made a hard subject understandable. good prof overall

Darrin is a great professor and I highly recommend taking him. The course material is pretty dense, but he gets you through it. Show up (he takes roll ant the beginning and end of class), read the text, & read his notes (posts all lecture power points on moodle) and you'll be fine. He is ALWAYS willing to help, so TALK to him if you need to.

He is extremely sarcastic, which rubbed some ppl the wrong way, but I thought he was hilarious. Guidelines for papers pretty loose to encourage originality. Loves when students ask for help and bounce ideas off him, but Does NOT respond well to students waiting til the last minute to ask for help. He's cool...take him!

I recommend him. Not the easiest class. He's real straightforward about what he expects and what you have to do.

I heard this class was hard, but it really wasnt. Murray made it straightforward. He is clear about what he expects and if u do the work u get the grade.

Five exams is too many. Otherwise, good class. The paper wasnt all that hard. Really smart teacher, so sometimes you have to make him explain more, but he will, so its all good.

Very sarcastic so many people don't like that. I thought it was funny. He loves to talk a lot. He can say the same thing over and over again in different ways, which helps clear up confusion but it can also annoy students. Can be a bit rude when students give off topic answers but overall, very smart/ good professor who is always willing to help.

He was an interesting professor for an interesting class. I got a lot out of this class. He is very helpful but he is also very direct and honest with his feedback.

This professor is crystal clear. He tells you exactly what he wants and if you follow his directions you will succeed. 3 Tests are 25% of your grade and come directly from powerpoints, essay is 20%, and there is a 5% assessment. He has a sarcastic sense of humor and expects his students to advocate for themselves. Makes a dull subject interesting.

One of the best professors I have encountered at CSUN. He is straight up and is elicit in his instructions on succeeding. I really enjoyed his class and am looking to take another of his classes. He makes the subject matter apply to real world experiences.

So many people warned me about how boring his classes are. And I have to say they were all wrong! I enjoyed the class! Yes he enjoys talking a lot but so what? Its college, your going to hear lots of lectures. Overall good class, excellent professor, and an interesting topic.

He does not take questions or breaths. You will sit there for 3 hours a week listening to someone talk at the speed of a radio commercial advertising medical side effects. Word to the wise, bring a computer. There's no way to type notes as fast as he talks. Tests are half notes, half book.

Dry sense of humor. Takes attendance. Don't bother asking questions, just listen; he explains himself in extensive detail. Straightforward. Rhet. Theory: 3 exams, 1 essay, 1 group presentation. Comm. Theory: 3 exams, 1 essay. I recommend a laptop for notes. Posts powerpoints & study guides on moodle. Do NOT leave your essays for the last minute!!!

Dr. Murray is the best teacher I've ever had. He does detailed explanations with different examples which makes the class crystal clear. From both 351 and 451, I learned very useful information that I can apply to my academics as well as to my daily life. Very inspirational and wise!! I would recommend taking his classes if you are willing to learn

Excellent professor with very detailed, clear instructions. If you put off your topic approval or term paper to the last minute it is impossible. But that's your own fault. He gave me EXTENSIVE comments on my term paper topic and a pre-made word document that outlines all of the content. I learned a lot about how to write a paper from this class.

Excellent class, extremely knowledgeable teacher. Gives DETAILED instructions for assignments, you will do well if you follow them and you're screwed if you don't. Highly recommended.

Tests hard do have much to do with lectures but more to do with the book and vocabulary. 10 page research paper a nightmare. I sent a rough draft he sent me back one pages of feedback.

Great professor, crystal clear, 3 exams (5050 textbook and lecture notes), 1 research paper. I am an international student and I got 98,8% in this class. If you are willing to listen, read, and learn, Dr. Murray is the perfect professor for you!

Gives really clear instructions if you bother to read them. One of the best profs at CSUN. I'd take another class from Dr. Murray if I could.

The term paper instructions were great. He even gave us the sources for the paper so we didn't have to do the research. Very knowledgable about communication studies.

Not as difficult of a teacher as i thought. Very clear and to the point. He does not overwhelm his students with work. Gives 3 multiple choice test, 1 group presentation, and one term paper. He also provides access to his lecture notes on moodle. Great guy. I would take him again!

I liked Dr. Murray's class and thought he was a very engaging speaker. The course material was interesting the first few weeks, but it became repetitive. Dr. Murray mixed it up by having the students teach the last 5 weeks of material though the group presentations. Takes attendance. 3 exams, 1 group project, 1 term paper. Participation matters.

As long as you pay attention in class and take notes you should be able to pass with a B. He gives specific details how to complete his assignments and will answer any question as long as they are well thought out.

I've taken 2 classes with Dr. Murray thus far and wouldn't mind taking another given the chance. He's well organized and prepared, a bit humorous, really clear and very informational (both in lecture and when seeking out help for assignments/papers). The students who look to complain tend to be the ones who slack off so please don't listen to them.

Dr. Murray is a professor who you will learn a lot from. His class is challenging but in the best way. Not only is he straight forward with his assignments, but he does his best to break down tough theories and make them simple. He did a great job of making things relatable to the students lives and told real life examples that were interesting.

Professor Murray is certainly one of the best professors at CSUN. His teaching style is not the most stimulating but it is very clear and cohesive. His exams are straightforward: pay attention in class, do the readings, and review the study guides and you'll pass, I guarantee it. If you exert yourself to the course, you will definitely learn.

He's clear, easy to understand, straight forward, and funny. Do the study guides for each ch. use them to study test and you'll pass them. 1 group project, 2 midterms, One 2-3 pg paper, one 8-10 pg term paper . No extra credit. reading the book and not going to class wont work. attendance graded. Fair grader if you want to learn TAKE HIM.

Going in to Professor Murray's class I was intimidated by so much that you hear about how tough he is. First test was difficult, but once the semester rolled on and you master the principles the class becomes easier to understand. Professor always gives outstanding examples to get you to understand!

Dr. Murray is by far one of the best professors in the CSUN'S Communication Studies Department. This class can look daunting from the start, but stick with it. Dr. Murray explains Communication Theory in detail using examples that every student can relate to. Reading is very important, as is class participation. Excellent Professor.

This professor is one of my favorites at CSUN. I've taken him a few times and each time he's brought a sense of respect to the class. He listens to students and treats them like adults, which I've always liked in the classroom. If you put in the effort, he works with you and if you ask him for feedback, it's genuine and helps a lot.

One of the best COMS professors! Keeps it interesting, not boring, talks a lot but he knows his stuff!! Tough grader, exams (NEED TO STUDY), papers (the normal), and activities were great!! Thanks for a fun semester!!!

He is a good teacher, but will definitely use up the majority of class time. You will learn a lot, but be prepared to attend.

Lecture heavy is something I usually consider a bad thing. Murray covers the material in a very accessible manner though, relating the theories back to relevant things that made it easy to understand. I actually walked away learning a lot from his class. As long as you attend class and be respectful/responsible, his class will be easy.

Murray was a very nice and knowledgeable professor. He is great at giving feedback on assignments and is always willing to help. This class involves a lot of reading and studying. Attendance is mandatory! Thank you Professor Murray.

You need to be present and on time! He lectures of powerpoints and knows the subject like the back of his hand! Awesome professor! Don't expect to get an A without trying! He challenges you to be a better student and person!

While the amount of work may seem overwhelming at first, Dr. Murray paces out his classes well. Tests are fairly easy if you do the reading and show up to class. Every week there is a study guide on Moodle that tells you exactly what you need to read for the exam. If you put in effort, he will give you a good grade.

I had Murray for two courses Advanced interpersonal he was great very thorough with his lectures. we had weekly post along with readings. He was very professional rarely missed class. One Group project plus three exams and there not to difficult he makes sure your ready. He leave power points and gives study guides. Great professor

Intimidating at first, especially for my first coms class as a coms major. Professor Murray is very educated and is willing to help out his students. I thought I would dread this class but ended up loving it. He gives study guides for the tests and curves them. Do your studying, work hard, and you'll do great. If you need any help, he welcomes it!

Darrin Murray is one of the smartest professors I have had at CSUN and he is very respectful. He is a tough grader but I believe if you work really hard for a grade you want and talk to him, you could potentially get the grade you want.

Professor Murray gives so much insight into the material and is so straightforward. His attention to detail is awesome and he gives specific instructions for every assignment well in advance. Go to class, take notes, put in work and youll pass the class. Really fair and honest grader and gives plenty of constructive feedback.

Tough but fair. Always willing to help. Don't be intimidated by the work, him, or anything just be willing to work. Read the instructions and prompts.

Dr. Murray was one of the hardest professors I've taken, but I learned so much from his class. He is very thorough and clear his expectations from his students. No quizzes or homework (I mean, if you consider keeping up with the reading), 3 midterms, 1 final, 1 group project, 2 essays (1-2 pages and 10+ pages)

Professor Murray is great! He's funny and passionate about communication theory. I really enjoyed his lectures and class in general. There was four exams (multiple choice), one short essay, one group project and one research paper. I would definitely recommend reading the textbook chapters if you want to pass the exams.

Dr. Murray was an exceptional teacher. He uses a power point to lecture during class, but it is not boring. He gets class participation and relates the chapter material to real life. This class is especially important to people with jobs or looking to get one! Lots of fun.

Professor Murray is very knowledgeable and wants to help you succeed. It is up to you to take the initiative to ask questions and visit his office hours. If you care about your grade he will take the time to explain things in great detail. There wasnt a great amount of work but it is crucial that you read his criteria, he is very specific.

I took this class online; weekly, he posts a video lecture of him going over concepts, along with other videos and material. We also respond to 3-4 discussion questions written by other classmates (we get assigned one week to write them). There are three 50 question exams (three hour time limits), a ten page essay, and a final. Highly recommended!

BEST COMMUNICATION STUDIES PROFESSOR BY FAR! Great personality, always brings a great energy to class whether it is online or in person! I definitely recommend taking him for any class hes teaching!

Professor Murray was amazing. Hes so caring of his students and wants everyone to succeed. There are a few short reading quizzes every week and you get three chances to take it. He records lectures and posts them as well for you to watch each week. Work can get piled up so dont procrastinate, but completely doable. I HIGHLY recommend him!!

*Taken during the pandemic* Dr. Murray's class was amazing and nicely adapted to an online course. There are three papers total but the first two are very easy. This class has a firm structure for each week's work and you get used to it in a few weeks. Make sure to get the textbook since it will help you out. Overall a great experience

The 4 exams are easy if you study. I studied. I felt confident because I could spot the answer out in multiple choice. The short paper is just a proposal. The presentation is just about a cons theory. The 10 page paper tho that was crazy for me! I stayed up for 2 days. But it got done! Now I have a bachelors degree.

The reviews here are from people who are just mad about their grade. He's a kick ass professor. He to help us become adults with accountability and responsibility over your life, and some people in the class just don't want that unfortunately. I appreciate that about him.

I'm taking his 151 class. I have no idea why he has bad reviews! Might be because options are only higher level classes. But he's really cool & funny. Straightforward about his work & communicates with us really well. Week 4 & haven't had much work. 3 speeches 2 do & 1 final speech. Only thing is long lecturing & class time. But, loving it so far!