2.9
Quality4.0
Difficulty33%
Would Retake149
Reviews33%
Would Retake
149
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
149 total ratings5
41
4
24
3
25
2
24
1
35
What Students Say
“Worst class I have taken by far”
MUS206 - 3.0 rating“Don't do it to yourself”
MUS206 - 3.0 ratingClass Info
Attendance Mandatory
96%
Textbook Required
88%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
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-0.56 avg changeRatings by Course
MUS306W
5.0
(2)MUS207
5.0
(1)MUS305W
5.0
(1)MUS302
5.0
(1)MUSIC499
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
MUS210
5.0
JAZZROCKFOUNDA
5.0
JAZZROCK
5.0
MUSICSECT
5.0
MUSIC499
5.0
Reviews (148)
If you show up for class and take excellent notes, you will get an A. If you are a slacker student and like to goof off, don't bother.
im not a slacker and i could just not grasp this class. the tests were the hardest i had ever experienced and although i love music, and it is my passion, and do have a huge interest in older music, i could now get this class and memorize everything.
This class was great! I hope sometime in the future a class can be constructed that will cover music more to the present date, covering artists like the Beatles, Creedence, The Doors, all the up to Nirvana.
Soo much information to learn. The class is not what people expect it to be. It was very interesting though and it was cool to hear the music and stuff from back in the day.
Manucso is a lecturer. There is no interaction at all with the teacher. The music is great, but the presentation sucks. If you feel like getting lectured too, and like roots music then this can be a good class, otherwise don't bother
very interesting class.
Cocky, arrogant, unhelpful, shall i go on?
Needless to say, I dropped this course after the second test. It just wasn't for me. A lot of material that may be interesting to some, but not to me. Only take if you do well in history courses and are good with memorization of dates/names. But, still. He is an interesting guy.
I got a D, but it was also first semester when I didnt know how to properly study. I know many people struggled with this class. It's purely lecture and all memorization. If you think it's going to be a cakewalk because it's music, don't do it! It's the hardest class I've taken to date.
I studied harder for this class than any other class in my entire life and got a D. If you don't understand something in class, looking at the book doesn't help at all, because he wrote it. It is interesting material, but it is a lot to memorize, and I urge others to stay away unless a music major
I studied and studied and after failing the first 3 tests, I dropped out of the class. The class is boring. Dr. Mancuso has a monotone voice, and shows slides for the entire class.
Horrible professor. Class could have been awesome, but he expects way too much for a music class. I took it my first semseter at 17 and got a C. Don't take first thing in the morning, being in a dark room with music playing put me to sleep. Very arrogant and cocky.
I agree with all the negative comments. Truly a awful human being. I would of had a 4.0 but his class dropped it down to a 3.6. Yes, I had A's in four classes, yet only did C work in his class...odd.
That class SUCKED!ALL THE NEGATIVE COMMENTS ARE TRUE!!Don't take this class.I thought it would be cool to listen to music but he sucks all the fun out of it.He's arrogant, cocky, and acts higher than GOD!He's looking for the next Socrates but isn't looking hard enough.Unwilling to listen to critcism
I don't know what everyone else is talking about. This is a great class. The material isn't that hard. He also lets you do a lot of extra credit. He is a really nice man. If you are doing bad in it, then it is b/c you didn't go to class and study. I'm getting a B and w/o alot of effort.
Great class. I recommend that you take it. He has over 3000 slides and he shows videos and plays music. He did a put a lot of work into the slide show.Most other teachers don't do half as much for their classes. Great guy.
Mancuso is great. Have to take MUS206 before this. He really makes you feel an appreciation and love for many genres of music. Great inspiration! Essay tests with reading integration....12 journals due at end...if you pace yourself and are a hardworker you should be fine.
He makes the subject really interesting. The textbook is kind of expensive. You need to read it, because the questions on the exams are specific (like captions). You cannot really miss class, because he plays different songs each time, which will be on the exams too. . . Easy class for an easy grade. He curves at the end of the semester.
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A completely useless class full of meaningless trivia and unimportant minutae. No ongoing context offered as a basis for new information. No innovation in teaching technique is apparent.
I really enjoyed Professor Mancuso's course, although I earned a D in it. I am looking forward to taking it again, and getting a better grade, because i enjoyed it so much
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In my four years of college, I have never had anything terrible to say about any teacher. But I took Jazz and Rock, and there was no rock. The tests were REDICULOUS. I had to study harder for his tests then my high level core classes. The tests have over 20-40 different people, each with 2-3 hit songs you have to know. Don't take this class!
WORST CLASS EVER. This is the only class I have ever failed IN MY LIFE. Dont take it if you have any bit of humanity in you. RIDICULOUS!
Interesting class, pretty difficult tests..
Jazz and Rock Foundations 1900-1950. Interesting, but also very hard. If you're not good at remembering 50 or so specific people and songs for every test, you'll have a lot of studying to do. Good guy, but his tests are incredibly hard. Might be worth taking as a pass/fail if possible. Interesting class, but damaging to GPA.
If you are looking for a class to take to finish your fine arts courses this is not the one. You figure being a music course that the material might be interesting, not even close. Instructor is very boring, does not get the class involved in discussions, he just goes on and on. Maybe it's just the teacher but this is not a course to take.
This guys sucks, i wish someone advised me not to take this class.
The exams are easy if you read the book and listen to the music CDs beforehand. That's the advice I received before this class, and is definitely true. He has a lot of passion about the subject, which shows in his classes. Prepare to do work, though! But hey, you're here to learn, right?
I see a lot of people stating that this class sucked. Who doesn't like Music? GO TO CLASS, you can miss 4 (generous) It's interesting to see where the music we like came from and the effect it had on our parents generation. He has done this for over 40 years. He presents in an organized way which helps so much compared to unprepared teachers. A++
Brilliant man, knows his stuff. He demands that you learn the information, but that is what you are there for. The content is hard, but if you read and go to class you will be fine. If you don't have an interest in music you shouldn't take it! I really enjoyed this class!
great prof great guy workin hard to get an A here tho folks
He knows his stuff but you have to work VERY hard for your grade! He expects you to know so much, I did well but I put so much time into this class than others! If your a slacker, I wouldnt advise somebody to take this course but then I slept through the class almost everytime and still came out with a B+
This class is interesting and his slide presentations make the information easier to learn. HOWEVER, I had to study for this class more than any class I have ever taken in my 3 years of college. Take pass/fail if you can.
Very interesting class, but very very difficult if you don't study! A lot of reading, but it isn't so much if you go to class. No papers, but the tests can go either way.
You have to study and stay awake in his morning classes and no drinking in his classes or he might embaress you. Otherwise I thought it was a good class. He deffently knows his material.
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Too hard. I took it as a freshman and bombed with a D now that d will haunt my GPA forever. It was soooo interesting though, either you have the study skills or you don't.
I don't know why everyone complains about how hard his tests are! There aren't trick questions, and they're multiple choice. Just read the book & pay attention. The trick is to do the readings! He loves his students and is passionate for American history by studying music. This is a very interesting course by one of the best teachers I've ever had
His class format is almost impeccable. I have ADD and I've never had such an easy time paying attention in class. A unique and relevant way to look at US history. Some of the music is awesome, and this guy really knows his stuff. I'm sorry, but if you don't like this class I think it's because you don't like music (real music).
I love this class. I can understand why students fail his exams. It's called not studying, being unprepared for an exam!!! Pay attention in class and read his book. The first day of class when we walked in, he had Bob Dylan playing. What other class can you enjoy as much as this? It's great.
Chuck is very knowable but, thinks way to highly of himself. He admits the he has a 20% drop rate of his class, what does this tell one? The professor requires way to much study time that will neglect from other courses. His 80? test are impossible and will not help one succeed in the fucture.Overall Rating of Chuck and his class is Extremely poor.
The previous comment is unfair. I'd bet the person earned no better than a C (Am I right?). Be responsible and be prepared. Nothing is impossible. Learn to memorize, apply knowledge, and think creatively. Be prepared to write. I earned an A in his writing intensive class- My first exam was a C. I earned an A on the 2nd and 3rd tests, as well as on
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I dont like this man. He loves what he's doing but he's really obnoxious. I'm a good student and i struggled to pass. I read the whole book and only missed a few classes and it was hard work. Bottom line is, he doesn't teach INTRO to jazz.. you have to know every meticuless useless detail about hillbilly's in the mountains making shoebox music
Terrible. Do not take this course if you just want an Easy Gen Ed. art req filled. This class requires many extra hours of study in order to pass. His lectures generally contain little information that is on the tests. Other than the Music samples which he also tests on. Avoid this class unless you abo****ely need to take it.
Terrible teacher, 8o question tests are way to difficult,the book he wrote is unbelievably boring, and the binding will break shortly into the semester, never take this course!
This class should be a history class, not a music class. His tests are hard, and cover EVERYTHING in the book. The class is very time consuming. Expect to put alot of time just to get a C. Don't take this class if you just need a course to fill an art requirement. Big waste of time, and will hurt your GPA.
Not as bad as everyone says. I'm no genius but I studied for about 3 hours before the tests and ended up with a B for my final grade. He does have an ego but he also genuinely cares about his class and wants his students to do well. He obviously knows what he's talking about. just read the book and do the practice quiz online and you're golden.
A lot of the material is interesting but tests are very hard. This guy isn't even a player, he's more like a groupie, or a wannabe player. Half his classes probably have played more gigs than this guy has even fantasized about. It's like Rosie O'Donnell teaching a beauty class.
The best professor at BSC. His lectures are like watching PBS. The tests are hard but he gives you a study guide to follow. Hey Chuck, can I sit in on a lecture just for fun!
Chuckles is great. His tests are extremely tough but with a lot of studying, As are easy. His lectures are unlike any other - interesting. And whoever called the guy a groupie or wannabe.. he is a historian focusing on music. He's been a lot of places and met a lot of sweet people so he REALLY knows his stuff. Even if he can't play an instrument
This class is hands down the best class I have ever taken during my college career. If you have a knack for Broadway, jazz, theater, or music in general, this class is the class for you. Professor Mancuso has an amazing ability to teach and you can tell he truly loves what he does. Don?t take this class if you don?t want to work hard or if you don
This class is hands down the best I have ever taken. If you enjoy Broadway, jazz, theater, or music in general, this class is the class for you. Professor Mancuso has an amazing ability to teach and you can tell he truly loves what he does. Don?t take this class if you don?t want to work hard or if you don?t know how to be respectful.
I lovem anything having to do with music and was very excited about this course. However, this course is awful. He is slowly killing my love for music. I have worked my butt off and so far I am barely passing. If you have a hard time with tests do NOT take this class!!!
The Chuck rocks!! really fun class, he really knows his stuff....just ask for help and the Chuck will provide
The Chuck rocks!! really fun class, he really knows his stuff....just ask for help and the Chuck will provide...all the answers to the tests are layed out on his study sheet that he gives you at the beginning of the semester it even has dates on it!!
very interested in what he is teaching, expects you to learn alot. he wrote the book!!!tough, lot of students at beginning of year less than half the class at the end. if you dont have a lot of time to study than not recommending. if you pay attention follow guides and listening sheet you should be ok. not a class if you are looking for easy A or B
You will learn a lot from Chuck but a lot is expected. You have to read, take notes, and study hard for exams. However if you read text, attend class, and take practice exams, you should be fine.
Chuck's class was very entertaining. Slides and music synchronized for effect.Lectures dripping with history. If you paid attention, it was really more of a history class, with music thrown in for fun. The tests were hard and long, you have to study hard to do well, but it is possible to ace them. Be sure to do the listening practice on angel.
WORST CLASS EVER... He wrote the book, and it is horrible. The class is boring and you can not follow where he is going. Very unorganized and has conflicting info from angel to class. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS.
The classes are interesting because of the videos and music he plays, but gives a lot of information to memorize. His tests are extremely long and hard(thats what she said) and its hard to catch up with him on angel cuz he never uses it and doesnt email back.and the extra credit does not apply to those who are already failing so that makes no sense
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS...the teacher does not respond to any questions you might send to him over angel. He also tends to go off on useless information that is never on the test and half the time i feel that most of the work is trying to figure out if what he said will be on the test or not...DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS UNLESS IT IS FOR YOUR MAJOR!
HE WILL NEVER RESOND TO ANY OF YOUR EMAILS.During the class we had 4 grades, and they all consisted of tests. I took all 4 tests and did pretty well on them. At the end of the semester there were only 2 grades posted on Angel out of 4... I emailed and emailed countless times and he NEVER replied. My ADVISER also emailed him 3 times and he NEVER
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS YOU WILL REGRET BEING BORN! nice guy but hes very full of himself, he refers to himself as The Chuck. His lectures are unclear and he jumps ahead in his lectures for 10 minutes and then goes backto what he was saying. There are four tests 80 questions each, i withdrew and was extremely made that The chuck wasted my time.
DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS ITS TERRIBLE! nice guy but full of himself...he calls himself The Chuck, his lectures are confusing and stupid his tests are 80 questions. he wrote the text book for the class and you have to read three long chapters for each of the four tests. he combines the readings and lectures in tests. its terrible
Class is easy if you attend and take notes. A lot to read but it is not very boring. Take the online practice tests--huge help
The class work does take alot of your own time just reading but if you listen to his lectures and read alittle you will do fine. It is an interesting class to many people hate it just bc of the outside work, however you have no homework other than reading and 4 tests. do reviews u will be fine. he really likes what he does!
Don't take this class, he's full of himself. He has an eagle eye for cellphones, water, and food. If he catches you, prepare to be embarrassed, and yelled at. I truly have never disliked a professor so much in college. He's full of himself, spare yourself time and effort... find another class.
Avoid this class at all costs, such a waste of time. The lectures are confusing and (most of the time) irrelevant to exam material. He wrote the book which is a waste of $66 and he is definitely full of himself. Will stop the lecture to yell at someone with water. I passed the course by a few points by memorizing the online practice tests.
omg where do i begin? worst class ever. period. i have never disliked a professor in my entire college career as this one. father died and he said i have to have respect for the music and my absences were unexcusable. oh and dont ecer, ever drink water he loves to hear himself talk and will embarass you over drinking water. aviod this class!!!!!
Honestly the worst class I've had in my ENTIRE life. I dreaded every week. He wrote the book for the class, which is just run on sentences of facts. There was 3-4 veryyy long chp. for each of the 4 tests. He was very strict, you had to leave the room the even text on your phone during BREAKS, seriously? Ugh I hate even thinking about this class.
HORRIBLE PROFESSOR!!! HORRIBLE CLASS!!! Hes a nice guy when you get to know him on a personal level which i guarantee you wont unless you belong to Naked America(learning community)
Great Professor. He is very helpful if you ask him questions. I missed my exam due to work and he rescheduled at my convience. You listen to lectures during class and all you have to do is write a paper, half is due during the first exam the other at the final. You get to pick half of the topics wether music or movies to write about. If you put in
After my first exam, he told me I would not pass his class. Then I ended up getting a A in the class. He uses his own textbook, which is kind of big headed of him. However, if you like seeing how music evolve, I strongly recommend this class. The book is mandatory. He also has study guides online...use them too.
If you really, really wanna learn about music take this class. It double dips so it makes it worth it. He's not that bad, just dont bring food or water or gum or a cellphone to class. Material is crystal clear, and offers 3 extra credit papers at the end
Everyone complains about this course, but so long as you read the material and listen, the answers to the test are basically handed to you on a silver platter. The listening exams are exactly the same as the listening reviews. Mancuso is a lovely man, so long as you stay on his good side and don't eat/text in class.
Mancuso focuses on the memorization of specific dates names and other minute details. He does not cover all information in class and is very unclear what is on the test. Very condescending and hard to follow. His teaching style is all over the place and not very coherent. I would say if you don't have to take this class, avoid it.
My suggestion is to NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!!! It is purely a GPA KILLER!! . He often shouts disrespectfully at students for having their cell phones out, even before class starts. yelled student for typing his lecture notes onto a laptop.
Got to love buff state and it's pre-reqs. I needed this for art, because I must need that for CJ, right? This class is GPA killer. Tests require you to know so much info for 80 m/c & a litening portion too. He offers extra credit but you must have a passing grade, makes sense right? knows you need his class & loves his little power he has over you
I highly recommend you take this class with the pass/fail option. This professor has an incredible amount of knowledge on the subject matter, but the tests are very difficult. The amount of work and effort you have to put into this course for it being a gen-ed is such a turn off. Only take it if you are great at memorizing and love older music.
GPA KILLER. I had a 3.0gpa, but I got a D in this class, so idk what it's going to be now. Puts info on review sheets that isn't on exam. Book is horribly laid out and difficult to read, because there's so much misc info. Very specific questions on exams, and you have to take all 4 of them. Doesn't realize this is a 200 level gen-ed course. AVOID.
This guy is so in love with his own voice. Does not have one shred of respect for students, and you have to buy his dumb ass book as text book for the class. Unless you're a music major or really love older music, this class would destroy your GPA if you don't spend an insane amount of time MEMORIZING the information for the test
I though the class was not that bad. For the test you just need to focus on the material he puts on angel. If you do that you can easily pull off an A. As a social studies major I had no need for this class or interest. A couple hrs of studying the night before the test was sufficient enough to get me a B+
How to pass this class: Wait 3 days before test. Read one chapter a day, take simple notes on everything in bold(important facts, major songs). The day before, watch ALL of the videos, and remember the listening practice test. Boom. Magic A. Mancuso is full of himself, but not that bad. As long as you sacrifice 3 days a month, you'll pass no sweat.
Ok, this guy doesnt want students to eat or drink in class & will call u out if you are doing such...whatever just don't do it, try not to fall asleep and study all the online material he gives for an EASY A. There is no homework and the class is a double dip....class is not that bad..JUST STUDY FOR EXAMS & YOU WILL BE FINE !
For a 200 level class, the studying that is required and rules that Mancuso has in place are absolutely ridiculous! He doesn't let you drink or eat ANYTHING, he will kick you out of the class if he sees your phone, ipod, or headphones and you're not allowed to use your computer for notes. To top it all off, there are assigned seats! Don't take!
Most of the things written about this professor are very true. Just try to focus more on what he is teaching about. because I thought the material was awesome. Mancuso on the other hand is very annoying and nowhere near as cool as what he is teaching about.Thats why hes teaching it and not living it. Show up to class and read the book.
He's very passionate about this course. A lot of people complain about this class, but as long as you go to class, take notes, and skim through the book you'll do good. He has some rules, like no texting and no drinks/food, he'll definitely call you out and threaten to drop you from the class if he sees you. So just don't do it, it's not hard.
Mr Mancuso is very into heat he's teaching and proud of what he's put together. he knows his stuff but is a bit hard to like. he has his rules, they are not unreasonable, it's the people who ignore him that make it an issue in the class.. He designed the book, the room, the av unit, (slides? kinda antiquated) but overall an enjoyable easy course.
Mancuso really knows his stuff, and loves it. Are his tests easy? No,BUT if you come to class and read the text book it's an easy A or B. Test questions are all multiple choice, usually 2-3 choices can be easily eliminated. He also has great review questions and listening quizzes online before tests. You do those, there is no way you can fail.
dont take this class no matter what!!! this class was by far the worst class iv ever taken and he is the worst teacher here at buffalo state. i would rather have my eyes held open and burnt with lit cigarettes than ever go to his class ever again.
Literally THE WORST CLASS i've ever taken. Your body naturally rejects any information you try to learn. He blasts this awful music that scalds your eardrums.The material you learn is pure poison and you'll never use it again. I got an A from staying up all night before the test, it was actually sweat shop labor. He's so unhelpful. DO NOT TAKE!
All you need to do to succeed is STAY AWAKE(because you'll be kicked out if caught sleeping) & take really good notes. I studied the night before a test by accessing Prof. Mancuso's EXTREMELY helpful practice quizzes on Angel & reviewed my notes. DO NOT dismiss the practice quizzes.. Some questions on the test are the EXACT same. I did very well.
He yelled at me in front of 100 people for opening a bottle of water that I was getting up to go in the hall to drink(because of his absolutely NO food or drink) andd Im pregnant so it took me a minute to get up! His tests are over 80 questions and the amount of information your expected to retain is more than any class Ive ever taken! STAY AWAY!!!
Honestly, this class was awful. Who cares if it double dips, totally not worth it. WAY TOO MUCH useless info. Study for tests long in advice - online practice tests definitely help. And extra credit was also impossible. Assigned seats, can't eat, drink, use cell phone, sleep without getting screamed like you murdered someone. Would not recommend.
terrible teacher. GPA KILLER. avoid this class like the plague. he is all over the place and tests are hard from the amount of info he wants you to know. take any other class but this one.
This class was extremely difficult. He is all over the place with his lectures and that's if you can stay awake long enough to listen. He doesn't allow food or drinks and will call you out! he Gives you study guides but puts different material on the test. He's passionate about his class but expects his students to be too. DON'T TAKE THIS CLASS!
This class isn't the breeze-through that everyone thought it would be. Don't let the horrible ratings put you off. If you're interested in the course material and aren't afraid to apply yourself, give it a shot. Try to sit closer to the front so you can hear him.
Read and show up. STUDY. Welcome to college! If you do your work and study, use his site online. There are questions that he posts as extra work and they are on the test! He is a wonderful man. All I can stress is STUDY.
This teacher is pretentious. The worst this about this class is you can not order the book because he (Mancuso) wrote it fifty thousand years ago and refuses to order a new one. If you work full-time do not take this class just for this reason. Unless you have time to spend in the library for 6 or 7 hours a week.
STAY AWAY! He is a very nice guy, but he is old as balls and shouldn't be teaching anymore. His lectures are all over the board and unless you study AT LEAST 2 hours a day for his class, you will fail. The class counts as two classes which is the only reason I took this class, but it wasn't worth it at all. Avoid!! Avoid!! Avoid!!
This was by far the hardest college course ive ever taken. His tests are unbelievable and the amount of info he expects us to know is ridiculous. avoid this course!!!!! you will fail if you arent a major and dont have hours and hours to put into this class.
This class isn't easy, but if you study all of the material on the study guide and actually show up to class and take notes, you will do well on the tests. He has high expectations of his students but they are definitely reachable. Such a nice man too. At the beginning of the semester I didn't think I'd do well, but ended up with an A.
The class is so boring. Its music from the turn of the century up to the 1950's. So don't expect to have heard of much of it. He lectures from his textbook and blasts inaudible vinyl rips of jazz and ragtime records. He only speaks as loud as the first 2 row can hear so plan on not understanding him. The tests are hard if you don't read the book.
One of the most interesting and amazing men that I have ever met! Honestly if you go to the lecture and tae good notes then you DO NOT NEED THE TEXTBOOK! Also all the people who think Music majors have a lot of time to study for this class are crazy! We take 20 more credits than a normal BA student! Take notes, and pay attention and you will pass!!
Chuck is passionate about his lifes work and has a willingness to teach like no other. He wants you understand the relavance of the history to todays world. Go to class. pick your favorite seat ( it's your for hte sem) and prepare to take notes. Dothe online work and you will have all everything you need. Turn OFF your phone.
This guy doesn't even allowed drinks or food in his class. Literally impossible. I had to pass/fail so it wouldn't affect my GPA. IMPOSSIBLE. Don't take this class.
DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS I PROMISE YOU, YOU WILL WANT TO DROP OR PASS/FAIL. HE IS THE WORSE TEACHER EVER. EXAMS ARE IMPOSSIBLE. HE HAS EXTRA CREDIT BUT YOU HAVE TO GET AT LEAST A 50. HIS TEST ARE SO HARD NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU STUDY THAT ITS DIFFICULT TO EVEN GET A 50/80. THIS OLD GUY IS STUCK INTHE 1900S, AND HAS THE HIGHEST FAILING RATE. STAY AWAY.
As a person, Professor Mancuso is amazing. He's very interested in what he is teaching, has met a substantial amount of people, and has stories that are quite witty. With that said, it's a difficult course. You have to take notes by ear and read the book. Study weeks in advance. Expects you to remember too much on tests.
This class was hard, He made me work for it expect to barely pass even with descent effort. Very dry content and hard to hear from the back.
If you want to save your precious gpa, do not take this class! He is a tough grader and is very boring.
Don't do it to yourself. There are 4 tests, 80 questions each, no homework to help you out and extra credit only if you pass the tests. If you decide to take the class then please make sure you passfail it because your GPA will suffer immensely.
Worst class I have taken by far. Barely passed with a D and I was satisfied with that. The tests are tough and even if you study it's still hard to pass. Nice professor, but horrible class!
His intro to pop music class was the worst thing I have taken at Buffalo State. It's incredibly difficult to say the least. Theres 4 tests which total for your final average. If you need an elective class, STAY CLEAR OF THIS ONE. Long lectures and a terrible book make this class not even worth it.
Professor Mancuso is an amazing teacher and knows more about music then anyone else I have ever met. His tests are only hard if you don't pay attention and don't put the effort in. Make sure you go to class and if you don't understand something ask him he is willing to help you but you need to put the effort in!!
I would avoid this class if you can. For a 200 level it is difficult. The course grade is based on 4 quarterly test the are not the easiest. I am a 4.0 student and probably studied 10 hrs for the first test. Good news is that he offers extra credit. If you bring a drink or take out your phone in class he will catch you and scream at you.
A great worthwhile class to take. Teaches music history in the context of American history-A true historian, he is passionate about his material-if you do the work (readstudyreview) no reason not to do very well. He clearly states whats expected-and the only assigned work is to readstudy. The music is amazing.
Mancuso is a nice guy, but this class is ridiculously hard for no reason, you MUST buy the book and read it everyday to even have a chance at this class, and to top it all off he has an attendance rule where he deducts your grade after 3 absences which will kill your probably already horrible grade. Steer clear from this class guys
He's a great professor. I'm not a music major and his class for a 200 level is definitely hard for a gen ed. You have to do the online reviews to pass his tests. I never really even read the book and ended up with a B+. He gives extra credit but good luck getting points on it. He is extremely tough on grading. If you take this class, be prepared.
Professor has a stuck in his ways mentality. He has a great lecture and uses videos in class to expound. But he expects you to memorize to much in short amount of time. Also has extra credit; but you have to already be passing to receive it,including the fact that if he sees one thin wrong on the extra credit he'll hand it back without fully lookin
Professor Mancuso is a good professor, who enjoys what he teaches. His lectures are long, but include lots of pictures and music samples. There are four exams and they are really tough; they include multiple choice questions from the lectures and the textbook and listening to music samples. This is not the class for an easy A!
Is his class tough? Absolutely. Do you have to read? Absolutely. I honestly think that your grade will reflect the work you put in. I do suggest buying the book. Check around campus, you can usually find a cheaper copy. DO the online test reviews. They help SO much. Follow the chapter outlines as you read. There is a lot of extra info. Good Luck!!
This class is hard. He gives 4 tests, and they are mostly based on his lectures. That means each test is worth 25% of your grade. That's obsurd, he should give a homework and a participation grade to boost your grade. If HW is 40% and participatIon is 10% then that make the 4 testes combined worth 50% over the original 100%.
Amazing class. You HAVE to attend class, pay attention and take notes. READ THE TEXT. Also DO THE PRACTICE TESTS. You can get an A in this class, but you need to earn it. Material is very relevant an important to understanding the history of this country, and how music was and is so socially important.
Class is very hard. Please do not take this class. I think he is the one writing these comments saying he is a great professor because his students in his class says otherwise.
This class is a gem. A combination of history, music, and the racial/gender/poverty issues facing our country from early 1900s on, very relevant and socially important course. C Man. clearly states policy, and if you follow it and work hard, you get can do well and get credit, which counts for TWO of your foundations courses (double-dipping.)
he knows his stuff, he wrote the book that you need to buy. if he sees you trying he will help you out with the extra credit papers.
Chuck Mancuso is an amazing instructor! The only reason why anyone would not like this class is because they do not have a passion for music as well as its important history that plays a huge role in the music we have today. It is a hard class only because you have to memorize a lot of music as well as artists but if you love old music your good !
No words can describe how ridiculous this class is. Imagine a sports history course, detailing an entire team of players, their positions, stats, coaches, and thats just one team. He does this with music, talking about one artist after the next after the next so fast that you can't keep up with what's important and what isn't. DONT TAKE THIS COURSE
This class is really annoying. First warning he blows up if you bring in any snacks or drinks and then the class it self is frustrating because the chapters are really long and when he is covering them in class he goes to fast once you finish one he is on the next chapter no breaks also the test are like 85 questions basically a midterm
Professor is passionate about the subject, but makes no effort to make the content interesting. Tough grader, with very little sympathy for at home issues. Would not recommend.
Dont take if you dont want to work. This was one of my favorite instructors . Passionate and interesting and a complete American music history.
yelled at me in front of the entire class for drinking water in his class out of a cozzie, and I am diabetic. Also if you have book deferment you can not buy his book in the book store, you have to buy his personal book off campus. nope I dropped his class. I am 47 years old and will not be treated like I am three.
I wouldnt remake the choice to take this as an elective. It was very difficult for no reason and if youre juggling multiple classes dont even waste your time. Lectures are boring, chapters are extremely long, yells about drinks in the room & if you slightly arent paying attention. Not worth all of the effort and stress put into the class.
He gives only 4 tests and he gives you a chance to do extra credit assignments. His lectures are long and boring. The tests are 80 questions including a listening portion. I would never take his class again. You can earn 12 extra credit points for one paper but he grades the paper as if he is an english professor which makes it impossible.
I took his class as an elective, and I really would not recommend this course to anybody. The lectures are extensive, boring, and all over the place. Its hard to follow the lecture and take notes. I definitely wouldnt recommend.
This professor has full knowledge of the course he teaches. He is extremely passionate about it that he rants on and on and expects his students to memorize his field of study. No homework, grades are based fully off of four 80 question tests. I missed one class, sat in the front, wrote at least three page notes every class, and still failed.
Professor Mancuso is a great professor, but his classes aren't easy! Don't take this class unless you are truly interested in American Musical History. There are 10 essay journals based on readings and lectures with 5 due at the mid-term and 5 at the final. The mid-term is 2 short essays and a long essay and the final is 3 long essays.
Don't do it.... Don't even think about it twice! DO NOT take this class. When most college kids think about a music class, you think putting some time in and getting a B. Not in this case. Classes are very boring and his tests are almost impossible! He is very boring and rude. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS!!!!
He is an awful teacher your grades based off of 4 exams each has 80 multiple choice questions. Its not interesting lectures are super long with a lot of information. All questions based off the people. Not a class I would recommend taking if you dont need to.
Don't take this class. Thought I would enjoy this class but his lectures are fast and the exam questions are very random.
Awesome course
I took his Jazz Rock Foundations class in the early 80's. Aced it. I enjoyed the assignments, having to go to the library to listen to some of the best musicians ever. He'd test us by playing a track and we had to identify the musician and style of, for example, blues from Mississippi Delta vs. Memphis etc. One of the best classes I ever took!
He was an amazing professor. If you love the history of jazz and blues, there was no better place to learn it in Buffalo, NY than his classroom. RIP Chuck
Class Info
Attendance Mandatory
96%
Textbook Required
88%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
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