3.7

Barbara Mueller

Communication - San Diego State University

3.7
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
69%
Would Retake
86
Reviews
3.7
Quality
3.0
Difficulty
3.5
Helpful
3.9
Clarity

69%

Would Retake

86

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

29

4

31

3

13

2

9

1

4

What Students Say

Start a Google doc to share in-class lecture notes

JMS460 - 2.0 rating

Might go ahead and take her International Advertising too

COMM460 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
B (6)
A (2)
C (2)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(7)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 14 reported grades
B: 6
A: 2
C: 2
Not sure yet: 2
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (8)
Get ready to read (7)
Test heavy (4)
Graded by few things (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
Respected (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.96 avg change
Nov
Dec
Apr
May
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

COMM

5.0

(1)

COMM574

5.0

(1)

RELS101

5.0

(1)

COM460574

5.0

(1)

C460

5.0

(2)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

COMM490A

4.0

INTLADV

4.0

JMS506

4.0

JMS460

3.6

574

3.5

Reviews (86)
5.0
2.0
460
Nov 15, 2001

No Comments

4.0
2.0
COMM460
Dec 11, 2001

I enjoyed this class. Might go ahead and take her International Advertising too.

4.0
2.0
COMM460
Dec 31, 2001

Very knowledgeable teacher, no homework, just 4 tests, and a helpful curve.

5.0
2.0
COMM
Mar 12, 2002

No Comments

5.0
3.0
COMM460
Mar 13, 2002

No Comments

5.0
3.0
COMM574
Aug 6, 2002

Speech, paper and 4 exams. Very interesting class, learned a lot.

5.0
3.0
COMM460
Oct 23, 2002

Great teacher, learned a lot in class.

5.0
3.0
COMM460
Dec 9, 2002

No Comments

4.0
3.0
460
Dec 26, 2002

good teacher, horrible advisor.

4.0
2.0
COMM460
Dec 29, 2002

some say you gotta read the book, others say no, i did and i got an A-

3.0
1.0
COMM460
Feb 13, 2003

Way too easy. I didn't even read the book and I got an A!

5.0
3.0
COMM460
May 17, 2003

very nice teacher, fun class, it was harder than i thought, you need to read the book and study hard for tests.

5.0
3.0
RELS101
Aug 29, 2003

This teacher is incredibly insightful and entertaining. When he speaks, the whole room pays attention. I would take another one of his classes just for fun (really!)

5.0
2.0
574
Sep 11, 2003

She is very good. As the Advertising Dep. Advisor she knows a lot and is easy to talk to. She has writen numerous publications and is just a nice lady.

4.0
3.0
COMM460
Dec 13, 2003

Sooooooo boooorrrrrrriiinnnnnnnggggg

4.0
3.0
COMM460
Dec 15, 2003

She knows a lot. Sometimes her study guide can be too overwhelming. She grades on a curve. Do all the readings and attend class and you'll be fine.

5.0
3.0
COMM460
Dec 22, 2003

Entertaining class, interesting and fun. Tests are hard, but she tells you what will be on it, no suprises. Very nice.

1.0
4.0
COMM490A
Feb 10, 2004

As a Comm. Dept. Advisor, she might be the least helpful person around. She is never in her office. Rarely accomodates you, and loves to change her office for final week or for registration week, when you really need an advisor.

5.0
3.0
COMM460
Apr 22, 2004

Go over the study guides and you'll do fine. She really wants students to do well in class. She grades on a curve +++

2.0
5.0
574
Apr 28, 2004

This is a VERY hard class.HUGE paper needs to be written(she never tells you how long it should be,mine was 22 pages), tests are VERY hard, and she doesn't drop any if you do horribly. THE WORST ADVISOR EVER, she is NEVER in her office.

3.0
4.0
COMM460
May 6, 2004

So boring- Tests are hard, random questions on the tests. She'll give you questions to study that will be completely unrelated to the test.

4.0
2.0
460
May 12, 2004

The lectures in this class are really interesting...really makes you like advertising. However, the amount of reading assigned for tests is absurd. The tests cover lecture and the book, and none of the book is discussed in class. so the tests are hard.

4.0
2.0
COMM460
May 19, 2004

Not difficult, but you don't really learn too much because you are overwhelmed the entire time with the book material that you have to study for the test. I don't feel like I gained very much from this class

3.0
3.0
INTLADVER
May 20, 2004

Yes, a term paper is due but it is based on questions she asks, so it is not that difficult. Study moderately and you'll get an A. She not only curves the tests, but also curves the final grades. This semester she dropped the lowest test. Yay!

4.0
2.0
460
Aug 11, 2004

Break the text study guide up in a group and share notes so you dont have to read the book. 50% of test questions from the book and 50% od lectures. You dont have to go to class but be sure to get the notes. 50 question tests, 25 are T or F, 25 ABC.

5.0
4.0
460
Nov 7, 2004

Very smart teacher. Very clear class.

4.0
3.0
COMM460
Grade: A
Dec 14, 2004

Professor is intelligent, friendly and helpful. A lot of info! Tests are 1/2 lecture and 1/2 text. Text is wordy, boring, and not covered in class. Some questions are random and very specific. Tests can seem overwhelming, so study hard.

4.0
2.0
COMM460
Dec 16, 2004

this class is really easy. she is a nice lady and grades on a big curve that will help you out. term paper is so easy and graded that way too. never went to class and still got an a

4.0
3.0
ADVSOCIETY
Dec 16, 2004

Wonderful teacher.Know's what she's talking about.Easy & interesting lectures.Have to do a presentation & paper which wasn't hard.Have to do readings though but interesting book.Study anything in lectures & readings that has "lists".

5.0
2.0
COMM460
Jan 4, 2005

SHE IS WONDERFUL!! Class was super easy and interesting. Even tho it was at 8am, i stayed awake. Curve is a plus, she w/o a doubt wants her students to succeed. make sure you go to test reviews, and if you miss a day of class just get notes from someone else

5.0
2.0
COMM460
Jan 4, 2005

This proessor is awesome! She is very interesting, her tests are relatively clear and she curves the grades. I recommend her for anyone who is interested in learning about advertising.

4.0
4.0
460
Jan 13, 2005

very interesting..hard but fun...

5.0
2.0
COMM460
Jan 17, 2005

She is really nice and gives 100 examples of every little detail in class. TON OF READING. 6 chapters per test, graded on a huge curve. Paper is easy!Make sure u get all the notes from class and read what you're supposed to. She is helpful and really wants you to do well. I got an A :)

5.0
3.0
COM460574
May 8, 2005

Great teacher who is clear and nice. A pleasure to study with M.Mueller. Foreign student who will always remember in a good way thanks to her kindness. Very helpfull and interesting.

5.0
2.0
C460
May 10, 2005

She was a really great prof. Tests are what you make of them...don't read and expect a crappy grade. Read and study lectures and its no sweat. Paper is so easy it will take you an hour.

5.0
2.0
C460
May 18, 2005

Good professor with interesting lectures. Read the book and study your notes and you will do well. You have to buy the book for this one because half of the test questions come straight from it. Only bad thing is it's at 8AM.

5.0
2.0
CMM460
May 19, 2005

Great class! Great teacher!

5.0
2.0
COM460
May 23, 2005

very clear. interesting if you want to go into advertising. Simple, yet informative, fair-light in terms of work load. 50% reading, 50% lectures

5.0
5.0
460
Jul 8, 2005

good teacher, cares about students and is very involved, class is tough but if you study you will do fine, she curves

5.0
3.0
COM460
Aug 3, 2005

Awesome teacher. Tests are kinda tough, but if you do all the reading and show up for lecture, you'll do fine. She's really clear and gives study guide week before the test, so make sure u show up... tons of reading but it's an awesome class. she's super nice and makes class fun and interesting.

3.0
4.0
INTLADV
Aug 16, 2005

Mueller is a great teacher. She knows what she is talking about and sites excellent examples. However; don't ask her questions after classs or talk to her one on one, she is super pompass and does not care about helping students whatsoever. So if you missed something or have a special request, she will be super mean.

3.0
3.0
COMM460
Aug 20, 2005

Well, the tests are graded on curves, and can be tough. But go to class and do your READING, and you'll do just fine. I skipped a bunch of lectures and got a B. The guest speakers are interesting and the ads she shows in class are cool. The paper for comparing two ads is really fun to do! Searching around for the same ad centuries apart is awesome!

5.0
3.0
COMM460
May 11, 2006

Great Prof! She is so smart and really knows what she is talking about. Shows really interesting ads and commercials during class and uses a lot of examples for you to better understand the concepts. Grades on curve and tests are only hard if you dont study, she gives a study guide so go off that and you will do fine. Go to class and take notes =)

4.0
2.0
460
May 20, 2006

Awesome Prof and awesome class. Her class was really intresting to take even if your not a ad major. It was easy, but not as easy as she makes it out to be. you have to do the readings and spend some time studying. She was great and always pushing her students to new things in the ad world.

4.0
2.0
COMM460
Jun 9, 2006

Interesting class. Do the reading. Tests are 50% lecture material, 50% reading, all MC...but they are difficult. GO TO CLASS. It will help you out a lot, especially because she shows several videos and puts questions on the test. Boring at times, but overall not too bad.

5.0
2.0
COMM460
Jul 9, 2006

great teacher, knows her stuff. just go to class and take notes n do your reading and youll be ok. a lot of reading though, but tests werent too bad. i crammed the night before on each test and got a b in the class.

4.0
3.0
460
Jul 9, 2006

Smart woman...really knows her stuff. I just wish the class wasn't at 8am. I never went to class, but i did ALL of the reading and i ended up with a B. She also gives test reviews. I wish the class wasn't so early because the few times i went, it was really interesting. If you go to class and do ALL of the reading, you should get an A.

5.0
1.0
COMM460
Jul 21, 2006

This class covers interesting material, and is pretty easy. We watched commercials and looked at slides. She gives a study guide for each test, so as long as you show up half the time and read the book you should be fine.

4.0
3.0
COMM460
Aug 26, 2006

Very interesting lectures. Great storyteller. One of those classes you don't want to miss. Very qualified to teach this class.

4.0
2.0
COMM460
Aug 28, 2006

Was a fantastic class. One thing to note: there are four tests and the material comes from the book and lectures. She is not joking when she says that half the test questions come from the book. Read the book!

4.0
3.0
COMM460
Dec 21, 2006

Good class. Tests consists of 25 T/F and then 25 MC. Although she tells you what to read in the book, the sections of the chapters are long. (It'll take awhile to do outlines.) Curves each test and then curves again at the end. Good lecturer.

2.0
3.0
COMM506
Jan 5, 2007

Professor Mueller's class was very disappointing. She basically taught the first 3 weeks of class, and then she had us teach the rest. She literally did not teach a thing for 3/4 of the class. She is also on a high horse, which she shouldn't be considering the book she wrote and had us read seemed like a mish-mash of others' research and thoughts.

2.0
4.0
COMM506
Jan 18, 2007

HORRIBLE CLASS! It was good the first week when she taught but then the ENTIRE semester after the first week consisted of student presentations. The tests were VERY hard, all T/F and short answers...huge term paper with no page requirement (but most people did around 20).

2.0
4.0
COMM460
May 10, 2007

Professor posts her office hours on her door and syllabus, but is never there. Review sessions for book material are completely inconsistent with what's on the actual test. Tests are filled with trick questions. Don't bother asking her anything. She will not be helpful. It's like she wants you to fail. I'm an A-student who got only C's with her!

1.0
3.0
COMM460
May 14, 2007

Taught the first few weeks of school then got lazy and showed us slides and pictures. If you want to learn about advertising, don't take her. If you take all 4 tests you can skip the final. she gives an outline of the test a week prior, but they are lengthy!!

3.0
4.0
COMM460
Oct 16, 2007

BUY THE BOOK! The only grading comes from 4 tests and 70% comes from book (which she doensn't lecture on very well if at all), 30% from lecture notes. Not very helpful outside of class, I personally have gone to office hours for help and she has never seemed receptive. No extra credit opportunities. ("she doesn't feel like grading them"). Pitiful.

2.0
5.0
COMM460
Nov 6, 2007

a disappointment as a teacher. I really expected more from her and was very excited for the class, yet she failed miserably at engaging students. Videos that she shows are outdated, study guides are useless (she might as well just tell us to know word for word the entire book). Very sad.

5.0
2.0
JMS460
Jul 17, 2008

This class is not difficult. If you attend class and study the important sections she points out in the book, you're golden. There is a lot of material, if you're smart you'll find a study group and divide the work. Mueller isn't overly nice but she knows what she's talking about. I learned a lot and got an A.

2.0
2.0
JMS561
Dec 11, 2008

BOOO! Horrible teacher! JMS 480 with her is not that bad, but I do not recommend 561. She lectures the first two weeks of class and then sits back and does nothing. She doesn't review for the tests and all her reading materials and research are from the 90s so they are completely outdated. Interesting topics, but doesn't TEACH them!

3.0
5.0
JMS460
Dec 15, 2008

The class is really hard. I got the study guides from other people but the test questions are tricky and horrible. I am an A student and I am getting a C. I am ver disappointed. Unfortunate shes going to be my teacher for sometime for Advertising. She curves the test but all i got was mostly C's. Really sucks :( The test is mostly on the textbook.

3.0
4.0
JMS460
Mar 16, 2009

Lectures WAY too fast, separate from book material. Exams cover both and are purposefully tricky (w/calculations). Does not post lectures. I love advertising but hate this class. Avoid if you have a heavy schedule.

4.0
3.0
JMS460
Jun 27, 2009

Learned a lot. Don't make the mistake and think this class will be easy, but still it doesn't require tons of studying. Go to all the lectures, take good notes, and she tells you what is on the exams a week ahead. Moderately challenging but I got an A.

3.0
2.0
JMS460
Aug 4, 2009

Overall the class isnt that bad took it over summer so that was a bummer.doesnt take role but it is important to go to class b/c some questions on test are straight from lecture. Make sure you are there when she goes over the study guide and read up on the topics. Her curve for the tests are comical, easy

2.0
2.0
JMS561
May 6, 2010

One of the worst classes and professors I have ever taken. She dosen't teach ANYTHING herself. Skims through two weeks of lecture and has students present every class after. You will learn to memorize material for exams, but not learn anything of quality or analysis and her methods are outdated in a subject that should cutting edge. WASTE OF TIME!

2.0
2.0
JMS561
May 6, 2010

One of the worst classes and professors I have ever taken. She dosen't teach ANYTHING herself. Skims through two weeks of lecture and has students present every class after. You will learn to memorize material for exams, but not learn anything of quality or analysis and methods are outdated in a subject that should be cutting edge. WASTE OF TIME!

4.0
2.0
JMS460
May 11, 2010

never takes attendance, but material in class is on the test and is not covered in the book. have to read the book for tests. 1/2 the test is true/false the other 1/2 is MC. tests are average in difficulty, but they are curved. class recommended for an easy B.

1.0
5.0
JMS460
Apr 14, 2011

Horrible teacher. Tests are very hard and she tries to trick you on the questions. Does NOT help at all if you go into her office hours. She honestly makes you feel unwanted like you are a bother if you go in to talk to her for help. Would not recommend this course

5.0
1.0
JMS460
Jul 17, 2011

Excellent professor. Easy grader. Curves individual exams and the class overall. Text material is 50/50 lecture/reading. Test questions are a little tricky. Assigns one paper that is an automatic A if you do it. I learned a lot about the marketing and advertising world and enjoyed Dr. Mueller's class a lot.

4.0
2.0
JMS460
Dec 20, 2012

Her class is very interesting but her tests are tricky. half class notes, half book and she includes A LOT of chapters for just one exam. one paper that's really easy, just summarize a research study. Reading is a MUST for the exams but luckily our class had google doc's for her study guides.

2.0
2.0
JMS460
Jun 4, 2013

The instructor left me desiring a more qualified and enthusiastic professor. She must regurgitate the same bored diatribe each semester, and she even seemed bored whilst giving it. She writes convoluted exam questions, and grades on a curve. Start a Google doc to share in-class lecture notes. Good luck.

3.0
5.0
JMS460
Dec 19, 2014

1 short summary paper, 4 midterms and 1 cumaltive exam if you missed a scheduled exam. Exams are the hardest! Gives about 8 chapters plus lectures per exam so it is a lot of information. I averaged about a 61% on the exams but with the curve ended with a B-, but do not rely on the curve!

4.0
4.0
JMS460
Grade: B
Jan 20, 2015

The class was interesting and she's a really good teacher but there is A LOT to read for the exams.

3.0
3.0
JMS460
Grade: C
May 25, 2016

Be present in class and TAKE GOOD NOTES. She makes sure that you have to be in class every day and you have to read all the text assigned. Tests are hard and based on everything both in and out of class!! Fortunately, she does curve test grades as well, but don't bank on this.

4.0
4.0
JMS460
Dec 19, 2017
Would take again

Your grade depends on four midterms and a paper. The tests are extremely detailed and half of the questions come from the textbook so you need to take very detailed notes. My notes for the textbook came out to be more than double of the notes I took for lecture so you need to be prepared to read a lot. Great teacher if that is how you learn.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
JMS460
Grade: B
Jun 8, 2018
Would take again

I wasn't expecting the difficulty of the exams, but honestly, the class was SO informative and she grades on a decent curve so it was worth it. I got the most out of this class out of all the JMS classes I've taken in my 4 years. Attendance isn't mandatory, but she doesn't upload lectures online so def go and take notes! She is also super sweet!

Respected
Get ready to read
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
4.0
JMS460
Grade: B
Mar 12, 2019
Would take again

The class is not easy. Reading the text book is mandatory for exams. She is very knowledgeable about advertising and willing to help you, but you need to work for your grade. I wasn't expecting the tests to be so hard, but this is an upper division class.

Get ready to read
Amazing lectures
5.0
4.0
JMS460
Jun 11, 2019
Would take again

She's just adorable.

Gives good feedback
Lots of homework
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
JMS460
Grade: B-
Nov 7, 2019
Wouldn't take again

This isn´t an easy class, that´s for sure. The teacher is really nice and the content is interesting but WAY TOO MUCH. She never takes attendance but doesn´t upload the presentations and you´ll need them to pass, so you better go to her class. 4 tests (20% each) , a focus group assignment (10%) and a research assignment (10%). Good luck!

Get ready to read
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
5.0
JMS460
Grade: B
Nov 7, 2019
Would take again

The class I had to study the most from all my years in school. Not to freak you out, but there are 4 exams and there is like 8 chapters to study for each of them + her class notes. Be prepared to read a lot and study a lot too. Not horrible though.

4.0
3.0
JMS460
Grade: A-
Dec 7, 2019
Would take again

Mueller is probably one of the fairest teachers and graders I've had so far. The test and class curve is nice. The other 2 assignments (focus group and 3 page research paper) are really easy points. Don't skip class, especially the exam review days. She also points out content that will definitely be on the test.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
3.0
5.0
JMS460
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 28, 2020
Wouldn't take again

A very tough class. The exams are meant to trip you up. The class does feel outdated. She doesn't take attendance, but the powerpoint aren't posted to blackboard. I am hoping she helps us students out due to the pandemic. Take another JMS class if you have the option. JMS 440 and 462 are easier and more modern/relevant.

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Lecture heavy
1.0
5.0
JMS460
Grade: C
May 7, 2020
Wouldn't take again

She demanded we take the final during our normal class time. THESE ARE NOT NORMAL TIMES. She was unwilling to adjust to the pandemic and it made it extremely difficult. I wish she gave us 24 hours for exams like most professors. I would stay away and take another course.

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
JMS460
Grade: B
May 11, 2020
Would take again

This class is NOT easy. You must show up to lecture, take notes, and do the readings. However, the professor is extremely understanding. Whatever the average class grade on an exam is, she makes it a B-. The tests are hard so the averages are usually 70-76%. She bumped everyones final grade up due to the pandemic. Very tough class but passable.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Caring
4.0
4.0
JMS506
Grade: A
May 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Mueller loves what she teaches and cares for her students; sometimes her attempts to make everything fair comes off as insensitive. Taking tests during class time while online was difficult and her material is outdated. DEFINITELY read. Going on sabbatical Fall 2020 (last I heard) though if you want to take any of her upper-division classes.

Get ready to read
Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
4.0
4.0
JMS460
Grade: B
May 2, 2022
Would take again

Her tests are nearly impossible to pass. She curves all the exams because the average score is usually in the 60s. Your grade is based on your four exam scores and three writing assignments, so you must do semi-well on all of them to pass this class. She is an easy grader for the writing assignments. Every class is lecture-heavy but interesting!

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
3.0
JMS460
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 13, 2022
Would take again

4 noncumulative exams. 2 short writing assignments. 1 4-6 page research paper. I didn't buy the textbook for this class, dont recommend doing that since most of the exam questions were based on textbook material not lectures. Still got a B+ since the exams were heavily curved and she was pretty lenient with the 2 writing assignments.

Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

43%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
B (6)
A (2)
C (2)
Grade Distribution
A(2)B(7)C(2)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(1)
Based on 14 reported grades
B: 6
A: 2
C: 2
Not sure yet: 2
Common Tags
Lecture heavy (8)
Get ready to read (7)
Test heavy (4)
Graded by few things (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (2)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
Respected (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.96 avg change
Nov
Dec
Apr
May
May
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

COMM

5.0

(1)

COMM574

5.0

(1)

RELS101

5.0

(1)

COM460574

5.0

(1)

C460

5.0

(2)
+13 more courses
Difficulty by Course

COMM490A

4.0

INTLADV

4.0

JMS506

4.0

JMS460

3.6

574

3.5

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