Student Comments:

2026:

*I loved everything about this class. After taking this class I have added a Sociology minor.”

*“The best thing I learned in this class was all the legal information. I found that so interesting. I loved that you would talk about the current situation. That is something I always looked forward to, coming to class and learning about situations and drama I didn’t know but they were current. I also really liked that you shared information about in the rare case if something were to happen to us, like an arrest, you give advice, in hopes that happens to no one but it was still so good to know.”

* “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this class. Your textbook was such a fun read, your

discussion posts were very thought provoking and engaging, and I had so much fun this semester

reading through and deciphering court cases.”

*“Thank you sincerely for such a wonderful semester. I really enjoyed every class and learned a lot. I looked forward to your class every week and am going to miss it!! Keep rocking! You're the best!”

*“I don't think anything in this class was boring. I honestly liked and was interested in everything we talked about, and this class is actually the reason I am taking Sociology next year.”

*“I really enjoyed this class and looked forward to coming each time!”

* “This was one of my favorite classes that I've ever been a part of. I loved how we were able to choose our own social problem topics which is different than many other classes. The creative side of this class and the personal side are really what stood out to me.”

*“I loved this class, especially with how engaged you are with each student and our lives, I don't think anything should be changed! I feel like I really learned a lot of things that will be used in my future.”

*“You most always presented multiple viewpoints on topics and didn't condemn others viewpoints and that's an attitude that I want to walk with in life.”

*“I loved the way in this class, I felt like you never made anyone feel 'wrong' or 'stupid' for having a differing opinion on larger topics! Another thing I've learned is to be more compassionate towards others because there is always more than what meets the eye.”

*“I think what helped me the most in the class was not a specific article, but it was just listening to the lectures. You always know so much on the topic, and if you didn't, you just did your research online super easily, and you knew how to talk about it. I found every single article fascinating, but then by watching your lecture, I was able to grow my speaking abilities in class and really start to form strong opinions, which has helped me in my everyday life.; Now I have a better understanding of the law, in life, and on media.”

*“You most always presented multiple viewpoints on topics and didn't condemn others viewpoints and that's an attitude that I want to walk with in life.”

*“I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed your class this semester. I wasn’t too sure what I was signing up for when picking this class, but I am so glad I did.”

*“Missing Social Problems class this semester, still haven’t found any professor that could beat you.”

*“Thank you again for creating such an open and engaging class environment. I am really enjoying the course.”

*“Thank you so much for a wonderful semester. I really enjoyed your class and had a blast!”

*“I felt like you as a teacher had amazing knowledge on so many new topics such as school laws, crime, and even scandals with celebrities and big figures.”

*“I loved the way in this class, I felt like you never made anyone feel 'wrong' or 'stupid' for having a differing opinion on larger topics! Another thing I've learned is to be more compassionate towards others because there is always more than what meets the eye.”

*“You most always presented multiple viewpoints on topics and didn't condemn others viewpoints and that's an attitude that I want to walk with in life.”

*“I loved this class, especially with how engaged you are with each student and our lives, I don't think anything should be changed! I feel like I really learned a lot of things that will be used in my future.”

*“I think what helped me the most in the class was not a specific article, but it was just listening to the lectures. You always know so much on the topic, and if you didn't, you just did your research online super easily, and you knew how to talk about it. I found every single article fascinating, but then by watching your lecture, I was able to grow my speaking abilities in class and really start to form strong opinions, which has helped me in my everyday life.; Now I have a better understanding of the law, in life, and on media.”

*“I really enjoyed this class and looked forward to coming each time!”

*“Your class was an amazing class that was exciting to go to all semester.”

*“I originally did not want to take this class, and it was one of my only options but I am so glad that I got to take it with you! I wish I would have taken this last semester, and even though I probably will not be taking any more sociology classes, I am really glad I ended up taking this one.”

 *“This class changed the way I look at people and made me more understanding instead of judgmental.”

*“When taking other sociology classes, its easy for the topics to be presented in a vacuum, but in this class, I was able to see how these issues were presented in the modern day within our current culture. I think that this is important because I am not only able to synthesize the content better, but also see directly how these social problems affect the people around me in ways I might not have thought about.”

*“This classroom created a safe environment to share experiences and opinions, which I appreciated.”

*“You provided us with the ability to apply sociology to topics relevant to our personal lives. Whether it was something personal or related to our academic career, you really gave us the freedom to apply sociological knowledge to multiple areas in our life. Furthermore, the in class discussions allowed us to all understand different opinions and discussions for certain topics so that we can apply critical thinking skills to every circumstance.”

*“The best thing that I learned this semester was how to approach sociological conversations with a very empathetic view. I learned this from the way that Professor Rice openly discussed sociological problems without ever saying a particular side. Being able to discuss a topic with views from multiple sides of the problem has made me a more understanding person and allowed me to have more respect for others.”

*“Thank you for a great semester! I loved taking your 9:30 session and learning so much from your class! You are the BEST!”

*“ I genuinely enjoyed coming to class and found it engaging and fun. Even though attendance was not required, I still wanted to be there because I felt like I was learning valuable information and benefiting from the discussions and activities. The class kept me interested throughout the semester and I appreciated the effort put into making the material enjoyable.”

*“I just wanted to say this was one of the most enjoyable classes. Your high energy always made my morning and I found it so fun to catch up on the latest news every Tuesday and Thursday!”

*“I loved this class because it talked about topics I would be interested in learning about regardless of being in a classroom setting.”

*“Thank you for such an amazing semester!!! this class was my favorite and you kept it so interesting.”

 *“I loved this class because it talked about topics I would be interested in learning about regardless of being in a classroom setting.”

*“I really appreciate the level of empathy in this course, in a time where people lack it, and think it's a really important social skill to be able to learn and teach. “

*“I thoroughly enjoy this class and love listening to you lecture and talk to us about social problems in our world today.”

“I really enjoyed my time in this class and found it very interesting, I really was never bored.”

*I don't think anything in this class was boring. I honestly liked and was interested in everything we talked about, and this class is actually the reason I am taking sociology next year.”

*“I really enjoyed this course and the material we covered throughout the semester. Each class introduced topics I didn't expect to discuss in a college setting, which made it both interesting and engaging. I found it easy to stay focused because the content was entertaining while still being educational. The discussions were often unique—ranging from analyzing Love Island relationships to discussing serious crimes and other controversial issues. Overall, this class helped broaden my perspective as both a student and a person.”

2024-2025:

*“This was genuinely one of the most interesting core classes I've taken at TCU. All of the lectures were engaging, and I liked getting to have the choice as to what I discussed on my essays and podcast. I saved my CSV credit class for my last year because I was nervous about taking a bad class, but I'm so glad I waited because this class was great, and you were such a great professor!”

* “I found this class very insightful and engaging! I am going to miss it.”

* “I felt like this class was really interesting. I really enjoyed the discussions we had in this class it was engaging and I felt like it wasn't just a boring lecture.”

*“I also just loved hearing your personal stories about your life; you had so many funny and interesting stories that helped give perspective and something to connect with the topic.”

*“Thanks for a great semester, I feel I learned SO MUCH!!”

* “I have learned more than any other class. This class is honestly my favorite class by far, and I'm not just saying that. I loved the discussion in this class, and Professor Rice is so spunky and fun.”

* “This class has taught me to become more open-minded and less judgmental and to recognize inequality and know how to advocate for myself and my peers.”

*“Just wanted to say thank you for a great semester! I’m so glad to have had you as a teacher this year!”

* “I absolutely loved you class!”

*“I also want to thank you for a great semester, I thoroughly enjoyed attending your class and have recommended it to many of my friends. It's so refreshing to have a professor so dedicated to their job.”

*“You’ve been a great teacher all year.”

*“Thank you so much for such a fun semester!”

*“Your class was probably my favorite this semester, so thank you for bringing the energy and passion you do.”

*“Thank you SOOO much for your help and such an incredible semester!! I hope I get to take another one of your classes again in the future.”

* “Truly the best teacher I have ever had going through school.”

* “Thank you so much for the great semester, definitely set the standard high when looking for professors at TCU.”

*“Thank you so much for an incredible semester. I’m grateful for the way you guided us, not only through the course material but also through the kinds of skills and perspectives that carry far beyond the classroom.

 Your intentionality and the way you encouraged us had an impact on me. It’s very rare to have a professor who is both so knowledgeable and genuinely invested in their students’ growth. This is the truth!!! That meant more to me than I can say. This course challenged me in the best way, and I’m leaving it feeling more confident and better prepared because of your leadership and the way you teach/connect with your students.”

*“Class lectures were relatable and fun being able to freely talk about things that aren't usually talked about. Discussion always felt real and legit, and thanks to your openness and vulnerability, sharing in class felt easy and more like a conversation. I really enjoyed the class and that's a huge thanks to you. I will definitely recommend your classes to others, and am looking to take another class with you if possible, in the future. Thank you for an amazing semester! Also, you should check out RateMyProfessor, you're already a superstar!”

*“Thank you so much again, this class has been awesome - educational and entertaining.”

*“Thank you for your great energy this semester, I thought I would let you know you were my favorite teacher.”

*“I wanted to say thank you for a great semester! I found the content interesting and I enjoyed our class discussions. I also appreciated your willingness to answer questions and provide feedback, which helped me to succeed in the course.”

*“In my future career I will be a teacher and Professor Rice is unique to any teacher I have ever had. I learned so much from her teaching style about having grace with students, while adhering to guidelines, and looking out for our wellness.

She is very open-minded and great at recognizing that each student has been placed in a different life situation.

“Professor Rice clearly values each of her students and expresses this in her personal essay assignments, feedback on papers, and how she interacts with her students. I will remember her teaching style when I enter the schools system."

*“I love your class!”

2023:

*“When I first signed up I thought that I wasn't really going to learn anything and it was just going to be a credit, but thanks to you teaching this class, I have signed up for another Sociology class next quarter! You are a good teacher!"

*“Thank you for such an engaging and thought-provoking class this summer. I genuinely enjoyed the material, and I especially appreciated the way you brought in outside resources and shared your podcast; it added so much depth to the course. It gave me new ways to think about what we were learning.”

*“Thank you so much for being such an awesome professor! This was my first semester in college and you made such an amazing impact on not just me but I’m sure everyone else as well- keep being you! ”

* “You’re awesome and I very much appreciate and enjoy your energy every class. You are passionate about what you teach, and you make other professors look dull. Not going to lie there were times where I was not having a good day but listening to you talk to the class and the jokes, you'd make helped make the days better. I’m hoping another class of yours falls under my to do list before I get my associates.”

* “This experience was better than the best I had imagined it being. Thank You for being such a truly good teacher & person.”

* “It was so fun, you’re great at what you do, thank you!”

*“My instructor was a kind-hearted and sweet person, she was literally like a classmate to us. I really enjoyed my sociology class because of her. But the most favorite part of the class was our culture party which we celebrate on our last day of class. I really enjoyed that day I wore my traditional clothes from our country and also everyone including me brings their famous cultural dish.”

2022:

*“The most interesting thing that I learned in class this semester is being able to have a successful ‘debate’ or conversation with those who are of opposing positions. Having these conversations in class was a great learning moment that allowed me to realize how different everyone is and how different everyone’s backstory/way of growing up was. Despite having conversations with people who thought similarly to me, there were still slight differences and if it weren’t for 1.) the positive atmosphere that was created, 2.) having an in-person class where everyone participated and 3.) the various difficult topics discussed, I would have never had a similar experience or grown so much. Being able to experience this has allowed me to express my thoughts in a professional matter and be able to respect those who are so different from me. Overall, I have had an amazing time in this class, and I want to thank you, Professor, for creating such an amazing and comforting environment. Thank you for this semester and for teaching my most favorite class ever!”

* “Thank you for such a fun class! I really enjoyed the focus of sociology in action :) You made this class so interesting and productive at the same time. That takes a real gift. Thank you.”

* “I am grateful that I got to experience this course in the interactive fashion that it was provided, and with the excitement and enthusiasm that it was presented.  With this final paper being the conclusion of this course, and offering a chance for more reflection, I realize how much I value the knowledge I have gained and the opportunity it has given me to grow. Thank you for that.”

* “In the summer was when we had to plan what courses we wanted to take for the semester. I was just going off of what I needed to get into the nursing program, and when I fell upon sociology I just knew I wanted to take that course. My friends took their sociology classes while in high school and I always heard things. I was super excited to hear all the interesting facts and stories. So I registered for it and a few weeks went by and I wanted to make sure my classes were still what I planned and I noticed my teacher was different for my sociology class and I instantly got anxiety. I never heard of this teacher before and I was nervous it was going to be some stuck up rude teacher. Before I knew it, it was the second day of school and my first class of the day was sociology and boy was I nervous. Every morning I usually get a coffee or something to eat. Well on this day I decided on coffee, so I headed to starbucks and as I was inside waiting for my coffee there was a lady in front of me. Brown hair with glasses, and she had a dress on. Someone complimented her dress and she said, “thank you today is my first day teaching at the college and I wanted to look fally”. I thought that was the cutest thing ever and I thought I would love to have that lady as my teacher. My coffee was ready and I headed to school, I got into class and the teacher wasn’t there yet. But you’ll never guess who walked in…Starbucks lady. Once I saw her I knew I’d love the class and I wasn’t wrong...

All in all I believe that this class has allowed me to grow as an individual and I couldn’t have had a better teacher than you. I am forever thankful for this class and I cannot wait to see what my future has for me and how I can use what I have learned into my day to day life. "

* “It was a pleasure taking your course this semester. You have been a great mentor and provided us with the opportunity to learn and grow. You have an amazing ability to make all of us feel comfortable in our learning environment.

In short this was a good class to take. The discussions were really eye opening. There were so many different people from different cultures and they have a point of view. In nursing we come across all of those topics. I gained some insight and tools to better handle situations and understand my patients. This was definitely not a fluff class. We were taught some really important concepts.”