2.9
Quality3.4
Difficulty24%
Would Retake83
Reviews24%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
18
4
18
3
15
2
13
1
19
What Students Say
“Sign up for sona ASAP and read the book”
PSY2012 - 5.0 rating“I would avoid at all costs if possible”
PSY3204C - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
15%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.75 avg changeRatings by Course
PSYCH
5.0
(2)PSYCH3000
5.0
(1)PSYCHLECT
5.0
(1)EXP3404C
5.0
(1)EXP3004
3.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
EXP3304
4.4
PSY3204C
4.2
EXP3004
4.0
PSY2041
4.0
PPE3003
4.0
Reviews (83)
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Really boreing. Lifeless. And yes... a complete toad.
Hehe - like the other two posts this class was pretty bad. But you can't really blame Szalma. Hancock road him in class while talking about British History. Give him a break.
great
brilliant
Seems to really care about students. Gets excited about Psychology in a professor sort of way. This is refreshing.
In class right now, sooooooooooo boring!!! OMG I'm about to pull all my hair out! Don't take him, he just loves t0 listen to his voice and talk in that philosophical tone. English please! Doesn't make the topic interesting at all, sitting in here is like listening to textbook language. If you take him, don't take the 3 hr class w/o a laptop. =(
Professor was boring and hard to understand. He does not know how to answer questions in laymen's terms. He has to curve his exams because no one does well on them. On our first exam, an 88 became a 100 because no one was able to achieve an A.
His lectures were so boring I never came. He stays on one slide for way too long. Subsequently I never went to class. this however, did not affect my grade, but the tests are hard so if your not good at studying on your own then you should attend. Don't recommend.
Worst teacher I've ever had and I love learning. Besides the droning on about pitiful topics, tests are very different from lecture/book. Going to class may get Cs with effort. Emailed him to say I read the book, attend lecture, take notes on both, do study guides, and still had problems, his response was that I should study more. Absolute Moron.
I hated this class and this professor with everything within me. I am an A/B student, graduating****laude, and I failed two of the tests (passed because of a curve) Szalma is AWFUL. He does not know how to convey material, his tests are filled with long difficult questions, and he is only available by appointment. DO NOT TAKE SZALMA EVER.
I only went to ONE of the lectures for the class and I got an A. Do the entire study guide before the exam and you should do well. The lecture I did go to was not interesting though so if you feel like you have to attend lectures have fun.
His class is painfully boring and the tests are very hard. He tests equally from the lectures and from the book, and some of the chapters are over 75 pages long, so its a lot of reading. He is very helpful and understanding, he will always push back a test or assignment if you ask.
This professor knows his stuff but has a really tough time making material easy to understand. Talks in very abstract manner. I understood maybe 10% of what he said in lecture. His powerpoints are pointless. Tests are hard! You basically teach yourself from the book. I wouldn't recommend this teacher.
Had him for an honors class. Very accommodating. He moved a test date and research paper due date after he realized they were too close to each other. Lectures are okay, if you have a question he will answer it, and does not mind being interrupted. If you read the book, go to class, and complete the study guide you will do fine.
I attended class regularly and stayed focused through his whole lecture and still did poorly in this class. His tests are extremly hard and have no relation with his lectures. He doesn't answer questions clearly and his lectures are boring. I would not recommend this teacher to anyone!!! You will waist time trying to pass this class.
Great teacher
Had him for Honors. I hated going to class because it was so boring. They only good part was my fellow classmates. Always came in late. Lectures were boring. Study guides were long. I emailed him the night before the test with questions. He answered my the next day at 3:30; my test was at 1:30. Tries to be funny. He likes to talk about arousal.
AWFUL. He goes into tangents and forgets why he started talking. Doesn't take attendance but puts blanks in the slides so you have to go. Tests are really hard, but he does curve them. He's smart but doesn't verbalize his thoughts accordingly. Emailed him twice and never got a response. Keeps you the entire class period (3 hour class once a week)
never there on tuesdays which is frustrating.
If you listen to his lectures and read the textbook, this class is easy. I have gotten a 85 minimum on his test. If you try you can pass no problem. The only time you would have trouble is if you never go to class (since he uses real world examples)! Very interesting!
He's a good teacher. You don't really have to go to class, his tests are out of the text (and study guide he gives you). Class is fun though, he's interesting to say the least. Take him.
This was a huge class, attendance isn't mandatory. The material was pretty basic and all notes were posted online with blanks to fill in. The book is definately used, because half the study guide isnt in the notes. He's not the best teacher.. but he's decent. Summer is a good time to take it if your doing summer, its not too stressful.
he's funny and tries to make to subject interesting. He really makes sure that you understand what he's saying! His test are okay just make sure that you do the study guides!!
He's pretty funny. Just make sure you read the book. It helps to read the book and do the study guide at the same time. Don't wait until last min to complete the research credits because the studies fill up fast... overall its a great class to take over the summer. BOOK HIGHLY USED!
Horrible! had him this summer,class was like over 400 students and somehow he made a mistake (or "the grading machine" made a mistake) on ALL our grades and we we all have lower grades or wrong grades that we're not supposed to have. How do I have a D plus as my final grade when I never failed a single test??? Uh yea...Im never taking HIM again.
I got an A in the class, however, I did study. It's really cool cause he grades on a curve. Make sure you sign up for studies right away. Make sure you buy the book cause a lot of the information are in the book that he doesn't cover in lecture. Make sure to do the study guide as well.
I took him for summer he made it interesting! but read the book because half of the test isn't in the lecture and study alot! But other than that it's not to bad.
He's very willing to help when you have questions. The tests are never cumulative, not even the final. Just make sure you read the book in addition to taking notes in class. If you do that, you'll do great on the tests.
Very interested in what he teaches. Curves grade for every test which is good since 90% of the grade is from tests. Go to class, take your own notes from his lectures and do the study guides and psychological studies and you'll get an A. Good teacher.
Good class! He gives you study guides for every chapter and study sessions for every test! Its a good idea to read and go to class. He explains a lot! Classes get pretty boring but definetly a class to take. I always did the study guides and read 1 out of the 2 chapters for every test and went to class managed a 95% He gives you a lot of resources
He adds humor to his lectures, and the grade is mostly tests -- if you go to class, take notes, and read the book, you're good. Also, the study guides help a lot.
This class is pretty challenging and a lot of work. If you go to class, listen to his lectures, take good notes, read the book, and do the study guides, you will get an A. If you dont do any of that, there is no way you will get above a C.
His class was interesting, he has a great sense of humor and a great passion for Psychology. I reccomend him for sure. If you read the chapters, glance over his notes and do the study guide, you will have no problem getting an A.
He is a bumbling little man who always says "um uh hm uh" every 5 seconds. Powerpoints are useless for the test, but if you outline the entire book you'll get a decent grade... DO NOT TAKE HIM. Terrible teacher
He is a funny and good teacher. Read the TEXTBOOK and you will be fine.
Alright I'll keep this simple; I received a 99% in the class. Class is insanely boring, and very simple. 6 tests 15% each, and 10% of final grade from "research experience." Sign up for all the studies the first week of class. Get all 10 credits through Sona, it's much easier than writing 10, 2 page single spaced papers on boring articles. Easy.
Talks quietly, very boring sweaty little man. hard to pay attention too. Not very helpful during office hours. Study Guide is virtually useless for tests just read book and pray. Hard class bad teacher avoid taking it with szalma
He's a pretty ok guy. He makes some interesting jokes during lectures and loves the Simpsons. Some of his tests are over his lectures and sometimes the book so if you want an A,READ THE BOOK. Also you have to do 10 Research points, but I'm not sure if that's in all Psych classes or just his.If you do the study guide, you'll at least pass the tests.
Ok, so the class is so easy I could probably do it in my sleep. I always finished my tests in 30 min or less and although he's really boring, he definitely lets you know EXACTLY what is going to be on the test. Read the book, do the study guides, and go to class and you should get an A. I made it out with a 95% and made all As on the test.
He is an interesting teacher! He shows us videos from different commercials or the simpsons to keep us entertained! if you read the book, study and do the study guides, you will get a good grade :)
In order to get a good grade in here, listen to the lectures (as difficult as it may be), read the textbook, and study his study guides. He gives you a lot of tools in order to get a good grade, but what determines how well you do, is how you use those tools. He's hard to pay attention to, but if you do, you're best off.
The material is interesting, but the class is incredibly boring. Very boring class, but if you put enough work in you will do fine. Make sure to both read the book and do the study guides to get a good grade.
Just read the book and you'll be fine. Do the study guides too! Because a lot of questions on the test come from it. Not necesssary to go to class. As long as you read the book and do the study guide your golden. He's not funny, he's weird, and he sweats.
His class is quite simple; notes, tests, and some additional time outside of class. You definitely need to read assigned textbook chapters in order to do well in the class since 90% of the final grade comes from test grades. The remaining 10% comes from participation in additional studies.
He is a professor who knows exactly what he want to teach. Go to EVERY class or get the notes from someone. All lecture material and text book material is fair game for tests. 100% of our grade was test based, but there were 6 exams. He gives VERY detailed review questions for all exams. DO THE REVEIW!
Overall I would definitely recommend Szalma, the class is extremely stimulating and he is very knowledgeable. The tests are easy and in most ways I didn't feel like I was being tested. Just do the study guides and read every chapter of the book. The book used is a tad bit wordy, but it has great info with great exs to convey key points. Take it!
Very hard class, you need to go to every lecture to get the notes. His study guides are useless and the book is very difficult to understand. There are only six exams.
Loved Dr. Szalma for his enthusiasm and willingness to answer questions. Very funny and extremely nice. Only had six exams so if you rather lots of tedious, pointless assignments, his teaching style is not for you. His exams definitely make you think but as long as you go to class, read, and fill out the study guides, an A is very attainable.
I will write a million good and positive comments to cancel out the negative ones because I thought he was one of my best professors. He truly acts as if he genuinely cares and attempts to make it interesting. His jokes are corny, but make the class a lot more fun. His study guides are also super helpful, Szalma is definitely a great professor.
I wouldn't recommend Szlama. He doesn't have control over his class at all, his study guides are pointless and he spends 20 minutes on a slide just rambling on and on about nothing. You really have to read the textbook to pass. His lessons are boring and I think he makes psychology harder than it actually is. 90% of your grade is tests.
Ok, So Dr. Szalma is not the best teacher. He rambles on forever. He takes at least 1 HOUR to go over the first slide when it does not require that at all. I wish he would cover more info in class in more detail. The textbook is a MUST! without it, you will fail. I got As and Bs on all my tests, and all I did in class was watch movies.
He rambles alot and sometimes it may be hard to stay focused. Sign up for sona ASAP and read the book. He uses test questions that are in the practice test so make sure you do those. If you do all that you will get an A.
Okay class. I don't like psych much, but some lectures were interesting. Dr. Szalma likes to ramble a lot and he doesn't always get to the point, but the class isn't too hard. Go to class or get the notes from someone, and read the textbook. Grade is test-based and tests are multiple choice . Do the practice exams; some questions are on the tests.
His lectures are terrible, on average we only got through one or two slides a day. As long as your read the chapter textbooks and do the study guides and practice tests he posts on webcourses, you'll easily pass this class.
I needed this class as pretty much a filler class thinking it would be pretty simple. I was wrong. James Szalma is very monotone, very uninteresting, and after the first week no one ever came to class. He tries to make jokes but they aren't funny at all (dry humor). The girl next to me fell asleep every class period. Not a very interesting class at
I have nothing personally against this professor, but I have to say he is the most boring teacher I have ever had. He is very monotone during his lectures. Everything I learned from this class I got from reading the book. I do not recommend taking this class unless you want to be lulled to sleep.
The lectures are beyond boring because he is very monotone; however, the material is interesting. Get ready to read a lot and make a lot of note cards in order to pass. It's an easy class if you get yourself to read the textbook! Go for it!
He gives very long drawn out lectures and maintains a monotone voice the whole time. He has little to no concern with posting grades in a timely manner and generally seems to have little concern for the grade his students receive. I would avoid at all costs if possible.
A lot of reading goes into this class. Accelerated class so 2 tests a week. Very fair and adjusts each test by 1-2. Is reachable via email.
He is really boring. Going to class is pointless unless you want to sleep and he is always off topic or goes way too deep into one subject instead of finishing the notes.
90% of final grade is tests and 10% voluntary Psychology research hours (10 hours). He only goes over a couple of slides per class but talks a lot about some stuff on the test and not in the book. The lectures drag on sometimes but he tries to keep it light with somewhat funny videos and pictures that help relate the material to the class
Love Dr. Szalma as a person.... but he has really boring lectures and they do not help for the test, neither do the notes. Reading the textbook is basically the only way you will get a C in this class.
Szalma's lectures are somewhat dry, but you can tell he puts effort into trying to make them interesting. I was in a 400 person class with three TAs, so if you ever had questions you'd be directed to a TA rather than the professor himself. He curved all tests, and prepare to read the book. Key terms form the chapters are important for the exams.
Very long lectures. Not very informative. Definitely a "if you get it good, but if you don't you're screwed" class. Lectures either made me get a headache or fall asleep (bring aspirin). The class is a lot of reading and lectures.
Great professor! He is very nice and easy to talk to. While it can be good to go to the lectures just to get a good idea of the information, they are not necessary. Just have to read each chapter he assigns in the book and read the study guide, because a lot of the study guide practice questions are on the exams. Grade is test based.
Loves to make jokes, which lightens up the class a bit (also, his political opinions are made far from a secret.) Lectures simply reinforce the book, so attendance is not mandatory. Grade only consists of tests and SONA credits, so hard to pass, especially considering the tests are insanely hard. Pro: "Minus" grades are not granted, so a 70 is a C.
This class isn't too bad. If you do the reading and study the study guides given you'll do just fine. It's just A LOT of reading. There's no homework, just tests that weigh heavily and study credits which don't do a whole lot for your grade. You don't need to go to class except for test days. Just read and study.
I took this class over Summer B term, tests were every Monday. Textbook is mandatory and be sure to keep up with reading the chapters and DO THE STUDY GUIDES. Some of the questions given on the study guides will appear on the exams. There's no final or midterm, no homework. Lectures are SO boring . .Just don't forget to read!!
I took this class during Summer B term so it was A LOT of reading, you NEED a textbook. Attendance is NOT mandatory, I would skip class to study. Your grade consists of 6 test (all curved) and SONA participation (if you're under 18 you're semi-screwed). Read the chapters and STUDY GUIDES*. Some of the questions on the study guide are on the test!!
I took Personality Theory and Research from him during Summer B online. I enjoyed the subject. Overall grade determined by quizzes based on textbook and prof's lecture notes/PPT slides. Had 4 quizzes back to back during finals week. No final for the class. Be prepared to read textbook a lot, take good notes. Work ahead if you can to avoid stress.
I had him for honors, and while his lectures were informative they could be dull sometimes simply because the information wasn't too interesting. He gives practice tests and concept maps for every chapter and those are highly related to his tests. The SONA credits are easy and if you get more than 10 it counts as extra credit.
Really nice guy. READ THE BOOK. Lecture is mostly useless, but I went because I liked the guy. The tests are 85% from the book. Do the practice exams, they're about 20% word for word on the exam, and good review. Read the book and you can get an A fairly easily.
STAY AWAY IF YOU CAN. This course sucks. It was a 6 week course and his structure and organization was awful. He opened assignments on a Thursday that would close that Saturday. That is not enough time for anyone especially if you work part time. You can't even see your grade for one. The lab software is outdated and makes your laptop freeze-
I AM A STRAIGHT A STUDENT AND THIS COURSE TAUGHT BY THIS PROFESSOR RUINED THAT. THE ORGANIZATION IS AWFUL. HE DOESN'T INTERACT WITH STUDENTS. YOU CAN'T SEE YOUR GRADE TO DETERMINE IF YOU SHOULD WITHDRAW OR NOT. EVERYONE IN THIS CLASS IS HOLDING ON TO HOPE AT THIS POINT BECAUSE NONE OF US KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. STAY AWAY. FIND SOMEONE WHO WILL TEACH
Avoid this professor at all costs. I took him for a 6 week course and it has been the most disorganized, messy, and lazy class I have ever taken. It was the professors first go at an online 6 week class, so I want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but the class was unmanageable. Take someone else if possible.
Took 6 week summer course. This class was a nightmare. 12 quizzes make your grade, which is fine if there was actual helpful material. The class modules are literally read the entire chapter, and then a written review of the material. Still, quizzes were only open for ONE DAY, a nightmare if you work. Also, 20 questions in 30 minutes. AVOID HIM.
TERRIBLE!! DONT TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. Class is made up of 12 quizzes which include the book and his Power Points. Questions dont line up with material. Cant see your grade in Canvas
Do not take his Motivation/Emotion class, worst Professor ever! Stressful class for an elective. He gives you study guides, powerpoint/PDFs not on the test, everything you learn is irrelevant to the class. He only has 12 quiz's; no dropping lower grade or HW. You have one week to study, does not post grade. I would write more but cant, trust me.
Messy PowerPoint slides. There are only 6 exams and nothing else. Expect no other assignments/projects to study or stay engaged with the course. While we had one lecture once a week, at times it didn't feel rewarding to attend class. Really great person and willing to provide feedback to the students, but Szalma's priority is research.
Class is only based on recorded lectures that do not line up with quiz material. Do yourself a favor, and do not take this class with this professor. You will essentially learn nothing as well, and deadlines are two days from when they are assigned. Lectures videos are long and boring.
I've been really disappointed with this professor, especially considering his years of teaching experience. He essentially just talks for three hours with no clear focus, making it difficult to follow along or absorb the material. No exam aligns with the study guide, No homework, just exams, never answers emails. I DO NOT recommend at all.
The online class requires a web cam, lockdown and is glitchy. His lectures are just PowerPoint slides that are awful, my high school psych teacher was 10x better than this. Genuinely a waste of time being enrolled. I got an 90 in my first quiz and I did it by looking at the book and reading through 20 pages of the textbook. Find another professor.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
15%
Textbook Required
100%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.75 avg changeRatings by Course
PSYCH
5.0
(2)PSYCH3000
5.0
(1)PSYCHLECT
5.0
(1)EXP3404C
5.0
(1)EXP3004
3.5
(2)Difficulty by Course
EXP3304
4.4
PSY3204C
4.2
EXP3004
4.0
PSY2041
4.0
PPE3003
4.0