3.3
Quality4.1
Difficulty54%
Would Retake107
Reviews54%
Would Retake
107
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
107 total ratings5
32
4
25
3
15
2
19
1
16
What Students Say
“Puente is the worst professor I've ever taken”
PSY405 - 1.0 rating“Tests are too hard for a 105 class”
PSY105 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
40%
Textbook Required
81%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.25 avg changeRatings by Course
352
5.0
(1)PSY4100
5.0
(1)PSY495
5.0
(1)PSY355
5.0
(1)HISTORYANDSYS
4.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
PSY
5.0
PSYC405
5.0
PSY450
4.7
HISTORYANDSYS
4.5
PSY405
4.2
Reviews (106)
Extremely smart man, learned a lot. Study last semester's tests.
No Comments
Hilarious!!! Definitely a great class! Don't miss class and study lots! Also, take advantage of any extra credit opportunities!!!!
The man tests you on things that are completely unimportant!!!!! What the hell does what year UNCW was founded have to do with the history of pscyhology??? AND WHO CARES ABOUT SPERRY!!!!
Really smart guy. You will do well if you go to class and take really good notes. Write down everything! I learned a lot.
I agree, Sperry was way too heavy on his agenda. His tests are disigned to trick you, which I think is absurd. If this is a history of pshychology class, why not have short answer and essay questions for tests? But no. He goes for the multiple "g
Puente isn't going to care what you think if you cannot even spell psychology right! You guys wouldn't know a good teacher if you bit you in the face. He has a lot of knowledge to offer, and deserves much more respect than he gets.
Great class! Respect him & he will respect you. I am sure the people who have given him bad ratings here either, a) didn't go to class, b) showed up late continuously, or c) didn't participate in class. GROW UP! You're not in High-School anymore kids!
The hardest class ive ever taken....but i learned the most in this class. Never have I had such an intelligent professor. DO NOT MISS ANY CLASSES and STUDY WITH A GROUP..youll be surprised how much u missed and didnt notice!
Probably one of our most valuable professors @uncw but there is something weird about him I don't like he is extrem. unfair!he needs someone to stand up to him or UNCW student will still be doing 15+page papers on Sperry. He is all about hisself (rude)!!
If you are looking for an easy A don't take his classes. He is definetly very knowledgable but can be a bit obnoxious. I thoght it was funny but can see how some couold be offended. The tests are hard, but he gives a lot of extra credit. I learned a lot.
Puente has a sense of humor all his own. He's funny, definitely knows what he's talking about, and seems to truly care about you (if you care about his class). He may focus on Sperry a little too much..but hey, we've all got our quirks!
No Comments
If you are looking for the "History of Dr. Puente and his obsession with Robert Sperry" instead of the "History and Systems of Psych" the take this class. He is so full of himself and treats everyone like s**t. Memorizing who wrote what books did not improve my life. Very unfair. DO NOT TAKE!
I did NOT go to class but still expect an A, difficulty is ALL hype He just wants you to think people Don't read the kiss ass posts, read mine, I do like his sense of humor, but he is an unfair ass at times Sperry was too large a part of the course, good teacher just needs to refocus material!
Good prof. If you go to class and attempt to do well then you will. Can understand that people get offended by him, but he apologizes ahead of time for anything that might be offensive. I enjoyed the class. He really knows his stuff.
The hardest class I have taken!!! The tests were hard and the note taking was hard. You will never forget the name Roger Sperry!!!!!!!
AMAZING professor. One of the most intelligent people i ahve ever met. Yes Sperry is a HUGE part but its cool knowing that Puente knew him and worked with him personally. (GET OVER IT)hard but you learn alot. plus, hes very understanding and cares about his students (or the ones who actually try!)
Dr. Puente is great. His sense of humor is what makes the class. His goal is to teach you about life. I learned a lot and he gives it to you like it is. Show's concern and interest for his students (that care). it's a course about life not just psychology. take the challenge!
No Comments
By far the best teacher at the school. He doesn't always teach you about psychology, he'll teach you about life. His class is largely a socialization experience but also poves to tell you a lot about he history of psychology, very interesting. Plus, if you plan on going to grad school, the man is amazing to have as a reference. He's one of the top 5 neurospsych's in the world...
D. Puente is an amazing teacher as long as you put in the effort he is willing to help you with anything. His tests are very difficult but he offered 22 extra credit points. I would reccommend him to anyone because he really cares about his students. He is constantly asking us what we want to do with our degrees and explains all of the options.
Great professor, the paper is long, so spend time on it! Lots of extra credit available! Robert Sperry..know who he is! I aced the paper and the class. His test are different so study EVERYTHING! Details, dates and people. Easy to get along with, very intelligent man.
Material is boring, but it is required. Show up EVERYDAY. Tape the lectures, take good notes, study hard.
Dr. Puente geniunely cares about how his students are doing and whether or not they are coming to class. It's your own fault if you fail.
Be prepared to think in way you have never thought before. You will either love this class or hate it--there's no in between. I learned a lot and worked harder than I ever had before. He's an interesting man and actually cares about his students...he's willing to work with you if you talk to him one on one! Record class and study groups!!!!
Tests are extremely hard. He will say that he doesn't use the book, but after the first test, he tells you that it would have been a good study tool. You have to show up EVERY day. It isn't required, but try missing one class and you are completely lost. Record all of the lectures and start a study group long before the first test!
best teach ive ever had in my whole life.
He is funny but hes not a good teacher at all. He is very random and his test of so horrible. DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS if you don't like to every class and stay active. He is very smart but he shouldn't teach... the 1st classes we did nothing and then we were tested and i didnt even know we had learned anything! Like come on!bad!!
I think he realizes that in the grand scheme of things Roger Sperry is an insignificant speck on the history of psychology. This class is nothing more than a personal agenda of his to revive interest in a man that couldn't hold a candle to the real pioneers of this field.
If you decided to further your education via Grad Scool etc. you should take Dr. Puente's class. He will prepare you for it, and if nothing else, he will make you think in ways you have never thought before. 2 tests and a 15 pg. paper. If you attend class and study, you will be good. you either know it or not.
best teacher ever!
He is awesome! You will really learn a lot about psychology, yourself, and how to get where you want to go in life with your career. He is very real with his students, and if you dont like to work, do not take his class.
Doesn't help students when ask for extra help outside of class. Tests are too hard for a 105 class. He taught it like it was a 400 level class, when it should've been simple intro.
tests are EXTREMELY hard. out of like 120 students the highest grade was a 83. thats horrible. you might learn a lot but i wouldnt take it if i didnt have to or with him. WAIT to take the online class if you can. he does no powerpoints just lectures and its hard to keep up with and i swear he put stuff on the test that was NEVER mentioned in class.
Dr. Puente's class is very challenging. Tests are difficult; no matter how hard you study you cannot prepare for some of the curvball q's. However, if you are a determined student up for a challenge, his class will push you to learn a lot about life after undergrad. Semester long project requires creativity, & can be a great experience if u let it.
Dr. Peunte is an amazing professor and UNCW students are beyond blessed to have access to him. Some people rag on him for the Roger Sperry thing, but the man did win a Nobel and had some pretty interesting insights on consciousness. Awesome professor. One of the best I've ever had.
If you are looking for a challenge then take Puente's class. If you are lazy and do not like to work hard then I would not recommend it.
I hate myself for signing up for his class. He's got a lot of interesting information, but his tests are CRAZY. He brings no notes to class, just kind of starts talking and it's really hard to figure out when he's starting the actual lecture. There is a 15 page paper with a short presentation, 2 tests, and a bunch of extra credit opportunities.
This class is the most beneficial class to take at UNCW. Not only lessons on the course material but true life lessons as well. The work that you put into the class is reflected by your final grade. One of the best classes I have ever had! A MUST TAKE!!
Your GPA will drop unless you take this class and no other. Nice guy, but.....The stories he tells are really great and all but don't expect the exam to be about what you took notes on.He will ask you questions about the previous deans at UNCW, and about his kids.If you expect History and Systems. Good luck.
Best professor I've ever had. Just show up, and when he calls on you, whatever you do don't say "Uhhh, I don't know", just say something. If your going to grad school take him.
Very different from any class I have had. He comes in and just starts the lecture with no notes. It feels like a convo but you'd better take notes. You don't need the book. He makes the tests from what he said in your class. Overall great class.
Great class to take, He doesnt use any notes or the textbooks, so going to class is MUST. Definitely on of the hardest classes to take, but will help you so much
When taking 405 you have two choices: Puente or Keith. Definitely take Puente!i know you have heard the rumors of the soul crushing paper but it's no that bad and Puente makes the class worth it. Attendance is not mandatory but you do need to go. I feel like it is a right of passage to take him and honestly 2 tests and a paper are not much to ask.
Dr. Puente is hard. There is no sugar coating it. Take him if you actually want to learn something. He comes in and talks for the entire class time- no notes, no book, just talk. He makes you think. Show up, always. The Sperry paper is a monster, start NOW. Go to the extra credit. You can get an A- you just have to want it.
Dr. Puente's philosophy for teaching is to make you question and re-evaluate everything that you know and take for granted. In the end, you will probably get the grade you earned. If this is something that is new to you, then maybe this is the class for you. If you are not open to this, then you are wasting money going to college.
This is one of the most rewarding classes i ever took. His tests are hard but if you study, do extra credit options, and attend his reviews you can get the grade you want. He is the most interesting professor and is hilarious if you have good humor. Awesome guy but work is necessary. Definitely worth taking!
The rumors are true. This class will test your capabilities as a student. Puente is a fantastic teacher unlike any other I've ever had. He might make you laugh. He'll definitely make you think. He'll probably make you cry. Go to class, but bring a recorder. Don't panic on the tests and you'll make it out alive. It's all worth it.
Do yourself a favor and don't take puente unless you are prepared for useless material, hard tricky tests, ill, unwarrented humor and comments, him late for EVERYTHING, last min review seshs, and his grandeur behavior. Other than all the bs, he does teach you how to think and prepare for grad schol.+extra credit opps do wonders.
It's all true, this class is really hard but it is worth every second of your time. He challenges his students to be better and think for themselves. He only wants students that are serious about school. He is hilarious and if you come to class and show that you're putting in effort, you won't fail. I would take his class 100 times over, I loved it
Amazing person, most intellectual man you will meet.
Dr. Puente is definitely not the professor to take if you want to slide by with minimal effort. The good news is, if you actually care about the material (it's hard not to because he makes the information amazingly interesting) you can't go wrong. I learned more from him in one class than I have my entire college career.
Dr. Puente is not an easy professor by any means. However, he is one of the most influential people I've ever met. If you don't mind putting in the work, you'll get out so much more from this class than any other in your college career. Taking this class will change your life.
Dr. Puente is the worst professor I've ever taken. He is a really great and interesting person and is SUPER smart. However, he does not use the book, powerpoints, nor does he lecture. He stands in front of the class and chats and could ask a question on the test about some small detail he mentioned in passing. AVOID AT ALL COST.
If you are up for a challenge take him. I learned the most from his class, not just facts but life lessons that stick with you. However, if your the type of student that wants to get in and out of the classroom and ease through the year... don't take him. This class takes time, dedication, and lots of thinking outside the box.
Dr.Puente is a wonderful professor. You'll be kept on your toes-but its healthy for the brain. If you like conversation style lectures you'll love Puente. Its so nice to have a class that is interesting, applicable, & knowledgeable. No HW. Review the class material, make friends, do extra credit, & combine your flashcards (secret to success) :)
Puente is the best professor in the department. His class is hard but you actually learn material and life lessons that matter rather than memorizing slides. If you are a good student and enjoy learning, take the class. He makes you want to do something with your life. Record lectures, combine notes, and put some deep thought into the project.
Dr. Puente is hands down the best professor at UNCW. His tests are NOT impossible as long as you put it in the effort, and he will provide a LOT of help as long as you ask. He genuinely cares for his students, he is hilarious yet professional and he's brilliant and will make you want to be better and smarter. Everyone needs to take his class.
Dr. Puente's a cool guy. He's been through a lot in his life and to that degree he's very motivational. As a teacher, I don't recommend him. He holds his students to a very high bar and nothing short of that does well. Very difficult course, he lacks any form of guidance and expects greatness... Not a fan.
I learned NOTHING from his lectures, and instead I had to go home and research all the topics on my own. He has no plan for what he is going to say so he gives you incomplete and confusing thoughts. He spends way too much time talking about himself, and he brags that he doesn't have to teach us well bc he has tenure. AVOID AVOID AVOID.
Puente is smart, and he knows it. He doesn't use a power point, and teaches with an informal style so it can be difficult to know when he has begun his lecture. The book is good to have even though he may say otherwise. His tests are tough so study groups are fantastic. He does give enough extra credit that can boost your grande an entire letter.
Puente doesn't have PPTs. That would be fine, if his lectures were structured in any way. He gets side-tracked and just says whats on his mind half the time. Since he doesnt go by a lesson plan, his tests are whatever he feels like testing you on. Even the smallest details are fair game. The only way to do well is to record the lectures.
Dr. Puente is intelligent but very arrogant, and he SHOULD NOT be a teacher. There was no structure to his class at all, and come test time he would test on things not mentioned in class. 3 exams total, and on the first day he tells the class "you will be lucky to get a C in my class". I would avoid him at ALL COSTS if you want to actually learn
Dr. Puente is a difficult teacher if you need outlines and structure. He is very scatter brained and goes off topic a lot. Most of his test questions don't reflect lectures, and have more to do with his "mentor" Sperry. He expects a lot from his students, and is never in class himself. Always out of town having his post doc. and grad students teach
I would never have taken this class w Puente if I had known. He doesn't show up to meetings you try to schedule or office hours. He wastes the first 20 minutes of every class talking about how awesome he thinks he/his work is. he missed about every other class. so cocky that its hard to even listen to sometimes. DO NOT RECOMMEND, horrible teacher.
Rating system here doesn't reflect my views. Id say he is the best professor I've had (PSY 256 & 495). NOT easy. He tells you to take initiative. He talks about his personal life to connect with students. He uses real world application to teach students and puts success in their hands instead if memorization. Read the book. He is accomplished.
He had a substitute teach my class half of the semester and then did not coordinate with them to make the tests. The class is very disorganized. The exams seem easy but he asks questions about his life that you would only know if you literally write down everything he says from the moment he walks in the door. Would not recommend this class.
Puente is a decent professor. He does not give any study guides, power points, or anything to study over.
Dr. Puente, who was President of the APA, is an incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and conversational professor. The course grade is based upon 3 written exams. No book. No powerpoint. Lectures only. GO TO CLASS! TAKE NOTES! ASK QUESTIONS! STUDY! You have to work for it, but an A is attainable. 10/10 recommend any course taught by Dr. Puente.
Psych 405 with Puente was the first class I've failed (granted, I've dropped 2 classes). He is the most "different" professor I've ever had in terms of how he teaches, most people (including myself) seem to struggle with how he teaches the class. I think you're either super dedicated, or you're done for. He is very non-traditional.
Dr. Puente is more focused on talking about himself and his accomplishments than teaching anything. On the first day of class he made it clear that teaching was a hobby and he did not need to do it. I withdrew upon leaving the room after the first exam. He taught maybe 10% of the info and the dates and info he did give, was different for each class
Dr. Puente was by far the most "different" professor I have ever had. He is experienced and extremely successful, however students are held at a high bar. I have never worked so hard to receive an A. Participation and showing face is key and will help your grade overall. Wouldn't take his class again but I am happy I did because I learned a lot.
I had never written a 15 page paper before so I couldn't sleep I was so worried about it. There are 2 or 3 tests and the paper and that's all you get graded on. He was an easier grader than I thought because I honestly thought I was going to fail and ended up with a C. He was pretty interesting, liked to talk about himself ALOT.
I had to withdrawal from this course because the professor was never in class. No textbook, homework, or any helpful learning resources were provided. It was basically a zoom class and your grade is based off 3 exams only. It was a waste of time and I did not learn a thing. Do not take this course if you care about GPA or learning in person.
Dr. Puente obviously has a passion for psychology. I enjoy going to his class and listening to his lectures, but do not be fooled this is a very difficult course especially considering it is an intro course. I would take it again, but when given the chance for extra credit TAKE IT! You're only graded on three tests so take that as you will.
Dr. P gave amazing lectures, his stories were captivating, always a pleasure to listen, he lived such an inspirational life. Effort put into the class = effort he will put into you. Don't be shy I love the conversations during classes No canvas = print the syllabus out! I loved this class and with out Dr.P I wouldn't have the same passion for PSY
He was interesting, loves to talk about himself, lots of stories, but the class was a challenge. Take really thorough notes because he doesn't do power points, readings, canvas, etc. The only grades came from the 4 tests and the research requirement was only discussed once but is also required. Take advantage of extra credit and study sessions.
Dr Puente is a great professor. He is not for everyone, however. He is very lecture-heavy, and you're responsible for the notes you write and study. His grades are on three tests. I'm not the best test taker, but I did alright on them. He has a TON of extra credit opportunities. If you are willing to put in the time, you will be all right.
Professor Puente is the type of professor that sticks with you for the rest of your life. You will never have another professor like him, one who genuinely cares and interacts with his students. His purpose as a professor is not to throw Power points at you, but to instead help you become passionate about what you choose to do with your life.
holy moly I hate sitting through this mans lectures, I'm sure he was a good professor at some point but he has not been able to keep up with the times; Refuses to use canvas and will never show you a powerpoint or really anything with the material written down. His teaching style consists of slow often rambeing lectures that rarely make sense.
Only gives 3 tests for the whole year and that is all you are graded on. He gives some extra credit though. He is a really good lecturer and the lectures are interesting. You will do good as long as you take good notes. He does not do power points.
- Best professor I've ever had. - Your final grade consists of 3 exams (no hw or quizzes). - There are so many extra credit opportunities. TAKE THEM. They go to your overall grade. - He records all the lectures. - Study for those 3 exams and you will be more than perfect. - If you are passionate about psych, TAKE HIM. - Take all the notes you can
SAVE YOURSELF. I wouldn't wish this man on my worst enemy. No canvas, no website, no book, no grade book, no power points, no notes to look at, no homework to fluff your grade just random extra credits. You were just being talked AT and tested on random stuff that he may or may not have said at some point in time. Oh also doesn't answer email.
I absolutely love Dr. Puente and this class. He is a very inspirational professor and honestly, all you have to do is show up and pay attention in class and you'll do fine. Puente values critical thinking in conversations during class so be very vocal and don't be afraid to express your opinions. He will challenge you to become better.
Do not take this class!!!! You will be required to teach yourself everything, there are no assignments, just lectures and exams. The exams do not correlate with the lecture content, no way to access him other than email, no canvas page, etc. trust. He is a nice man but his class lacks everything you need to pass.
He never shows up for class but preaches about attendance. No access to class materials because he uses his own answers and knowledge for the class...That being said, the test is veryyy subjective and hard. There's 3 of them and spread evenly throughout the semester so you have time but make sure you record lectures yourself. Wouldn't recommend.
Just attend class and you should be fine. he strictly lectures with no PowerPoint, canvas, homework, or classwork. As long as you're there, the tests should be a breeze. Also, there is plenty of easy extra credit to boost your grade!
Dr. Puente is so funny and he makes class actually interesting. Get ready to listen and write down basically anything he says bcus a few questions would be on the test that I had no recollection of. Extra credit and participation are so important! If you go and take notes you will succeed. Test questions are pretty straightforward.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS! Worst professor I have EVER had. He doesn't have a canvas, power point, or slide shows, doesn't even have us read a book. Not to mention he is NEVER in class. His actual tests consists of questions about himself and questions he hasn't even taught us. He needs to be fired. (So much more I need to say but can't fit it)
TAKE THIS CLASS! Your grade is made up of 3 test grades, one being the final, but as long as you show up to class and take notes, you will be great. Dr. Puente is very understanding and offers a lot of extra credit throughout the semester as well as revisions on testing materials in certain cases.
Overall great guy. Loved his class because of the person he is. Only get graded on the two tests and the 15 page paper but he gives a lot of extra credit. I was able to get 20 points of extra credit just by showing up to class.
He's a very interesting person and has lots of stories, also a huge ego. He is very politically opinionated, so if you're tired of hearing unnecessary political comments, you've been warned. His tests are purely based off himself and people he's personally worked with. Tests aren't on Broad concepts, but specific details. No canvas. Often he's gone
It's clear that the 50/50 reviews here are far too subjective to play off. It seemed like the bad reviews were only the people who didnt show up to class. No. Tests are mostly abt general stuff but the ambiguity of his actual test material is VAST. If u are GPA conscious, dont take Puente bc the predictability of getting good grades is little to 0.
I come to every class and still am struggling. He gives no written notes and expects you to remember every single thing he says for the exam. The exams have random information about his life and not all relevant to the class. It feels like all he does is preach about how he got here from nothing and how we should be doing more.
He is great. Go to class you'll get a good grade.
I had zero problem with him everything in his exams are in his lectures but am a terrible test taker so if that is you do not recommend no powerpoint and doesn't write in white board. records lectures and sends them out 72 hrs before exam. Has a lot of extra credit but if you can type or write fast or wander off do not recommend. very opinionated.
Guy is old school lecture then exam; no hw or class work to fluff the grade. Don't miss more than 1 lecture per test in my opinion. I studied about 6-8 hours per exam(3) got mid level B's on every exam but he gives 10 points of extra credit per exam so there's my A. He's wicked smart but if you want the flexibility to skip a class he's not for you
Puente is a good professor if you can take notes and write fast. He covers everything on his exams in his help sessions, and basically gives answers when he reviews the tests. You do need to go to class though, if you show up you'll be just fine.
do not take this class he does not say anything that is on the exams during class
Puente is a very nice professor and a really funny guy. His classes are only graded on 3 exams but he gives a significant amount of extra credit opportunities. His tests are moderately hard(about 33 questions each) but some material I did not remember being lectured on but overall if you show up to his classes and study, you will be just fine.
Dr. Puente's RMP score can be intimidating, but you will leave the class learning a lot if you take good notes and show up. He teaches in a conversational manner which made the class much more engaging than your "typical" lecture class. You are graded on three exams, but he offers enough extra credit to boost your grade by a letter if you do it!
Dr. Puente is a great professor and a funny guy. Showing up is important for this class! Be ready to listen and take good notes, but his lectures were incredibly engaging and offered many perspectives. You're graded off of 3 exams (one of them is the final), but he offers extra credit and tells you what will be on them in his help sessions.
Dr.Puente's class can be very intimidating! There's no canvas or powerpoints, lectures are just him talking. Take notes of EVERYTHING that comes out of his mouth. Graded on a midterm, final, and a huge paper- start it EARLY, do not procrastinate it. His lectures are very interesting but sometimes goes sidetracked and is completely irrelevant.
DO NOT SKIP. Puente is engaging because you have to take notes on every single word that comes out of his mouth. His tests are not just multiple choice, so you have to know the material going into the three exams. That being said, I got over 20 points of extra credit just doing basic assignments, so definitely take advantage of those opportunities!
Very passionate about what he teaches, but exam grades are purely luck no matter how much you study
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
40%
Textbook Required
81%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.25 avg changeRatings by Course
352
5.0
(1)PSY4100
5.0
(1)PSY495
5.0
(1)PSY355
5.0
(1)HISTORYANDSYS
4.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
PSY
5.0
PSYC405
5.0
PSY450
4.7
HISTORYANDSYS
4.5
PSY405
4.2