Feedback | The Sociology of Religion

Anonymous Athabasca University Student says…

What have you learned:

The most important things I learned in this course was mainly about my own religion and values. Throughout this entire course I felt I learned more and more about myself and my beliefs than I expected to have learned before starting this course. I never realized how much corruption is in the world around us until I really examined my life more closely.

What did you like most?

The one thing I liked most about this course was that everything was laid out really clear for students. There was no confusion on what was required in this course. I also like the commentaries that was provided throughout the course. These were very helpful and gave me a lot of things to think about while doing course readings.

What improvements could be made?

There was nothing that I can think of that I would improve in this course other than trying to get the final exam online. I enjoyed everything in this course and felt that Dr. Mikes feedback was very helpful to succeed in this course.

Anonymous Athabasca University Student says…

What have you learned:

This was my first sociology course and I wasn’t sure how much I would like it. But I learned that sociology is a very interesting field and will no doubt take a few more classes before I finish my degree.

About this course in particular, I found it interesting that in order to view the subject sociologically, I had to step back from my own personal views to an extent and see things how the general population sees them.

What did you like most?

I liked the question you asked. I liked the fact that you made us dig deep into our own thoughts to answer the questions but at the same time, you provided us with your own insights.

I also enjoyed the forums. Hearing what other students have to say about the various questions was also really enlightening. So many of them had different opinions or viewpoints as mine so it was interesting to hear what they had to say on the matter.

It was refreshing to have a professor who is not afraid to share your point of view but is open enough to allow us to share ours without telling us we are wrong for feeling that way. You’d be surprised how often it happens.

What improvements could be made?

I’m not sure what to write. But I guess if I did have a criticism, it would be about the 2 books we needed to read and write about. Selling Spirituality is the book I wrote about and I find it a bit more academic than I would have liked. As well, Born Again is somewhat dated but provides good insights.

Debbie Wiseman says…

What have you learned:

I have to tell you, I thought this was a really interesting course. I wasn’t sure how I would enjoy Sociology but I really did. You made it interesting and the forums were a real eye opener, to say the least. I just might end up taking another Soci class next year.

Anonymous Athabasca University Student says…

What have you learned:

Throughout this class I’ve learned to 1) never hesitate to seek answers and ask questions, 2) that heavy metal bands are incredibly insightful in their core meaning and 3) sociology can be exciting (my first time experiencing this in my sociology degree and I am finished upon completing this class).

What did you like most?

Dr. Mike, you have an incredible ability to unfold and express what sociology truly means. Your unconventional and personal questions intrigued me. It was refreshing to be in your course and hear your views – too often do abide by conventional ways of teaching/learning. Great course, I’ve recommended it and you as a professor already.

What improvements could be made?

I have found it extraordinarily difficult to comment on 15 postings for full marks, as I find I am repeating myself therefore it is no longer productive – that and/or the content didn’t interest me. In addition, 4000 words for a paper worth 15% of the final grade was too plain of a motivation for me. I would prefer to put 100% into the 600-1600 worded assignments (weighted 10% each), than into a 4000 worded paper.