intelligent instructors I have ever had at SDSU. His tests require studying and analytical thinking. Fun lecturer ... be sure to go to office hours 'cause he will practically spill the beans about what the test is on.
The kind of instructor where you're sad when the semester is over. He is a great lecturer. Uses examples that bring ideas to life and keep your mind working. Always surprising, always a good laugh. Helped me understand juvenile delinquency and sociology far better than I did (and I am a major). His depth of knowledge is incredible. Thanks much.
Class really interesting & never boring. Tipton is a good teacher--uses wonderful, funny, real-life examples for the concepts he teaches. 1st exam tricky & knida hard b/c questions not really from lecture. 2nd exam easy (all the questions came from lecture). Highly recommend. 1 paper--pretty easy if u give it some thought. Pop quizes--not hard.
Great class and wonderful professor. Take him, you won't be sorry. Great interesting stories and he really gets you to think. I only wish some of my other soc professors were as interesting. LOVED this class!
Very nice guy and super laid back class. 2 mc tests and a paper which isn't that difficult. The tests are hard but he curves them. Definitely recommend him.
Every class he teaches is interesting and he is by far one of the very best professors at SDSU!
His classes are always interesting and he makes them easy. This class consisted of 5 hw papers, 3 muli choice tests, and 2 extra credit assignments. I recomend taking this prof. Down to earth, credible and funny.
Fun lectures. Interesting subject. Always out early. Tricky questions on tests but if you study just a little its easy. 5 easy 1 page assignments on cases. Def worth taking the class
Tipton is the man! Easy class, no HW just three 2 page papers due throughout the semester. Midterm and Final are easy, he gave 5 EC points for writing final questions that were put on the final! He really knows his stuff he used to be a public defender and taught in prison, gives great real life examples
Great teacher. Great examples. Study for tests. A few single spaced papers, but they're not too bad. You'll learn more in his class than any other.
This teacher is awesome! He definitely knows the material he teaches and knows how to make it fun and interesting. Always lets class out early. There are 3 tests and five short papers but they are not hard. Would definitely recommend this class.
Tipton is a good professor, as his class topics are interesting. I think it should be more clear on how his final grading scale works. He does offer extra credit.
I've taken him 3 times. He's awesome and a really nice guy. Classes are interesting and laid back. There's 2 MC tests which he curves, and some sort of paper which isn't that hard. He also lets you out an hour early which is nice. If you need to take a sociology class, he's definitely the guy to take.
I took this guy and he's awsome. He is so hot that my wife says she would be willing to cheat on me with him. Easy papers and easy midterms. Would recomend this class to anyone slightly interested in sociology.
He makes the class interesting. He lets you out early but you need to read, read, read. if you read, you willl get an a
Not a lot of work, 2 tests and a paper. however, the first test was based on lecture (i studied the book) the final was based on the book...go figure. The paper was based on an old movie, didnt get a lot out of it. Not very engaging. I attended every day, read the book and only pulled a C!?? WTF.
Great guy. Class is a lot of fun. I have taken him several times. If you go to office hours he can explain everything you don't understand and he is very happy to do so.
He's a good prof. You have 2 tests and a paper. I don't think anyone did that freat on the first test. I bombed mine, aced the second and I assume I did well on the paper being that I passed with a C. His first test is confusing, but the second one is EASY! Ok Professor.
If you think that you need to read your book for this class than you are retarded. I went to class, took notes, and he gives you a STUDY GUIDE for the exams! thats the only time i cracked the book. I also took 443. i dont know how people didnt get a's or at least b's. tiptons lectures are INTERESTING and if you dont want to hear them, dont go.
Tipton is easily one of the best at SDSU and by FAR the best in Sociology. I major in Sociology and Tipton made it all come together. He is super smart, clear, interesting and funny. Tipton is also great about writing letters of recommendation. If you go to class, read the book, maybe visit during office hours and take good notes you'll do fine.
This guy is a great professor. very interesting and very funny. This was the only class that i actually enjoyed going to. Grade was based on 2 MC tests and a short paper that is on an old film. very easy though. Didn't study at all and got a B. So very easy. i recommend that every body take him if you need a Soc class.
Great professor, very clear, interesting content, tests are pretty easy, attendance not mandatory but lectures helps with test. he offered extra credit. good class to take as an elective . to sum it up...easy A
Very fun and witty. Highly intelligent. Makes sociology real. Tests can be a little tricky.
You need to read, study and make flash cards if you must. Tests can be tricky, 2 exams and one paper...very cool guy...go to his office hours and talk to him...he has alot to say and me makes total sense if you have a question prior to the test! I reccomend him for all classes :)
This Professor is funny but I felt like he wasted class time. Instead of lecturing on the material and giving us info, he was holding long discussions of "what ifs". The tests were tricky because most of the material was never covered in class. Definitely have to read the book to pass tests. 2 tests and a paper. I don't recommend this teacher.
One of the best I have ever taken. Prof. Tipton does not try and pass off dull statistics but makes you understand the concepts and meanings. Really helped me to think analytically. As others have said, very funny.
Dont listen to any of the negative comments...ull regret it if you end up taking anyone else...easy easy class, plus u learn...paper is not hard and neither r the tests...its called studying...p.s. buy the 12th edition...its the SAME and u save $95.00...YES!
Beyond great. His encylopedic knowledge of just about everything borders on scary. But if he does not know, he tells you so. This brain-power is coupled with a sly, dry wit. The way he makes you think about issues makes the course real and not just esoteric theory. How to do well? Easy: show up, ask questions, read the book.
Overall easy class. but the book was WAY too expensive. just study and you will do good in the class. just hope you dont have an annoying guy in ur class who talks about his job as a bouncer and his female sidekick who talks about her husband's police work...i am sure the WHOLE class was annoyed by them.
VERY VERY knowledgeable. He knows everything you need to know. Tests were pretty hard, study guide did not help me. He is a little strange but cool.
This guy is a god. I have had a lot of sociology teachers at SDSU and this one is head and shoulders above the rest. Very smart and funny, kind of an oddball (and he knows it) but that's part of the fun. You actually learn from this guy and he makes you think. Tipton impacted my life.
Totally easy teacher. Lecture was always interesting. Attendance is not mandatory. Midterm, Final, and paper. I went to class because I enjoyed it so much. I used the 11th edition book (he asks that you have 12th, but says prior are okay.)
Makes lecture and material interesting. no powerpoints just have to take good notes. not that hard & he grades on a curve.
He is a great professor! His test are not too hard as long as you study beforehand.He is definitely one of my favorites! I recommend him to everyone!!
I didn't hate this class, but the lectures are pretty boring. You don't have to go to class but it helps a lot with questions on the test and you should read the textbook. The tests are kinda tricky and although the subject itself is interesting (deviance) I found myself wanting to fall asleep. Too bad because Tipton means really well.
I could listen to him read the phone book and love it. Funny, smart, well-educated and cares about students. Easily one of my best at SDSU ... and I am a graduating senior. Thank you, Prof. Tipton! You're the best!
I loved his class so much I took his other one. I don't think I've ever enjoyed going to class so much. He uses the best examples that really get the point across. As long as your not a lazy ingrate who doesn't understand how to take notes, you'll be fine. Tests are straightforward and lectures are always great. TAKE HIM!!
LOVED this class. He is an excellent teacher and really easy to go in and talk to. I am def taking more classes with him. One of the best teachers i have had at state. I have his textbook if you want it for cheaper with some highlights in it for $35. [email protected]
I don't know if he just hated me or what but he tried to give me a C, and then I emailed him and said look buddy, I did ok on the exams, I took all the quizes (there were like 5 total), and I did the extra credit. He changed my grade to a B. He has some interesting knowledge about the legal system because he is a lawyer and usually lets out early.
Awesome class. Even though the classes are late, you usually get out a little early but its interesting the whole time. He is really interactive with the people in the class. If you dont like to participate, sit in back but i promise you will learn more and feel less bored if you submerse yourself in the lectures.
Very interesting, very clear, very knowledgeable. Tipton is a great teacher, I highly suggest taking all of his offered classes. He sets the class up to where you can easily get an A while still learning.
Tipton is the BEST professor I have ever had. He has a near encylopedic knowledge of the material as well as an approachable, friendly demeanor. Aside from being a lecturer, he is also a lawyer which brings a whole new perspective to the course. 2 tests. Simple. Go to class. I love hearing this man talk. You'll know what I mean when you take it.
Two words: Take him. A fantastic example of what every professor should be. The way he lectures is so unique and it allows you to critically think and apply your learning to real life situations. If you like professor/student interaction and an engaging class atmosphere, then you'll love this class. The way he explains things is amazing.
I don't think I've ever seen a professor with a quicker mind, scope of knowledge or as witty. Rather than just a dry lecture, he makes you THINK about the topic. SDSU should make other instructors sit in his class to learn something about teaching.
Amazing professor!! It's a must take professor! He explains everything so clearly that makes every single minute of the class interesting. He's so passionate about his subject and likes to interact w/students. Attendance is not mandatory but you wont wanna miss a single lecture! 2 test Mid/Final (tricky q's) & an Extra Credit Paper! TAKE HIM!!!
Very interesting professor! He explains the subject very clearly and knows the subject very well. Easy A, as long as you take good notes. No need to buy the book, hardly ever used it all semester.
Best teacher EVER. If every teacher was like him then I would love school. I learned so much by simply listening to him, I wish he taught more classes!
It must be nice to be Norman Tipton: funny and smart at the same time. Maybe remembers everything he reads because he is encyclopedic. Class covers a lot of theory but he makes you see it in real life. Class size is large but he knows precisely how to project (incredible mimic). Tests require careful reading of them.
It must be nice to be Norman Tipton: funny and smart at the same time. Maybe remembers everything he reads because he is encyclopedic. Class covers a lot of theory but he makes you see it in real life. Class size is large but he knows precisely how to project (incredible mimic). Tests require careful reading of them.
Tipton is a great lecturer. Very interesting and he makes you critically think about what is going on. He is a great professor however he does not use many visuals. Take good notes as he lectures and you'll do fine on the exams. He curves at the end of the semester. I truly enjoyed this class. He was phenomenal. More professors should be like him.
A very exceptional professor. Always engaging and helpful in summarizing and explaining theories based on the book; especially using real life situations that the theories are applicable towards. Moreover, the midterms questions are literally based on the key terms on the syllabus; but elaborated of course. Overall, TAKE THIS CLASS!!!!
Lectures are confusing at times, he writes a lot of gibberish on the lecture board and scattered around. His tests are Horrible!!! He uses "all of the above" and "none of the above" in almost every question. Does not reply to emails... If I had to choose again I wouldn't take him.
Class consist of 2 exams. 1 midterm and 2nd final. he gives out 1 extra credit paper, super easy. test are pretty tricky, but he does curve the whole class in the end of the semester.
Tipton is a cool guy. His tests can be tricky like some people mentioned but the extra credit paper helps a lot. The lectures are kind of boring but we always got out early from class. He gives out a generous curve at the end so I recommend taking his class!
Tests are hard, but he really makes up for it with extra credit. We always got out early from class and I feel that I learned valuable information about how not to be taken advantage of by law enforcement. Interesting class
Awesome Professor! Lectures were interesting and engaging. Only 2 tests and 1 extra credit paper. DO THE EXTRA CREDIT! Test are a little tricky but not too hard. Took the once a week class and was always out after an hour. Professor Tipton is a great professor and is very approachable. Take him if you can!
Awesome SDSU prof. Talks TO and WITH the class instead of AT it. Very intelligent and well read. Helpful during office hours.
great professor, had the 7 to 9 class. Always let out a hour early. Always made lecture interesting and is always willing to help his students. Offers 1 extra credit at end of semester and only 3 exams
Go to class and take down everything he says. His exams are based on his lectures. You don't need the book. First exam is the hardest and the class is well aware of this, the last two exams are better. I got an A-, not given either. Study your notes, ask for clarification and he is very helpful Exams - 3 Case Summaries - 4 Extra Credit (maybe)
Professor Tipton is very flexible. He curves the grades for the 2 test. Listen to the lecture, it helps with the test. DO THE EXTRA CREDIT PAPER!!!!! He offered to write letters for anyone that needed it for grad school. He emails what is going to be on all the quizzes, so that you are well prepared.
I love Professor Tipton and have taken him for three classes already. He is very charismatic and I always enjoy listening to him speak and lecture. For this specific class, I did not buy the book and missed a few classes and ended up with a B- without really killing myself over anything. I recommend him to everyone!
This guy knows his stuff, he has a passion for what he teaches. I really enjoyed his lectures. TAKE HIS CLASS! You will love him.
Professor Tipton's lectures were awesome. Make sure you go to all of them if you don't like reading. I didn't buy the book and passed with an A. As long as you do the extra credit and the case studies, you will do well. This class is super interesting so you won't have a hard time staying engaged. First test is super hard, second one is easier.
This was honestly one of my favorite classes. Class started at 7pm and ended at 9:40pm on Mon, and he ALWAYS let class out no later than 8:30pm. His lectures are really interesting and I enjoyed attending every class meeting. He is also such a sweet professor! I definitely recommend! There's only two exams (including the final) and a paper!
Very cool professor. Interesting lectures. Class was supposed to be 7-9:40, usually let us out by 8:30. Tricky tests. Final was open notes (we asked) Gives random extra credit IN CLASS. Attendance isn't mandatory but he has interesting lectures and I suggest going. My favorite class this semester
Tipton is a good guy. The class was basically like Law 101. He uses a ton of examples to explain things and gets the students involved. I always found his lectures informative and valuable. He's a smart guy. He doesn't exactly command attention, but the more involved you are the better the class will be. Tests are kinda hard, but you'll be fine.
Want to learn why people miss-behave! Take this class it will completely blow your mind. Prof Tipton is awesome hes easy to reach and will help you if your grade takes a hit. Dont hesitate.. hes one of the few best..
Tipton is for sure my favorite professor at State! Attendance isn't mandatory but necessary to pass. 1st test a lot of people didn't pass because you need to know all specified laws word for word! Second test is super easy and open note if you ask(he even let kids use their laptops) Also do the EC! He really wants everyone to get a good grade!
The lectures are soooo easy to follow. He literally pulls the test out the class before the exam and tells you whats on it. He curves and cares about you and your grade so don't worry. He gives a lot of information during lecture so don't miss, but you wont want to anyway. He is so lenient all you have to do is talk to him, literally.
Tipton is one of my favorite teachers at state. His class feels like a discussion. Doesnt feel like a lecture. He keeps you engaged the entire class. He always lets you out early. You will have to study, its not an easy A. But he prepares you for the test. Study guide, and notes youll be golden. Oh and you have to go to class.
Second time taking him. Class has about 8 case briefs, a midterm and a final. He gives out extra credit. Go to his lectures, they only last about an hour instead of 3. He's pretty funny and interesting to listen to. Midterm is harder than the final, he grades on a curve. I only missed one class and I got notes from another student.
Very organized, concise in lecture and understood everything because he simplified it so much. Made us think critically and reflect on the questions he asked. Very interactive class. Not challenging, was engaged the whole time. Learned more from him in a 30 min lecture than reading the dry book. Learned about diff approaches/theories of deviance
Awesome professor, taken him twice now. He lectures for about an hour on extremely interesting topics. 2 exams and 1 8-10 page paper due. Last exam was extremely confusing, he gives a review of what will be on the exams but don't JUST go off of that, study everything or you won't do well. Really cool and willing to help you outside of class.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
42%
Textbook Required
57%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.63 avg changeRatings by Course
JUVENILED
5.0
(1)SOC
5.0
(2)CJA543
5.0
(1)SOC444445543
5.0
(1)SOCIOLOGY444
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
443
3.0
CJA543
3.0
SOC
2.5
SOC444
2.5
SOC445
2.3