How’s it going Professor? Where will you be teaching at CSUS this year (2008)? We, the students appreciate every little thing that you have done in our classes. We will always remember the lectures and the jokes and the theories and inspiration that you brought with you. I believe that many students enjoyed your class as I have myself. I was never tired or bored but always fascinated by the voice that you projected with enthusiasm while you spoke in front of us. You’re the best teacher that I had so far and hopefully I’ll see you around campus. You’re not just an excellent teacher but also a great mentor and a great friend. Thank you again for your inspiration in teaching and I’ll see you around my friend. (Email me when your book comes out, I’ll be one of the first to purchase it.)

Your student, Leng, a Junior at CSU Stanislaus.

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Dear Professor Prendergast,

I just wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed your classes. I took your Contemporary Theory class this semester because I liked your Classical Theory class in the Fall so much. It’s really refreshing to take classes from a Professor who takes the time to work with students individually; and who also listens to the class as a group to make lectures and projects more interactive.

I particularly liked the group presentations because they gave us an opportunity to not only learn the material, but “teach” our peers; which can make the learning process less mundane on a day to day basis. I think the presentations are a great way to learn concepts on a deeper level beyond simply reading material only in text books or taking notes in a lecture every single day for 4 months- which a lot of other professors do. I think “mixing it up” is a good way to keep students engaged, and I appreciate that you understand that.

In short- I really appreciate your dedication to your classes and your methods for taking something as dry as theory and actually making it interesting- and dare I say – fun!

I look forward to taking any other classes you teach in the future.

Sincerely,

Christine Childe

(Junior, 2007)

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Dear Professor,

I just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed your class. After taking classical theory in the fall semester I was left with the feeling that I had made a huge mistake in choosing to major in Sociology. I feel that what I got more out of that class was an education in conspiracy theory and the feeling that all sociologists share the same beliefs and values. Of course those particular beliefs and values that were shared were very extreme and alienating. I felt like I did not belong. I talked to my advisor about the concerns and even got the forms necessary to change majors, but decided to give it another chance. In your contemporary theory class not only did you share and expand upon the area of Sociology in which I fit, but you helped me to develop a better knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the other theories from classical theory as well. I hope to have the opportunity to take a class from you again in the future.

Thank you,

Stephanie Whitefield (Senior, 2008)