2.6
Quality3.5
Difficulty16%
Would Retake101
Reviews16%
Would Retake
101
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
28
4
10
3
8
2
21
1
34
What Students Say
“I learned nothing from this class”
FIN352 - 1.0 rating“Take it with a different professor”
FIN359 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
13%
Textbook Required
61%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.94 avg changeRatings by Course
FIN303432
5.0
(1)FIN
5.0
(1)FIN436
5.0
(2)GBUS502
4.7
(6)FIN442
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
FIN303HYBRID
5.0
FIN303OL
5.0
FIN303OH
5.0
FIN359
4.6
FINAN352
4.5
Reviews (101)
the teacher is fun, the exam is very easy too. He even gives 2 pages of notes to be taken into the exam. highly reconmmended to take his class.
fun class, nice person
Cool guy, lectures are a bit unorganized. Easy tests.
perfect! his test is easy, fun class, also he is willing to help students. highly recommend! (he can speak chinese, but his chinese is so suck) ^v^
Great guy, lighthearted, very intelligent, more than willing to help, and best of all, understanding of what it is to be a working student. Lays out everything that is expected of the students. Shouldn't have any problems as long as you study the material. Every class should be like his.
GREAT professor! Very fair, enjoyable class athmosphere. TAKE HIM!
GREAT guy! TAKE HIM!
Easy lecture, learn nothing. Take his class if you just want to have fun and not learning anything. Lectures are fun, but test is hard... NOt really learn anything from him, kinda disappointed in this class.
Teacher thought he was one hot chili pepper. Well let me tell you NOT. Class was fun but didn't learn a thing and test didn't match class lecture. Do not recommend
This man needs to stop trying so hard to be everyone's friend and start teaching. The class was a complete waste of time and energy. I learned nothing but how to be frustrated.
This guy does think he's much cooler than he is, but he's fun to watch as he has a sense of humor and seems happy. The material isnt exciting at all, but his personality makes the class more interesting. His test was hard, but it roughly matched the practice test he gave -- roughly though -- he had to curve it by a lot.
This one is something else. You won't "learn" nothing from him, and if he tells you something regarding grading...don't believe him. He went back on his own word with the summer session class, and his grading was not implemented. Try to e-mail him after semester is over regarding your grade, and you have better chance to hear back from the Pope.
Oh boy! This cat has nothing good to say in lecture...All he can do is just go over slides, and when you ask him a question his answer would be "...this is all I have for you"! He's like a robot on 2 legs, and doesn't really have a genuine interest in treaching you somehting. In other words, you won't learn anything from him...it's a waste of time.
Chill instructor. Easy A if you study. His curve is fat. Like an 80% is an A. If you try half ass youll pass, with a C, and if you study the handouts, and actually do the problems youll get an A. Midterm is all multiple choice.
What a waste of time... If CSUN cared about the education of their students, this man wouldn't be teaching there.
Really genuine and nice person. Tells you exactly what to expect on the tests, and provides all class notes for you on his website. I don't know what these other bad students are going on about; every professor should be as straight forward and realistic as this guy.
Avoid these sleazebag. he is not much liked at campus.
Excellent teacher! Educational back round very well diversified :) The guy got a degree from Chicago! Just doesn’t get any better than this. If you wanna learn…this is the right guy to take. Easy A if you just follow his lectures and slides. Exam can be easily predicted…
I didnt learn anything from his class. dont bother buying the book no point, just review the slides he gives you in class.. wasted my money on the book... study study!!
nice guy, but did'nt learn anything. dont bother buying book. you will get a C if you just show up a couple of times and look at practice exam!
James cheated me of the "A" that I earned in this class. Looks like that stupid mistake has come back to haunt him: all the negative ratings that weren't there before. He can be very nice (& conceited) but the minute you point out any one of his errors, watch out! He'll resent you and grade you accordingly. Shame on you, James. Shame on you!
No Comments
great teacher very funny get straight to the point fair exams yes he give slide which cover everything he teaches and good enough for the exams I love this class!!
I loved his lectures. Interesting. His exams are NOT too easy. However, he gives us a fair opportunity to do well on exams (such as sample qts). Read textbook still and do all the problems from each chapter he covered. Understand concepts. He will test you if you understand concepts (but, they are not simple defnition type). Then, you will get an A
He is awesome!! has a great sense of humor.. which makes time go by pretty fast. make sure to do his practice exam (it helps!!) also if you want to take that extra step do the problems in the book (but not necessary) no homework or reports..pretty chill guy!!! he is really funny!!! chit chat with him let him get to know you.. and you will be fine!!
Do the practice exams and know the concepts from his slides. Has a nice curve.
Great Prof! Turns a subject that could be boring into something interesting. Good real world experience. Helpful and considerate.
i learnt alot from his class. he is fun....... never miss a class cause you learn alot. he is funny
Chong is not a good professor at all. There is 1 midterm & 1 final, that's it. His class is one where you have to try to teach yourself.. he goes over the slides which you can just read at home! take someone ELSE if you want to not just pass, but actually do well in the course.
believe it when he says the class is hard. go to class even though it's not mandatory - he gives you hints to the exams. study the hw problems over & over b/c the sample exam is similar to the hw problems (only applies to midterm). final exam had questions we never learned.. so be prepared: he will trick you.
Prof. Chong is one of the best finance profs I've had so far (I'm a senior). He's always joking and in a good mood. This is a good thing, otherwise a 3 hour night class would bore you to death. Take him, read the book, do all of the hw problems, know how to do the sample problems from lecture, and know all of the practice probs..easy A!
The best, funny, interesting, will help you anytime, will answer to your emails, makes the class very interesting, there's never a dull moment in his class. Go to class because gives you hints that are on the test, don't have to but it's fun, never missed his class, powerpoints are great i like him, got a B but very happy, he's the best, TAKE HIM
do not take his class unless you have to
Very helpful when you have questions. make sure you practice the hw problems. Cool Professor!
GREAT professor... has a bit laid back attitude, but is a good tracher. He is helpful, insightful and updated about finance. Will give you helpful tips if you take interest. Encourages self learning but will guide you wherever you need help. Easy tests & a Good grader!
I recommend you take him! Very interesting class and not dull! He will noticed if students are tired and will try to wake them up with his jokes... Very entertaining. We had 2 mid and 1 final. Midterms were 15 questions and median were 11-12.
GREAT Professor! Keep class going and interesting. Go to class! It will help! Do not buy the book, you dont even need it. his slides are GREAT! 2 test. 1 final. 15 ques per test MC. not easy. but if you go to class and look over practice test you're good. TAKE HIM. Great class and learned alot. he is a great guy!!!
He's a laid back professor; all about LIFESTYLE!. Although many times the class did get boring, he would usually do something to get people laughing. Test are 15 questions, but he gives you all the formulas you need. Make sure you study well for them. Overall, I would recommend him. He knows he stuff and seems like a cool guy.
He thinks students are laughing at his jokes...we are actually laughing at him for being the clown that he is.
Funny professor and cracks jokes frequently which at least keeps the class awake. He does read off the slides and it's important to take notes as he goes along. Tests can be hard and you really need to know your material well to get a good grade. Not a bad professor if you have interest in the subject and are willing to work hard for a good grade.
Makes stupid jokes, talks off subject. Serious students take James Dow--he will actually teach real world stuff. Chong taught the book but I still don't understand how it applies to the real world.
He is a great professor and very smart. If he sees class is bored, will tell random jokes to wake everyone up. His downside is that he always says he wants to "strike us out" when were taking the exam (trick us so hard we will fail), but in the end exams are not that bad. Overall, pretty good guy and class
He is a very nice guy, but assumes you already know what finance is all about. You will pass his class (cuz he passes almost anyone) but wastes your time more than anything. He is easy, but boring. His jokes are long and not related to the class subject at all.
This guy sucks. Worst ****in professor at CSUN. Can't teach for****. If you wanna fail take him.
Professor Chong is a really great professor and a funny guy. His tests are not tricky like people say. Very straight forward questions. His practice questions mirror the exam. He gives a sheet with the formulas for each exam. Go to class and do the practice exams to get a good grade. I learn many new things. He also gives a generous curve.
Great guy. Very Smart. 2 midterm and 1 final. Dont need book at all. He goes off his PPT slides. Highly Recommended.
Best professor! No attendance, no homework. Get good grade on the 2 mid-term. The question is not tricky. He gives extremely funny joke!!!!!! Trust me!!! If you are interested in Finance, you MUST take him!! He teaches you a lot! You don't have to buy the book. Just attend the lecture and review the ppt. BEST Finance PROFESSOR!!!!!
One of my favorite professor, his teaching is clear and easy to understand. Most of the questions are similar to the practice questions. There are mid-term and final which I think you have to work hard on both. There are no extra credit. Mid-term is 40%, and final is 60%. Yet, he does curve a little based on the A's student. Good luck
Horrible proffessor. EVERYONE failed the midterm and we're only hoping for an amazing 50% curve so we pass. Jokes alot. teaching is unclear. He does relate the work to real world events. there's only 1 mid-term and a final. no HWs. If you can teach yourself a subject got for it take his class. AND be ready to buy the book brand new.
HE is extremely Hard, only 1 midterm and Final. If you fail the midterm, you better get an A in the Final otherwise its a Fail. His exams are really Hard, all options seem tough. I would pass, Dont take him!
Took him for both 303 and 432. Very easy classes, didn't study for the exams at all and got an A on both 303 tests and all three 432 tests. You get to use a financial calculator and you get all the formulas handed to you - impossible not to ace it. No book, doesn't take attendance, usually lets class out half an hour early.
This class was a joke. He's HANDS DOWN thee worst professor I've ever had. The midterm (which is 40% of your grade) was open book, & the class average was an 11/30! He's terrible at explaining things. Worst experience I've ever had. He also doesn't assign ANY homework at all which doesn't help your grade, & the final's 60% of your grade. HORRIBLE!!
His curve has to be screwed up cuz i got a B on the midterm but didnt pass the class?? I felt i did better on the final yet still didnt pass the class?? UNPREDICTABLE. Midterm and final are the only things that count towards your grade. Something isnt right about this class.
One of the worst professors at CSUN, he thinks he is funny with his inappropriate jokes and wants his students to be his facebook friend, but then wants to be taken seriously as a professor. He says he curves however the curve does not make any sense because he tells you your grade and then says "oh no its not based on the grade but the points."
His midterm was online and was totally screwed up and most everyone in class failed it, with the exception of the people who cheated because you could have taken it anywhere, so the cheaters were the only ones in the class who got a good grade. Academia is no longer about hard work, in his class cheat and get ahead is the motto. Horrible professor.
I liked him. He is really funny and way chill. He's friendly and i enjoyed his jokes coz it made the classes go by faster n easier. Although he's serious when it comes to exams, Its actually very easy if you just take the time to study the examples on wileyplus, he gives only a midterm n a final, no homework or assignments. Do ur work and ur fine.
Funny guy but who cares about ur jokes, I would rather pass the class. Doesn't care about students passing. Did a VERY weird curve and I got a D. He needs a better way to run his class.
If you'd like to learn about Singapore and tiresome jokes related to Facebook... this is the class for you. Practice exams are straightforward, but he's one of those professors that gets a kick out of confusing students on actual exams. In fact, he brags about how his wording can cause every student to provide the wrong answer. CANNOT RECOMMEND.
Stay away from prof. Chong. We only had two exams. We had to purchase Wileyplus for the midterm. It cost $83 to purchase an access code. It was pointless because it was his first time using wileyplus and he didn't know how it worked. The midterm was pointless because it was extremly HARD!!!
the worst teacher I've ever had in CSUN. you don't learn anything from him, and you don't earn the Grade you deserve!! stay a way from this guy!!
Prof Chong is a very smart man but, he can do more as a teacher. He does provide practice problem and YOU BETTER DO IT. If you want to pass the class just study WHAT HE COVERS in his class and his notes. If you do all the practice problems and understand the concepts, you should be fine. His tests are usually 90 percent calculation
2 exams that are used to calculate your final grade. This was a hybrid class, so there was no time for him to explain things. He skimmed through everything leaving the teaching up to yourself. Overall, this requires requires a full lecture. Not enough teaching. The class avg was a 13 out of 30 on the first exam. Take someone else.
Absolutely terrible teacher. Doesn't teach AT ALL and all the tests are in depth calculations. one midterm and one final, half online class. I spent hours reading the book and doing the practice problems but they didn't help much. If you want to learn DO NOT take this class. Just don't take this class. Worst experience of my life.
Do not take him, I am seriously, there are only 2 exams in whole semester to identify how is your study. Nothing else. The textbook is useless. Did a very weird curve. Horrible!!!
If you are taking this class online be sure to be ready to teach yourself the material. The course is 12 chapters w/hw of 30 questions for each chapter. Three exams w/20 questions per exam. 12 written essays. If you email a question he will say, "since this is a hw/exam, I shall refrain from answering your question." Be sure to learn on your own.
I apologize to the student who somehow found this professor good. I know that classes are ment to be tough but lets be real. This class only 1 midterm and 1 final and there is no real clear understanding of work. He is rude and doesn't explain well and practice exams are just a waste because not clearly explained. Avoid unless you ca teach yourself
horrible never replies to email lost in the course
I cannot believe such a teacher can teach at CSUN. Shame on the University for not doing anything. The online class exams are not straight out of the book. Which should be the norm for an online class. He also like to trick us by always changing the numbers of decimals for intermediate calculation, 4 6 5 3. Disgusted.
Useless professor...Likes to talk about Singapore and his "rich friend". Ask a question and he purposely tries to make the person feel dumb.I do NOT recommend taking this guy at all, average score on the midterm was 13 out of 45. Terrible, just Terrible.
Terrible prof. Doesn't care about students, and if you ask any question regarding the formulas he will say "I don't know that's just how the formula says". Book is useless as none of the tests are based on the book. Grading is based on "Ranks" so some students will not get the grades they deserve. avoid at all costs.
The hybrid class is ridiculously easy. His curve is generous. Most people fail both tests, and still pass. If you aren't a finance major, and are looking for the easiest professor, I highly recommend him. I learned a lot in this class.
Took the hybrid class and it was easy. There's no online work and he goes through the examples in the ppt in detail. I found the book useful to practice problems at the end of the ch before the test. Just study his ppt since he does ask conceptual questions. Idk what everyone is complaining about they were probably the ones who didn't go to class.
The amount of material covered throughout the class can be easily taught within a month. That said, he knows exactly how to make the tests tricky (especially the bonds) so be prepared. Don't study to be "good," study to master the material instead. One of those professors you either love or hate. I personally enjoyed the class!
Completely useless professor. Other professors are teaching you hands-on investing, while this guy is teaching you the concept on paper only. You can get your A in this course and still not know how to buy a stock. VERY DRY JOKES, he thinks he's funny - he really isn't. Doesn't want to teach the important stuff and instead wastes time of uselessnes
Don't let his laid back personality fool you, his exams are HARD. Mainly because he dedicates only 20% of class time to actually teach. He always talks about his non-existent love life. Always tries to prove that hes the smartest person in the room. Don't let this terrible teacher turn you away from Finance. Take it with a different professor.
Professor Chong is extremely smart, but it does not mean that he could explain things well. Half of the class did not do well, so you have to self-teach to get an A. Show up to class to basically see which ppt slides will not be on the exam, other than that, use class time to read the book and do the homework.
I learned nothing from this class. 2 midterms worth 40 & 60% of your grade. He tells you to go google problems to study on your own, gives you practically no guidance, and doesn't teach. Instead he tells students who are sneezing to leave class because he doesn't want to get sick then continues rambling about random life experiences he's had.
No Extra credit, He tells students to leave the class if the student sneeze. unrespectful . good for Singapore, don't know why CSUN hires these guys. Lazy Lazy
Take it with a different professor. It's extremely hard to pass this class.
This class is hard. The entire grade is based on one group project, and he has a harsh peer evaluation for it, so hopefully your in good group that likes you. He has no problem failing graduating seniors either. As for his personality? He rubs some people the wrong way, but I thought he was hilarious.
Do whatever you possibly can to not take this professor. Class graded on ONE group project worth 100% of your grade. The project consists of equations from a masters dissertation and he does not help you. If you want a good grade in this class, get an excellent group and prepare for a lot of stress. Does not discuss grades after final grades.
Try to find any other elective if possible. He gives you 1 masters level project with no help. Honestly, he brings the reputation of the department down as well... Do not take this professor.
Best advice, get a group with people who have a strong math background. He will give you little to no help. If you want a high quality finance elective do not take this class or this professor.
Do not take him! He is officially the WORSE professor I have taken here at CSUN. I had to take him due to last minute minor declaration, from day 1 he left a bad impression. It never got better. He does curve but that's only because he doesn't teach so no one knows what they're doing.
Professor Chong was one of the best professors I've had at CSUN. His Fin 352 class is not bad as what other comments make it seem. He is funny, likes to do small talk with the class, and his stories are interesting/funny. Only two exams and a reflective short essay due at the end of the semester. Just study and you will pass. Awesome Professor.
Class is simple, 2 tests and a 1 page paper. Professor Chong keeps class entertaining though his teaching style of the actual material can be dry. Seemed the biggest problem students had was they couldnt understand how he solved math problems cause he didnt go step by step. All math is basic algebra though, so obviously he assumes students get it.
Took FIN352 & 359. Few assnts for grade(tests or a project), class curved (since most struggled w test format; not enough time & only 1 chance per ques; cant go back/skip), doesn't give much feedback if any at all, makes you work to find your own ans. While somewhat funny during lectures, not very helpful. Not impossible to pass, but frustrating.
Avoid him. Does not properly teach
Im convinced they just hire anyone who claims to know finance. Dude couldnt explain anything. And no one cares about your social life. I would rather have a professor who actually has the mental capacity to teach. He pretty much will give you a project and doesnt tell you what needs to be on it.
Avoid this professor if you want to have stress free life. Exams are online. 25 questions, 50 mins, no skipping, no back and forward. You have to solve the problem and write the answer, then you can see the next question. But time is so limited so you can not even answer all of the questions.
Horrible. Save yourself and do not torture yourself. Its not so much about his teaching style, its more about his personality. Condescending, narcissistic and critical. Constantly compares his students to his own learning experience. Does not show compassion. Sorry not all of us are singaporeans and learn everything in rote.
Class consisted of 1 Excel-based group project, with 4 parts. Provided almost no rubric on the assignments. Gave no feedback on grades. Was inaccessible during office hours. Final grades are weighted based on peer evaluations. Uses a flawed understanding of "active-learning" to avoid questions. Lacks transparency in his methods and communication.
This is an online class based one group project. Had short weekly lectures to discuss finance concepts and demonstrate some excel. Didnt have clear instructions on his project or feedback on how he graded. Also he never turned on his camera so dont even know what he looks like. Seems like hes one of those professors just collecting a paycheck.
Class is made up of only 2 tests - midterm and final. He posts his PowerPoints online and just reads them in class without much further explanation. At the end of the semester, the average class score was 50% so he gave a crazy curve that bumped everyone up a couple grades. This just shows that there is a big problem with his teaching/tests.
Class consists of only a midterm and final, gives no practice q's or a study guide. Curves class alot bc of how many people failed. Only take him if its your last resort. try looking for another prof that offers 352
He is a nice guy, but a horrible professor. His project instructions are so unclear, and when we asked for clarification, his tips were still unclear! He also gave out vague details for the report portion of the project, which resulted in us just guessing with what he wanted, and in the end, he gave out F's to nearly every group for the report. Ugh
No rubric at all. Neither for assignments nor grading.
Lack of care, all rely on self-study, won't able to learn things from the lecture.
There is no rubric, and it is hard to communicate with him. Worst professor ever in my opinion.
The professor is a wonderful man, there is only a midterm & final. He assigns no H.W. He does not provide instructions on how to improve on two tests. The majority of his talks were derived from his PowerPoint. This is the appropriate professor if you want an easy class where you can learn things on your own without having to learn from him.
His FIN 352 course is set up to be great for a certain type of person, as it only has 2 exams; however, Prof Chong is very approachable before and after class/during office hours, and is willing to answer material questions as well as offering career advice.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
13%
Textbook Required
61%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-1.94 avg changeRatings by Course
FIN303432
5.0
(1)FIN
5.0
(1)FIN436
5.0
(2)GBUS502
4.7
(6)FIN442
4.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
FIN303HYBRID
5.0
FIN303OL
5.0
FIN303OH
5.0
FIN359
4.6
FINAN352
4.5