Chill guy, always making sure you understand. grades on a very helpful curve

Fun, young professor who cares about his students. One thing I enjoyed in his class was his attention to detail and how in depth he was within topics. Make sure to take notes, read the chapters and GO TO HIS OFFICE HOURS. He LOVES class participation. Fairly easy class, NO homework, 4/5 quizzes, 3/4 exams, plus ex credit. Highly suggested!

His class is really interesting. He actually cares about his students learning and improvement. The only down side is that his voice is really low, so its kinda hard to hear. But other than that i LOVED his class. I want to get him again for psych 2!

Good Teacher. Actually cares about his students, tries hard to get everyone to understand. Try him out

Great class! The information is complex but if you listen carefully to lectures and read the book you will do great. He really cares about his students and wants everyone to succeed. GO TO OFFICE HOURS! it really helps. Take the class, he's a wonderful professor

Very interesting professor, cares alot about the students, will help you with alot of your questions, go to this office hours hes really big on that. New at teaching but is very easy to understand on alot of the subjects. Take this guy hes a good teacher and you will learn alot from him. Fairly easy class as long as you read the book. B

Here's the deal. you want to learn something about psych, take him, you want a no work easy A, don't. this is the real deal, study his slides and the book. my life revolved around this class but it paid off in the end. bottom line, great teacher but you gotta put forth the effort.

Super down to earth and chill guy. Cares a lot about his students. Can tell he's stoked to teach, which makes lectures fun. Never used textbook in class but its good to have for studying for tests etc. Lectures was always interesting, easy to follow along and I'm an international student too.. Got an A, with fair amount of studying. Take him!

An intelligent professor with an organized teaching plan means that you'll be able to learn complex subjects comprehensively. He's really easy to understand, and he's KEEN and OBSERVANT so he'll notice if you don't understand, and try to help you. Great teacher and it's as good as it gets.

Grear professor! He is funny and makes learning interesting. He is also a very caring professor. He wants his students to succeed and values opinion and comments. He makes psych so more interesting. Study his slides and at home review book. BEST TEACHER BY FAR!!

by far the most helpful and greatest professor I have encountered in the school. He has so many interesting things to say, love his lectures.The tests and quizzes are mostly based on his lectures but some of it is from the text book. I loved his class. He makes you want to attend class. I would highly recommend him:) :) :)

Probably one of my favorite professors at smc! You need to pay attention and participate in his lecture in order to succeed and he actually wants you to succeed because he's always there to help! Definitely recommend taking his class!!! :)

Dr. Shirinyan is an amazing professor! He genuinely wants every student to succeed in his class. He is very helpful and tries to answer everyone's questions during his lectures. He has a great sense of humor and is extremely passionate about his job, which makes his lectures really fun and interesting. Take his class!

Awesome guy! Class is really interesting, he wants everybody to do well. Real smart and educated, he will seriously make you into a better human being!

Great teacher. Pretty straight forward class easy pace.

This professor is why I fell in love with Psychology. I didn't know I could love a subject so much! His lectures are really interesting and he has a really rational approach to teaching the subjects. He's the best!

One of the professor ever!!! The professor is very helpful and he cares about his student a lot and want his students to success. 3 Exams 35 questions each, Final 50 questions and 3 pop quiz .. Extra credit!!! I recommend this class!!!

This Professor is very helpful and clear when he gives his lectures. I got a C and even though it may not be an A or a B I still learned a lot in his class. His power points are available online so you can never use the excuse "I was absent". If you are planning on majoring in Psychology, I recommend you take his class.

Very great professor. He is very knowledgeable and i absolutely loved his class. he does do some sort of pop quizes but overall, i recommend taking his class :)

Great professor!!! I took his 8:00am class and he was great. Got an A without a book and not showing up to class a few times. Take him. He's a great professor and very interesting!

This teacher is the absolute best! Little homework, supper funny and interested and enthusiastic about what he does! Reaffirmed my passion for psychology!

Best teacher ever! I took him for summer and do not regret choosing him. Pretty easy class just study for the test and you will do ok.

Such an amazing professor. I took him for psych 2, and he was always more than willing to help me. I'm sort of shy, so it was great that he was so accessible and just overall a great person! He'll make you see your faults in your studying skills, too, trust me. Overall EVERYONE TAKE HIM! I wish i could've taken his scholars class. awesome guy!

He's a good professor but can be moody at times.His class is hard if you dont't study the power points and record his lectures. Show up to class cause he gives pop quizzes and all the questions on the test come from his lectures. You don't really need the book.

I love this professor. He's such a kind and caring person. You can tell he loves teaching. He has specialty in addiction and mental illness which are very interesting. Def take him.

Organize your notes from lecture and book. Provides lecture slides on class website. Should attend most lectures since he has surprise quizzes and slides are not very detailed. Friendly and youngish. No written papers. Quizzes and tests only. Purchase certain scantrons from school bookstore and remember your pencil too! Not a very hard class.

Definitely a tough class but Dr Shirinyan makes the class interesting and fun. He's very helpful at office hour. Read the book and record lectures and you will be fine. He's funny and nice but don't use your phone in class. He hates that.

The best professor in my time at SMC. Take him if you can.

He is a great professor but the class isn't easy. The material is hard and you gotta study. Print slides from ecompanion before class and take notes along with slides as he teaches in class and he allows you to record his lectures. RECORD lectures cause it can go kinda fast, listen to every detail cause his tests are straight from lectures/slides.

His class is very tough. Although I didn't pass his class he is a good professor and really knows how to teach. He doesn't give out homework but you really need to study hard since grading is based on pop up quizzes, tests and final. But he does makes his lectures very interesting!

Best teacher everrrr!!!

I loved this class. Professor is expert in the brain and is easy to follow. Not an easy class but he made it fun at least. Three exams and a final. Three pop quizzes. Don't be late. He hates that.

Super simple class! Absolutely take this teacher! I had a summer psych1 class with shirinyan and class was always let out early. He is an extremely well spoken and clear lecturer! He loves your questions, cares a lot about the success of students. 3 pop quiz, 3 exams and 1 final. if your good at taking notes you don't need the book. Learned a lot!!

Dr. Shirinyan is a captivating professor in that his lectures are interesting enough that as a high school student taking his class during the summer in the morning I able to retain large amounts of what was discussed. A reasonable grader but doesn't put up with BS. Great prep for Psych 2 as he focuses on the biological portion of psychology.

Best professor at SMC. the class is a challenge so if you're lazy this class isn't for you. Lecture notes and recordings and the textbook are a must for this course. When it comes to office hours, be straightforward don't beat around the bush. He dislikes tardiness so be on time. Try not to miss class. Overall, he is very helpful and caring.

This class is challenging, and you do need to study and prepare well for the exams. However, the professor is knowledgeable in his field and is helpful if you need clarification on anything. I felt that most of his exam questions came from his lectures, so it is important that you attend every class meeting. Side note: Don't sleep in class.

Pretty easy but a lot of brain stuff. Knows a lot on material. Does not do attendence. Nice unless you don't try your best.

He is what every college professor should be !!!! He might seem intimidating but don't be afraid he is a really nice guy and so FUNNY!!!! Be on time, participate and study hard!!! TAKE HIM TAKE HIM TAKE HIM!!!!

What an amazing professor! I took him for both Psych 1 and Psych 2. He is extremely detailed, and very helpful! Every lecture was clear and concise. RECORD HIS LECTURES & GO TO OFFICE HOURS! Tests aren't too bad, but there is E/C too. Take notes, and study hard! You need to work for that A, but definitely possible! Such an interesting class!

So, Professor S is one of the best professors I have ever had. I took his Psych 1 class and honestly he is so clear and his lectures are very helpful. Make sure you study the PowerPoint and notes, recording lectures are not mandatory i did not do that and have an A. Don't be late and DO THE EXTRA CREDIT! I regret not doing it but it helps

Best teacher i have taken at SMC. His lectures are very easy to follow and he knows a lot about the subject. The tests are easy and there is never homework. Take good notes and record the lecture and you will get an A. TAKE HIM!

Took him for my first psychology class and I think I want to major in it. Very nice and smart. Really wants you to do good.

I'm not a psychology major, but after taking PSYCH 1 from him, I became fascinated with the brain. PSYCH 2 is a bit harder, but if you really study, you'll get an A. He's a great professor and his teaching style is really clear and easy to understand. You can tell he cares about his students. Courses have inspired me to study neuroscience after!!!

His exams are based on his lectures and the text book. Make sure you record his lectures. IT'S A MUST. It will help you a lot. He's clear, friendly, and tries to make the and lecture as enjoyable as possible. Just don't be late or fall asleep, he hates that. Class is difficult so pay attention & take notes!

David is a UCLA PHD graduate and former SMC student. Hes an amazing teacher. Really motivating/helpful especially in office hours. If you're really good at notes you don't need to record lecture. But DEFINITELY record lecture if youre taking psych2! Not a hard class but not the easiest either. Learned a lot, will def remember this instructor.

He was a good professor. But his tests required you to know that material backwards and forwards. he also grades on a weird curve that makes it difficult to do well. he also made us do group projects and then tested us on our own presentations which was just ridiculous.

Dr. Shirinyan is new at smc and very passionate about teaching. Recommends you record lectures but honestly if you take good notes and read the book you'll be golden. 1 group presentation, 3 quizzes/1 dropped and 3 exams. option for extra credit. Overall He's a good guy - very knowledgeable and really wants you to succeed!

This professor rocks! He is an extremely passionate person when it comes to psychology. His lectures are easy to follow if you go with the determination to learn. You can record his lectures. He answers questions to avoid confusion. Not the easiest subject to take, but if youre determined you'll come out great. My favorite professor by far!

This class was great! Very interesting! Professor Shirinyan is down to earth and personable, cares a lot about his students and wants to see you succeed. He is very passionate about the subject matter which makes him fun to learn from. Pay attention in class, study the powerpoints and review topics covered in the book and you'll do great.

Prof. Shiriniyan is funny, intelligent, down to earth, and expects you to do your very best. He will challenge and motivate you. You will grow as a person by taking a class with him. He has a PhD from UCLA in behavioral neuroscience. He is one of my favorite teachers because he truly wants all of his students to succeed. Take his class.

I took psych 1 with Prof. Shiranyan. He is overall a great teacher. I think that he genuinely cares about his students. This class is not an easy class. It is very challenging. Most of the tests are multiple choice. I liked his lectures. He keeps things interesting and he has a good sense of humor. Take his class.

Great guy! One of my favorite classes I have taken at SMC. I took this class a couple of years ago and still remember what I learned; I got a lot out of it. Take him! Very fair and funny professor.

He is great teacher. Everything on the lectures will be on the test. SO PAY ATTENTION. TAKE NOTES, and en confused (which you will be) ASK QUESTIONS. No homework, only study study. He is a funny guy which keeps the class from getting dull and engages with students. Grades on a curve :). I recommend taking him.

Shirinyan is the best psychology professor I have ever had. He is genuinely concerned for his students, and wants every single one of them to succeed. I wish he was my professor for the rest of my psychology career.

A great professor! Funny, smart, quick, supportive, & kind, he will make you enjoy the class! Super enthusiastic & open about his own experience in the subject. He is helpful in office hours & a straight forward grader. Biggest assignment is a 2 pg paper, very easy. He sits in chairs like a pretzel which is super impressive. Highly recommend! :)

Prof Shirinyan is an amazing teacher! He cares about his students' success, and he is very encouraging. He really knows his craft. Very smart guy! He's funny too. I highly recommend this class. You will learn a lot!

This was the best class I've taken so far. The material seems complex but he makes it easier for you. He helps his students. Tests aren't hard if you're good at taking down notes on his lecture and reads the book. You'll learn a lot from this class!

He's the best professor I've taken so far. You have to read the book if you want to get an A for his exams.

Great professor, not much else to say. A is possible with hard work, so don't complain that it isn't an easy A.

One of the best classes I have ever taken! Whoever gives him a low score just does not understand what college is about. Love his sassiness, super genius and knows what he is teaching. Helps a lot when you ask and gives greaaaaat advice. Gets so excited about the subject which is fun to witness.

He is very funny and easy-going and sometimes just make people forget how hard the class is. Remember to record his lecture and TAKE THE CLASS SERIOUSLY ! You would gain a lot from this class if you are interested in psychology. I am sure people whining about the class were the ones who were not willing to put in effort. He is the best !

I loved this professor. Hes funny and cares about his students. I highly recommend him! I wish I could take him for more classes.

Great teacher! Knows his stuff. He knows how to make his lecutures funny and since it was a morning class. He knew how to wake people up. Highly recommend to take his class.

Professor Shirinyan is very knowledgable about his feild and truly cares about his students. His class is not too tough as long as you pay attention during the lectures and read the book. Shirinyan is one of the best professors I've had at SMC and I would recommend him to any student who's looking for a fun and interesting class.

Dr. Shirinyan is one of the best professors at SMC. Class is tough but if you study hard an A is definitely possible . He truly cares about his students and will go out of his way to make sure everyone understands the material. Do yourself a favor and take him!!!!!! His is also very funny and sassy but you'll love it !

Dr. Shirinyan is an awesome teacher and knows a lot on the topic. He makes the class interesting and helps keep you awake even for 8am class.

Just show up, pay attention, and don't antagonize him and you'll not only do well, you'll also have a good time. If you can't be bothered to actually show up for class or always walk in late, don't take him. Otherwise, he's funny and happy to answer questions both during lecture and after class. The class really isn't that hard, either.

I love this class. It's pretty easy you just have to show up and pay attention. Funny guy too

Dr Shirinyan is a great professor who makes a really hard (and boring for some people) subject interesting, I would not have even passed this class with another professor. He is funny and jokes a lot but you still respect him. He makes a complicated subject, easy, fun and interesting. Really must take if you want to pass psych 2.

Professir S is gifted at teaching. I learned so much from his class. I might even end up majoring in it. I highly recommend this class!

Great teacher, great person, very knowledgeable. Cares for students and helps them succeed. Just pay attention to lectures, take notes, record them, read the textbook and you'll be fine. Enjoyed every minute and learned a lot.

One of the best professors at SMC! His lectures are clear and his passion is obvious and contagious! As long as you ACTUALLY study you will be fine. He is very funny but it is not malicious at all. The material is somewhat hard and is very science oriented but it's not bad. Also likes to commend students who perform well and ask good questions.

He is my life changer. I switched my major from history to psychology after taking his class. He deserves to be the king of psychology. If he is single I will marry him. Amazing lectures covered lots of details. Interesting material that keeps you focus to the class. I wanted to fail so I could take the class again :(

I took this class as scholars & found the material enjoyable. Professor Shirinyan makes lectures incredibly interesting considering I'm not a science major. Though exams were challenging, read the chapters & pay attention to his powerpts and you'll do good, or at least that worked for me. I learned so much about the brain & it feels goooood

Loves what he does, paticipation really matters in this class. If you participate he will definitely put that into your grades. The lectures are long but he has so much passion for the subject he makes it fun.

Professor SHIRINYAN is a great teacher!!! Funny and in tune with his students. Be prepared to work. You cant be a slacker in this class. Tests aren't just on lectures so make sure to read your text book. A lot of info to take in so start reading as soon as possible. He makes you laugh in his lectures and offers his office hours to help you out.

Amazing man and teacher. His passion for psychology as well as his students shines through in every lecture. His lectures are very clear and understandable. He explains things very well, and adds excitment to the class with his humor. STUDY STUDY STUDY! Much of the tests are based off lectures. He is a tough grader, especially on pop quizzes.

great professor ! explains very complicated things in a fun way and makes it a lot easier to understand. Makes the class laugh! Listen to the lectures and you will be good most of the tests are based of lectures I did not really use the book. Very honest but also just because he cares. Would totally take his class again ! Highly recommended.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND! He has so much passion for what he does and teaches, it makes the class extremely interesting and enjoyable. The tests were definitely passable if you studied. I would definitely take one of his classes again.

Best teacher I have had. He is hilarious, very help and always in interested in the student question so he can try to help his students receive A's. Though his class is tough he really treat u like a college student. His test come directly from the lecture and reading so if you listen and read you should do great. TAKE THIS CLASS! ITS THE BEST!

The lectures are amazing. Always thorough but jam packed with information. He does his best to make things interesting and even entertaining. He is clear with what it will take to get an A in his class from day one. Don't expect to get by with just showing up and listening. ALWAYS RECORD LECTURES. He truly cares about his students success. enjoy.

Dhr. Shirinyan really pushes his students to their best abilities. If you do not take this class seriously, he won't take your seriously. As simple as that. Be on time, don't use your phone and make good notes and you will pass the class. As for the critiques, make sure your critique consists atleast 1.5 pages of actual critique, keep intro short

In my opinion, one of the best professors on campus. I suggest you look into taking a class with him if you go to UCLA for psych, just saying. He will help you in any way he can. The most important thing if to record his lectures and read what he goes over in class. Tests are 75% lecture based and 25% book, trust, read the book makes things easier!

He's one of the best professors at SMC, he knows what he's talking about and has a lot of passion in the field he teaches. Don't even think about using your phone in his class he hates it & will put you on the spot. Don't be late and it's recommended to record his lectures. A lot of reading so get started on it asap! Good luck

I loved Dr. Shirinyan's classes, would definitely take again If I could. He is a tough grader, but if study you will be fine. Lectures are very interesting and fun. You will learn a lot from his class; I can keep going on about how amazing he is. Just take his class, you won't regret it. :)

The best teacher EVER. He makes Psych so interesting. Tests aren't too bad as long as you pay close attention in class. Don't miss any classes and make sure you record lectures. Write down EVERYTHING he says. We had three exams, three quizzes, and the final. Having the textbook helps but it's not mandatory.

I did enjoy his class for the most part. But I hated his essay question quizzes. He grades way too harshly on them. There were some quizzes where I felt I should have gotten more credit than he was willing to give out. His test are weirdly worded to try and be tricky. He says they aren't but they are.

Professor Shirinyan is an awesome teacher, he makes lectures really interesting and easy to stay focused. Lectures are not mandatory but crucial to passing the class. Record lectures and take good notes. Very understanding professor and will do what he can to see you succeed. Definitely recommend taking him!

This guy.... seriously, he's been of the few key teachers in my life that have made a change in me for the better. He makes you work for the grade, but if you're willing to work for it then expect a feeling of satisfaction that will leave you with such a great feeling. His lectures are funny, relatable , and most of all, eye opening.

Took his Psych 2 class over the winter. This was one of the most challenging classes I have taken, but it was also such a rewarding and eye-opening experience. He truly has passion in this field. Make sure you record the lectures and take good notes.

Overall, he is an AMAZING professor. That's it, that's all you need to know. Just keep up with the material and read his exams CAREFULLY (he is tricky guy) and you'll be golden! Seriously, I never rate my professors but he was worth mentioning

This professor is arguably one of the best at Santa Monica College. If you keep up with your reading and actually dedicate some time to this class you will pass. This professor cares about your education and wants nothing more than his students to succeed, but YOU have to care about his class. 5/5 One of the best SMC has to offer.

He's an awesome teacher. He is super caring and willing to help you. Show effort and he will give you the help you need. He curves BUT make sure you study hard because theres lots of material. He is interesting and down to earth! You'll never fall asleep in his class. Reading the book is very necessary. DONT miss class; miss a day you'll feel it

I'm currently taking Psych 1 with Shirinyan but don't want this class to end!! Simply the best professor at SMC! He has a true passion for psychology and you can tell by the way he takes pride in all his lectures. You definitely need to put a lot of effort into this class but it's all worth it in the end!

You will learn A LOT during his class. Lectures are really interesting. He engages with students and let them ask questions and express their opinions. I like that he is honest and speaks his mind if you say something stupid. I really liked that he emphasized on critical thinking and the way one should think scientifically. Truly inspiring teacher.

Awsome teacher but there's a lot of info so get ready to study hard. Not an easy A but definitely achievable. 5 tests, drop 1 and 2 papers . There's also extra credit. His exams are from the text book and lectures so take good notes on both. Listen to his recordings repeatedly and don't be late, don't sleep in class, & silence ur cell phone.

Great professor and in order to pass this class you need to study very hard.

You can tell he's passionate about Psychology from his lectures. I'd get really sad when class would end, because he made it SO interesting. If you just listen well to his lectures, record them, take good notes, and listen to the recordings the night before the tests, you should get an A no problem. I didn't read the textbook for this class (:

He's one of the few professors who genuinely want you to do well in his class. His class is easy if you just pay attention, and it's easy to do so because his lectures are so attention grabbing. I signed up for Psy2 without hesitation. He drops your lowest exam score, and his final was a piece of cake (if you keep up throughout the semester)

Dr. S specializes in biological prespective of psycology/mental illness and not so much on the sociocultural or behavioral perspective. Great choice if you desire to pursue neuroscience. Entire class is lecture, exams heavily focus on his lectures. Get book as backbone it really helped me that way. Class requires ALOT of studying. I learned ALOT.

This guy, though! Dr. S. Is this fascinating combination of brutally honest, self-aware, intelligent and passionate about the subject and his students. Textbook as back-up for Psy 1, but just record and listen to his lectures at least once as you review your notes. Not only is he an inspiring professor, he's a really GD cool guy. Take the class!

Shirinyan is an amazing Professor/human being. His lectures contain a ton of information, but its enjoyable to listen to & he slides humor in. This class requires studying. I bought the book but regret doing so bc I got a B solely studying (HARD) off slides and lecture recording. However buying the book may be the difference between an A and a B.

Really great professor. Although I don't think he liked me very much... lol, maybe it was because I hardly ever talked in class. That's fine, though. He taught me a lot. Truly a gifted and talented professor. Wish I could take all of my psych classes with him, even if he doesn't like me, haha. But seriously, take him! :D

Dr. Shirinyan is one of the toughest professors I'd ever have. You have to really work for your grade. 6 tests plus a written final. 2 critique papers heavily graded. Show up to class, participate, RECORD HIS LECTURES and listen to them before the test, read the book it helps to make sense of the class. Remember is a scholar class so it is difficult

Dr S is by far the best psych professor at SMC. He's incredibly smart and his lectures are fast paced and fascinating. If you need psych 1 or 2, definitely take them with him. I took the scholars section and was blown away by how much I learned.

Dr. S is great! His class is never dull, he encourages class discussion, and even allows lecture recording! My only complaint is that he -- in my experience -- only engages in discussion with and calls on male students. This is the reason that I will not be taking pysch 2 with this professor, but if this doesn't bother you, he's a good choice.

BEST PROFESSOR OUT THERE!!! I really regret not taking him for psych 1. Yes you will have to work for your grade and his tests are hard but he is SUCH A GOOD TEACHER! passionate about the subject, plus funny yet serious and presents the material in such an appealing manner! DO IT! you will be doing yourself a favor..

One of my favorite professors ive had. Very passionate about the subject and wants everyone to succeed. The material is difficult so you have to go to class to pass, but Shirinyan is hilarious and lectures are always interesting. you wont regret taking him!!

Take him for psych 1!! He's a seasoned professional in his field and truly cares for his students. His humor can be somewhat dark but I found it funny lol Record his lectures, go through them together with your notes and you'll get an A.

Professor Shirinyan is the most inspiring and caring professor I have ever had. He genuinely cares about his students, and he was the only professor I have had that discussed ways to prepare for his exams after passing back the first exam. 6 exams and he drops the lowest score. His lectures are interesting, and he lets you record them.

Loved Shirinyan! Made psychology easy to understand! Just read and attend lecture to pass. Exams are very straightforward. Take him!

Professor Shirinyan wants you to learn as much possible. He tries his best to explain the material in a way that is easier for you to understand. The best way to study for this class is to listen to the recorded lectures, and rewrite your notes in your words. Your goal should be to be able to explain the material to others, like a teacher would.

I took him for Psych 1 and Psych 2 and really like him. He don't go to fast when lecturing and has powerpoint that he explains well which are also available on canvas. He lets us record lectures which is really helpful for studying for the tests. He's a funny guy and makes jokes which makes lectures more fun and helps your remember information.

I took the scholars psych 2 course and loved this teacher. He is very knowledgeable, funny, and kind. The material itself is going to be difficult no matter what teacher you have, but he does his best to be clear and to help. The grading system is a bit hard to understand though and you do not know your grade until the class is over.

Dr. Shirinyan is the most amazing professor I've ever had. He really cares about his students and tries his best to make the material clear. This class is definitely challenging but if you take good notes and record his lectures, you will definitely do well.

He is a really good and fair professor. You have to go to the lectures if you want to get an A. There are 4 tests + final. No homework. And the grading system is based on a curve. Try not to miss any lectures. If you do, try to find lecture recordings from your classmates. Otherwise, you will have a hard time in the tests.

Pr. Shirinyan is smart and funny, and the class is easy. I just wish he cared more and provided studying material every time he misses class. He only assigned reading for 1 out of 5 classes that got cancelled. As a result, we only covered half of the material declared in syllabus or even less, which made me sad because I genuinely wanted to learn.

I LOVE THIS PROFESSOR! He is the best and funny prof for a serious class. The only bad thing about him is that when he cancels class, he tells you at the last minute/when you are in school already and emails you about it.. like what the hell bro. I get that he has med issues but come on, dood. anyways, he's super awesome- he cares about students!

Super funny and enthusiastic. DO NOT MISS CLASS!! Listen to recordings and pay attention to the videos. This class is not an easy A but it's super interesting and Professor Shirinyan is great at his job.

Probably one of the greatest professors I have ever had. Get ready to read though as the class consists of 4 Quizes plus a two-part final, the grade is curved at the end, amazing lectures, caring professor, a great package overall. He did miss class a few times which I did not like but understood but besides that this class is Amazing!

Dr.S was honestly the best professor I have taken so far. His course is more of an intro to neuroscience and bio heavy, having previous knowledge in bio definitely helps. I took his honors course and while the course was tough, he was an exceptional professor. Very transparent, funny, sweet and genuinely cares about his students and fairness.

TAKE HIS CLASS! The content wasn't super easy but he always made lectures incredibly interesting. I was a psych major before but he made me change my major to neuroscience! Dr. Shirinyan is truly such an inspirational and all-around amazing human being-- I feel so lucky to have been able to have him as a professor :')

Shirinyan is inspiring, passionate, and a caring professor. He makes the class fun and interesting, the tests are not super hard, and he's just a great guy overall. He lets you record lectures- listen to them when you study! He gives all of the answers out loud. If you ever need help with your school/personal life, he's there for you. TAKE HIM!

Prof. Shirinyan is by far the best psych professor at SMC! He is clear about what he expects, his lectures are amazing, he brings real life stories and examples to make the classes more interesting. You"II have to study to get a good grade. Sometimes it's hard for him to stick to a schedule because people are v engaged and ask a lot of questions

pros: interesting lectures, he says all exam answers in class cons: you can't mess up on much bc theres only 4 exams and a two part final, if you're a visual learner the whole recording lectures and listening to them doesn't really work. I had to take clean notes of EVERYTHING he said and commit them to memory for an A

He is the best !!! He is very laid back and gives uni style lecture and yes he will ask particular questions from our class. He won't overwhelm you with textbook readings, papers, hw, group projects (thank god coz i feel uncomfortable ) None of that However, you need to go and pay attention what he says. I love him and ll take his psy 2

Best Professor in a Campus. Very caring about his students. Amazing lectures. He is funny and makes his lectures incredibly interesting. Life changing class for better. Impossible not to fall in love with his personality. Highly recommend.

Although the material can be challenging as it is more geared towards neuroscience than traditional psychology, he does a good job of simplifying processes that would otherwise be difficult to interpret. very funny and understanding. He wants you to do well in his class and in life in general. If you have to take psych 2, take him.

His class is solely graded on quizzes and the final . If you dont do well you will not pas the class . This teacher wants to make sure you grasps the concept but this subject is very hard to understand . Quizzes are based of lectures so just do your best

Amazing professor. Extremely caring and very helpful. Goes above and beyond to be kind to his students. Tests are extremely difficult. Like seriously difficult. I mostly received As at SMC and barely received a B in this class. So seriously you need to study! If you study really hard you'll probably get a B. if you don't you'll get a C if ur smart.

Professor Shirinyan is my favorite professor at SMC by far, his lectures are sooo interesting and he is GREAT at teaching, participation is highly recommended and he cares truly about his students, NO HOMEWORK but you have to study and listen to lectures to pass the exams, there are 4 multiple choice ones and a final. Highly recommend.

My favorite prof at SMC. He made lectures so interactive and interesting, he actually wanted to have a relationship with the class. He was also really good at being patient with us instead of getting frustrated if we werent up to speed. Hes funny, interesting, clear and concise. Dont be afraid to ask questions, he doesnt make it weird!!!!

The only reason I didn't do as well as I definitely could have was my own fault. He is honestly the best teacher I've ever had. His lectures are always so interesting and are so helpful when studying for exams. It's fast paced in winter but if you put in the effort it's super doable. He only enhanced my love for psychology. Would take again 1000%!

Professor Shirinyan is a great professor, and a fantastic human. He cares! His teaching is engaging and informative, and he makes learning easy and fun. He relates the topics to his personal experience, but doesn't go off on unproductive tangents. 0 homework and a handful of straightforward exams. I would really encourage taking him for Psych 2!

really cool Professor ! One of my favorite Ive had so far at SMC, lectures are funny, mindset changing , and just straight up interesting to listen to. If you cant take a joke you might not like him, but otherwise take his class! Basically no homework, just the exams which will be easy if you listen to lectures

This Professor was beyond caring during these tough times. He took these strange times into consideration throughout the whole semester and tried his best to make his class as doable as possible. Besides his kindness, his lectures were not only incredibly educational, but also inspiration. I highly recommend students to take his class!

We have been through a lot with David this semester. The pandemic was a curveball for all of us. He handled it with such grace and was so helpful whenever we needed him. He put aside time to zoom with me when I had questions about my grade. He genuinely cares for the well-being of his students and is a phenomenal teacher. I'm so grateful for him!

Prof. Shirinyan is THE BEST. Hes super understanding and caring and helped me out with a tech issue I had on an online exam and he always answered all of my questions throughout the semester. His lectures are fun and interesting, and hes just a super smart and cool guy overall.

He has honestly been my favorite SMC professor in my almost 3 years. The material can be quite challenging, but it is not supposed to be easy. However he truly cares for ALL his students and gives you everything you need to succeed. I will NEVER forget his clarity, kindness, and absolute inspiration during these difficult and stressful times.

You can tell that this professor truly cared for our pursuit of higher education despite the challenges of COVID-19. He gave as much flexibility as he could in a high-demand class. Really try to understand the topics instead of memorizing. (BTW If you judge a class or professor by one email, it's says more about that person than the class)

Professor Shirinyan is a very funny, caring, and understanding professor. When a family situation popped up, he replied quick and rescheduled an exam I had that week. He is truly the best professor I have taken so far. 10/10 would recommend :) The few weeks of class we had in person were literally the best.

Professor Shirinyan is one of the most kind and most caring professors I have had! He works so hard to make sure all of his students understand the material and are able to succeed! During this especially difficult semester, he rose above and beyond to help every student and make the transition easy! He is amazing!I could not recommend him enough!

Professor Shirinyan is one of the most memorable and understanding professors you will ever have at SMC. While this class is very test heavy, he makes learning very enjoyable in his own ways. This semester was extremely difficult because of the whole pandemic, but Professor handled it extremely well and he was very communicative with us. 10/10! :)

Professor Shirinyan is one of my favorite professors at SMC. He cares so deeply for his students and is always there if you need extra help with anything from school to personal issues. Despite COVID & the abrupt change to online, his class was still amazing and i enjoyed it so much.

Dr Shirinyan has been a great Professor, especially through Covid. Hes truly worked hard to adapt to online teaching and has understood and cared about students wellbeing. While in class, lectures were dense but he made everything as absorbable as possible. Tests still threw me for a loop, he wasnt kidding when he said theyre tough!:/ worth it!!

The coursework is challenging and you need to earn your grade, but if you're as fascinated as I am about the material I highly recommend this class. He's an inspiring, knowledgable, and understanding professor/person. His lectures drew me in automatically and are so intriguing! Don't be intimidated, it was an amazing experience for me :)

He is an amazing professor and makes lectures very engaging and educational. Overall the class is very informative and the semester is filled with his humor and kindness. As well as being very understanding of students. Paying attention/participating, taking notes, and studying is key!

Prof Shirinyan is an amazing, caring person and an excellent, inspiring professor. He cares SO much about his students as individuals and his role as an educator. This was a crazy semester and he adapted very well and extended understanding to everyone equally. I feel so grateful to have crossed paths with prof. S and learned so much. Take him!!

Dr. Shirinyan is the reason I'm a psych major! His lectures are engaging and he cares for his students. This semester was hard with COVID, but he worked with all of us to have an enjoyable semester. While the material is a lot of info, and you definitely need to study, he is always there to answer questions and I have never been given a bad answer.

Shirinyan is a prof I will always respect, the most caring prof Ive ever got the opportunity to take. During these times, he made sure to accommodate all his students to the best of his ability. Passionate about what he teaches & will do his best to support u. As 1st gen, I felt like he understood me the most. Will be taking again for spring!

YES! Dr. David is the best professor ive ever had and probably will ever have. He's one of the professors that wants to see students succeed, not fail. No tricks on exams or petty deductions of points. He's beyond fair and giving. Also intelligent yet humble so he's easy to approach and ask questions. His lectures are EXTREMELY organized.

2020 was a crazy year for professors to adapt to. That being said, professor Shirinyan has been so patient and more than accommodating this semester. His grading is more than fair and the only reason I wouldnt get the grade I want would be my own fault. Would highly recommend taking him for any Psychology class. A total gem for SMC to have.

Great lectures. Great human. Most of the material comes from lectures/slide decks, but get the book for supplemental info. This class is usually taught in person, but when we had to switch suddenly to remote instruction, Dr. S made it work! He was transparent, accommodating, and incredibly supportive. His priority is that his students learn!

I can't even put into words about how amazing David is! Such an inspirational educator and human. Always there for you outside of class, cares about you, and has amazing lectures. I've already taken all of his classes and I wish I could take more. The course is difficult, but David has your back. It's more than a psych class. Take it.

I absolutely loved taking this class with Prof. Shirinyan! You can tell he really cares about his students, I have never had a professor so involved in helping students be their very best. David made sure once we switched to online, all resources were accessible and easy to understand. Before we switched to online I was hooked on his lectures!

I always looked forward to this class. There is A LOT of material that needs to be covered but David really attempts to explain it in a relatable and personal way. He ties in his own life to it which, I think, helps students relate to him more, as well as the importance of the content! Record the lectures and review them! Truly an amazing teacher.

I bragged to my family about professor Shirinyan after the first day of class. Unfortunately I wasnt able to experience the entirety of his personality and teaching skills due to COVID-19. From what I gathered from ZOOM meetings and the way he worded his emails I know for a fact that he is a genuinely caring man. Theres no more space BUT TAKE HIM

He stated a preference to teach in-person, but quickly adapted to remote because of COVID-19 pandemic. Online lectures featured clear graphics and precise explanations. Calm yet enthusiastic style. Humbly shared about himself as related to class topics. Exams are challenging but not tricky. Provided free online textbook, which I read parts of.

I took Dr. Shirinyan during the pandemic, so I sadly didn't get to experience him to his full potential. He decided to upload video lectures to youtube and just have exams on canvas. In my opinion, he handled a very difficult situation in the best way. This class was the class I stressed the least in, but I learned the most in. Best Professor!

Honestly the best professor I've had at SMC. He is passionate about what he teaches, he's funny, and he's very engaging. He really cares about his students and he is very inspirational. His classroom feels like home. I'm sad that I have run out of classes of his to take. Highly recommend!

David is one of the best professors I have ever had. This class is more neuroscience based thus the material can be slightly more challenging than other psych classes, but he taught soo well. He recommends that you record his lectures on your phone and listen to them later for the best results. Using this method, I missed 1-2 questions per test!!

Papa Shirinyan is the best professor at SMC, no cap. You will regret not taking his class.

Absolutely love Dr. Shirinyan. The class was difficult but he will let you record the lectures, if you attend, read the book and study you will be ok. Lectures are very helpful, he clarifies well. He is incredibly supportive, understanding and welcoming. Available for office hours as well. He really gives you opportunity to do well if you try.

Professor Shiriyan is a real gem! He is very considerate of the whole online situation and is passionate about what he teaches! I really enjoy taking his class right now at UCLA. I would definitely take another one of his classes once we resume in person learning.

Took his class in Fall 2020, it's fully online. No textbook, no zoom meetings. His lectures are in a form of YouTube videos. Grades on 5 exams, 30 questions each. No homework, no extra credit. Each exam covers 3 weeks of lectures, so make sure to watch all the videos! Gives plenty of time to complete the exam!

Shrinyan is such a sweet guy. He truly has a passion for what he does and it shows in his lectures. He really breaks down the difficult material and makes it easy to digest. He also breaks up his videos into little segments to make it easier to complete. Overall very funny, down to earth guy. You couldn't have a better professor in my opinion.

Make sure you watch all the lectures and try not to fall behind. It is tempting to think you can finish all lectures in one day, but it is better to span them out and give yourself enough time to study for exams. It is a total of 6 exams and theyre on the easier side as long as you take good notes and skim the book from time to time.

Psych 2 is a difficult subject regardless. However he really only requires you to watch the lectures and study the textbook. He's always readily available and responds fast. My advice: start the lectures ASAP because they are crucial, reread the textbook sections (color code!), apply the lessons to yourself or imagine them. Get creative, it helps!

This Psych2 class was not easy. It seemed to lean more toward the Physiological side of Psych. (Think Biology) Shirinyan is likable as a person. 5 quizzes(lowest dropped) and 1 Final. That's all the assignments you'll get. About 2-3 weeks to study lectures/text followed by exam. Easy to fall trap to procrastination with no continual assignments.

Professor Shirinyan is an excellent teacher that truly cares about teaching his students. The material can be hard but he makes it genuinely interesting to learn. There are 6 exams that are based on the lectures which means the class is mostly just him lecturing but so worth it! I loved psych2 so much

Easy B, tough A. 5 tests (1 dropped)+noncumulative final. Has prerecorded lectures for each test, and those are the only assignments. On each test there are a couple of hard questions that you may pass over in the lectures (Tip: go to the review sessions). Reason for 4 is because he'll respond super late to emails, if at all.

The lectures make the lessons easy although the quizzes are a little confusing. There is a live zoom meeting prior to each exam in which you can ask your concerns and questions. I recommend this professor for those who wants to get and A and have study plan

This is a delayed review of class that I took in Fall 2020. Psych2 is heavy in the chemistry of the brain, therefore is quite tough. Dr. Shirinyan's recorded lectures with his graphics and drawings were wonderfully structured and delivered. His frequent Zoom meetings to preview and review subjects allowed for real-time connection. Great experience.

8-week course. We were only graded based on 6 exams. Watch all his lectures and take good notes on them to pass all your exams. The exams weren't hard ONLY if you studied and took good notes from his lectures! He made his lectures enjoyable to watch I really enjoyed this course he was amazing! The textbook was not really needed.

The winter course consisted of just 6 exams. Although there is a textbook, all or most of his exam questions came from his pre-recorded lectures. His lectures are very engaging and he is always drawing visuals to explain the material. 10/10 recommend if you will actually put in the time to watch the lectures, otherwise the exams are difficult.

Take his class! He is such an amazing and caring professor. As long as you watch the required videos for the given lecture you will do good on the exams. You just need to put in the work because this isnt a easy subject. But overall drops your lowest test grade and provides extra credit which would help your grade out.

Well versed in topic of material and psychology as a whole. Talks well about the lecture and then throws in interesting pieces of information as he goes along. Phenomenal teacher and teaching style and would love to take him again !

Honestly you will not pass this class if you are lazy. This class is challenging because it isnt an easy topic but if you put in the time and effort you can easily get an A. It is alot of work especially watching every lecture but is something that will help you in the exams. If you have any questions he has office hours

Prof. Shirinyan is one of the best professors I have had. He truly cares about his students and is so available for questions. He encourages (not required) thinking about behavioral neuroscience topics beyond what is typically taught, and I enjoyed having conversations with him about this. He clearly outlines how the class works and studying for it

Very kind, and caring professor that tries to get his students to think beyond the scope of the course, and physiological psychology in general. Crystal clear grading criteria, and exam contents. Would take again in a heartbeat.

Great professor!! He has lectures for every chapter/unit and an online textbook. The material can be hard but I genuinely enjoyed learning in his class. Towards the end of the semester extra credit was offered which helped a lot!

Class is all based on exams. The lectures are pre-recorded videos that are funny and very informative. Still need to skim the textbook. Super cool professor. Highly recommend. You can learn a lot from this class. Tests are online and open note. So take good notes! Write down everything he says

He has youtube videos and slides, but the class is pretty book heavy so you should read and watch the videos to pass. The tests are pretty hard but if you watch all the lectures you should be fine.

Professor Shirinyan was AMAZING. Even though this class is definitely a challenge, it was SUPER fun and engaging! TAKE THIS CLASS IF YOU CAN!!!!! As long as you watch his lectures and take notes, this class will be a breeze for you!

Honestly this class is difficult and focuses around the physiological aspects of psych. But professor's lectures are super interesting and not even that long. The class is made up of only test and you get a fair amount of time to prepare. Loved the class but was not an easy A. Prepare to study and take extremally good notes/he provides a textbook

Wonderful professor; very kind and understanding. There are only 4 exams, 1 for each month so there's a lot of time to study for them. Material is bit hard to understand so make sure to attend office hours or create a discord but the exams are pretty easy!! Just write good notes and know what the material is about. No quizzes or hw! Just the tests.

He has some youtube lectures that he provides and I thought they were amazing! Pretty interesting and overall a fairly easy class!

The class is mostly exams. My advice- watch lectures and then rewatch and take notes. Intro to neuroscience is no joke, so get ready to study if you want a better grade than me! LOL. But, this class is an AMAZING opportunity to learn so many mind blowing things about the brain! I could listen to Professor's lectures all day. I loved all i learned!!

Dr. Shirinyan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that matches the enthusiasm he displays in his lectures. The lectures are pre-recorded and the exams are mostly based on the lectures. His class truly provides a strong base for anyone who wants to continue studying neuroscience in the future. I highly recommend him!

I love how organized the format of the course is. Weekly lectures posted with a weekly exam. Covers all content in his lectures. Amazing course and professor.

His class is pretty straightforward, you are graded on 6 exams (no homework). As long as you take notes while watching the lectures, you are good for the exams and the textbook isn't really necessary.

TAKE NOTES. the lectures have everything you need. he only assigns tests and you just watch the lectures then take the test so TAKE NOTES. his lectures are great and informational, easy to digest and understand. hes pretty funny too. i learned so much from this class and even though he doesnt interact a lot hes really chill

there's only like 6 assignments and they're all exams based off of his lectures. lectures get longer each week and sometimes confusing but bio is not my strong suit so i'm biased. he usually gave extensions for exams and was really lenient but i hear he isn't like that now, but he is very understanding with personal things and is easy to contact!

Professor Shirinyan's class is well-organized with clear lectures and exams. While the material can be challenging, his teaching style and online resources like Unstuck ai make it manageable. Highly recommended for an engaging intro to neuroscience.

Professor Shirinyan is a great professor. I'd never taken a psychology course until this course and he's made it very engaging and fun to learn about. His lectures are very helpful and considering the workload the class is super manageable. He allows a page front & back for notes during the test and overall he cares so much for his students.

Professor Shirinyan is such a good professor, he does so much for us and is so flexible when it comes to helping us. I believe he does the best of his abilities to help us succeed in class. Guys he allows notes during exams. It is not that hard to study like you're supposed to. If you cant do what he asks from you then drop the class 🤷‍♂️

Professor Shirinyan is great. The material itself is challenging but as long as you watch the lectures you'll do well. There's no real homework which is a lifesaver and makes it really easy to devote time to study the material to do well on the tests. Super understanding and wants you to succeed. I love the flipped structure of this class.

Shirinyan teaches through a hybrid class, with lectures online and in class for some students this may not work but for me it does. You would have to be extremely lazy to get below a B in his class as he allows open note exams and the other graded work is participation. While his lectures are only videos I find them to be extremely informative/easy

If you struggle in this class it is from a lack of effort on your part. The material is definitely complex but professor does a great job of making it easy to understand. online lectures are great because it makes it easy to go back on any parts i'm struggling with and review. If you actually study you'll get As on the tests.

In the beginning, I struggled a lot in this class because I was used to online courses. However, as I continued, he made me feel prepared for any tough professors I'll have in the future. Even though his tests are challenging, they encourage me to work harder for the next one. As long as you pay attention to his videos and lectures, you'll be fine.

This class is challenging, but nearly all test material comes from lectures, so listening is key. The teacher acknowledges the difficulty but uses humor and real-life examples to explain complex topics, making them easier to understand. If you want to learn, this class is worth taking!

Super easy Psych2 class. Graded by only a few exams and a final and biweekly discussions based on interesting topics relevant to the course. All of his exams directly use knowledge gained from his online lectures so if you take notes on the videos it is incredibly easy to do well in this class. He is also very interesting!

Professor Shirinyan was an amazing teacher. Yes, his class was difficult and the exams required a lot of studying but he genuinely cares about his students and does everything he can to help us. I really enjoyed his class and began to understand and love the brain because of him. I would for sure recommend him as a teacher just stay on top of work!

Loved this class! I'm not the best at physiological sciences but he made all his lectures very fun and intriguing. For the last two exams he made us practice tests and it was so helpful that I wish he gave us those tests from the start because I think I would've gotten an A using that study method. Such a cool guy, definitely take this course!

I learned so much and loved this class. Don't expect an easy A, but if you take good notes and study you'll be fine. He allows a one page front and back “cheat sheet” on exams, but most of the test questions require critical thinking so don't slack off. My only complaint is that the prof doesn't hold regular office hours.

Easily the best professor I've had at SMC. Can't recommend his class enough. Definitely an intimidating subject at first but he does a wonderful job of teaching it. He truly cares about students and wants them to succeed. Really recommend staying after class to speak with him, he has a lot of meaningful insight on any questions you may ask.

This class was super simple and straightforward. There were 7 exams and a weekly discussion post, thats it. Would highly recommend if you want an easy A but still want to learn a lot.

It's your CHANCE in life to meet up with such a wonderful professor during your academic journey. The subject might not be considered "easy," but for those who like to study it, this class is beyond that and fantastic. His lectures are amazing, and as a perfectionist person, It's an honor for me to be his student.

Genuinely such a caring professor. It is lecture heavy but the lectures are straightforward and he will give you the materials to be ready. As long as you communicate with him, he's more than willingly to help. I learned a lot in the class. I'd take again!

Prof. Shrininyan is very passionate about the brain and it shows. He wasn't too difficult but you have to try. Trying will get you so far in this class TRUST me. I've learned so much valuable info. I now take medicine with a completely different mindset. Also, I thought he was hilarious idk. Such a great class. Thank you, professor, seriously!

Professor Shirinyan teaches in a very engaging and interesting way. He is also very understanding when "life is life-ing". This course is very information-dense, but I enjoyed it a lot!

Took his winter hybrid PSYCH 2 course and had an incredible time, he's super cool. You really have to watch the recorded lectures prior to bi weekly meet ups, and take notes in class to do well on exams. There are 3 exams, he gives you practice tests (TAKE THEM) that really help prepare you for the test. He cares about his students.

Dr. Shirinyan is super cool as a person but his tests can be a bit difficult! i recommend truly understanding the lecture/texts so that you pass with an A in this class. I slacked off and didn't anticipate his level of difficulty, nonetheless he's amazing and cares for his students!

This professor really does care about the material and his students. He was super kind and understanding, he dropped my lowest score. The biweekly exams were pretty difficult but they were open note so make sure to take good notes and understand the material. As long as you study hard, pay attention and ask questions in class you should do well.

I took Professor S. in the accelerated winter course. It requires plenty of study time, but the material is intriguing, especially for a psych major. Make sure to watch the online lectures and study them until you fully understand the content. His quizzes and exams cover everything you learn in class and online. He has a great personality too.

Watch the lectures 3 times. First and last time just watch but second time take notes. Literally write down everything he says. Then condense all those notes down to your cheat sheet you get for the tests. Did this and lowest test score i got was a 95%. It's a lot of work but it sets you up perfect for his tests. Really recommend his class.

Grades were based on 4 multiple choice exams and weekly easy quizzes. Exams could be challenging because the course covers a lot of material, but you are allowed to bring one page of hand-written notes. Prof Shirinyan's lectures are amazing. If you keep up and follow his study advice an A is definitely achievable.