2.8

Stephen Speake

Sociology - MacEwan University

2.8
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
43%
Would Retake
117
Reviews
2.8
Quality
3.4
Difficulty
2.8
Helpful
2.8
Clarity

43%

Would Retake

117

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

19

4

23

3

22

2

26

1

27

What Students Say

I really liked him, I don't know why he keeps getting such bad ratings

SOCI269 - 4.0 rating

Speake was a GREAT prof

SOCI100 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

58%

Textbook Required

31%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 53 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (15)
A- (13)
B+ (12)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(13)C(5)D(4)F(0)A-/B+(25)
Based on 73 reported grades
Not sure yet: 15
A-: 13
B+: 12
A: 7
Common Tags
Get ready to read (33)
Skip class? You won't pass. (21)
Tough grader (19)
Graded by few things (17)
Lecture heavy (16)
Clear grading criteria (12)
Test heavy (10)
Amazing lectures (9)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.67 avg change
Jan
Mar
Apr
Jun
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

SOCI102

5.0

(1)

SOC393

3.5

(2)

SOCI290

3.3

(8)

SOC100

3.0

(34)

SOC290

3.0

(3)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

SOCIOLOGY100

5.0

SOCIO100

4.3

SOC393

4.0

SOC363

4.0

SOCI393

4.0

Reviews (117)
4.0
4.0
SOCI100
Dec 14, 2009

He knows what he's talking about but his lectures can be boring and sometimes he has trouble relating things we talk about in class to what we are learning. Very ambiguous, but he genuinely wants his students to do well. Heavy reliance on the textbook, you could pass the class without ever going to class.

2.0
5.0
SOCI100
Apr 4, 2011

To sum it up don't take his class. I'm passed the drop out date and will probably pass with a B thanks to the textbook. His notes don't really cover half of whats on the exams. He is not an understanding professor and my recommendation is not to take his class. Also if you plan on taking his class make sure you don't miss any class's, trust me.

2.0
5.0
SOCI100
May 30, 2011

do not take his class. its so hard...

1.0
5.0
SOCI100
May 30, 2011

do not take his class, the class average is about 60.

3.0
5.0
SOC100
Jun 11, 2011

The content is way harder then it has to be, often I left from lectures totally confused, the only thing that SAVED me in this class was the text book, and even that is extremely wordy and dry. Go to class though, some content is not tested on, and the only way you'll know this is if you go to class

3.0
4.0
SOCI100
Jun 11, 2011

The chapters are SO boring, I don't know if he's able to pick them..

2.0
4.0
SOCI100
Sep 27, 2011

Doesnt really know what he is talking about, often talks in circles. The general study is interesting but he likes to use weird examples that dont really make any sense. For example he said that there was no physical evidence for Napoleon existing..? Doesnt like science for some reason.

1.0
5.0
SOCI100
Oct 4, 2011

AVOID HIS CLASSES. All he teaches are his opinions. Basically if you want to do well on his exams you have to write his opinions! He is EXTREMELY one sided. His exams are so hard and have barely any relevance to his lectures! Use the textbook A LOT for exam prep! He gets mad at students for not knowing the answers to the questions he asks in class

5.0
2.0
SOCI100
Nov 25, 2011

Awesome instructor, very helpful if you take the time to ask. Wonderful to have a proof. who is passionate about what they teach!

2.0
4.0
SOCI100
Mar 20, 2012

He doesn't post his notes online.As a result everyone is sitting in there typing/scribbling away and for the most part missing what he has to say.If you miss class,he will not email his slides.I found that if you read/make notes from the textbook you will be okay.He is easy to approach and will tell you what to expect on the exams.Not theworstprof

3.0
3.0
SOCI100
Jun 13, 2012

Such a boring class and teacher. I would avoid taking this class with him. All you do is take notes which you wont get unless you attend the class since he doesn't post them online. Is midterms and final was pretty basic and he tells you exactly what the written responses are but it sucks having to attend class to recieve that information

1.0
5.0
SOCIO100
Jun 20, 2012

he is a rally bad instructor based on his class. he never give you his lecture slides even you are being sick for one class. his exams are ambiguous and his assignment is so hard i fells like that is not even for 100 level class. My recommendation is do not take his class even if you have to. you are going to regret end up with drop his class.

3.0
4.0
SOCI100
Jul 31, 2012

He goes off topic, always exceeds class time and takes forever handing back assignments. Class is really boring unless you like hearing his opinion on everything not class related. Exams are easy if you have his class notes. Text book studying can net you a decent mark still. He's very rude so watch what you say around him!

3.0
4.0
SOC100
Dec 13, 2012

Notes in class aren't tested much on the exams. Textbook reading is the most important part of the class. Nice guy but kind of boring. Classes aren't mandatory but slides aren't online, and pop quizzes are at random. BB gets confusing sometimes, but overall I didn't mind him.

2.0
5.0
SOC100
Jan 22, 2013

Terrible professor! None of his notes are online, but luckily for you, his notes do not pertain to any of his quizzes and exams. He deviates from topics, and you get pop quizzes from reading ahead. If you read ahead and learn it yourself, you don't need to pay someone to teach you. Turned me off from Sociology.

1.0
5.0
SOCIO100
Jan 28, 2013

He is so vague and never makes any sense!!

4.0
2.0
SOCI100
Oct 28, 2013

He is a lot better than most of these comments say! He makes you think out of the box but his notes are clear and EVERY question on his tests are covered in the notes! He doesn't post them online, so you need to actually go. Or just read the textbook but his notes are shorter than that! You barely need the textbook with his notes.

4.0
2.0
SOCI100
Nov 3, 2013

He was a good prof. His notes were clear, and his tests reflected that.

5.0
1.0
SOCI100
Grade: Not_Sure_Yet
Dec 1, 2013

He was great! he really knows his stuff and is friendly and attentive. very eye-opening, I hope to have him again.

1.0
4.0
SOCI100
Grade: D+
Jan 14, 2014

i thought he was a horrible teacher. he didnt really make sense and he was actually very rude to our class. there was only 2 or 3 people in the class of 40 that actually liked him. i suggest you read your text books lots since your never pass if you expect him to teach you the material.

4.0
3.0
SOCI269
Oct 8, 2014

I really liked him, I don't know why he keeps getting such bad ratings. I took globalization with him and I thought he was really passionate and informed on it. He was very focused on important issues like social and environmental issues, and I found it really relatable and relevant. One of my favourite soci classes so far in my degree.

4.0
3.0
SOCIO100
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 9, 2014

He was a good professor in my opinion. There were no papers or assignments to be done just 2 midterms and a final. One draw back was none of his notes were posted online and I found the textbook necessary. However he is really quick to get your marks back to you.

1.0
5.0
SOCIOLOGY100
Mar 18, 2015

He talked very quietly and was unclear he was friendly however a tad rude, only his opinion mattered. Midterms are never what's talked about. He told us to study what he didn't talk about in class. He told my class the wrong chapters on the midterm. I would suggest not to take his class unless you can learn from an opinionated class.

4.0
2.0
SOCI269
Grade: C+
Aug 10, 2015

Stephen was passionate about globalization as a topic, and I learned quite a bit during this class. He's a very nice prof! If you attend his lectures and take good notes, you'll do okay. His tests are surprisingly tough, though.

4.0
1.0
SOCI100
Dec 7, 2015

I enjoyed Stephen's class. While at times the subject could be dry, you could tell he was passionate about what he was teaching and tried to make it as interesting as possible. Genuinely kind guy who wants to see you succeed. The only downside is that he doesn't post his notes, but that being said his exams were mostly out of the text. Classes flew

2.0
4.0
SOCI100
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 16, 2016

If you are taking SOCI 100 with Mr. Speake, be aware that you NEED to read your textbook. There are 2 midterms and the final. The exams were a combination of multiple choice and short answer. Also, he NEVER posts his notes on blackboard, nor does he give them out if you miss class. So make friends if you plan on taking his class.

4.0
3.0
SOC100
Mar 17, 2016

If you show up to class and take his notes you will be fine

1.0
4.0
SOC100
Nov 9, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Speak does not provide his students with lecture notes which would be fine, but he also forbids his students from recording his lectures. This wouldn't be a problem if his lectures weren't so dry and actually talked louder. Don't rely on the textbook, instead memorize ALL of his lecture notes, especially for the written response.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
3.0
SOC100
Grade: B+
Nov 21, 2016
Would take again

This was hands down one of the best classes I have taken. He was funny, and would always joke around. The exams were fairly easy if you had read the textbook and he was extremely helpful when there were questions. He would put up notes in class for the people who attended, however didn't upload them to blackboard. GO TO THE CLASS!

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
SOCI100
Grade: A+
Nov 21, 2016
Would take again

Speake was a GREAT prof. Very inclusive, very respectful, very thorough, very accommodating to anybody who has issues. A little old school in some ways but definitely interesting lectures on relevant topics, and also really got everybody in on discussions! Do the readings, take thorough notes, study the topics, you are good to go!

Respected
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
SOCI100
Nov 28, 2016
Would take again

He only tests you on his lecture material, so you don't need the textbook unless he is using the mindtap or some other online textbook thing. He is interesting and cares about what he talks about. If you have any interest in sociology, you'll love it.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
2.0
3.0
SOCI100
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Doesn't post notes online, and they are pretty bland so you have to come to class in order to know what they are about.

Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
SOC100
Dec 6, 2016
Wouldn't take again

Terrible Experience. Very nice prof, although somewhat arrogant, hardcore feminist, even blindly a feminist, strong opinions that he forces on you. He makes you really think why he is even a teacher, I came in to sociology thinking it would be interesting, maybe it was and he made it dull. Hard Tests

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
SOCI100
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2016
Would take again

You can tell that Speake is very passionate about what he teaches. He gives great examples to make you understand it better. He only has three exams (2 midterms and 1 final), all in which were very easy if you studied for them. He is really quiet though so try to sit at the front. Seriously though his tests are super easy but you must know material

Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
SOCI100
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 8, 2016
Would take again

This class was good, my advice with this guy is to follow along in the textbook. Doesn't post Powerpoints on blackboard, but they follow the textbook loosely with his own statistics and points. Read the textbook, he doesn't assign readings.

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
3.0
SOCI100
Dec 21, 2016
Would take again

Does not post his lecture notes, which are the main focus of the exams. But 20% of course grade is from online open book quizzes.

Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
SOCI100
Grade: B+
Jan 13, 2017
Would take again

Looked forward to his class every morning. His powerpoints are key, however he does not post them, so you have to make sure you come to class everyday. Midterms are fairly simple and straightforward as well as final. As long as you memorize the notes in powerpoint, you will do well in the class. Portion of mark is based on online quizzes too!

Inspirational
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
SOC393
Mar 7, 2017
Would take again

His concepts can be sometimes hard to grasp, and he discusses a lot of theories, so you should try to know your stuff. He definitely likes to help his class learn, and I really liked his lectures

Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
4.0
4.0
SOCI269
Grade: A-
Sep 5, 2017
Would take again

He's a little harsh at first. The first few marks he assigned took me a bit by surprise, because I did not expect him to mark me as serious as he did. Overall though they helped me adjust accordingly. He's a good professor overall, and I would recommend him if you want to improve your writing and critical thinking. I did learn lot's in his class.

Tough Grader
Gives good feedback
Get ready to read
5.0
1.0
SOCI290
Dec 2, 2017
Would take again

Stephen was great! He is very clear on what is needed for assignments and he lets you know what to expect for the exams. He understands the stress of being a students and is there to help you if you need it. His exams are based on his lectures, so you have to go to class. I would take another class with him for sure!

Gives good feedback
Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
1.0
3.0
SOCI100
Jan 7, 2018
Wouldn't take again

had the worst experience with this prof. does not post notes, doesn't let you record lectures, reads off the slides. you're basically teaching yourself the entire course. lectures are also very dry. would not recommend.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
1.0
5.0
SOC100
Jan 27, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Super monotone and just a dead class all together made it boring

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
2.0
SOCI102
Grade: Not sure yet
Feb 2, 2018
Would take again

His lectures are pretty boring, but he is a really good prof for intro soci. His exams are ALL BASED off his lectures and powerpoint slides, which makes the exams super easy. No term papers, just 2 midterms and a final. Definitely would take soci with him again.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
3.0
SOC100
Feb 8, 2018
Wouldn't take again

well respected, like his class, funny too

Respected
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
2.0
SOC290
Grade: A-
Mar 6, 2018
Would take again

Professor Speake is such as nice guy and a great prof. There are 2 papers and he marks them EASY. The only thing is that he says some stuff about what to know and study for the midterm and final, but don't listen. Know the slides and the textbook. Otherwise, go to him with problems. He is very helpful and cares about his students. I'd take again!

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Caring
2.0
3.0
SOCI100
Mar 7, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Classes are incredibly droll and uninteresting, most of the notes are directly from the textbook but he holds marks hostage to "mandatory" attendance by going over a couple concepts not in the textbook (no online class slides!) and basing most of the short answer portions of his tests around them. If you learn well from books pick a different prof.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
1.0
SOCI363
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 6, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Formatted the class to be like a seminar. Readings every week, and an expectation to participate in class discussions. Participation was a heafty percentage of mark. No midterm or final. Only 2 assignments, and a final paper. Very philosophical in discussions. DO THE READINGS!

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Hilarious
1.0
3.0
SOCI290
Apr 13, 2018
Wouldn't take again

His lectures are not riveting, and there is an expectation of almost 20% of your grade that you are in every single class. It's like you're punished if you miss a class or two - even for work. Dry, uninteresting, and seems to like to push his own thoughts on the class. Mandatory participation in discussions. I'd avoid taking any class with him.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
SOCI290
Grade: B-
May 23, 2018
Would take again

I enjoyed Dr. Speake's lectures! He has a very unique teaching style as well he has interesting views on the material, due to his own life experiences. Makes the material easier to comprehend. He is a compassionate professor when things unexpectedly happen in a student's life. He is very supportive without being intrusive!

Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
Caring
5.0
3.0
SOCI290
Grade: B+
Jul 27, 2018
Would take again

I took this as a spring session so I assume the layout was a bit different than usual, but overall one of my favourite profs I've ever had! Straightforward writing assignment, class participation, a midterm and the final. Very personable if you talk to him outside of class. Definitely down to help you if you need (except with notes you missed)

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
SOCI100
Oct 12, 2018
Wouldn't take again

His lectures are very boring. No substance to this class at all. He does not give you accessible power point slides and you will need to book an appointment to see the exams. Exam's are on nothing taught in class. His content is based on nothing academically accepted.

Participation matters
Skip class? You won't pass.
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
4.0
4.0
SOC100
Oct 22, 2018
Would take again

Although his lectures aren't super exciting, he keeps them fairly entertaining. He doesn't post his notes on blackboard, so if you skip you miss out on the slides and all the information he lectures about that aren't on the slide. Exams weren't cumulative. If you study and show up you'll do fine!

Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
2.0
SOC100
Dec 2, 2018
Would take again

Favorite prof this semester. He made class interesting and always clearly outlined what he would have on the tests. You have to show up to class to pass but it is definitely worth the trip to class. You also have to do your textbook readings to do well on the test. Very engaging speaker.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
1.0
SOCI100
Grade: A+
Jan 8, 2019
Would take again

Dr. Speake was an amazing prof! His lectures were very straightforward and he tried to make it as interesting as possible. He cares about his students and his exams are all based on his lectures and were all fairly easy as long as you showed up to class. I would definitely take another class with him again.

Respected
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
SOCI100
Grade: B-
Mar 12, 2019
Would take again

Although the material in this course wasn't the most interesting in my opinion, if you make an effort to pay attention, Dr. Speake's lectures can be quite engaging. He seems like a genuinely nice guy and his exams were quite fair. I would definitely recommend attending class since his notes can be quite vague and he doesn't post them online.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Clear grading criteria
Caring
4.0
3.0
SOCI100
Grade: B-
Apr 3, 2019
Would take again

He's a great prof, knows what he's teaching and his slides are only accessible if you go to class. He has no final but 3 midterms, non accumulative. So, you only get tested on what you learn on that unit before a midterm. It can be hard to stay awake but his slides are right on point and if you keep reviewing it often, will get a decent grade

Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
SOC100
Apr 17, 2019
Would take again

I had Speake last semester. His lectures are clear, concise and informative. He does not put his notes online, so attendance is mandatory. He encourages conversation and has clear grading expectations. He's accessible after class for questions or conversation, absolutely loved taking his course!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
3.0
1.0
SOCI290
Grade: A-
Apr 22, 2019
Would take again

Speak was a great prof! No papers just midterms and final. Super dry/boring material but he creates a comfortable environment for class discussions. Never calls anyone out, shows lots of videos, accessible outside class. Doesn't post notes (attendance mandatory) helps you in the long run since he sums up the dry material. Approachable and kind.

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
SOC100
Grade: B+
Aug 23, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Stephen was an okay professor although his lectures hard to follow & I found his multiple choice tests to be very tricky. He focuses on minor textbook details which makes it difficult to study as one would have to memorize the textbook word for word to do well. My advice is to seek out other professors first and take him only if you really need to

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
SOCI290
Oct 30, 2019
Wouldn't take again

His lectures are really boring and dry, but you have to attend because he does not post the powerpoints online, but the powerpoints are pretty easy to follow. only two midterms and a final which is nice, I also found the multiple choice exams quite difficult the questions are sometimes on things he talks about in class, not on the slides

Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
SOC100
Grade: C
Nov 19, 2019
Wouldn't take again

All of his slides are only shown in class so you must show up to class. Classes are long and tiring. He doesn't care if you're on your phone in class. He talks a lot and his slides do not have a lot of information on the topic. His class is made up of 30% midterm, 35% midterm and 35% final.

Accessible outside class
Get ready to read
Test heavy
4.0
1.0
SOC100
Grade: A-
Jan 9, 2020
Would take again

amazing prof! easiest class I think I will ever take. verbatim lecture notes are on the web (if you look hard enough), if you miss a class! 2 midterms, and a final exam. I find it was helpful to follow along in my textbook. I only really studied for this class right before the exam and did quite well!! would 100% take again!

Accessible outside class
Inspirational
Caring
5.0
4.0
SOCI363
Grade: A
Apr 11, 2020
Would take again

An interesting course -- seminar style. We used a regular chapter book in lieu of a standard textbook. There are no midterms or finals; instead, he graded us based on two short assignments and a research paper. Stephen asks engaging questions and he bothers to learn names. Make sure he knows yours!

Get ready to read
Inspirational
So many papers
1.0
4.0
SOCI269
Grade: B
Apr 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE STEPHEN! Had him during covid and he cancelled the final make quizzes worth 60% and written work 40% . Week into finals he adds a final and says its mandatory if you want to pass the class. Grading criteria is unclear and he gives little feedback so if you want to pass, you HAVE to agree with him. Quizzes are 10 very specific mc Q's.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
SOCI363
Grade: B+
Apr 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Funny how its a mental health class and my mental health was at an all time low. Doesn't post anything on BB, changes seminar days and cancels class without warning. Marks really hard if you aren't his fav student and gives you 2 general comments and a 60-70%. 3 papers worth 80% of your grade. Don't take him if you don't have to. Unclear grading.

Participation matters
So many papers
Tough grader
2.0
3.0
SOCI363
Grade: A
Apr 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

We were marked for attendance and participation, two writing assignments, and a final essay. The class was seminar style, despite being advertised as a lecture. Grading criteria for assignments was unclear and he did not give good feedback. He left the final paper topics up to us to decide on, and gave us no indication of what he wanted.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
SOCI269
Grade: B+
Apr 25, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Lectures were very dry and boring. Hard to keep focus and I found him to get off topic quick. He never posts his slides and his notes were useless. He graded tough on the papers and gave no proper guidelines as to how he wants you to write them. I was confused the whole time. Avoid this class

Skip class? You won't pass.
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
SOCI100
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Sep 14, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I totally understand that were in a pandemic but this professor isnt doing any lectures and isnt willing to email back and forth without just telling you to look at the course outline. I had to drop it because he wasnt actually teaching anything. He just told you to read a chapter and then gave you a test. Maybe hes better in person but AVOID.

Test heavy
2.0
1.0
SOCI100
Nov 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Online course, 10 modules 10% each. Fully textbook / module based, never even spoke to this prof.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
1.0
3.0
SOCI269
Grade: B
Dec 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He posted the due date for one of the major assignments as 2 different days and I almost didnt get mine in on time . He had a very cold tone when we got any interaction from him at all. 0 feedback no lectures just online modules. In the middle of a pandemic his intro said being sick is not a excuse for late assignments no extensions. Does not care

Lots of homework
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
SOC363
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I get that a pandemic is going on, but despite being a lecture class with set times we did not get any lectures. Basically he was there one day a week to answer questions you had on the readings. It was very much seminar style not lecture or at least not a 300 level course. Avoid while online.

So many papers
1.0
3.0
SOCI100
Mar 26, 2021
Wouldn't take again

I can't believe he gets paid to "teach" this course.. he has not interacted with the class this whole time and is rude when you ask questions via email. Course grades are determined by 10 tests, none of which you can review after or rewrite. If you actually want to learn something, don't take his class.

1.0
4.0
SOCI269
Grade: B-
Apr 9, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Two papers worth 40% and the rest is module quizzes. Avoid online at all costs!! Get ready to learn on your own without any help because he was not present at all. Email conversations with him is impossible as he gets back to you a week later. He is a ridiculously tough grader too for a 200 level course and I usually get A's on my papers.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Tough grader
3.0
4.0
SOCI363
Apr 14, 2021
Wouldn't take again

NGL, i ripped on him during the first half of the semester but he's actually kinda nice and accommodating. lots of papers online, and he doesn't teach (but i didn't go to his office hours so idk) gives decent feedback. basically u have to write 2 800 word essays in 2 days for the midterm so gl.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
So many papers
2.0
4.0
SOCI393
Grade: B+
Apr 27, 2021
Wouldn't take again

There were 2 video essays and 2 midterms. The midterms consisted of two 900 word essays on two of the readings. He gives the essay topics the day of the midterm and you get two days to write both. He expects us to have all the essays from each reading ready to upload, that's like 13 essays! Very unrealistic and he gives virtually no feedback.

Get ready to read
Tough grader
3.0
1.0
SOCI100
Grade: A
Apr 29, 2021
Would take again

Speake provided great lecture notes. In my experience, you don't actually need to read the textbook at all. His class was designed to have no midterm or final, but rather 10 tests for each module worth 10% each. I didn't mind it actually. All of his test were essentially based on his notes. Read them & you are guaranteed a good grade.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
2.0
2.0
SOC100
Grade: A-
Apr 30, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Never spoke to him or went to office hours so can't say much about him but he only made you take 10 quizzes this semester which counted for your entire grade which was nice. No midterms or final. Occasional short answer on quizzes, otherwise just multiple choice. Textbook was online.

2.0
2.0
SOC100
Grade: B+
May 13, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Professor Speake had a unique way of approaching this course. His slides were really sparse, mostly tested on textbook and application questions regarding the theories. Two midterms and a final, all on SEM but non cumulative which is nice. He held zoom meetings every Monday for questions, but didn't actually teach. However, quick on his email.

Accessible outside class
Graded by few things
Clear grading criteria
1.0
4.0
SOC290
Grade: B-
Jun 28, 2021
Wouldn't take again

3 Exams, and one paper worth 25%. No clear instructions for the paper and an absolutely brutal marker for a 200level. Little to no contact with the course, and posted our first midterm as our second so everyone got about 30 minutes in and had to restart. Would not recommend!!

Graded by few things
Tough grader
3.0
3.0
SOC100
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 25, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The discussions were easy, but the slides didnt have much information, rather you had to rely on the text very heavily

2.0
4.0
SOCI290
Grade: B
Dec 15, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Stephen really knows his stuff and is very passionate about this class. His exams are literally impossible. Study your butt off for a B- or don't study and still get a B-. If you don't need this course DO NOT TAKE IT!

Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
SOCI290
Grade: B+
Dec 17, 2021
Would take again

He knows his stuff and the course was interesting, his lectures were a little dry and fast and not much engagement (could be due to online and morning), there were 2 midterms a final and a paper all worth 25%. I thought the exams were difficult (multiple choice, T/F) but he grades the paper really easy and short (no feedback on it though).

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
3.0
3.0
SOC100
Grade: A
Apr 5, 2022
Would take again

Very passionate about Sociology and very knowledgeable. He knows his stuff and relates it nicely in class. His lectures are a little dry but if you attend the classes and take notes on his slides you should do well. Tests focus heavy on lecture slides compared to the textbook.

Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
SOC100
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 1, 2022
Would take again

Stephen is humorous at times but is pretty serious nonetheless. This course was pretty straightforward, and didn't have any papers or essays. However, be aware that your ENTIRE mark is made up by both midterms and the final. Each midterm is only on certain chapters, even the final was just like a third midterm. Study hard for those midterms!!

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
Test heavy
3.0
4.0
SOC290
Dec 11, 2022

The way Stephan makes his tests confuse me. He really isn't clear on what he tests on and the information he gives in lectures are very broad but then he tests on specific things, not to mention its very difficult to study for his exams due to this. Either get ready to read the textbook and still fail or maybe get lucky and pass

1.0
2.0
SOC100
Grade: B+
Dec 14, 2022

He is an awful prof who does not care about his students and reads off a PowerPoint the whole semester.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
SOCI232
Grade: Rather not say
Dec 20, 2022

Stephen is very knowledgeable and passionate about sociology. However, his quizzes were absolutely ridiculous. Prepare to know minor irrelevant information. Midterms were easy and the instructions were clear about how to do well on those but they weren't nearly as important as the quizzes were in terms of weighting.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
SOC100
Grade: A-
Jan 5, 2023
Would take again

you don't need to attend class, just stay home and read book.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
Online Savvy
2.0
4.0
SOC393
Grade: A-
Apr 4, 2023

Stephen Speake is very passionate about sociology, but what he teaches and the course material are not cohesive at all. The quizzes, which were worth a lot, were very nitpicky. The midterms were slightly easier but still hard. I realized quite soon in his class to stop coming to the lectures and just read the textbook.

Get ready to read
5.0
4.0
SOC100
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 16, 2023
Would take again

He was very nice and engaging. He used many examples to explain the material he was covering and was very easy to reach outside class for any questions or concerns. He was also upfront about what he covered and what the textbook expanded on, which was very helpful. However, he doesn't provide a study guide for exams so sometimes its hard to review.

2.0
4.0
SOC100
Grade: A-
Apr 21, 2023
Would take again

Professor Speake is very passionate about sociology. However, he lacked giving any guidance on what to study for (3 midterms-30%-35%-35%). You will need to read the textbook for his class. Overall he is relatively nice but I wouldn't recommend him unless you are also passionate about sociology.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
4.0
SOCI232
Grade: C+
Jun 27, 2023

Professor Stephen overall has an excellent sense of humour but is unable to translate any of his knowledge into proper lessons. I took my class during the summer course and attended nearly every class, he is very relaxed, however, I cannot stress to you enough about how IMPORTANT it is to read the textbook thoroughly. He will rely on slides a lot.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Hilarious
3.0
4.0
SOCI269
Grade: Not sure yet
Aug 21, 2023

Doesn't provide the clearest instructions or feedback, a bit nitpicky in exams, but is easy to contact and course is interesting

Tough grader
2.0
4.0
SOCI232
Grade: B+
Sep 20, 2023

If you have to take higher-level soci courses, do not take 232 with Speake if you want a comprehensive understanding of theory. He often went on tangents entirely unrelated to the content. He is passionate about the discipline but that did not translate or help in understanding the course content. If there is another prof, take their class instead

2.0
5.0
SOC100
Grade: A
Nov 4, 2023

0 clear guidance for exams, you'll be memorizing 3 chapters per mid-term(of 3 different mid-terms). He loves to test you on obscure references he made once in class(which won't be in the textbooks, and he didn't include in PowerPoints). So even if you attend classes and study the textbook you have to have a photographic memory with this guy.

1.0
3.0
SOC100
Grade: A
Dec 5, 2023

Super boring and really snarkt if you ask questions. Tests were easy, just had awkward questions that would cause you to trip up for no reasons. No point in attending the lectures, just read the textbook.

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
SOCI269
Grade: B
Dec 11, 2023

I found Stephen very unengaging, simply reading the slides, and sometimes going off with random unimportant tangents. was subtly clear on his own opinions about our social inequality topics. tests were strange with weirdly put questions that made you second guess quite often.

Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
1.0
5.0
SOCI100
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 19, 2023

His lectures are boring, and his tests are unreasonably trippy because the materials for third grades. He doesn't know how to make questions. Bro killed all my interest in sociology.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
SOCI261
Jan 2, 2024

Two midterms and a final (not cumulative). The lectures were dry and boring and the PowerPoint slides were mostly copied and pasted from the textbook which is also dry and wordy. Killed my passion for sociology. Save yourself the headache.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
5.0
2.0
SOC100
Grade: A-
Jan 4, 2024
Would take again

His class could be really really dry but as long as you show up in class and take notes whenever he's explaining you'll be good , textbook is really needed because he gets his midterm questions in the textbook, he's really really passionate about sociology and good at explaining it. The midterm and final was fair and there are no homework.

Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
SOC100
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 7, 2024

Exams are difficult even if you study the lecture notes and textbook. He includes questions that he barely touched on and mention once. Don't take him if you want to save your sanity.

Get ready to read
4.0
4.0
SOC100
Grade: A-
Apr 12, 2024
Would take again

He was very passionate, but his lectures sometimes seemed irrelevant, making it difficult to understand the crux of the content. The textbook was helpful in breaking down the main concepts that needed to be clarified during lectures. It's not an easy A class, but if you attend lectures and review your notes against the textbook you can do well.

Respected
Lecture heavy
5.0
3.0
SOCI232
Grade: Not sure yet
May 9, 2024
Would take again

Love this guy. Super personable and communicative, which helps keep lectures engaging. This is my second course with him and I would continue to search for his classes. Highly knowledgeable and happy to help!

Amazing lectures
Hilarious
Graded by few things
4.0
3.0
SOC100
Grade: A-
Dec 12, 2024
Would take again

Very unintentionally funny for a course that is pretty boring. he's super chill and nice. just gotta study lots and you'll be fine, everything is straight out of the notes and some textbook. tests are usually just multiple choice and written.

Hilarious
Respected
Test heavy
4.0
4.0
SOC100
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 18, 2024
Would take again

Stephen is a great prof, I think the 100 level course is too basic for him as he gets in depth with the material to give context to real life situation. This would sometimes reinforce my learning but also would make me lost in the material and the lecture. I would say reading the textbook is essential while comparing notes to his PowerPoint slides.

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
SOC100
Dec 28, 2024

The class isn't very engaging. Even tho he knows his stuff he usually went off on tangents and I got confused on what I should takeaway from it. So most of the time I ended up reading the chapters from the textbook. Was pretty time consuming and exhausting by the end

Get ready to read
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
3.0
SOC100
Grade: C+
Jan 4, 2025

If you want to do good in his class, you have to show up. The slides he provides are extremely dull and do not go into detail. During class, write down everything he says because if he gives random examples that seem out of the blue- they're not; it will most likely appear on an exam. Lectures can be boring sometimes but they're not unbearable.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
SOC100
Grade: B
Jan 21, 2025

The professor is passionate, but lectures can be dry. Textbook is essential for exams, which are challenging even if you study. Try using unstuck study alongside the textbook to prepare. Overall, a tough but doable class.

2.0
3.0
SOCI232
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 11, 2025

His midterms are essentially essays, check your grammar, you will be pretty much teaching yourself, the textbook is NOT OPTIONAL if you want to pass. All in all, not bad, not really clear on instructions for assignments. Prepare to spend the first 15mins crying finding the readings or rubrics he wants you to use for assignments. heavy use of slides

So many papers
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
SOCI232
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 11, 2025

Worst soci prof at MacEwan, absolutely decimated the joy I once found in sociology. His lectures are so dry and it's hard to tell if what he is saying is relevant to the course, his PowerPoints are incomplete and taken verbatim from the textbook. If it's between taking one of his courses or waiting until the next semester pick the latter.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
1.0
4.0
SOCI232
Grade: C
Apr 10, 2025

Had him for an 8am, you'd need to put a megaphone in front of him to hear past first row. Want instructions for an assignment? GOOD LUCK, he buries it in the course outline, then gives you a bad mark. Failed both of my midterms because of this! There was a summary portion and he didn't state what to summarize, apparently I did the wrong one! RUN!!

Tough grader
So many papers
3.0
3.0
SOCI269
Grade: A
Jun 21, 2025
Would take again

This was an average class. Honestly, not too bad. two test due every two weeks. And two papers. The papers were clearly outlined, and you had options on topics so it wasn't too boring. I am not knowledgeable about the topics so I had a bit of a struggle. This class is pretty OK. I was worried because of ratings.. but it was good

Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
1.0
4.0
SOCI232
Grade: B
Nov 19, 2025

Lectures are so dry. Super hard to take notes since he talks so much. He talks about one topic for 90mins when the point was made 30mins ago. His feedback lacks depth. However, it is a relativly easy class to pass but its just hard to want to go. Class size went from 40 people to 5, that should sum it up.

Tough grader
4.0
3.0
SOCI100
Grade: B
Nov 30, 2025
Would take again

On the surface, it may seem that all he does is talk, but upon closer attention to his lectures, he covers every aspect of the course. Professor Speake covers information from both the textbook and general knowledge in great detail. The only negative thing I have to say is that his voice is on the quieter side. Other than that, I recommend him.

Participation matters
Caring
Lecture heavy
3.0
2.0
SOCI232
Grade: B+
Dec 9, 2025
Would take again

I literally didn't attend a single class and I finished with an 85%. Basically taught everything myself, extremely textbook heavy material and very, very tough marker.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
Clear grading criteria
3.0
4.0
SOCI232
Grade: B-
Dec 17, 2025

Overall, professor is alright but I wouldn't take him again. In my personal opinion, his lectures were very dull making it difficult to attend the 8:00AM lectures. Everything is very textbook heavy and very strict with his marking. Be sure to read the course line as all the information for the midterm assignments are on there.

Tough grader
Get ready to read
5.0
3.0
SOCI269
Grade: A-
Dec 18, 2025
Would take again

I had a great experience with Dr. Speake. The course was well organized, and expectations were clear.

Tough grader
Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

58%

Textbook Required

31%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

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Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 53 grades
Most common grades:
Not sure yet (15)
A- (13)
B+ (12)
Grade Distribution
A(9)B(13)C(5)D(4)F(0)A-/B+(25)
Based on 73 reported grades
Not sure yet: 15
A-: 13
B+: 12
A: 7
Common Tags
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5.0

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3.5

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3.3

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3.0

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