3.9
Quality1.8
Difficulty70%
Would Retake105
Reviews70%
Would Retake
105
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
51
4
26
3
12
2
5
1
11
What Students Say
“You could have a better professor for this class”
PSYC380 - 3.0 rating“He keeps your attention well, and gives great examples and clear explanations of the topics”
PSY285 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
61%
Textbook Required
53%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.75 avg changeRatings by Course
SOCIALPSYC
5.0
(1)ABNORMALPYSCH
5.0
(2)PSYC211
5.0
(1)PSYCH380
5.0
(1)PSY393
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PSYC280
4.0
PSY285
2.4
ABNORMALPSYC
2.3
PSY345
2.3
SOCIALPSYC
2.0
Reviews (105)
Amazing man, very knowledgeable, very funny. Kind of a nutcase, but really enjoyable class, will generally keep you up. Very intresting material.
Very nice man & funny. Tells great stories. Very passionate about Psych. Extremely easy exams. No final. New to UMBC in Fall 2003. Very knowledgeable & approachable. Would take him again any day.
Nice guy but totaly crazy :)lectures are very interesting and exams are easy too.
He is just great, always keeping you intrigued, making you want to go to class knowing you'll stay up to pay attention because this guy is very entertaining and knoledgable in psychology, the tests are based mostly on lectures and some of the book, i loved it
Awesome teacher! His tests are pretty easy and he keeps lectures fun and exciting with his odd personality. I would definately take another class with him, despite his odd affinity for UFO's and aliens. Highly recomend to take his classes.
Very hilarious..will keep you laughing the whole class. Very clear. Also fair exams. Interesting class.
No Comments
Very old school teacher, uses a chalk stick (he brings himself) to get his point across, exams are easy, but he assigns written papers for the semester. He is a unique one and will keep you paying attention and keep the class going well. Funny and well taught.
He is a really old style teacher but he is funny as hell. I had him for psy285 at night but his teaching style and crazy personality kept me up. You only have three exams and one writing assigment in his class, word of evidence do the writing assignment early and get it out of the way.
No Comments
nice guy, boring class
freakin awesome. you better be interested in aliens cuz he talks about them every other day. easy tests and nice guy. can be boring or funny depending on his mood.
awesome teacher. He cracks jokes all the time.
nice guy. class can be a little boring at first, but only because he makes sure you know the basics. just don't take it at night. easy tests.
interesting topic. he's a really nice guy, and pretty entertaining. His tests are pretty easy.
One of the best teachers at the school. The material itself is interesting but his teaching method is so clear and cut to point just like his tests. His tests are not hard at all because the questions are straight to the point. You don't have to read the book, but do take good notes because his tests are based on what he says during the lecture.
This prof is AWESOME. He makes class really worth going to (which is a good thing since if you miss a class, you'll definitely miss questions on the exam) He shows a lot of video clips in class and makes a lot of jokes (sometimes directed to "class boppers" and "sleep boppers" - take his class and you'll find out what those are ;D)
Requires the writing of a 15 page paper, if you're not into that sort of thing I'd avoid this class
Loves: Aliens, UFOs, etc etc. Hates: Boppers & Loserdudes. You'll see. Anyway, good class, though I regret not taking it seriously enough to go. If you don't go to class you'll do badly on the tests and feel stupid, cause the subject is easy. The 15 pg. paper is graded on a CHECK SYSTEM.
If you're looking for easy, he delivers. Not only are the tests straightforward and simple if you attend class, he'll curve them a few points (I got a 100 and 103); even the 15-page paper gets full points if done correctly. Despite this, you will learn a lot with his vast experience. The big problem I had was that he belittles questioners a lot.
I loved him he is funny. Pretty easy too. Try to get him for as many psyc classes as possible.
Dr. Resta is hilarious. I had no idea psychology was so funny. A good teacher who makes a not so interesting subject fun. The best lecturer ever!
Take him for as many psych classes as you can. Funny, easy!!! Trust me--I am a psych/bio major I made my life way easier by taking him. Just go to class and pay attention and you'll be fine!
funny and helpful. we only had two exams and a paper. the exams were very easy as long as you've been in class. the paper was graded by a check if you did it. so easy to get an a. take him
resta is a little out there but he keeps things fun and entertaining. his "Tests" are easy and very redundant but people still manage to get the stuff wrong. as far as the paper on restas top 10 issues that was a little lengthy and i felt like i could only write so much about adhd and the drugs that go with it. over all really good and fun.
Very nice professor.His examz are easy as long as u go to class and take notes.examz are right from it. Old examz are extremely helpful since MOST questions are repeatative..15 pg paper is long and painful.. DO NOT think he wont read it b/c he sure WILL..if u actually put sm time for it, u'll b gud..Easy and fun class overall..take him :)
easiest professor ever. he is hilarious. his exams are really easy if you were conscious during lecture, you will get a 100. 15 pg paper graded on check system. very lenient, does research on UFOs... great professor, makes abnormal psyc fun...
Easy class, but not my favorite teacher.
Count how many times he says the word 'bopper'. Resta's classes are extremely easy. His exams are mostly based on his lectures, so go to class. You can probably do just as good if you don't go at all tho. He usually lets you out early. One paper, and it's easy. EASY A, minimal effort.
Just go to class, test are based on his lectures which are easy and simple. Tests are straight to the point. Easy A. He's great! and essays are on a check system, simple and easy! :)
You won't meet too many professors like Resta; he's quite unique. He knows how to keep a class going, and he's very knowledgeable of his material. He throws in many jokes into his class periods which keeps the class from being boring. Seriously, the only way you can fail is if you "bop" the class (you will hear that a lot). Overall, I recommend him
one of the best professors I've had here. he comes off a bit corny in the first couple of lectures, but i think it's to get rid of boppers. PAY ATTENTION IN LECTURE. he emphasizes what he wants you to know. exams are not that hard if you COME TO CLASS, and you will barely need to touch the TB (until the chapter summary assignment).
Those who said this is the greatest professor around, probably never had the same one I had. Overly loud and random. throws snide insults on your test and the says"im sorry you took it that way" even though he knows and you know it is an insult. The man never stops. He has his plus though I will give him that. But overall classless... beware.
I just graduated and I just wanted it to be known that Dr. Resta is the best professor that I ever had while at UMBC. He is EXTREMELY helpful especially if you see him after class. He will keep you updated and go out of his way to help you prepare for your future. I had 2 classes with him (Personality and Controversies) I'm gonna miss him!
Resta is an interesting and easy Psych professor. He lets you defend your multiple choice answers. The grade is 3 MC tests and two chapter summaries. This is an easy A! He can be pretty entertaining with some of his stories. Take him anytime you can!
Prof Resta is a very interesting guy. He can be hilarious, but often at the expense of calling out students, which I didn't particularly care for. The class consists of a term paper, and a mid-term and final (both multiple choice) which are based entirely from the lecture notes, so take good ones. Overall, an easy A, and relatively enjoyable.
This guy is very annoying. He repeats himself constantly, has a grating sense of humor and is generally rude to students. Come to class because a lot of exam questions are based on things he says or film clips he shows. The class itself was very very easy. 3 MC exams and two chapter summaries. Only a handful of people got less than a C on exams.
Dr. Resta is an interesting, yet easy professor. The grading system is 3 tests (which are extremely easy if you listen in class) and 2 chapter summaries (which are easy as well - they just take time). This is a class where the book is hardly used. Oh.. and don't be a bopper! (you'll come to know that term very well)
everybody already mention evrything that needed to be said. there was a bopper that got a 54 in the test. he ask for help, the following week after class, he was giving him a class on how to take gd notes and how to be succesful. this was the best class i have ever taken. too easy, but explains the material well. the bomb
Easy and interesting professor. He is definitely entertaining and enjoys his job. The 2 hour class goes by quickly and actually isn't a pain to sit through. I had to miss a bunch of classes and still got a 95% on the midterm. Awesome guy!
I've never had such a funny and interesting teacher. He always finds stories to capitivate your attention and manages to link the boring things in the book that we must learn into these high spirited fun classes. I just wish he had a little more interaction or that the class wouldnt be so big.
He knows the material but covers very little info due to constantly repeating himself & telling dumb stories. Don't go to class, get notes & skim the book = EASY A. Beware: he doesn't truly care about the students - just likes to hear himself talk. And don't ask questions, he'll just give some obnoxious response & try to make you look dumb.
Awesome professor! This class is the love of his life. Come to class, ask questions, TAKE NOTE OF EVERYTHING HE SAYS, briefly look through the book = easy A. Resta is one of the best professors I had...Funny too! Don't be late for his class!
I took Paranormal over the Winter. The class was interesting. Guest speakers towards the end were very sincere even if I didn't always agree with them. Grades are based on 1 research paper, 1 exam, and 2 short writing assignments all due by the last day. Exam was multiple choice and open book essay. Very easy if you just go to class.
Very knowlegable, presents information clearly, entertaining, doesn't waste your time, very upfront class, easy A as long as you pay attention, do the chapter review paper, and read the book selections and handouts..one of my favorite profs
One of the best professors that I have had. Straightforward, extremely knowledgable, exams are easy as pie, engaging. Don't really have any complaints except that he doesn't use Blackboard. Looked forward to going to class
He's weird and funny, but at the expense of students. Just attend class, take notes, do the end of the semester chapter summaries in order to get an A. The tests are MC and he lets you defend your answers. He can be very rude and demeaning. Overall, unique professor, but easy.
Extremely engaging! I actually like this class and enjoy going to it. He's very knowledgeable and is an excellent lecturer. Never boring. Very down to earth. He can be intimidating to approach though... but I think he's just encountered too many stupid questions that have already been explained. Refreshingly direct. I'd take any of his classes!
Worst professor I have ever had. He is the reason I refuse to take Social Psych. Avoid unless you enjoy getting abused.
Easiest class of my undergraduate career! NEVER opened a book-just never missed his lectures. Got a 100 on the midterm which is based RIGHT OFF HIS NOTES. Overall, he is a pleasant teacher with a wierd sense of humor
Professor Resta is amazing. He is funny, engaging and very insightful. I learned so much in the two courses I've taken with him. You absolutely have to attend class because his exams are based solely on his lectures. He does not use Blackboard or PowerPoint. Write down everything he says no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Took this course along with social psych. He's an extremely knowledgable professor who loves what he does and has awesome stories to keep you engaged. Mid-term, final, and a 10 page paper is all there is to these two classes. Exams are easy if you attend lecture and take notes!
Dr. Resta gives good lectures with weird humor. Go to class and you'll be fine. I usually read the material assigned however, the lectures will cover everything you need to know. Easy A!
Funny professor and interesting class!
Dr. Resta is awesome! This class was one of my favorite classes at UMBC. Attend class because the exams are based on lectures. Dr. Resta is hilarious and makes the lectures interesting. Definitely would recommend him and this class to others.
If you like social psychology take him!!! His voice may be loud if you are not used to a guy yelling in a closed space but its just him being very excited to teach the course. He is dedicated to helping students learn and absorb the fun material. Don't miss class cuz you will be called a "bopper." Inspirational class is exciting!!!
Resta is an easy A, but his personality really takes away from the class. I took social psychology out of interest, but found that I actually learned next to nothing. In lectures, he covers 3-4 pages of text max, but you need to attend in order to know what will be on the exams. There were two exams and a paper included in grading - nothing else.
Dr. Resta is one of the best professors I've ever had! His exams are everything he covers in class, if he didn't talk about it in class you wont need to know it for the exam. He's had a lot of experience in the field and often includes real situations/stories in his lectures. You only need the tb for the chpt summary. Would take again!
Resta is one of the best professors Ive had at UMBC. Show up to class and pay attention and you will pass. No quizzes or homework; just midterm, final and paper (wasn't long or hard). Easy A.
Easy A. Interesting material. Totally a weirdo. Can be mean to students but only if you dare to raise your hand or ask for help. Midterm40%/Final40%/Paper20%. Always ends early. Hilarious but goes on lots of tangents. Dumbs it down, super short/easy tests. Don't need the textbook. If he doesn't say it, it's not important. Show up every class.
He is fantastic! Super interesting! But, if you don't like going to class, don't take him
Prof. Resta is a great professor. He is a corny man, but he tries to make the class interesting. If you go to every lecture and pay close attention, you can easily get an A. He is very detailed in his exams, specifically about the videos he shows you. You do not need the text book except for the semester paper.
Excellent professor with enjoyable lectures, but a bit eccentric.
Prof Resta is the most unprofessional individual I have come across in my educational journey. If you'd like to be shamed in front of a class of 80 students, be sure to take his course. He is unapproachable & arrogant. When mentioning and incident at work, one of his former grad students spoke up & said he has a reputation for being sexist.
Although Dr. Resta is a bit old school and simply lectures the class, he is very knowledgeable and answers any questions you have for him. I advise you attend all his lectures and take notes because if you do, you're guaranteed an A. He is a very easy grader, with only the midterm, a long paper, and the final as grades.
He' s definitely an interesting guy, but his eccentricity makes for an interesting lecture. He keeps your attention well, and gives great examples and clear explanations of the topics. There are only 3 assignments the whole class, as long as you do the one short written assignment and go to the 12 classes over the semester, you will get an A.
took him over the summer and was the easiest class i have taken at UMBC. Go to lecture, be engaged with the lecture, take notes and ask questions. this will guarantee you an A. Grading was based on 2 exams and a paper ( exams based on lecture). Scored a 90 and 95 on the exams without reading the book. Used the book for writing the paper only.
He definitely knows what he is teaching as he lectures in class. Long lectures but his humor makes the time pass. Everything he says is easy to understand and if you ask him questions about something, he will answer them with more detail. But he is not the type of teacher that wants to build a relationship with his students; he can be very rude.
Dr. Resta is amazing! I had him in undergrad and I honestly miss taking classes with him. I probably took 4 courses total with him, including really cool special topics in psychology classes. He thinks outside of the box and tells you exactly what is expected. Rare gem. Highly recommended! Youll learn a lot and getting an A is very doable.
Professor Resta does not use Blackboard, so skipping class will definitely hurt you. He's a very interesting guy, but his lectures are very opinionated rather than fact. Most of his exam questions state, "As per instructor" because he only teaches what he believes in which is pretty biased. You could have a better professor for this class.
Good lectures but very slow to go over material. If you like learning at a fast pace this class is not for you. He'll probably spend 3 hours to go over cognitive dissonance using two different stories. Still, his lectures are amusing and easy to digest. Tests have questions on them that you'd only know if you were in class. Concepts r from psyc101
His lectures are long and much of what he teaches is opinion based, make sure to pay attention to what he emphasizes. Your grade is compromised of a midterm, final, and reflection paper. Go to class and it's an easy A.
I've taken 3 classes with Dr. Resta. He's "eccentric" but that's why I appreciate him so much. He is not afraid to challenge the norms of the field of psychology. He's a very engaging professor, incorporates humor, & is genuinely a cool person. Grades are determined by a midterm, a final, and some other large project (ie, a paper). Would recommend!
Rude ! Has no desire to assist students and a very nasty way of expressing himself. Unapproachable and rambles on and on !! Quizzes ? Oh yea they are based upon what HE THINKS so you better pay attention during his rambling spews .
Stay away from this guy. He is super rude and unapproachable in person and online. He rambles on and on as if to just head himself speak. You can literally hear the cockyness and smirk in his voice. He does not provide a clear grading criterion nor does he explain anything clearly. It seems his single purpose of teaching is to be belittle.
He really just talks to himself but he's easy. Read what you don't know about but everything else is pretty easy tbh. He says some things that might trigger some people but he's really just straight forward so beware. He is really confusing with his grading too. You don't know what you have until the semester is over
Honestly, the people in this class complained sm but it wasn't bad. If people listened carefully, they'd understand that the topics he speaks about aren't his opinions but rather topics of debate between psychologists, instead they all rushed to insult him. He's an ok guy, lectures can be a bit slow but he records so you can watch at 2x speed.
Professor Resta is a decent guy, lectures are fun but slow. There is only a midterm, a paper, and a final exam for this class. Tests are really easy if you know your material.
He assigns no work, the entire semester he only assigned 3 assignments so if you messed up one there was no chance of recovery. Pretty easygoing guy but the tests were based on what he thinks and what he said in class, so if you miss any classes your grade will suffer for sure.
The best professor! His British style of sense of humor makes learning fun. You learn things you can apply in your life and career. To get an A, you dont have to mountain climb, write books, or take pop quizzes. Just go to class, pay attention, take notes, and dont wait to the last minute to study! My only regret is not taking more of his classes
I love psychology and Resta made me love it more with how he would explain stuff. He grades by only 3 things so I recommend attending all of his classes in order to do well on the mid terms exams and finals because most of what he says is what comes out. He's sometimes funny and really understandable IMO.
He can be very abrupt to the point of rude about some topics and does not care to work with students. There is no homework for the course, only a project, midterm, and final, so you really should not skip class. Class is entirely lecture based so be ready to take good notes. The class itself isn't very hard, but he can be very rude to students.
The worst professor I've ever had. Only three assignments the entire semester. Doesnt answer emails. Exam questions are phrased like "on the first day of class what word did the professor use to describe (insert whatever)". Makes exams 10X harder than they need to be, as most people don't take notes down to the specific word. 0/10.
Resta definitely has strong opinions but he is a good professor. Attending the lectures is important for your grade since his exams include questions of what he stated in class. He is not that hard of a grader. Just go to class and watch the videos he post and u will be good plus get a few laughs out of his lectures because he is blunt.
Dr. Resta is a funny guy and his class was relatively easy for me. He is very blunt but funny and you are graded on one assignment, the midterm, and the final. If you pay attention in lectures and thoroughly read the textbook, you will be good to go. I cannot stress enough the textbook is the key, I didn't go to lecture and still got a good grade.
Dr. Resta is overall an amazing professor. He is very enthusiastic about this course. You have three grades: Midterm, Final, and chapter review. They are all easy if you pay attention and take notes. You would have to go to ALL classes in order to pass, but if you do the test are very straightforward. Incredibly nice prof, and he wants you to learn
The exams are very straight forward and much of the exam is based on what he says in lecture so take notes and don't miss class. The textbook is necessary and simple to read. The syllabus and class notes is unclear but use it as a guide to review
Dr. Resta is an entertaining and passionate guy. The course was graded by a chapter review assignment (super easy as long as you write enough content), a midterm, and a final. Both exams were super easy and were based off of stuff he said in lecture. The only time I used the book was for completing the CRs. Super chill prof despite what people say.
Prof Resta is not as bad as people may say. While he may be blunt and sarcastic at times he is still a good professor, just don't take everything he jokes about to heart. The course grade is based only on a inperson midterm&final, and a chapter review assignment. The course is fairly easy if you go to/pay attention to lectures (exams are based on).
Professor Resta is funny, but he is extremely hard to approach. If you are unclear about something, it's best to ask the other students rather than him. He will belittle you, say that you have psychological problems, and blame any confusion on you being stupid. But, his class was easy if you put in the time in effort.
Take 285 with him if you're willing to go to class and take notes. It's not very hard, and he can be really interesting. Both the midterm and final are really easy if you pay attention in class. The chapter review assignment is also very easy. I would recommend this class.
test questions are extremely specific and difficult
He is very rude during lectures, constantly blames students for their performance, and brags about how 1/3 of the class passes. He uses a disorganized sheet of paper as a means of note-taking. There are only three grades for the semester, tests are heavily lecture-based, and 2 out of 3 assignments are due 2 days apart. (aka final and 10-page paper)
He is a little straight forward and can be taken as rude if you are sensitive. His tests questions are based off what he says during lectures so don't skip class. He likes to blame students for everything, doesn't take much accountability. Definitely Autistic.,
EASY A!!! 2 exams based on stuff he says irl so u HAVE 2 go 2 every class. SUPER EASY project which is just a summary of 2 disorders. he harps on attendance & has a brash personality but hes a comedian if ur not on the receiving end of his wrath lol. its actually impossible to fail if u just go to class and read the textbook.
Love Dr. Resta! His personality could be misunderstood but he is sweet and kind and loves/is good at what he does. He is a great lecturer. If you show up, ask questions, and be engaged not much outside work is needed. A midterm, final, and paper make your grade. Tests are off lectures, so don't skip. Be nice to him for me you are in good hands
I love him as a professor! He is genuinely so funny and he does care about his students even if it doesn't seem like it. He wants you to do well and makes it easy to do so if you GO TO CLASS! He will emphasize things during class that are relevant to the exams which are a big portion of your grade.
People seem to love him or hate him. His real life experience is great for this class though, I love his stories and they are relevant. Midterm, final, and one paper are only graded assignments. Just show up and listen to lecture and you will be fine. His sense of humor isn't for anyone but I think he's funny. Definitely interesting guy.
Good class and funny professor. To do well on the midterm and final, you definitely need to go to class and take notes because he mentions a lot of things during class that are not included on his slides/notes. No graded homework or quizzes, overall easy A if you attend class and pay attention. His stories are also quite interesting!
Very openly rude (he does not care), condescending, and tells a lot of unfunny jokes. He spends an hour of a two-hour lecture telling his personal jokes and stories. Would not recommend if you're looking for a serious professor who actually wants to teach and not cosplay as a failed standup comedian.
Prof Resta can be blunt, but his class is doable if you attend lectures and use resources like the textbook and Unstuck ai for study prep. Exams focus on what he covers, so participation is key.
Resta can be ver rude and blunt. Half of the class, he complains about the students who aren't there rather than teaching the one's that are there. Exams were in person, closed book, and based off of things he says in the lecture so attendance matters. The videos he showed in class were extremely out dated, from the 80's and 90's so beware of that
This man was genuinely one of the worst professors I've ever had. There were only three things you were graded on the entire semester. He yaps the whole lecture, and it's hard to follow what he's even talking about. No slides were used the entire semester. I passed the midterm purely by using Quizlet. Would not recommend.
LOVE this professor! Graded by only two exams + one big assignment. The exam questions are straight from the things he says in lecture, so attending his in-person lectures, writing notes, and even paying attention to the videos he shows is CRUCIAL. But if you do that, easy A+!!! Exam questions are simple, you can also defend your answer and get pts
Really enjoyed his class for Intro to Clinical and Couseling Psychology. It was a 4 week online course and despite it being so short I feel like he really took the time for lectures well. Very few assignment but he was very accommodating
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
61%
Textbook Required
53%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
A-
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.75 avg changeRatings by Course
SOCIALPSYC
5.0
(1)ABNORMALPYSCH
5.0
(2)PSYC211
5.0
(1)PSYCH380
5.0
(1)PSY393
5.0
(1)Difficulty by Course
PSYC280
4.0
PSY285
2.4
ABNORMALPSYC
2.3
PSY345
2.3
SOCIALPSYC
2.0