2.6
Quality3.7
Difficulty22%
Would Retake95
Reviews22%
Would Retake
95
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
10
4
18
3
22
2
20
1
25
What Students Say
“Material overall wasn't too bad, the guy himself isnt too bad”
ECON308 - 3.0 rating“He does not help us students at all”
ECON161 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
74%
Textbook Required
30%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.33 avg changeRatings by Course
BUS
5.0
(1)SOM360
4.0
(1)ECON308
3.3
(3)SOM120
3.1
(42)SOMS120
3.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ECON310
5.0
ECON160
4.2
308
4.0
SOM307
4.0
SOM306
4.0
Reviews (95)
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great teacher ... always willing to help students. word of advice: do your work, and you'll be fine...
I don't recommend him.
Professor is very helpful,but his material is all based on calculations.Not really lecture. Seems like a math class.For exams you can take 1 page front & back of notes, but exam is only 4 to 5 problems and it can be frustrating.
practice all problems he assigned and you should be fine.
hes a nice guy but hes jus not good on explaining things all his lecture are based from the book and worst he does powerpoint lectures that jus wont work wit learning about stats
He's a very knowledgeable instr. He answers students ?? & is helpful. He's fair & knows Stats. It's alsmost imposs. to get an A. You should do all the H.W., but on the tests he changes the wording and that confuses most people & also tests are way too long for the time given. Too many ?'s on the test. If he changes 2 things he should be V.good.
He's a good teacher...and very helpful...just ask...I am getting a c; but, it's me not him...DO THE HWIT REALLY HELPS.
it's the class not the professor. If u are willing he will work with you! EXHAUST YOU TIME WISELY! USE HIS OFFICE HOURS...stop wasting time in sierra hall and complaing about HARD CLASSES! He's a good teacher; but, the work IS HARD! HE PREPARES YOU!
Very knowledgeable man. But the subject is tough. Very generous grader! Recommend attending every class, he doesn't take role, but knows if you show!
Personally, I believe that he is a good professor. Class itself is not that hard and he actually does not collect homeworks. However, the level of exams are higher than contents on the regular lecture. Just following lecture and studying is not enough for the exams. they are hard !
good teacher, hard subject,doesnt check attendance, boring at times, hard tests, two excel related projects
I thought his class was really boring so it was hard to pay attention. He does try to go over the material to make sure we understand it but about half of the class is failing. His grading scale is good though because a 65 is a C! He has 3 midterms and a final and drops the lowest score out of the 3 midterms. There is hwk but its not collected.
I had him for Fall 08. I really liked him. As long as you pay attention in the class and PRACTICE the problems that he talks about in class you'll do fine on the tests. Doesnt take role, but he knows if your not there.
The most boring class and teacher at csun. The class is not hard but just walking in the presents of this teacher drains all your energy, so all you want to do is sleep. If you like boring go for it. Sorry but not my type of teacher.
I think the previous ratings sum up Vessal, both good and bad. His class can be boring, and his dry humor isn't funny to everyone. However, I thought he explained the material well. Doing the HW helps for the test.
Ok professor. He is not that super energetic, fun person. However, he explains econ material very well. Answers student questions clearly and politely. Kind of laid back, relax most of times. Yes, bit boring, but his extremely helpful. It is not easy subject and you have to study hard and read a lot to earn your grade.
He teaches very good and understandable. He cares about student to understand the concept. His tests are easy and even he tells you which questions will come on the test. Overally he is good and nice.
HARDEST CLASS AT CSUN!! I have a 3.89 GPA and I have never worked so hard at studying material. Tests are impossbily hard. Material is BORING! Attendance not necessary, but recommended!! Nice guy, but is hard to understand and doesn't explain clearily. AVOID if you want a good grade. I worked my a** off for my B!!
Wow, what a difficult class!!! I worked my butt off, got perfect scores on both projects, but still only managed a C. Tests were impossible, and classes even more dreadful. I'm sure I could have applied myself more, but I think my Gateway class overwhelmed me. Its statistics all over again. Why the hell do I need to take this class? GPA Killa
Tests are difficult and instructor is unclear and hard to understand
Avoid this professor if you are used to being entertained and engaged by your professors. He teaches straight off of the book and presentations. attendance is not mandatory.
He doesn't explain anything. He just reads the powerpoints and expects us to teach ourselves. DON'T TAKE HIM.
The Worst professor Ever. He just reads the powerpoint presentations and is expecting to do good in the exams. Two Midterms and One Final and each exam is 30% and Homework is 10%.
I think Prof. Vessal tries his best best to be clear during lecture, but he really isn't that clear. This is definitely a class you want to read up for prior to attending the lectures, or you will get lost 15 min. in. Do the online HW, study questions in the textbook, and attend tutoring in order to pass, because he's not to helpful.
If you want to teach yourself Economics then this is the class for you. He is completely useless and teaches from powerpoints that are just an outline of the chapter with no detail. I basically had to teach myself before each tests. He is terrible Attendance is not required and even if you do go, it's just as good as not going at all. Do not take.
If you want to teach yourself Economics then this is the class for you. He is completely useless and teaches from powerpoints that are just an outline of the chapter with no detail. I basically had to teach myself before each tests. He is terrible Attendance is not required and even if you do go, it's just as good as not going at all. Do not take.
Economics is a very dry subject. He doesn't make it any better. He is very monotone and is hard to listen to. He just reads from the slides that are online. You have to teach yourself. Read the book and go over the homework/prep test questions. You never have to be there either. He can be funny but he just isn't a good teacher for a dry class.
I don't understnad why people think he is a bad teacher. The classes he teaches are hard subjects but he is a good teacher. There are 3 tests, two projects, and aplia homework due once a week. He is always in his office. Responds quick to emails. Gives you almost the exact questions for the tests, just different numbers. I would take him again.
Operations Mgt is a dull subject, and he is a very dull teacher. His teaching methods are as follows: department powerpoint, back-of-chapter examples. That's it. His tests are confusing and tricky, and are not like the homework problems. Attendance isn't mandatory-- half the class was missing midway thru the semester.
A helpful teacher who explains each lesson with clarity and shows helpful examples to the lessons we learned. It is easy to get an A in that class you just have to study every lesson you learn before each midterm and you'll do great. Homework was online and it was easy for the most part and there was one project. Go to each class!
He's a pretty good teacher. He's always helpful and he explains things clearly. But the class itself is rather boring, and he talks pretty quietly, so it can be hard to stay awake.
Pretty good professor. He's not the best at explaining things but he gets the job done. Class can be pretty boring, but attendance is not mandatory. 2 midterms 1 final. Pretty easy class.
This class is boring since he talks quietly and its hard to pay attention the whole time. The subject was really hard for me, but he does a decent job at explaining the material. Take good notes and study for tests and you should pass the class without a problem.
The subject is boring, but he explains it very well. His tests mirror exactly what he does in class. All you need to do is study the practice exams he gives out and you'll be fine.
Pay attention to his lectures and you wont need the book. HW helps. He teaches well but he speaks softly which can make you fall asleep sometimes. Do the study guide and you will be fine.
This professor does not really clarify questions. His lectures are not engaging and if you sit in the front you'll be able to get most of the notes.He's test are not bad, the study guide really does help. GO TO CLASS or you will fail!Unless you depend on tutoring! Good Luck!
It was an okay class. Talks quietly and pauses a lot, but overall a good instructor. Topic obviously isn't easy, but he lectured from the book and offered explanations of problems in class. only hw were two essays on really basic micro topics that weren't that bad. 3 exams total and he provides a study guide/review session prior to the tests.
His explanations are very clear. He gives study guides before the tests and reviews. Lectures aren't too interesting, but since when are math lectures interesting anyway. He uses simple examples to teach concepts and is a good professor.
I thought he was a great teacher. He has a hard time hearing, but does a great job at explaining the material. He seems to care more for the people who attend class though. He reviews a study guide before each test and the guide is basically the test with different numbers. His grading scale is nice also, %75 is a B- %65 a C, so I recommend him.
Do not take!!! If you like independent studies then this is the class for you. He is very monotone and just reads powerpoint slides that we already have.
VERY MONOTONE! boring...lectures straight from the powerpoint..tests are difficult. you pretty much have to teach yourself
Professor is very monotone and sad to say uninteresting. Study study study. This class is basically a repeat of the previous Econs with more detail. One project on small business which is pretty bad because information is tough to get unless you know someone that owns a business. Suggestion, take someone else if you need energy to come to class.
He is a great teacher. He walks you trough exam material during study guide that he posts always a week before exam, so you know exactly what to expect in exam. If you are good at Math, you will love this class. He really knows what he teaches, so do no try to be smart a.. in his class. You will make a fool out of yourself.
He isn't too bad. He teaches primarily off textbook company generated powerpoints. He has study-guide material that gives you a guide on what to study. Material overall wasn't too bad, the guy himself isnt too bad. He just looks like he doesn't give a damn anymore.
Very difficult to understand; not clear at all. A Friday class is the worst, very boring. Tries to make small jokes here and there which lightens the mood. Homework was short and all online. Study guides were given and went over before the tests. Tests were no surprise, always exactly what you had learned (sometimes even on the study guide).
Prof does well in simplifying things for hw, tests, and the excel projects. Success in his class highly relies on his lectures and notes. However, it all goes to hell if you try to supplement w/ textbook because it is a nightmare to try to read or understand. Do not rely on tutors or book rather ask questions during lecture.
Go to class, read material, do online hw, study, seriously this class is not hard but he presents the information boring so you wont be interested, he gives 3 exams all worth the same so as long as you do good in the first 2 when the exams are the easiest you will pass
Do the weekly homework, and try not to fall asleep in this boring class. He's very monotone and doesn't seem to have any interest in what he's talking about. Don't bother buying the book, I opened it ONCE the entire semester. I barely went to class and pulled a C. If you can, take someone else.
His lectures are super boring... he'll read off of his powerpoints. Online HW every week. long and tedious. 2 midterms and 1 final. his exams aren't easy. 1 research paper (2500 words) reading your textbook will definitely help. if you think econ is hard, well, he won't make it any easier... i recommend that you don't take him.
He's monotone and uninspirational. His lectures does cover the test, but for average students his dullness can kill your drive in the class. I'd recommend you get tutoring from the honor students. He does study guides though so the class is not total hell. He won't meet you halfway, so if you want that A you better go 100%
Exams are not difficult but they are a few problems so if you miss one, your grade drops. Always is there during his office hours. Doesn't explain it well if you go to him for help. Tests are similar to the stud guide
SP15(MW8-9:15) Pay attention to his lectures, it helps for the home work. If you don't understand, ask questions. Review your notes. Grade is based on 3 exams and weekly Aplia hw. Provides and goes over study guide before exam date. The study guide covers the exam. I would recommend attending tutoring. Textbook is needed. An 5316A is attainable.
He's boring. His lectures are a drag. To be successful, you must put in an extra effort. Follow closely on lectures and make sure you undestand. Get tutoring for Math140 or directly from him. He makes you do two projects with a partner. Weekly quizzes. Only take him if he's the best available. I'm sure there are better profs.
Vessel himself is an okay professor but the class itself is difficult i found myself in tutoring every week just to intent to do the homework. his lectures were long and boring and he hardly ever gave examples so your book is your best friend. There are also 2 partner assignments. you really have to work hard in this class to pass.
Vessal was an okay professor himself but truth is this class is difficult. i found myself every week in tutoring in order to do the HW. His lectures were very long and boring and he would hardly give examples problems to help he is also unclear. you really have to work to pass in this class and your book is your best friend. you will learn from it.
Extremely EXTREMELY boring lectures. The only examples he ever uses to clarify a concept is "hamburgers and fries". Super boring. He himself is a nice guy but does not help in the learning process. Get ready to read and teach yourself.
Do not take him if you wish to understand Econ. Great guy, but horrible at teachin Econ specifically. You'll need to read and be tutored, but if you're basically teaching yourself, then why waste the thousands of dollars on a professor who isn't doing the teaching???
Very boring subject,and boring lectures. Curves 2midterms and final. Explains the material fairly well but you really have to focus to grasp it. I heavily relied on the textbook when I didn't understand, as it seems all his lectures come straight outta the book.
Would recommend! everyone says he is boring and tough but to be honest he is not a bad teacher! the students complaining are those who skip class and don't read. As long as you read and do the online hw you will be good. The lectures are from powerpoints; it can be interesting if you pay attention. he is also funny at times.
I would recommend taking this course, however if you are a procrastinator and rely on curves this class isn't for you. There is two midterms and a final. The study guides are ok, but reading the chapters helps ALOT! Homework is every week and is HARD (if you don't read or attend class)! Quizlet it will only get you so far..
I took this class not doing any research and not expecting anything. He is a hard grader when it come to the 2 group projects for the class. The tests and quizzes, however, are the same as the study guides, with different numbers. Be sure to take the study guides and group projects seriously and you will have no problem passing this class.
Professor Vessal is a nice teacher. His lectures are helpful and he is always willing to help! Goes over problems in class and reviews for the tests with the class. 2 projects with a partner that may be challenging to some.
Dr. Vessal can come off as a bit boring, but he occasionally jokes to keep the class entertained. He is very understanding and wants students to learn. Grades the class on a huge curve, and gives midterm reviews similar to the exams.
Terrible terrible teacher. I wish I never took this class. I learned nothing and Failed it was so hard.
Vessal is a fair professor. I would say that he teaches pretty well but his voice is just monotone so it makes me sleepy most of the time. Be sure to take notes then you'll be fine! Always do the sample test because it's very similar to the actual test! He doesn't assign that many homework (only 8 questions max/week online)!
Professor makes you work for your grade. Homework weekly and has 3 midterms.
This professor is not that bad compared to other SOM 120 professors. However, be prepared to teach yourself and have question to ask because he sometimes doesnt go over some things or he will skip couple of steps in problems in which youll lose on track. Youll also have two projects which they arent that hard. Just go to his office hour!
He does not help us students at all. His curve is if you come to class which should be considered participation not extra credit towards test. Be prepared to teach yourself and do not rely on study guide it is not the same as the midterm.
I would not recommend his class if you're trying to understand economics. He skips a lot of sections and gives TIMED homework every weekend, which is not my thing because it rushes me into just trying to finish it, not giving me sufficient time to learn and understand each problem. Be prepared to teach yourself.
Do not take for ECON, better at SOM120. 2 exams+final all mult choice, practice exams are 100% useless. Read the book(key terms, ch summary) to learn. powerpoints are simple ,but they won't help for the exam. Timed(90min) HW due every sunday. He's boring, I didn't learned, but has huge curve which is how I passed. Attendance is used as extra credit
Good prof for SOM not for ECON. class starts on time & he immediately starts lecture. Lecture problems are helpful for the online hw. HW takes a long time, about 2-3 hours due every sunday. 2 partner projects which are time consuming. Attendance is used for extra credit on exams which helps a lot. Take good detail notes and you'll be fine
He knows his stuff, but he's so monotone. Test are based off of the study guide so do them!The test range from 15-25ish Qs so you really got everything right. HW helps and take GOOD notes during class. I attended everyday did the hw and I still got a B. However, the test are curved. There are only 3 test and 2 group assignments which were easy.
He knows what he's doing most of the time you just have to make sure you're paying attention to be able to correct him on things. His voice is so boring and will put you to sleep if you take his 8am. He starts on time so don't be late he also takes attendance towards the end of class.
Terrible. Doesnt explain directions at all when assigning group projects. Almost as if he expects you to understand what hes talking about before he even begins teaching the lecture.
He has a monotone voice that will put you to sleep. He does not help if you have a question about the homework. He provides study guides for the midterm and final, but they are not helpful at all. The two group projects that he assigns are very vague and you have to figure it out. He is a tough grader on the projects, but the tests are curved.
Horrible, horrible teacher. Class is extremely hard
For all you lucky ones who must take this class during covid, congrats cause yall don't have to listen to his useless lectures in class. For the covid people: Hw is timed but all the correct answers are given, the exam questions are all taken out of the book on connect and therefore ALL on Chegg and quizlet. For the future peeps: Goodluck
Worst professor at CSUN, the readings take at least 3-4 hours each, and he gives 2 a week. His study guides aren't even anything related to the exam material. Responds to emails with 1 or 2 words. This class made me cry once a week from stress, no matter how hard you study, you wont do good. CSUN should review this guy, he doesn't teach anything.
Professor Vessal doesn't care about his students doing well or even understanding. He doesn't announce changes to due dates and adds assignments on the homework software without notice, and then doesn't reply to emails about it. Don't take him!!
DO NOT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR! He didnt respond to my emails, he changed deadlines without notice, his tests are impossible no matter how many hours you spend studying, his study guides arent like the test, and be prepared to spend 10 hours a week on homework
Terrible professor. We only had 4 class sessions throughout the whole semester where he went over the review for the following exam. Homework was weekly and hard to do. Gave little support to students which makes it hard to understand the concepts.
He is very monotone and doesnt explain well. He has super long PowerPoints and will just tell you to go over everything on your own time instead of actually teaching. He is giving us an exam on 6 chapters but hes only gone over 3 chapters in class. Hes just really not that great so if you can avoid him please do.
He gives homework assignments where each problem has part a,b,c,d,e,f,etc. He doesn't explain at all and doesn't help at all either.
I emailed him literally a week ago asking if he would give any extra credit opportunities this semester and instead of simply saying no he just completely ignored my email and hes ignored my emails in the past asking about deadlines/help on assignments
DONT TAKE HIM. I did not learn anything in his class. He reads off the lectures slides and it is very hard to pay attention when he is speaking. HW is online but he times is very weirdly. He would give two hours for 30-50 question for HW but would only give 1 hr and 30 min for 50 que exam. Two mid terms and a final. AVOID
Literally one of the worst professors I've had, he doesn't care about his students learning or not. It seems like he showed up on zoom because he had to and he would literally read off the slides. There's HW due every week and you had a 90 min time limit and 3 exams which were EACH 30% of your grade (90% total). Literally, avoid this professor.
Not only have I take this professor for SOM306, but I took him for 307. Dont be me. I had no choice but to take him for 307. He doesnt teach he reads off of the department notes. He cant form proper sentences, his math is often wrong and the class tends to correct him frequently. Dont take him AT ALL!
Laziest teacher I have ever had. He is probably the worst teacher in this department. Literally just reads PowerPoints. Does not explain anything. DO NOT TAKE!
You'll want to fall asleep during his lectures. He calls on students during them and barely teaches how to do the stuff. Bad professor.
As a student, you are set up to fail from day one. Homework only counts for 10% of the grade, and is timed. Rather than trying to learn the material and feel comfortable with doing problems for the test, it is a race to simply finish. The same is true for this professor's tests, but even less time. There are no curves and no make ups. TERRIBLE
If you are taking SOM120 or ECON 161 with this guy, good luck. He is the most boring teacher I've ever had in my life. Explains literally nothing and is impossible to hear/understand. You have like one 300 point timed assignment a week thats only 10% of your grade. He just writes unorganized notes from his horrible lecture slides.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
74%
Textbook Required
30%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.33 avg changeRatings by Course
BUS
5.0
(1)SOM360
4.0
(1)ECON308
3.3
(3)SOM120
3.1
(42)SOMS120
3.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
ECON310
5.0
ECON160
4.2
308
4.0
SOM307
4.0
SOM306
4.0