4.4
Quality3.1
Difficulty67%
Would Retake112
Reviews67%
Would Retake
112
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
75
4
25
3
6
2
1
1
5
What Students Say
“He is nice, but his tests are ridiculously hard”
GEO5 - 2.0 rating“Its not heavy, just a lot of great info that you can actually learn from and use”
GEOGENVIR - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.07 avg changeRatings by Course
GEOGENVIR
5.0
(1)GEOGENV
5.0
(1)GEOWLAB
5.0
(2)GEO5WLAB
5.0
(2)GEO35
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
GEOGEO
5.0
GEO03
5.0
GEO3
4.5
GEO5WLAB
4.0
GEOGCALIF
4.0
Reviews (112)
Teaches a GREAT Environmental Studies course where you have a different guest speaker every class,you never get bored.If you have to take a science class, take this one.Its not heavy, just a lot of great info that you can actually learn from and use!
Brilliant and funny. Very interesting class.
Selby is an exceptional teacher. Everyone enjoys his class!!!
This was the best geo lab class I could have taken. I went on to get a MA and I still remember the stuff I learned In Selby's class. Passionate about subject and concerned about students
can't say enough about how much he loves geography and this class. he's a really nice guy that is makes the class fun and cares about his students. a little bit of a character. fair grader. highly recommend!!!
Mr. Selby is a fantastic Professor who cares so much about Geography and his students. He has a great sense of humor and a kind heart. I highly recommend his class.
I never liked geography in my life, but he is encouraging and parent like approach.
Professor Selby is a great teacher, his enthusiasum and energy makes the subject fun and interesting. And I would love to take another class with him if my scheduale allows it!
He knows his stuff. His tests can be a little difficult, but he permits a fair amount of extra credit if you ask. What matters to him is that you learn.
His field trip classes are great. He picks fascinating places to go & puts a lot of effort into putting on the overnight trips. Lots of stops with interesting observations. Very comprehensible rather than dry technical. Possibly too simplistic 4 some.
Classes are interesting. Textbook, which he wrote, is horrid (sorry). It's odd because he is a great lecturer, but that text sucks. Tests are fair, not easy, but fair. He obviously loves his job and is still excited about it.
awesome teacher. however do not take the class for an easy A...it wont happen. loves his job and has true enthusiasm for geography. attend class and u should be fine...exams are fair, but not easy. u will need to study/look over ur class notes.
FANTASTIC!!! BEST CLASS I HAVE EVER TAKEN!! he loves what he teaches and his passion for it shows through his lectures. Funny guy and his filed trips are great. You will never look at your surrounding the same way again. GREAT CLASS AND TEACHER!! *****
good professor who really enjoys teaching geo. lab wasnt that bad. just make sure you take really good notes in class. doesnt even take roll most of the time.
I loved him - he is a big goof ball. Fun class - Great material. It seems harder than it is at first. Suggestion: outline the reading and consolidate with lecture. If it is on both it is on the test.
Selby is knowledgable end loves geography. The material is interesting BUT => you will work your butt off for this class and the tests are very hard. We only had 3 A's on the first test, a couple of B's, lots of C's & D's. Definitly NO easy A!
Selby is a great teacher. He will keep you interested. I highly recommend sitting up front in class, it will make a huge difference. Not a hard class if you keep up with the work. Listening in class and taking notes will do wonders.
He is a nice guy and enthusiastic about his subject but I have been soooo bored this entire semester. The class isn't very hard and tests are fair. He allows extra credit .His lectures were hard to take notes from. Sometimes he is very monotone.
Fantastic, caring, helpful, genuine interest in his students. Takes the time to make sure students understand. Office hours everyday! I am no longer at SMC and he continues to mentor me. Great letter of recommendation
Although it may be boring at times, his lectures were interesting and fun. He gets really involved with his students. Tests are somewhat difficult but if you do the reading you'll be fine. We went through the whole textbook!
really hard and unfair to the students
He was really enthusiastic and full of energy at the beginning of the semester, but by the end he wasn't funny or interesting anymore. We were always running out of time, and he would keep us in after class (which is annoying for a 3 hour class). A lot of material for the tests, but EC chances.
He is one of the best teachers at SMC. He's very enthusiastic and energetic. You will learn alot. Those who rated him low are usually the slackers who wants easy A's or just wants to pass. His classes are not easy but if you study and keep up you'll survive. I finally transferred to Stanford.
Selby is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the material. HOWEVER, you will have to write down EVERY word he says in lectures because it might be on the exam... plus you have to read the ENTIRE book . The workload is HUGE but the class is interesting. NOT an easy A and I am a 4.0 student...
the most awesome professor. he's got a lab full of students who have to take it but wouldn't otherwise and regardless he has energy to burn and honestly wants everyone to learn and love it. incredible professor.
Awesome dude, awesome class! easy class structure, lith lots of personal pictures. FUN. NICE. EASY
Wow, what an awsome teacher. Selby will challenge you as a student and it will make you a better learner in the long run. Hic class is memorable and I will always remember my experience in Geogrpahy 5.
GreatTeacher!
VERY VERY helpful teacher, and super passionate about Geography/Environmentalism! The concepts are not extremely difficult, and his tests are pretty much straight from lecture. The class is very fun and very applicable to your daily life. If you have any interest in the environment, TAKE HIS CLASS!
Very disrespectful toward students. Several people I know who took him said the same thing. I'm glad to read he was nice to other people but not in my experience
Whoever thinks that he is rude to his students doesnt understand his humor. I've never seen him rude. This man is extremely dedicated to his job and it shows in his teaching style. Tests are straightforward, no excuse not to get an A in the class if you study the material and pay atention. Very fair
He's a good teacher with a heart of teaching.But personally I dun think he is an easy professor.The tests are rather ticky and gosh they are tough!Take it if you really know "geog"
Selby is very nice and sweet, but his class requires a lot of your time. Not impossible, but know that even though you will like him you won't be very happy with the amount of workload.If you are an A student you might be fine. Great teacher, great class, but a is a lot of work and not an easy A or B.
he is hard even when he is friendly and funny
he knows his stuffs...very informative....but he's a nono...he's too hard and time consuming...take him only if you have pently of time
The person who wrote that is is disrespectful of students is correct. He has his click of strange people that cling around him and outside of this he treats you like dirt. He doesn't like to answer questions and if pressed his response is outright rude. True disappointment and waste of time and money.
Whoever wrote that Selby is disrepectful is being untrue and unfair and has never been in his class. Selby goes out of his way to answer questions. He does his best to recognize and respect EVERY student's needs and to give EVERY student an equal chance for success and every student knows it. Selby loves teaching geography and it shows.
The person who wrote he disrespects studemts is disturbed or doesn't know Selby. Here's the scoop: This class requires a lot of work, but Selby respects diversity in his class and he invites questions. His class is for students who want the college experience, but not for those who have a grade school mentality.
Selby takes time to lead field trips. He invites all of his students and offers extra credit for going. Stongly recommend this if you are interested in learning more about geography and our region. Likes to interact with students who show interest in learning.
If you are a student planning to attend a real school like UCLA, well I took Selby's class and I now attend UCLA and let me tell you, most teachers at UCLA teach the same way that he does so if you want a good experience on some preperation for the university then Selby is a great choice but if you are satisifed with a Cal State then dont take him!
Selby is very fair and understanding. God bless him. A lot of material to read but if you are native or you read fast so that you will have to reread the material befor tests you will survive. He also offers extra credit so take advantage of that as well. MAKE SURE YOU take good notes from lecture and guest speakers so you can ace your tests. One
I am a transfer student that thanks Selby for preparing me for upper division classes. He is the best teacher I've had and I say that comparing him to University level teachers. His class keeps you busy, but if you keep up you'll be fine. You will learn a lot and will build good studing habits and Selby won't let you sink he'll help you all the way
One of the best profs at SMC. Selby is kind, hilarious, energetic and extremely knowledgable. Just because he has a great sense of humor doesn't mean that this is an easy class. Take it very seriously, keep up with the heavy workload and the reading and you'll do fine. He also offers extra credit if you need it.
No Comments
I'm Taking EsL11A and now I'm ESL 21a eventhough the languege is hard but the teacher is so great... so helpful that I got B eventhough i hate science...my major is Music...as u could see it totally different things
Selby wrote the book on California Geography (literally). Nice, funny, friendly, informed guy. Interesting and comprehensive class. Be sure to use his online practice quizzez--lots of the questions wind up on the exams!!!
Clear, knowledgeable, fair, and funny. His lively lectures keep you awake and involved. He makes fun of himself and grows along with his students. I already knew Selby was a great professor, but after going on a weekend long camping trip with him and a bunch of other students, I've joined the fan club- Selby for president! Take his class!
Selby is a very good professor. He makes class fun and interesting, i never missed. He is also really, really cute.
Selby is so great that nobody is dropping his class at the end of the semester, even though they know they are not getting As. Everybody loves him!
This class and teacher were really boring. His tests are hard. You have to show up to class everyday and do all the readings to get an A and you'll probably have to do extra credit. not recommended.
Say what you want about Selby's class, but it is NOT boring unless your head is buried in the sand! It is true that he will challenge you, but he is fair and honest about that. If you want a grade school class where the teacher holds your hand, this is NOT for you. It is truly a college course and the topics are very relevant.
Professor Selby is a great professor! BUT his class is extremely DIFFICULT... I did not pass his class, I had a very difficult time. I guess it's the subject that made it hard... If u want a challenge TAKE HIM!
He was an AWESOME teacher. He's really clear about everything he teaches, and hes really really funny. I truely enjoyed comming to his class. I learned so much and he was very easy. 4 tests, final is just your last test, non-cumulative. NO HOMEWORK =)
Someone asked whether methane producing cows were considered a mobile or stationary source of pollution and Selby replied that they're more of a "Moo-bile" source. Amazing.
He walks fast on the hikes, but if you can keep up, it's worth it. He rubbed that stinky plant all over him once, though and I coudn't stand near him. I think it was that cowboy one.
You can tell Selby loves teaching geography and he cares that his students learn. Take notes and read the book and you'll be fine. Attend the optional field trips if you have time.
What a lot of fun! Selby loves his work and shares it freely with his students. He invites discussions of varying opinions. 98% of the material needed for the tests comes from the lectures. No REAL homework needed. His obvious goal is to help everyone do well and pass.
LOVE SELBY! Love him love him love him. Yeah. Just had to say that.
Selby really has a passion for what he teaches. Stay up with the reading and notes and you'll be fine. Offers extra cred which boost low test grades. Field trips were actually pretty interesting. Selby really cares about his students but doesn't tolerate bs. He'll help you if you need it but dont dig yourself into too deep a hole if you can help it
no idea what to study. requirements are vague. often goes off-topic during lectures. does not go into depth expanding on concepts, expects the average student to be familiar with specific concepts within the science. do not recommend if you are just trying to get UC credits!!
Selby really puts his heart into teaching, so whoever wrote the previous eval must have mistaken him for another professor or just didn't go to class. Selby keeps it clear/simple from the start and his syllabus. Attend class, STUDY YOUR NOTES and book, ask questions and you will be fine. He respects all students. NOT for immature grade schoolers.
Selby is the most enthusiastic professor I've ever had. So enthusiastic in fact that its contagious...He really gets u into the subject...The class does require u to know a lot of content so be ready...theres 3 tests and a final with 50 questions each...Labs are easy..There are also optional field trips which I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend... Enjoy!
Prof. Selby is an amazing teacher. Class was difficult ('m not gonna lie), but he's an extremely interesting and inspirational person. I really enjoyed it even though I did not get a very good grade. Study the chapters and notes a lot and you'll do well.
Geog 5 is a great class to take if you need to fulfill a science lab and want to have fun! Not an easy A but Professor Selby is dedicated to helping his students reach their academic goals. I really appreciated his enthusiasm for his subjects and attentiveness toward his students. Thanks Selby!
Awesome teacher. Go on the fieldtrips.
Don't just go off of lectures, read and study the text. Use the online-quizzes that come with the text. Make notecards for vocab and be sure to learn concepts. Basically, if you go to class EVERY SESSION and TAKE NOTES, this class is super simple. Plus he gives 28 points in extra credit opps for those who find it hard. Class is so straight forward
Attend class and do the reading, you'll do well. You will have to do the reading, though. Selby sometimes is a little too idealogical, but he really knows his stuff when it comes to environmental science. He is very willing to help and give extra credit to those that need it/have questions.
Selby, what can I say. Hell of a nice guy, puts a smile on your face. Make sure you are interested in the environment and the specifics of the science of weather. Personally, I found the subject matter to be quite boring... Basically, if you are truly into weather and climate take the class. If not, you may be in for quite a struggle!
Also GEOG 7. Very nice, full of info and enthusiasm. Tests out of lecture (which includes discussion of books) so pay attn and take notes and you'll be fine. I read a day b4 test and was fine bc I also paid attn in class. Easy grader and will give xtra pts for good answers. Also takes xtra credit. Hard to fail his class. Great teacher,but also easy
Even though I'm a Buss-Econ major, this turned out to be THE BEST CLASS I've ever had. This was a sem when i had 24 units and was literally slogging my way thru. But this guy was extremely energetic and highly influential. I wanted to go to a class for the 1st time in my life. Thats how interesting his class was. Study the book and make good notes
Horrible teacher but great guy. He doesn't teach anything. Guest speakers every week that say the same thing. Tests hard, sometimes they'd be on the book, other times on the lectures(the one time he lectured) and other times the guest speakers. Totally unpredictable and expects you to learn everything on your own. I would not take him again.
In this class, he brought expert and famous guest speakers from different fields between regular class sessions. Very informative. Follow syllabus and attend class and do the reading and you should thrive and learn a lot. Students who missed class struggled.
This class is VERY challenging, but only if you don't strategize. Remember his advice about if it's in class and in the book it'll definitely be on the exam. Selby is the greatest character however it is difficult to put his lectures into notes. Knowing definitions helps and he's willing to help you until yo understand. He's such a great person.
He's a really good teacher. Very enthusiastic about his class. He animates inanimate things to make it easier to understand. He's funny in a Mr. Rogers sort of way. Tests are hard, you need to read the book and the sections he lectures on. Attendence is only mandatory in the beginning of class.
Just got done with Mr. Selbys class and it was an honor to be in his class. Everybody who says its hard probably didn't follow the Clear instructions. Simply be in class and read the chapters. If you do this you will recieve an A. You will learn about real world issues, things that need to be addressed for example the energy crisis. Great class!
He is a great professor, very approachable. Pay attention in class, participate, and outline each chapter before you ego into class. It will help you and prepare you for discussions and he will know you've been reading. Very easily comprehndable in lectures. He's very funny and wants you to learn. Your only reason for failing is laziness.
Selby is really a great guy. He kind of goes off subject sometimes but its really because the subject he talks about he's really into. The exams are way easy if you GO TO CLASS. Definitely one of my favorites professors. Taking him again in the fall.
Took Selby for Environ. Studies. Super funny and knowledgeable! 4 tests including final-all the same format. Always has a "tell me what you know" question on his tests-TAKE ADVANTAGE, as long as you write any facts in format of Q&A you will get bonus pts & be guaranteed an A, has Extra Credit too. Learned a lot and wish the class would never end :)
Professor Selby is great! His classes are inspiring and a ton of fun! He encourages discussion, he is SUPER knowledgeable and he really CARES about his students and wants everyone to succeed. He has field trips, provides extra credit, and also he will make you laugh a lot! Take this class, we are lucky to have Professor Selby at SMC!
Prof. Selby taught me more than any other teacher has without me even realizing it. His grading style will probably piss you off, but TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE RESPONSES. Write everything you know. Pay attention in class because that's where the bulk of the test is from. Be patient with him and know that he actually knows what hes doing!
Professor Selby is one of the best teachsers at smc.. I really looked foward to going to his class, you learn about stuff you really didnt know about Cali. He is also very funny and entertining.
prof. selby is very enthusiastic about the subject. he can go on and on when answering a question. he's always willing to help, but be warned, his tests are extremely difficult. no study guide, combo of multiple choice and free response.
Selby is great. great great great! "Get out of here plane." hahahahah Don't be a dummy... learn this stuff. It's important for everyone! If you don't get it, ask, ask, ask, until you do! :)
Geog is not my favorite subject, but I am probably going to take another geog class later on w/ him, because he is just one funny/entertaining prof. I'm not getting an A, but you can easily if you go to class and take good notes! Plus, he gives E.C. Also, participate in class! don't be mute like I was.
Great professor, for people like me who arent interested in geography. it was a pleasure going to class and getting a variety of learning experiences. Awesome field trips and lots of extra credit.
The class lectures can get pretty boring, but he does take attendance so you need to go. With a pretty low level of studying (usually the night before) I pulled Bs and As on his tests. No other homework except a short essay. Make sure you study the quizzes on his website, he uses them on tests
Tests are easy, lots of extra credit, optional field trips, extremely easy class if you're not a total moron. Selby is a down to Earth, fun dude. Read the damn book before you come to class and give this guy a break. Selby is so knowlegable that you can learn so much from him; ask questions.
Do yourself a favor and go take another scholars class. The class itself is actually really fun, but his tests are extremely difficult, with no study guide, and very detailed.
SELBY IS AWESOME! If you listen and write notes during lectures you will get an A. Everything he says will be on the tests. He lets you write the test questions so make sure your class does that as they will compose half of the test!!! Only read to review what he said in the lectures.
OMG! He is the best teacher in whole wild world!lots of xcredits, easy exams(as long as your not sleeping in the class),super funny field trips.he know his stuff and change your view towards the world.JUST TAKE HIM!!!
He is nice, but his tests are ridiculously hard. Take another scholars class. You've been warned :)
Geography 5 scholars pros: great professor, knows everything you may want to know and more. lab = workbook pages average of 5/week. interesting material. learned so much. tests are curved so having dumb people in class was good. cons: test were harder than expected. but studied and got A. no room to slack off - nor should there be.
Professor Selby is AWESOME!! I really suggest you take him if you're interested in Environmental studies, or even if you just need credit, it's an EASY A! from the first day i took his class and saw how he teaches and how his personality is i really liked him :)
This is a field studies course. The only requirements are to attend the three field trips (Two one day trips, one three day camping trip) and to show up on the first and last class. Must keep field notes to get an A. Overall, easy, he's super smart and keeps you interested and wants for you to be even more interested.
Mr. Selby is a sweet and awesome teacher! I have never meet a teacher so passionate about a subject before. An easy A to get as long as you take good notes, READ THE BOOK, and attend class. There are extra credit opportunities to help your grade, if you're behind. There are even cool field trips if you want to participate in them.
He's great lecturer, although sometimes I feel like he followed the book like reading it to you (when it comes to "textbook time"). Very knowledgable, helpful (almost got me an internship). He is not really good at remembering names so I guess you need to stand out aka talk to him/in class a lot (unfortunately that was not me).
Incredibly down to earth and funny. Very helpful and makes lectures interesting. Take his class, and go on the field trips!
Great teacher. Very informed, current, relevant, and has interesting guest speakers come in often. Show up to class! Read the textbook, stay on pace with the assigned reading, complete the sustainable works book, and you're PERFECT. This class is important to take because you learn so much and afterwords are much more familiar with today problems
Incredibly down to earth and funny. Very helpful and makes lectures interesting. Took his class during the fall, 3 exams and a final. I recommend doing all the extra credits as it'll help bump up your grade. It's important you go to class since everything that's on the test is on lectures he gives during class. Definitely take him!
Selby is an amazing professor. Everyone says he's a hard teacher, but if you literally just pay attention in class and try to grasp larger concepts you hardly have to do any studying. I'm not a science person at all, but I've done very well in all of the classes I've taken with him. Plus he's super goofy and a great lecturer. TAKE HIM!
Best Professor at Smc. You will get an A if you pay attention. Plenty Extra Credit. Dont skip class its really interesting and is the best Lab class you could possibly take.
Selby is super down to earth and funny. The lecture can be a bit dull at times but his humor makes up for it. He gives tons of extra credit so take advantage of it! There can be some questions from the book so it's good to have it. Attendance isn't mandatory but you really should be there for all of his lectures to do well. I would recommend! :)
Professor Selby is the best! He is so funny, and really passionate about the subjects he teaches.
Show up to class, pay attention to his lectures (I know they're long but he gives a 15 min break halfway through), before the test READ THE TEXTBOOK and you will pass with flying colors. I failed the first test and got nearly 100% on the rest, he gives out a LOT of opportunities for extra credit and do them, write extra long in free response q's
The only you can pass this class is to RECORD HIS LECTURES and read the chapters TWICE! He briefly goes overs over the chapters and sometimes he says something so confusing so it's better to record! Memorize the NAMES OF THE SONGS he plays in class because there ALL on the TEST! Do ALL THE EXTRA CREDIT YOU CAN it helps in the end!
Professor Selby really cares about his students and is very enthusiastic about the subjects he teaches. Make sure you attend every class. A lot of the material he put on our tests was things he talked about in class. He is overall a great teacher and has a funny sense of humor too. I would definitely take him again.
He is super into the classes he teaches. He absolutely loves geography of California and teaching. Great class, very interesting if you want to learn about geography, climate, and all that stuff. Would take a class of his again. He's also funny.
Selby is pretty funny and really passionate about what he teaches. If you pay attention in class, take good notes, and review the book chapters covered, you'll be fine. Most of the test material is based on what is said during lectures, so attending class is important. I could have had a MUCH better grade if I had studied my notes more.
Mr Selby is one of the great teachers at SMC, he has done lots of goof things to get this campus more environmentally friendly. His lectures are great. But I thought the test were a little hard and the questions were sometimes hard to understand. For each test you have to read like 5 chapters or more so it's a lot.
Not a fan of Selby. I had trouble understanding his lectures. On top of that his exams were difficult. I barely made it out with a B to my surprise and that was with a lot of desperate self-studying & self-studying is a bad idea for a science class. I wouldn't take him unless you want to suffer like I did.
Selby was knowledgeable and passionate. Loved geography and encouraged his students to be successful. Students who expected an easy A without working or learning were disappointed. I was inspired to earn my UC Degree, thanks to what I learned in his class..
I took the only 2 classes Professor Shelby taught back in 1986-1987. I transferred to UCLA and got a masters in NYC at SVA. Of all of my teachers over the years, Professor Selby made me understand and enjoy and appreciate how learning can be fun and desirable rather than just work.
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
100%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Stable
-0.07 avg changeRatings by Course
GEOGENVIR
5.0
(1)GEOGENV
5.0
(1)GEOWLAB
5.0
(2)GEO5WLAB
5.0
(2)GEO35
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
GEOGEO
5.0
GEO03
5.0
GEO3
4.5
GEO5WLAB
4.0
GEOGCALIF
4.0