PJ expects you to do a lot of work, and she's busy a lot. BUT she's a great lecturer, very interesting, and doesn't ask for anything unfair. I really loved this course, even though I had to do more work than I like to do to do well.

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I heard bad things about her before the class, but I absolutely adore her class. It was the only lecture worth going to since I got here. Her lectures make it so incredibly easy to take notes. To do well, two words: Review Sheet (everything on the exam is on the review sheet).

Learn a lot, 3 tests worth 20% one paper worth 20% and 20% for discussion

Very good, engaging teacher with a great sense of humor. She's a tad bit strict, but a good person about it--she outlines what she wants (no cell phones, etc.), and if you mess up after that, it's your own damn fault. Can be a little difficult, but just go to lecture and you should be fine.

Very cool class with great GSI's. PJ is an excellent lecturer.

PJ IS The BEST

GO TO LECTURE! She may be distracting sometimes, but she goes over everything at least twice so people understand. Plus, she will basically tell you everything that's on an exam if you are listening close enough. Go to office hours too, she's more willing to help people who make an effort!

Great class, P.J. is fun and she does a good job... you do need to go to class and do the readings though.

great lecturer. she remembers faces if you ask questions. also, shes very helpful before (and during) the exams. clear, knows a ton about the subject, keeps it interesting.

I had been "warned" about PJ before taking her class, but that was for naught. She is very clear and despite the heavy load of books, all of the readings helped clarify lecture further. Lectures were sometimes boring, but she managed to keep them fairly interesting. I'm taking Psych 488 with her next semester, which I'm looking forward to.

yeah you def need to go to lecture to do well in this class...but PJ is good teacher and the class itself can be pretty interesting.

this class is great if ur interested in criminology. the prof was great, she's quirky and can get distracted but it makes for a nice break in lecture. my gsi is awesome (marco garrido) and section REALLY helped me get a feel for some of the heavier issues. i'm the only freshman and got the highest exam score in section so it can be done!

PJ cracks me up. She is quite amusing in lecture, but the exams are tricky. The format is multiple choice, but they are designed to trick you. Going to lecture is important. Make sure to take good notes, not just what she writes on the board though.

McGann was a good teacher. She gets easily distracted during lecture, but manages to get back on track. Her exams are really difficult and they are intended to trick you, so you can't just fly through them. My GSI Alex really helped to understand the material and explained everything that McGann didn't cover very well. Overall a good class!

Watch out for the pink vest...it's wild.

She's the best teacher I've ever had. Exams are hard, and lecture attendance is MANDATORY... but don't worry she's so nice and entertaining so it's never a bore. I recommend.

okay, be interested in deviance theories when you take this class, because it is not at all what i expected. its not a study of popular deviant behaviors. the exams are HARD and the class is not an easy A. lecture attendance isnt mandatory but you wont pass the class if you dont go. the discussion is mandatory. i loved PJ as a prof. but hard class.

WRITE DOWN /EVERYTHING/ SHE SAYS IN LECTURE. You also have to do the readings to fill the study guide in. She's very correct when she says "if you know everything on the study guide, youll get an A", but the study guides are huge. Helps ALOT if you have a backing in sociology theory. Loved the class even with it's difficulty, PJ is amazing.

Good lecturer, you have to do the readings and pay attention in class. She expects alot, but is also very willing to help with things that are unclear, or that you don't understand. For those that complain about her style or the fact they have to do all the reading - maybe you shouldn't be in college if you don't wnat to work.

As a 3rd yr SOC major, enthused about the field of study, I will unequivocally say that PJ is the best lecturer I've had in my life. I've never experienced anyone who can explain theoretical concepts in as brillian, clear, and engaging way as she can. She has a lively personality and attitude, which some don't like, but IMO it makes the class fun

A great lecturer. she clearly knows her stuff. exams are pretty tricky. you learn alot from her lectures...so make sure you go to them (thats where her exam questions are drawn from). if youre looking for an easy A though, this is not the class to take.

I loved this class. PJ is a good professor. She gets sidetracked sometimes and goes off on tangents every once in a while, but she explains difficult concepts very clearly and writes down the important things on the board. Some people don't like her because she expects you to to be quiet in class and doesn't do powerpoint, but it's a great class.

Despite negative comments posted on RMP, I figured Criminology would help prepare me for Law School. However, it seemed like there was more of a focus on feminism/gender instead, which could be seen in the 90% women (incl. me) lectures. Reading was intense (for a 300 level course), exams were "fair", and you better write down every word she says.

Despite what a lot of reviews here say, I had no real problem with PJ. She has her quirks (she despises side conversations and distractions in general), but I had no problem with her as an instructor. The reading load is quite heavy, though; take notes during lecture!

I'm not sure what all the complaints are about. PJ gives people tips on how to study in class to prep them for a) other harder courses, and b) the second exam (which is killer). It's an easy class as long as you get a group of people together to work on the study guide, which is REALLY long. PJ is an acquired taste, but she's chill. Easy A, I think

I took 3 of PJ's classes (04-06), they were the most helpful for law school. She makes you work for your grade. Her courses add credibility to a major often dubbed a blow off and forces you to study the material not sit back as a prof hands it to you. If you want an easy A, don't take her; if you're going to grad school, I highly recommend her.

Loved her. Took Criminology with her, one of the hardest courses I've ever taken, but so very worth it. This is what higher education should be. She doesn't put up with talking during lecture, packing up before the end, etc. Makes for a great learning environment. Just take notes and fill out the study guide, and you'll be fine.

PJ is a awesome! Yes, she's strict, but we're in college, so you think people would have mastered the whole no-cell phones and no-talking in class by now. Her exams are easy (all straight from lecture notes) and I learned a ton from her. Plus, if you go to office hours, she'll actually get to know you, unlike any most other profs I've had here.

Good Prof. i am a science major with an interest in crime/deviance so I took this class. Hardest soc course i've taken at Michigan by a LOT. I got an A by going over my notes after each lecture and glancing over the study guide + doing the readings, which were vital because details are picked from them on the exam.

PJ's an awesome teacher, and this was one of the easiest classes I've taken at Michigan. Totally common sense stuff, really easy to get an A.

Best class at U of M

I think that PJ is a great professor. Class attendance is definitely mandatory as she doesn't post any of her notes, but she writes most of the important concepts on the board which really helps. The class is a lot of work but it is definitely worth it... do the study guides! Section also helps a lot. Haha just don't go late to lecture!

Great professor! She expects respect. I thought she was really interesting and thought the material was pretty interesting as well. But, for a 100 level class, the tests seemed difficult and this was definitely not an easy A. Horrible GSI. I had a friend in McGinn's 102 class, which is clearly the easier class in comparison. PJ challenges you

PJ is one of the coolest professors in the University. I already plan to take one of her upper level courses because she makes it really interesting and funny. However, if you're looking for a class to slag off in, THIS IS NOT IT. PJ expects respect and knowledge in the classroom. She even banned laptops in my class this semester. Still, she rocks.

Not an easy class, however her expectations were not unreasonable for a college level class. I learned an immense amount about Soc of Sex. She does call out people for talking and texting, however the group of sorostitutes that were her main focus this semester truely distracted from the class. She is very approachable and happy to help students.

Read the articles and make sure to write a little summary after reading them. It will be extremely helpful for the exams. Make sure to attend lectures and take notes and pay attention. It is easily a B class, and with some work could be an A class. She is very helpful and understanding. In the end she will bump your grade up if you have improved.

She is my favorite professor by far. Not only is she unique, but she make everything very interesting. Yes, she demands respect in her classes, and rightfully so. The people who don't like her are immature and don't see the beauty of her instruction.

She demands a lot from her students academically as well as in daily decorum, but is it really that hard to sit still for 1.5 hrs and not talk to the person next to you? If you can't control yourself stay away from her classes, but if you can go for it - she is witty, carries a wealth of knowledge, and will give you a great class (hard, but great).

Brilliant!

Used to have exams in this class but PJ switched to just essays which made the essay very easy. Its hard to go bad one them...do write what is talked about in class. I would definitely take another class with PJ

Very interesting lady. She will teach you a lot not only about the class content but how to be successful in the college environment. Runs a tight classroom, but it's for the benefit of everyone.

PJ is an incredibly accomodating instructor, despite the fuss she makes the first day. I missed an exam due to the flu, and she was nothing but friendly and helpful with my retake. Though she runs a strict class, it is not difficult. Her exterior is tough, but overall, she's a great instructor. Her style is difficult to get used to, but effective.

Sociology of Sexuality is a fantastic course! It will fundamentally change the way you see the world. Go to lecture and take good notes! Although people say PJ is strict, that is simply she doesn't tolerate texting or talking, which is how it should be. She treats her students like adults.

This class changed my life regarding how I view the world and others. It is a hard class, but worth it. There's a mid term and final and two 5 page papers. Readings are a must, although most of the time they are super interesting. Writes everything you need to know on the board, which connects to readings.

Sociology of Sexuality is a fantastic class!

To reiterate what some others have said before me, this class has truly changed who i am. You might think you were tolerant, accepting person before.. but after this class you really come to appreciate and UNDERSTAND life at a new level. Im not "LBGTQ" but will devote myself to fighting for basic human rights. Take this class; help the world.

Definitely one of the most interesting classes I have ever taken. McGann is an awesome professor. People say she's strict but really she just expects you to act like an adult- be respectful. To do well on exams you need go to every lecture and take good notes. Doing the reading is very helpful as well. Take this class!! You won't regret it :)

Amazing professor! This is the 3rd class I've taken with her and I'm not even a sociology major. I easily got an A on the exam. Just do the readings! They're so interesting and she makes questions from them or word-for-word from her lecture. Plus she's hilarious so there's no point in not going to lecture.

PJ is by far one of the most amazing professors at U of M. She's so knowledgeable about what she teaches and keeps your interest throughout the lecture. However, she does run a tight classroom - don't get caught using your laptop for anything other than note taking!

"Deviance" is an amazing course! If you're interested in politics, medicine, soc, psych, decision-making, history, gender, and/or sexuality, TAKE this class! PJ's lectures are always very interesting and she definitely knows her stuff. The class is not difficult (compared to science ones) and PJ is helpful IF you do the work. GO to office hours!!

PJ is the best teacher. She is organized and explains what she wants. Her class is challenging, but it is worth it. One can learn how to write and read articles betters. Lectures are great and she is a cool person. Any class taken with PJ is worthwhile! Her exams and papers help students develop skills needed for any class one wants to take.

Really was a great teacher, she may chew you out for talking in class or using your phone but if you pay attention you really learn alot. Great teacher in my opinion

Had Professor McGann for Sociology of Sexualities and Deviance. Both excellent courses, and PJ was always available during office hours and willing to help with any questions. By far the best professor I had at Michigan.

She looks so much like Jane lynch! Besides the point, she is a great professor! Her class is challenging but you get so much out of it. This class is fascinating, and by far one of my favorites. Work hard and study hard. Attend lecture!

Hands down best professor I've had at UofM. Excellent lecturer. I always looked forward to going to this class and was almost never bored. She changed the way I think about certain issues, and I'd recommend this class to anyone.

Awesome!

I LOVED pj as a projessor. She did a great job delivering the material in a clear focused way. Exams were fair and so was the workload. I really enjoyed this class - defiantly get her!

This was 3rd class with PJ and she really is a lively, easy to follow professor. Some of the material was repeated from previous courses taken with her. Her exams are simple if you do her exam content mappings. Course readings are interesting and really applicable taught in the class. Definitely take a class with PJ if your SOC!!!

PJ is not the best professor I've had. She can be rude to students and address "disturbances" to an extent that it makes her look like a narcissist. She's a very kind person, but a strict and unorganized professor. Easy class. All route memorization. You'll feel embarrassed for her at moments, but she's approachable and the exams are jokes.

People who don't like PJ are people who talk in class or check their cell phones constantly. PJ is a fantastic professor if you suck it up and really focus in lecture. Her lectures are like Ted talks. She's witty, funny, and her small tangents in lecture are hilarious. If you want to really understand sexuality or crime, take her classes

PJ is a professor with high expectations for all of her students. She explains topics at a level that students can understand and uses interesting and relevant examples in lectures. All of her lectures are well planned and you can tell that she really wants her students to succeed and understand the material. Always responded to my emails.

PJ is one of the best professors I've had. I personally thought her papers were challenging, but my GSI also sucked. She may come across as harsh in class, but she is very kind-hearted and understanding in office hours. She helped me extensively on my final paper, and she was even responsive to paper help over email! I highly recommend :)

PJ's an awesome professor. Funny, enthusiastic and knowledgable. Straight-forward and goes over topics multiple times. Would recommend.

So so so amazing. Seriously the best professor I have ever had at Michigan in my five years. So enthusiastic, funny, passionate about the subject and, most importantly, caring about her students. She has high expectations but makes it VERY possible to reach them if you pay attention and come to class AND you learn SO much.

PJ can be very rude to students, but overall a great professor! Make sure to pay attention & take extensive notes in class because she doesn't upload any online material. AVOID AMANDA, the GSI with the short hair and glasses. She's condescending & an impossible grader when it comes to the papers even after seeking her help during office hours.

This is an amazing class but not to be taken if you think that you can get away without doing the readings. It was really eye opening but you have to put in the work to do well. You have to go to lecture because she writes on the board and doesn't post anything online.

My favorite class of the semester. Her tests are very well written and actually test you over the material you learn, which I appreciated a lot because you could tell she cared about her students learning rather than memorizing. ALWAYS go to lecture, she writes on the board and elaborates through talking but it's very engaging.

Attendance to lectures isn't mandatory, but you have to go. She doesn't use slides or post anything online. Initially, this really intimidated me, but by the end of the semester I realized that it had forced me to pay really good attention and that I had learned more in this class than any other. She's funny and really knows her stuff.

PJ is by far the best lecturer I have ever had at Michigan. She doesn't use powerpoint, and states that in the beginning of class. It was worrying at first, but she does fill up the board. I found that my notes were fantastic for this course, and my understanding of all the topics and reading was so clear (even if I didn't do the readings).

PJ just gets it, it is refreshing to have such an approachable and contemporary professor, who is very open minded. Based on my personal experience, there was a huge lesson on judgement and the origins of inequality & social construction of thought which PJ points out. I grew conscious of consciousness which I believe is important for education.

I took Sociology of Deviance with PJ and she's wonderful! By far the best professor I've had at the University. She makes lectures extremely interesting and a lot of times enjoyable. Her papers are a little untraditional in what they're asking, but everything is clearly spelled out in the assignment. If you haven't taken a class with PJ, TAKE ONE!!

PJ is amazing. 10/10 would take again. Sociology of Sex is super interesting, but watch out to keep up with the readings. The papers involved a lot of synthesis in an analysis of media, which was cool. Pay attention and take notes in lecture and you'll be fine (but don't use your phone! She'll shame you!).

Really great professor. However, she has a no cell phone and no laptop policy. I know that bothers a lot of students (and it bothered me too) but it paid off immensely. I took another one of her classes at the same time (Sociology of Sexuality) and it was equally wonderful! She is hilarious and incredibly intelligent.

I love PJ. The GSI was wonderful, her class was very informative, and I feel like I am a much smarter person after absorbing her knowledge. I would recommend this course to anyone who is bored of their other soc/women's studies/psych classes learning the same thing over and over again. PJ's course is challenging, but that's what makes you grow.

I took PJ's class 2 years ago, and now am in a phD criminal justice program and find that her class had significant, lasting impact on me. Exceptionally valuable in the long term, if you take the material seriously. 2 years later I can construct a lesson plan on new material based on PJ's idea maps about interest politics. I'm doing it right now.

PJ is a very interesting professor. Her lecture style is different because she solely uses a chalk board, but I found it to be very unique and useful. With this in mind, going to lectures is pretty much mandatory because the only way you will be able to get the lecture notes is if you take them yourself or have someone take a pic of the board

I really enjoyed taking SOC465 with PJ. She's witty, funny, but also quite serious about her work. The lectures might not work for everyone, but I appreciated how she wrote the main points on the board along with diagrams. She has a large vocabulary and sometimes the lecture concepts were hard, but my GSI was great with clarification.

Hands down the single best professor I've had in my entirety at the University of Michigan. Definitely a professor for those who like to learn rather than just be able to regurgitate information. Even though attendance isn't required, I always wanted to attend because of how good at lecturing PJ is, plus the jokes!

Great class content, but she's disorganized. Often comes to class missing some of her notes, though her lectures tend to be better without them. She absolutely knows her stuff, and you'll leave with a new lens on the world. Would highly recommend taking Criminology for the class, but don't expect her to be warm and cuddly - though she loves dogs!

This is a very interesting class. PJ clearly knows her stuff, but most lecture material comes straight out of the book. She does give good examples to make you understand better. She does not use or post lecture slides on canvas, so make sure you show up to class and take good notes! 2 exams & 2 papers; not hard if you really know the material.

I really enjoyed this class. PJ is really nice and cares about students doing well. Be sure to go to lecture and always read and take summaries of the readings. Be sure to do well and study because your final grade is decided only by 4 assignments. Overall, an enjoyable class

I've taken a couple classes with her- great lectures which you should attend, because all of her notes were on the chalk board rather than accessibly ppts. and they end up having things that come up on the exams; grades are just on the papers and exams, which are pretty tough which is why exams and being present is so important

PJ is a great lecturer, very engaging and has a good sense of humor. That being said, if you're looking for an easy A class, or even as easy B this isn't for you. I'm a sociology major, and this is one of the more difficult classes I've taken in the field. The class is super interesting but a lot of the concepts and vocabulary are very nit-picky.

Good lectures, very interesting subject, harshly graded class. If you are interested in criminology, this is a great class for you. If you are not, you will not be motivated to put in the much needed effort for the class. PJ is intimidating but well intentioned and good hearted.

PJ's class really changed my perspective on the U.S. criminal justice system and if you're willing to really look at the system differently, then her class is beyond insightful. This is by far one of my favorite courses I've taken at U of M. She can come across as harsh, but is really just pushing her students to achieve their best.

Class is based on 2 papers in which you show you know the main concepts of the course, 2 very straightforward exams that are easy if you did the reading and came to class, and section. Class is necessary because she uses the chalkboard, and the films are interesting as well. Loved learning from PJ and feel like I have a new perspective on deviance!

This was easily one of my favorite classes at this university. PJ always outlines important points during lecture and gives a content map for better exam preparation. You can tell that PJ really cares about her students. There are two major papers with very clear grading criteria. If you pay attention and keep up with readings, you'll be okay! :)

PJ knows what she is talking about!! Lecture is very important and she writes a lot on the chalkboard. The classroom we had was weird so highly recommend sitting in the front. She gives two super long exams, but they are multiple choice. Also 2 big papers but not too big (5-7 pages). Recommend a basic understanding of sociology before this course.

McGann does not deserve hate! PJ's dry sense of humour makes class super enjoyable. She is clear with what she expects her students to understand for papers and exams, and the material she compiles is interesting and cohesive. Sometimes her classes feel a bit scattered, but life is bumpy... profs are not immune to this. 4/5 would have a beer w/ PJ

PJ was one of my favorite profs, she doesnt use slides so that could be a downside to some but it helped me to engage more with the material. Plus she seemed like she really enjoyed teaching the content and I love to see that in profs.

Professor McGann knows what theyre talking about!!! They seem to love the material they teach and overall make lectures really fun to watch. No slides but that helps me engage more with the material, especially when I can pause the videos online to make sure Ive got the notes.

Professor PJ has a great personality which made the online lecture videos engaging. They seemed really passionate about what they were talking about. The class overall does require some amount of work such as papers and doing the readings, so that you have the knowledge for the quiz. The quizzes are pretty straight forward though.

Lectures are easy to understand, straightforward forward, interesting and made into mini segments on each topic which makes it way easier to pay attention. Must show up bc participation is 30%, but the discussions are fun. As long as you watch the lectures, you'll know every question on the exam. Didnt even do the readings and got a B plus.

I loved PJ's class! The lectures are interesting and hold your attention. All you have to do in order to get a good grade on the exams is study. I would re-read the readings and make flashcards of all the notes. After a day of studying and committing the flashcards to memory, the exams were easy. She is incredibly straightforward with the content.

PJ has very engaging lectures and gives very nice outline notes. Paying attention during lectures and doing the readings is absolutely the key to success in class.

PJ is full of energy and passion and I could always tell how much she loved to lecture and interact with students. I have never been so engaged in the material of a course that had the potential to be complex and heavy. She is amazing and the only people who don't enjoy her courses are people who have sticks up their butt and hate to laugh.

While a lot of the reading is very dense, PJ does an amazing job fleshing out the material in a much more comprehensible way. SOC465 was fun and just challenging enough to really make you feel like you're learning. If you like a little fun with your lectures and some cheesy jokes, you'll love PJ. Highly recommended.

PJ is an incredible lecturer. They're straightforward, engaging, hilarious. Readings are important but are interesting and not very long, either. Highly recommend any class with PJ.

This class was very enjoyable albeit very lecture and reading heavy! PJ is super chill and lectures are formatted so note taking is super easy but if you don't pay attention then you will get lost very easily. However if you keep up with the readings (which there are a lot of) then the lectures are so much easier to follow through.

The best professor I have ever had. I will say, that the exams are hard. The wording can be confusing if you tend to look at questions word for word and are an overthinker. Pj/ theGSI are easy to get in touch with as they allow you to text them. So you can always ask questions and set up OH. Highly recommend if you are interested in this topic.

PJ is a great professor. Lectures are clear, interesting, and fun. As long as you pay attention in lecture and are familiar with the readings you'll do great.

Professor PJ is engaging and passionate. The class requires consistent work like readings and papers, but the quizzes are straightforward if you stay on top of the material. unstuck ai was a lifesaver for study prep.

Pj is the most engaging professor I have had during my time here. They are passionate, driven, and is able to make substantial connections with students that goes further than just the basic relationship in the classroom.

PJ is the type of professor that you either love or hate but I had a really good experience. This was my very first sociology class but I did well because she explained the concepts very clearly. The class is only graded on 2 papers, 2 exams, and section participation. She encourages class participation and is receptive to questions.

Best professor so far. I was late to register but i was able to catch up because of her way in teaching. I am enjoying this course a lot. It was a good beginning at U-M, thank you

Amazing professor, am taking another course with her in the fall. Attendance is not mandatory but HIGHLY encouraged, you do not want to miss out. She keeps class interesting and cares so much for all her students. This is one of those classes that I never want to skip because it's so interesting. You won't regret taking this course!

So, I am absolutely done with all the negative feedback of PJ and their classes. I truly believe the people complaining are not doing the readings nor studying properly, and/or expect PJ to give them basically a cheat sheet study guide to exams. PJ is an amazing person and professor. Exam are not hard. Do not listen to these negative reviews.

PJ is one of those professors you actually look forward to seeing every day. They are very funny and will make sure that the class is actually engaged in what everyone is learning. They are simply just a cool and caring human being.

PJ was a pretty good professor. I do not think their content maps were for everyone but they worked well for me. You do not have to really do the readings if you have previous criminal justice knowledge, and the lectures have a lot of fluff. You should definitely take the class, but just be prepared for exams that test retention, not memorization.

2nd class I have taken with PJ, and she never disappoints. Her slides/lectures are straightforward and makes lectures fun and interactive. She holds you to high standards because she wants you to be the best you can be. She cares so much for each of her students, so don't be afraid to reach out if you have any questions or concerns!