3.1
Quality2.0
Difficulty54%
Would Retake113
Reviews54%
Would Retake
113
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
113 total ratings5
29
4
21
3
23
2
13
1
27
What Students Say
“Answers are not hard to find”
MUSC2100 - 4.0 rating“If you want to get an a and an FF credit, take this class”
MUSC2100 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
3%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.49 avg changeRatings by Course
MUSC2100004
5.0
(1)MUSC2100
3.2
(97)MUSC1200
2.8
(4)MUSIC2100
2.2
(9)COS126
1.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
COS126
5.0
MUSC1200
3.0
MUSIC2100
2.4
MUSC2100004
2.0
MUSC2100
1.9
Reviews (112)
This class was super easy and even though he may not look it the professor is super chill. Participation is not important at all you don't even have to show up grade is based on 5 online, open book, take at home, test. The class is interesting and he makes it fun but if you just need the credit/easy A definitely choose this one.
If you happen to miss a test for what ever reason it completely ruins your chance of getting a high grade in the class. Not very willing to let students retake test. The grade is made up of 5 test that are each open for 24 hours. Your grade is based on your average score of these 5 test. Easy class just make sure you set a reminder for test dates.
You have 5 tests, but they are online and there isn't a time limit. If you do the chapter reviews from the textbook, then you should be golden. The textbook is they KEY TO SUCCESS IN THIS CLASS!!
The entire grade is based on 5 open book tests which are online and have no time limit. Answers are not hard to find
If you want to get an a and an FF credit, take this class. If you want to actually get something from your education, DO NOT take this class. I didn't learn anything. Class based on 5 open-book online tests which you can get all answers easily from book or other sources. My recommendation - take another class and actually learn something.
If you need a FF credit and want to bump up your GPA--take MUSC 2100. Tests are long (100 questions) but it's open book and quite easy.
I couldn't stand him. Attendance isn't necessary. Tests took me about 6 hours to complete. Open book tests answers on are online. Easy A.
An easy A with 5 open note tests and non-mandatory attendance. If you need an FF credit and don't care how you get it, take this course. All you really need is the textbook.
MUSC 2100 is probably the easiest FF credit you can take. The only grades are five open-book, online tests throughout the semester. Attendance is absolutely optional (there were 200 students in my class, maybe 30 showed up). Buy the textbook, it's worth it to have it for the test.
Easy class, grade based entirely on 5 online, open book tests. I really enjoyed going to lecture, but it definitely isn't mandatory. Get the textbook and do the review questions at the end and it'll save you a ton of time on the tests.
This class is the best class to take if you want an easy GenEd fine arts course. After the first week, only about half the students enrolled actually showed up to class. John Costa is an awesome professor and knows his stuff! MAKE SURE TO DO THE TESTS ON TIME! He doesn't usually cut you a break. Overall, such a chill class!
Easiest FF gen ed credit so i highly recommend it! You need to take 5 tests online open book that is all.
This is an easy A class to take care of your Fine Arts credit. Your grade is based on five online tests that have no time limit, so you can look up all the answers in the book that he wrote himself. There is no need to go to class, but you might as well because he plays music from and talks about some way cool artists!
This guy is super cool, laid back, and a hilarious dude. You really don't need to go to class since all the test are online and untimed. A major bummer for at least the first half summer session, was that you had to do the tests on Saturdays. You should at least look at the syllabus and go to class the days when he talks about a topic you like.
Great class! Interesting, easy art credit.
A fun class that allows you to learn more about music and even find new genres you may enjoy. This class is very easy, the final grade comes only from 5 tests averaged out. Tests were online, open for 24 hrs, and open book. Every answer is in the textbook, or in somebody's flash cards online. Showing up is optional but the lectures are worth it
I love everything about this class. John Costa is phenomenal!
he seems very passionate about what he's talking about and it can be interesting at times but this class bored me to sleep. and only 1/4 of the students actually show up which is disappointing. overall this class is an easy A.
He is quite opinionated, and will go off on tangents about the Velvet Underground or how the internet ruined music. I stopped showing 2/3 of the way through the semester because attending the lectures was totally unnecessary and boring. If you want and easy A for your FF credit this class is fine, just don't expect a whole lot for your money.
History of Rock and Roll is the easiest class ever I probably went to class less than 5 times and got a 97% in the class. No homework, no quizzes just 5 tests, those 5 tests are done online at home so if you work with people on the test you'll be totally fine. Such an easy Fine Art credit. I recommend for all.
Class lectures were very long and boring. Tests are long and tedious but very easy since they are open book.
I took History of Rock and Roll from Dr. Costa and it was the worst. The only thing on your grade is 5 open book tests that are online and you have 24 hours to take. His lectures are awful, he's monotone and there are no powerpoints or anything. He just stands on a stage and talks. It's very boring and there's no reason to go. Easy A but awful.
He knows his stuff and you can tell he loves teaching the subject. If you're an audio learner, this class is perfect. Personally, I wish there was a visual aspect to the class, such as powerpoint or music videos. Make sure to buy the textbook! His exams are long but they're open note, online and not timed. 5 exams, 100 q's each, multi. choice.
Easiest fine art credit ever. I never went to class and ended with a solid A. You just take 5 online open note tests and that's it. Would recommend to anyone who doesn't actually like taking arts classes.
This was by far the best class i've ever taken. I love music and this class was perfect for me. I was one of 3 students that attended lecture each class, but it was worth it. I've learned so many interesting things and this class does come in handy for interesting topics of conversation.
Professor Costas History of Rock n Roll class is probably the easiest class at the U. The class had 150+ students, but on a good day, only 10-12 students showed up. Tests are open book and online, so you can do them at home. The tests do take a very long time to complete, sometimes 3+ hours. There are quizlets online, use those, not the book.
A great class to knock out a fine arts credit since you don't even have to show up. Costa has great lectures if you do decide to roll into class though. Definitely a class to take if you're a STEM major and need a break since there are only five tests which are open book and you can take it online anywhere.
Costa's a very laid back and easy going guy. Hates having phones out and has quite a few catchphrases. History of Rock and Roll with him was easy and it was fun to listen to music and hear him talk about different artists. The vast majority of the class is him lecturing, with occasional breaks to listen to songs. Very passionate about the subject.
Super interesting class. Lecture based with 5 tests, which are online. He hates cell phone use in class.
Grade is based off of 5 online tests. Lectures can be long and most of the class does not attend. It is an easy class but not very engaging. Don't have your phone out in class.
This class was very easy. There are five exams throughout the semester, all online and without a time limit. You can find all the answers in the textbook but get ready to spend a couple hours on each exam.
Only showed up to class on the first day. Only 5 tests online that you can find all the answers for on quizlet or in the textbook. Tests take a long time but average is always a high A. Got 3 credit hours for never showing up to class so I'm satisfied. Take this class if you don't want to learn or have a busy schedule!
This class CAN be the easy A that everyone thinks it is, but don't be fooled. The tests are long and if you miss EVEN ONE you can come close to failing the class. He will not remind you that the tests are coming up, and if you ask him to reopen it for you he will get angry with you. His lectures were entertaining, but you don't need to go to class.
Make a friend that's taken this class before- they'll tell you everything you need to know. Only graded assignments are 5 tests. Answers come from his textbook, but his lectures are really fun to listen to and he really loves what he teaches. Even though attendance isn't mandatory, I'd go to his class just to listen.
"Show up & pass"? This class is more like "Not show up & get A." Take it when you need a Fine-art and have a tight schedule. It's just that simple.
Very interesting class if you are a fan of music and want to get a fine arts credit out of the way. The lectures were very interesting and fairly easy to follow, considering he almost recites the textbook word for word. Really cool guy with some great stories.
Costa has clear passion for what he does, and he has very extensive knowledge of the material, but his class was surprisingly difficult. Cheating is an extreme issue in this course as the only graded material is 5 online tests; I came to class every single day and took extensive notes and still did not score higher than a 90 on the online tests.
Costa is an extremely boring professor. The class isn't very exciting, and the only assignments he has are 5 tests. That's it. The best/worst part is that all of the tests are online, but he caught onto it and caught a few students cheating. All in all, not very exciting class, not very exciting subject, but easy enough if you want to take it.
The lectures always inevitably turn into rants. Passionate about what he is teaching but forces his own agenda. Feels like a class that doesn't need to be as political as he makes it. I stopped showing up about half way through the semester because the tests were so easy. Also has a weird vendetta against phones and will yell if he sees one
John is very opinionated about certain things and makes that clear the first day. Final grade is based off of 5 tests. You do not have to go to class, just know the dates of the tests and take them online.
If you are an actual fan of Rock & Roll then DO NOT, and I repeat DO NOT take this class. It is frustrating beyond description and the entire coursework is based upon his personal opinion. His text is riddled with inaccuracies that a simple google search will simply prove wrong. The tests are long, scrupulous, and frustrating. Wish I could type mor
I attended some lectures thinking I would be able to learn and do well on the tests, but that was not true at all. I was able to get about 3-5 questions (out of 100) on the test from the lectures and I was paying attention during the whole 2 hours. You basically have to look in the book for help and even that didnt help. Plus, tests are on saturday
Possibly the easiest Gen Ed you could take. I showed up only the first few lectures & ended with an A. The one thing that irked me is that his lectures are very interesting and informational, but the info in the lectures is not the same as the 5, 100 question tests. Where can you find that info? In HIS book which you must purchase to do well.
This professor will not communicate and cooperate with students, will ignore students' requests! Nothing can be discussed. Also, it's an online course.
Honestly he lacks communication, but it's hard with online to have good communication. He's really fun and laid back and his zoom classes are fairly entertaining. Overall easy class, THE ONLY THINGS GRADED ARE THE 4 TESTS you take. If you miss a test, you don't get another chance to take it. Overall good, simple, laidback class.
As most people say he's pretty bad at communicating and basically reads straight off of the textbook making his lectures seem boring and long. It's really conflicting on whether or not I would recommend this class. If you are online and can use CTRL+F then its not a bad choice, without it this class would have been a lot harder.
This is perhaps the most ridiculous class I have ever taken. There are only 5 grades (all tests) that determine your final grade. People claim the test is online but you will not find all of the answers there. Nor will you find answers in his lectures! His tests set you up for a B+. Costa you are hurting students. Retire.
His lectures are wordy and he requires a textbook which he wrote. Except it isn't a textbook, it's more of a long set of unorganized notes which are sometimes inaccurate, and seem to just be based on his opinion. Easy class if you are just looking to fill a general because the tests are all on quizlet. He is difficult and seldom replies to emails.
This is the type of class that you will get what you give. Since Rock and Roll really interests me, I actually put a lot of time into focusing on this class and reading the textbook and etc. Your grade is based on 5 tests taken throughout the semester however if you didn't pay attention you can find all of the answers online.
Took this class alongside a heavy science curriculum during the pandemic to have fun and learn about music because it is a passion of mine. Costa only responded to one of the 3 emails I sent him and caused me more stress then COVID. Would never take a class with him again and I wish profanity was allowed on this site just for him.
Yeah this prof sucks. I gave him a 2 because his dog was mildly entertaining. There may or may not be an online flashcard service which could have all the answers to his tests which I most certainly would not have used if it existed...
I took his course pre-covid. He works by a standard where you cannot have your phone out in class or he will yell at you, so I have no idea how he functions doing it online. Although yes, the only thing you are graded on is 5 one-hundred point tests in his class, I genuinely found his lectures and personality really entertaining.
Doesn't care about students and is very rude. If you miss one of his 5 tests you are screwed cause he won't let you retake it or anything.
The class has 5, 100pt quizzes as the only assignments. The textbook is expensive and is nothing more than a loosely put-together collection of notes. Save yourself the money and peruse some infamous online sites instead of trying to read the textbook. The lectures are also just the prof reading straight from the textbook.
He is a really great guy. This was an easy class and the lectures were super interesting and easy to listen to. He makes good jokes and keeps lectures entertaining. I'm not insanely smart and this was an easy and fun class to be apart of.
The worst class I have ever had. If you miss one of the 5 chapter tests you might not pass the class. He is very strict about retake policies, he would not make any exceptions even for illnesses (including covid-19). Every lecture is him reading directly from the textbook, word for word. He is a rude and uncaring person. No passion for teaching.
Easiest class I have ever taken. 10/10. I used the textbook for a bit, but you don't really need it. Exams were pretty easy and the prof was nice.
Easiest class ever! I did not attend class often and still got a good grade. Grades are only based on the tests and I never really used the textbook.
Awful scammy teacher. He makes you buy the textbook he wrote, but he requires the most recent version and just keeps releasing new versions so everyone fills his pockets. Also exceptionally bad at responding to emails but makes it the student's problem when he doesn't answer, and in the syllabus says that its on students to follow up.
John is really passionate about what he teaches which is a good quality to have. His class is very lecture heavy with no slides, just him speaking and maybe some music/instrumental videos. Your grade if made up of 5 online exams, so it's important to do good. Exams aren't bad, you can usually find the answers by reading the textbook.
Not the best presentations, if you don't show up to class and memorize everything, don't expect a good grade on your tests
I took this class because it sounded interesting and I like music. Due to a severe mental health issue, I was unable to take the first test. When I emailed him the day after, he responded rudely and then did not respond AT ALL to my follow up email. He wrote the textbook and it sucks, literally just a compilation of Cornell notes.
Listen this class is easy given you do not have to really do anything besides the FIVE midterms. John's textbook is written like an MLA outline and is very hard to study given the high volume of facts.
I took history of rock and roll with costa, if you're looking for an easy course for your ff credit and don't want any work basically. The downside is that if you miss one of the 5 tests (these five tests are the only thing in the class all semester) you're screwed. I did great on every test but missed one and got a D
The professor writes his own "textbook" every year and charges $80 for it so he can make money as well. The "textbook" is also nothing more than lecture notes for the professor. Your grade is based ONLY on 5, 100 question exams. The class is open note so use quizlet and you should be fine. Easy class, waste of time to go to lecture or use the book.
Costa is a terrible professor. There are only 5 assignments (each 100 points) and if you miss even one, you end up with a failing grade. He has no compassion for students and won't give anyone a second chance unless there is documented proof that you were on your deathbed. Do not take this class.
Pretty mid professor and class. Interesting if you enjoy music, but the first couple weeks are a bit boring. Class relies on lectures and 5 tests you're graded on. Prof is a bit monotone in his lectures. Tests not too hard, since theyre open note and book. Overall, glad I took this class, and I learned a lot. Will I rememeber it all? Probably not.
This prof has a low effort "textbook" he wrote thats just a bullet point list of notes. Theres only 5 tests, all of which with repeat questions, typos, and impossible questions without context. If you miss one online test you get a fail and he wont let you retake it no matter what. This prof is just riding off the money without even trying to teach
I took this class for GenEd credit. The class is based on 5 tests ONLY, and if you miss one, your grade tanks. I had a family member unexpectedly pass away during the last test in this class, and when I reached out to Dr. Costa, he threw his strict missing/late policy in my face, then proceeded to ghost me via email. No compassion, careless, 0/10!!
Haven't even finished his class but I know it's going to be so easy. He gives you 5 tests for the whole semester and since they are open note you can just use Quizlet. Don't even bother about going to class it doesn't matter.
cant speak about this class as someone who took it to actually learn the subject. took it online to fulfill fine arts credit, easy a. attendance not required online, and dont bother paying for the textbook. but he wont remind you of the exam dates so make sure youre on top of it. dont bother emailing him- you wont get a reply.
Your grade is based on 5 tests that are each worth 100 points. His "textbook" is a bunch of middle school bullet point notes. If you are looking for an easy A then I guess you could take this class. However, if you think you might have unexpected, last minute emergencies, he will not care and will give you a 0 on the test. Just keep it in mind.
Such an easy class. Graded by 5 tests where most answers are online or in the textbook. All tests were online. In the syllabus, it says attendance is recommended. His lectures can be entertaining but can also be used for like a study hall.
i did not go once after tuition was due (two weeks into the semester) because it is just based off of five tests... all which you can control f on either the textbook or quizlets to find the answers
There are no assignments in this class other than the 5 exams. They are 100 questions and will suck the life out of you, they are extremely hard but definitely passable. In the end I would not worry too much, I say this class is an easy A.
So easy. Only take 5 tests and that's it no other assignments. Don't need to study either because all of the answers are online.
Hated this professor, the class is mid. Graded on 5 exams that's it. If you miss it then there is no way you can retake it. Costa is very hard on the students. Overall, professor sucks, class is mid, but if you do take this class, TAKE IT ONLINE!!! Even thought that the syllabus says he'll post the lectures online he doesn't.
You get graded by 5 online test. 99% of the answers can be found online. If you want to pass this class you basically have to cheat because instead of lecturing he just sits there and rambles for hours. Doesn't matter if you take it online in person. Easy a but annoying if you want to actually learn about the subject
Just use quizlet. Take it online. I had no interaction with him, I did not buy his textbook, and I did not watch a single lecture. I got an A, so if you want an A for a gen ed then this is your class. People say he is terrible but I am not really sure why. I mean it is an easy A so I am not sure why people are complaining as much as they do.
His class is 100% graded by 5 tests on obscure music facts. I had a health emergency while on a trip and could not make it back in time to take his online test. He would not let me take it because I was "on vacation" and that was not a viable reason. I almost failed because of this. I thought professors would value my health and safety over a test.
I didn't show up to a single class and I got >90% on all 5 of the exams. Sorta slow to respond to emails though.
The class was easy to get an A in, as there only are five 100-questioned exams to complete. One could feasibly get above a 90 without using the professor's textbook. The textbook is boring as it looks like someone wrote bulleted notes everywhere. One could never go to class and read the texture and still get an easy A. Take this class.
Professor Costa is fantastic! His lectures are interesting, and he shows videos that help the time go by faster. He is also funny at some points and always seems very happy. The class is graded on five tests. Other than the five tests, I would definitely take this class again. Great class and professor!
I took this class hoping for something fun and educational, but I was disappointed. Costa clearly teaches this class just for the money, and would rather be writing music than doing this. His "textbook" is written by him, and is 82$ for what is literally bullet notes. It's an unreadable textbook in a clear cash grab class. I was sorely disappointed
The 5 tests are a bit much, and the textbook is rather boring. Nevertheless, Dr. Costa is engaging and hilarious in every lecture! I wish he would publish a book containing all of his funny sayings!
THE EASIEST CLASS AT THE U. Class is graded on 5 tests which are open book and online with a 24 hour time period to complete them. You could never show up to class and get an A+ in this class. However, if you do show up to class, he is quite funny and I actually enjoyed learning about the history of rock & roll. Would take again.
This professor openly admitted to doing LSD in his younger years.... it shows.... 5/5 stars!! I liked this professor. He was very animated and entertaining during class. The grade is based off of 5 tests that are easy. Its an easy A.
Professor Costa is definitely passionate about music and its history. He is very animated and loves putting on a show, but the class is definitely not hard in any way. You can not show up all year and still pass. If you want to learn from his class then go, but if you just want an A then don't. There are only 5 tests all year which are all online.
Dr. Costa was my favorite professor in my first semester of college. You could NEVER show up, and do the tests and end with an A. That is what over half the class does. Although, by doing this you are missing a major opportunity to learn and hear a wise mans story. He has lived the music scene his whole life. Amazing lectures. If you take, SHOW UP!
Entire class is based solely on five exams. If you miss a test though, he's not forgiving. Super easy class, ~20 people in the 200 person class would show up by the end of the semester. Textbook is not very helpful, as it's just 600 pages of the professor's notes, but you shouldn't really need it. Know when the exams are and the class is easy.
This is a really easy class. There are five exams, and you can easily get an A or a B without much effort. Also, Costa's textbook is poorly made and doesn't help much with exams. It's more of a vast tome of loosely organized notes than anything. If you need an easy fine arts credit, take it, but avoid otherwise.
There are few people who care about music as much as Professor Costa. And not only does he care, but he encourages his students to care and become involved. The only thing on your grade is 5 exams (no homework) so you just have to listen to lectures to do well on them.
At the beginning of the semester, I didn't pay too much attention during classes and I was always on my phone. But near the halfway point, I put the phone down and started attentively listening for his lectures and he was so incredible. If you put in the effort and actually show up to class, this can be the most rewarding class you will ever take.
I didn't enjoy this class. I didn't interact with the professor very much but I didn't like this class. Avoid taking it if you can. It seems like it would be simple but it is not. You have to pay attention and read.
Professor Costa was very excited about his class and made his lectures energetic and interesting. The class was based on 5 exams but they were all pretty relatable to the information from lectures. his lectures aren't mandatory but I recommend listening.
Heartless man
Dr. Costa is one of my favorite profs of all time. The guy loves Rock and Roll and it shows. His lectures are an absolute blast, and he always has dope stories to tell about all of the bands. The tests are a little arduous but they're absolutely worth it. Rock on Dr. Costa!
This class is a breeze. The tests take a really long time if you only use the textbook. Exams have 100 questions, most answers can be found online. The lectures are not mandatory, though they are very interesting. The professor is obviously passionate about the subject. He isn't super internet savvy, so the online students had some trouble.
Dr. Costa is passionate about the subject but not so much about his students' learning. He is not online savvy, so the fact that the class is online makes it difficult to understand. The textbook used was written by him and is a bullet-pointed list of topics covered.
This class is very easy, grades are only from 5 online tests which you have 48 hours to do. Attendance is not required but I highly recommend going because it is interesting!
Professor Costa's lectures are engaging and rewarding if you put in the effort. The class revolves around 5 exams, so staying on top of the material is key. I found Unstuck ai and the free textbook helpful for study prep, along with attending class. Overall, an enjoyable and manageable course.
Professor Costa's class was super easy. It was graded only on the tests so make sure to do good on them. He had three zoom lectures a week that covers each topic so he will be talking a lot. There is also assigned reading each week which is pretty easy to follow. Overall his class was not that bad.
John Costa is a good professor and very engaging in class. However, his tests are difficult and usually include information that the internet doesn't even know.
Prof. Costa clearly is passionate about music and it's history. It shows in his lectures. While they are zoom/recorded lectures, they're a lot of fun to learn from. The only thing that counts towards your grade is 5 tests throughout the semester, which aren't cumulative. Costa allows open notes and has plenty of resources for you to study with.
Overall a very interesting class. There are 5 midterms and that is your entire grade. The tests are very trivial and often misleading. I think this guy was just trying to get away from the "easy A" allegations. The majority of what is on his tests is not talked about in class.
This class had optional zoom lectures, I did not attend any but have heard they are enjoyable. The grade book consists of 5 exams that are very specific but easily found on quizlets. If you are looking for a low effort, no homework class, highly recommend.
All of his class is made up of midterm grades. The questions seem almost opinionated and if you use AI you usually get between 80-85% on the tests. They are not very well agreed upon answers if you look them up. As other reviewers have said it seems like he got offended his class was an easy A and started to deviate and purposely make test hard
I wasn't expecting to like this class much, was just taking it to get the credit out of the way. Ended up being one of my favorite classes. Would recommend.
He is click baiting you on the first lecture. He seems like a nice and funny guy which don't get me wrong he is. The lectures are very fun. Then you realize once you get to the test "HUH" I actually don't need to go to class. Why? Because he is pulling every answer from god knows where. Only way to pass is to spend hours going through the textbook.
John Costa is probably very nice, but his class isnt. This class has no other work except for the test you take every few months, each test having 100+ questions. Every answer is in HIS book. Nothing online is correct, and it takes hours to take because of the horrible word search the book has. Easy A, but only if you put hours into all tests
I love this guy. He cares so deeply about what he is teaching and has done it so long. The most interesting class I've taken this semester I loved it. The only problem is the only thing he grades on is these long long tests that you take on your own. I wish he just did something better for grading
I took this class online and it was so useless. I didn't learn anything. The entire class is graded on 5 100 question tests. The tests are so time consuming and everything is found in his book. If you're looking to get the gen ed requirement I'd recommend taking literally anything else.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
3%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.49 avg changeRatings by Course
MUSC2100004
5.0
(1)MUSC2100
3.2
(97)MUSC1200
2.8
(4)MUSIC2100
2.2
(9)COS126
1.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
COS126
5.0
MUSC1200
3.0
MUSIC2100
2.4
MUSC2100004
2.0
MUSC2100
1.9