WARNING: Potential Misconduct and Harassment – Dr. Terri Anderson, Sociology

If you are considering taking this class, be aware that there are open misconduct reports against Dr. Terri Anderson with the UCLA Sociology Board. Several students from past classes were reported to the Dean for issues related to AI use, collaboration, or academic integrity, and even some TAs have filed reports.

Professor Anderson is extremely rigid and unapproachable. There is little to no room for discussion regarding grading or clarification. She strictly monitors AI usage, requiring Google Doc edit histories for every assignment, which feels invasive and excessive.

Grades can be deducted randomly in tiny increments (0.1–0.3 points) without explanation. She may call students out publicly on Canvas for “using AI” or “not engaging,” even when no proof exists. Time on Perusall readings is tracked and assumptions are made based on those numbers.

TAs have limited grading authority, and contesting a grade is nearly impossible. Office hours often do not resolve issues, as all final decisions are subjective and at her discretion.

Expect weekly proctored quizzes with only four highly specific questions, multiple readings, discussion posts, video lectures, an essay midterm, and an oral final. The workload is heavy, and the structure feels more like surveillance than education.

If you are facing harassment or faculty misconduct, see the UCLA Academic Senate charge process here: https://www.senate.ucla.edu/committees/charges
and consider supporting the Spring 2025 students’ petition: https://chng.it/Kx7V4WGXx2

Avoid this class at all costs unless you are prepared to navigate a highly controlled and stressful environment.

I skimmed through some of her past reviews and I honestly have no idea what those particular students are talking about when they say, "Don't take her!!" etc. etc.

I took Social Psychology and it is thus far my favorite class at UCLA. She is also one of my favorite professors at UCLA thus far as well. And to give you an idea of what type of professor I like, here's a short list: Victor Bascara (Asian American Studies), Bruce Barbee (Education), Neil Garg (Organic Chemistry), Matthew Fisher (English), Akram Almohalwas (Stats), and Debra Pires (Life Science).

As you can see, these professors teach completely different courses (and some are a lot tougher than others) but what they all have in common is that they really care about their students, have a passion for material they are teaching, and they love teaching in general.

So for SOC132 specifically, there were readings every week but they were doable. If it's "too much" for you, you probably shouldn't be in the humanities to be honest. They were doable, period. They were also very interesting! And she makes you apply what you learn through journals, essays, etc.

It's a very good class. I would explain how much I love it, but then you (the reader) might just think I'm biased or something.

All I can say is that she is an excellent professor. If you don't like her, you honestly probably just disliked the course material or the way she structured the class.

She's a wonderful person and wonderful teacher.

Please take her. I highly recommend it.