2.9
Quality3.7
Difficulty38%
Would Retake150
Reviews38%
Would Retake
150
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
28
4
32
3
30
2
32
1
28
What Students Say
“Only homework is the readings for the exams & a group project due at the end of the semester”
PSYC100 - 2.0 rating“If youre a horrible test taker like me, AVOID”
PSY100 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
82%
Textbook Required
56%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.72 avg changeRatings by Course
PSYCHAB
4.0
(1)CROSSCULT
3.5
(2)PSY168
3.3
(15)PSYC100
3.2
(44)PSYCH100
3.1
(21)Difficulty by Course
PYC168
5.0
PSY100
4.2
PSYCHMULT
4.0
PSYC168
3.9
PSY168
3.8
Reviews (150)
Dr.Akutsu is pretty clear with his lectures, and there is something about him when you talk to him that he seems like he knows it all, and has very high standards as far as papers, questions,etc. Attendance is pretty much mandatory because of pop-quiz questions EVERY SINGLE class meeting. And that adds up at the end to about 5 % of your grade.
Cross-Cultural Psych. class is a great class with whoever you have. Akutsu is very knowledgeable, but sometimes can speed through lectures just make time and fit them in. Very approachable, but be ready to have multiple questions to ask because he likes to dissect and break what your asking down very specifically. Study notes- i didn't buy the book
He's a pretty cool professor. He's brand new from Michigan and has a deep knowledge of this subject (Cross-Cultural). His class isn't that difficult and he tends to make it very interesting. His tests are alright. The daily quizzes are just to make sure you showed up and were awake.
Attendance is mandatory. Do not buy the book. Exams are fair: all mc. 1 paper.
The worst professor at CSUS. He does not answer questions, is unclear in requirements and very critical. Take the other professor for this course
He's awesome, very knowledgable, interesting lectures, open to discussions, available for questions and if need help. Makes you think, analyze, and reevaluate what you think you know. Don't need a book, tests are fair, one project, quizzes for attendance. If Psyc is your major-highly recommend.
HIGHLY recommended professor. New at CSUS but taught at Michigan for quite a while. Very knowledgeable on the subject and very fair. A must take for any Psych major.
Horrible
He knows so much! True, he will not chew it up for you and then put it in your mouth. But he will make you think, will get you asking questions (critical thinking) and come to your own conclusions without just stuffing you with info. He's easy if you study for the tests, just read the PP slides. Ask questions and participate in discussions. FuN!!
This professor is horrible! His lectures are really dry and the exams are really hard. I felt that you needed a lot of psychology background in order to understand the material. So if you are not a psychology major but need to take the course as a requirement for another major, my suggestion is to take another teacher!
Knows a lot but spits out the information in a weird way, read the book if you want and A but doesnt discuss it in class. Lectures are extremely boring, try to stay awake!
Very interesting class! He is very knowledgeable and would make you think to build up critical thinking skills. Study the ppt slides and guarantee an ace under your belt. Highly recommend!
Horrible professor...acts like a know-it-all. I asked him for clarification a few times and he was very condescending. Also, the groups he gave extra credit to did not even follow instructions; he is a poor judge of what is ec worthy and every time we asked a question, we'd get "uh huh uh huh", like he could care less what anyone else has to say!
The besst professor EVER!!!! His lectures were so easyyy....all you have to do is study his powerpoint slides for his exams, dont even have to show up! I got an A, I dont get why people hate him.
He's a really great teacher and super nice. However, the test are really hard and sometimes the concepts are not explained clear enough. He makes the class interesting and tries to get the students involved.
Great professor. Pay attention and ask question and you should do well. Genuinely study the powerpoint bc most of his test is from the ppt. He speaks pretty fast and lectures are sometimes not in full details o read parts of the book or ask questions. Overall a great psych teacher
Boring teacher especially for a subject I love. The book was better than the lectures, tests were a joke, take anyone else if you can.
Akutsu is nice and straightforward. Definitely a safe choice. His lectures are not electrifying, class attendance is unfortunately mandatory (he assigns points based on attendance, silly in a college environment)I didn't read the book at all and got a high "B" so the text isn't all that essential. Not a great class, not a bad one.
Definitely do not take this professor! Does not get the class involved, flies through lecture without student taking notes because he posts notes after lectures which doesn't help. Attendance is a must, miss a day, you miss a point..take a differ teacher
Interesting class. Got boring middle towards the end of the semester. 3-4 exams all noncumulative. 1 movie paper due. Attendance is mandatory. Pop quizzes everyday. Provides slides AFTER class. All in all, decent class.
He is very knowledgeable, kept the class interesting, and used powerpoints that made the material very easy to follow. The class was pretty easy as long as you take good notes and pay attention. I would love to take him again if I get the chance!
He is horrible; I'm an A Psyc major student and I got a B in his class. Exams are based on powerpoints but are a joke, they're way too hard. He always has those 5-8 questions on the test that are killer and leave you asking yourself, "what?!" Reading the book gives you a better understanding of the subject matter, but he doesn't test from the book.
I'd suggest typing the notes from his powerpoint and going over the book before the test. He does give a study guide. Exams are all multiple choice and one group project at the end. He can blow through slides though so if you're a pen and paper note taker, be ready to write shorthand.
Challenging but not impossible to get a high grade if you put effort in and study. Exams do tend to test knowledge of certain facts, but he often adds a couple of points to everyone's exam scores.
I will not take Akutsu for any other psych classes. I would agree about the test being ridiculous. He puts trick questions with trick answers on the test. No point of it. Also, the worst group project, a mock 4 page Disneyland. My group is unhelpful and will likely pull my good grade down.
Lectures are straight forward. He provides poweroints. If you want to do well, read the book and tests questions carefully. He is never in his office for office hours and seems to always be in meetings (that's what he says). So, you are basically on your own. I'm doing well, but I will try to avoid him in the future.
Akutsu is great. He is passionate about what he teaches. 100 had one group project and multiple choice exams. If you are not a test taker take someone else!
Awesome professor! Tests are tricky but if you pay attention, it's not hard to spot the trickiness. I'll be taking another of his classes!
This class is very managable. You are not overwhelmed with homework. Study your powerpoints and READ the book and you'll do fine on test (read questions carefully). See him during office hours to go over your test. And find articles on Science Daily website for assignments.
Good teacher, all the material on tests is from the slides. Has a good attitude and grasp of the subject. Tests questions can be confusing and you really have to study.
I think the class was harder than it had to be, only because you have to memorize the studies associated with everything. But the book mentions it the same way, so it's not the professors fault. A lot of memorizing before each exam, but if you study you should be fine. I got an A in his class. He gives study guides.His tests have VERY specific q's
GREAT TEACHER. Very knowledgeable about subject. 4 exams. 1 2-page Currents Events paper. 1 GROUP 5-page Sixth Disneyland proposal. Random attendance checks here and there. Overall, not too stressful, but really KNOW the different studies for exams! Interesting subject!
the avg score on tests r 40 out of 55, TAs grade all the wk, and they can't help u with anything, I LOVE CROSS CULTURE BUT I REALLY HATE THE TEACHER!! he is the worst at teaching!!! Not helpful at all
He talks like everything he says is amazing and life-changing. He's only saying things that we learning in other classes, with better teachers. When asking for help with projects or assignments, he's useless. He'll tell you that everything you're doing is wrong. When he explains what you shoud do...he describes exactly what you were already doing.
Ta's grade hard and they do all the grading, so if u want something back ask the ta's lec or boring, 4 exams really hard words things crazy likes to confuse u not easy to talk to he tells you what you all know, avg score in class is a C, take this class with Kim Ju
He is a great lecturer. with so many people in the class he did a great job keeping me interested and laughing. He is very smart. i do agree TA's grade way to hard. (cut us some slack TAs!) but over all great class. take it.
Huge lecture hall class. Tests were exactly on his lectures. Don't miss a class because you miss all the notes for that day! Posts power points online, but only outlines. You have to go to class to get the notes! Very funny guy, he's cool. Three teacher assistants do all the grading.
Dr Akutsu is a very nice teacher who is willing to help you out if you ask. His tests are a little hard and if you won't read the textbook you should probably find a different teacher. But overall he is a good teacher and this was a fun class.
Great teacher. Attendance not really mandatory but the way he structures the course, you better have a buddy who's got your back. Tests were pretty easy. Never really used the book.One group project which was the worst experience of my life. Make sure your group doesn't suck like mine did. Has more than enough TAs yet grading takes wayyy too long.
Some people say the tests are hard but they're not the worst, and he omits questions that the majority got wrong (also why grading takes so long). He seems to have fun teaching and I enjoy his examples. He keeps everything pretty straightforward.
easy to follow lecture keeps you interested, so when it come to test I could easily remember the lecture, have to attend class to fill in the lecture power points, no need for book, everything on the tests are straight off the lectures. Enjoyed the class, am willing to take this Dr. A again for abnormal psyc
Dr. Akutsu is a great professor. His classes are not easy but if you attend class, read the textbook and ask for help if needed you will definitely pass. His lectures are interesting and stimulating and conversations with him are also very stimulating. This class has 1 paper (autobiography) 3 exams (not on finals week) 1 op ed paper and 2 journals
I needed this class as a prerequisite and took it during the summer. It was a lot of work because we covered about 95% of the work of a regular semester. Dr. Akutsu knows his stuff and you better make sure you do too. His tests are multiple choice. However, they are not easy. If you don't know the material , you will be confused.
Akutsu is irresponsible, his tests try to confuse you, when you ask for help he doesnt help at all, the tests are super long and it seems he doesnt want you to pass. Dont take his class, he seems really nice but he isnt at all This class with other professors is an easy A but with him, unless you ace EVERYTHING, you wont get an A
If you look at the average grades in this class you will figure it out. It is impossible to get a good grade. C average. Test are tricky and not reflective of what you know. Worst class I've taken. Grading too hard.
Class was interesting. Exams were not too bad. If you study and attend class you will do great. Pop quizzes are easy.
The class is challenging but Dr Akutsu is one of the most available teachers on campus. He is always willing to meet in office and meticulously go over your test with you. He is fair and cares about your success. Excellent lectures.
Professor Akutsu has 4 exams, and mandatory pop-quizzes (how he grades attendance). This class is very challenging. Don't think slides and lecture will help you. The class average on exam 3 was a 71% with 200+ students. Due to this he added 1 e.c assignment. READ YOUR BOOK AND ANNOTATE EVERY PARAGRAPH. he expects you to be able to diagnose people!!
hard course! know the chapters in depth, exams are hard got C's on the first two and B's on the last two. Lecture slides didnt help me much. Im surprised i pulled off a B but he ended up giving us extra credit because everyone was doing poor on the exams. STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!!
Taking Dr. Akutsu's class has been great. His lectures give great examples, so when I take the tests i can remember the content. You do need to attend class, pay attention and at least skim the material. Duh. Most bad reviews noted that they didn't even crack the book open... well maybe that is why you didn't do well. :)
Fantastic and simple. study your notes and you will pass. Test are the study guide and notes so make sure you go. class is not boring at all and it is very interesting. He focuses more on studies done with different cultures study those and you will be fine.
The class is interesting he tries to crack a few jokes, provided guided powerpoints, his exams are all from lecture notes. He responds to email fast, always there for office hours. Daily pop quiz for attendance. Make sure you study the lecture notes and you should do fine. One small paper, and a group assignment paper as well.
Tests are more difficult than most multiple choice exams. His group projects are graded WAY TOO HARD for a Psych100 class. He rambles off topic a lot during lectures. The textbook used is the worst book I have used. He does not update his grades correctly throughout the semester. He is also unforgivingunhelpful when you have excusable absences.
Dr. Akutsu is very confusing and unhelpful. His tests are extremely hard and the way his lecture slides are set up don't make a lot of sense. He does not grade assignments in a timely manner. You must go over the lecture notes and study guides multiple times and in depth just to pass.
This Professor is very confusing. If you have the opportunity to avoid taking him do. He gets of track occasionally and is not very good at giving examples in describing symptoms of a disorder. Definitely reading the book will help a lot aside from lecture. Tests are tough and his wording is confusing so definitely read the question more than once
Class is not mandatory, but if you don't go you will miss the information that he does not post online. He leaves the important stuff off the power points, so go to class as often as possible. if you miss class he will give you the power points if you go to his office hours. Second time iv taken him because hes very accommodating and knowledgeable
Honestly, avoid him if you can! His group project is absolutely ridiculous! He doesn't go over it in class, he is terrible at responding to emails- he will answer you, but he is not nice about his responses and makes you feel stupid. He tries to crack a few jokes in class, but I do not find him the least bit funny. He gets off topic quite often too
Dr. Phillip Akutsu made his lectures very interesting. He always had interesting facts and point of views regarding the topic that was being discussed. You definitely have to study for all of his tests, but he does offer extra credit if you come to class. His grading on papers is tough, but he also always offers his office hours to help you.
Please, think twice before taking this course with this Professor. It's not worth the wear on your mental health. I tried and tried to ask for help, always showed up to class, went to office hours, took good notes, read the book, and dedicated double the amount of time to this class than any other. He was unforgiving, uncooperative, and unkind.
i was really disappointed with this class. he rushed through the lectures and when he didn't have time to finish them for the tests, he just put it online so we could basically teach ourselves. otherwise, you have to show up to class for the slides. theres a lot of info for the tests, really have to study.
Took this class over the summer. Attending the lectures are important. Personally had trouble remembering the content, I thought I was going to fail but he passed me with a C. Don't think I deserved the passing grade. This of course, isn't the professor's fault. He's open to answering questions if time allows it, just ask him at the right moment.
the class is supposed to be about cross cultural psych, but he literally spends the whole time talking about asia and the asian culture stereotypes in america. and he posts the lecture online missing pieces so that you have to come to class to get the rest of the lecture.
He really is a nice guy and his class is very interesting. However, he does tend to either go off topic or spends so much time on a topic that we fall behind in the class.
Absolutely worst teacher I have ever had. Apart from how he talks down to everyone, he expects you to know the book word for word even if he hasnt gone over it. Tests are impossibly hard because he purposely tries to trick you with complicated wording. He is not helpful at all and you should do everything you can not to take this class.
Dr. Akutsu is a phenomenal instructor! His class is tough, however, the subject matter is interesting and he teaches very passionately. He makes time to meet with all of his students to go over class material or exam questions after tests. Dr. Akutsu is funny, engaging, and interesting to talk to. I can not speak highly enough about him!
I was very worried about taking this class and hoping it wasnt as bad as people were making it seem, but its bad. His PPT are confusing. His grading criteria is based on 4 tests and a quiz (1-2 pts each) in almost every class period with 1 group paper and no EC. If youre a horrible test taker like me, AVOID.
Only homework is the readings for the exams & a group project due at the end of the semester. The 4 Exams are really tough, and most classes, hes not able to go over all of the relevant material due to the excessive tangents that he goes on. The class average for most of his exams is a low C, probably because the study guide isnt super helpful.
Professor Akutsu is my very favorite professor at Sac State. I've taken several of his classes and his style took a while to adjust to but once I did, his class became very easy. All you have to do is come to class every day and take really good notes. His tests are directly from lecture. He is super funny and his lectures are really great!
Dr. Akutsu includes A LOT of info in his lectures, so don't skip. He tries to include so much material that he can't finish in class and ends up giving you hour long (or more) video lectures to watch at home. Tests are kind of hard. But the material is really interesting and he provides good examples from when he worked with clients clinically
Need to take good notes or else the powerpoints aren't as useful. Sometimes he doesn't finish lecture so it takes extra time to study. Test very heavy so make sure you study. Has pop-quizzes everyday, not too difficult, but exams are very hard. Not for people who aren't good at exams. Was confident on an exam only to find out I got a low score.
I took Akutsu for PSYC 100, and it was way more difficult then I thought. Lectures for every second of the class and sometimes doesn't finish and will post a video lecture. Theres also a Pop Quiz at the end of every class but they're easy. His Exams are hard and his Study Guides are massive. I walked out of every class with 5 new pages of notes.
I really liked professor Akutsu! His notes are super organized, he makes sure to follow up if he can't finish slides, the study guides were really organized too. I only had an issue with the exam because sometimes there were questions on topics we hadn't yet discussed, but he goes over questions while grading and eliminates some, so its no problem!
Prof. Akutsus lectures are engaging but sometimes he goes off topic. In order to cover all the class material he has to do online lectures. It was more like a hybrid class which I didnt sign up for. His exams are hard and confusing. Make sure you know all the studies and its details. He makes it complicated instead of interesting. Avoid him!
I liked how nice and energetic he seemed about the topics, however he either over explains or goes on tangents that last about 20-30 minutes. Many of the lectures are than online however I found these to be more clear cut and informative than in class. Exams are difficult and focus on small details. Pop-quiz everyday.
Hard class! Dr. Akutsu covers too much for the lecture. It's like he covers the book page by page. The study guides don't help, pretty much study everything. The exams are hard, he asks for ridiculous details. It's impossible to memorize all the material. 4 exams (60 mc). Pop quiz everyday. If you have the chance, take the class with someone else.
Wouldnt be taking this profesor for any future classes.
The class is pop quizzes everyday your 4 exams, and the group paper. Its important to be in class everyday even though the pop quizzes are only worth 1-2 points they will add up and will affect your grade. Lectures were heavy but as an upper division course what do you expect. Focus on the studies he discusses in his lectures, that's 60%of the test
This was not a hard class, and he was very detailed in his lectures. He will occasionally put up video lectures if we fall behind. He does give attendance points as well which was a great bonus to help the grade. There are no quizzes, but there are 4 exams and one group project
I was nervous to take Akutsu after some reviews, but he turned out to be one of my favorite professors. This class is interesting and the exams require you to study. This isn't a class where you can study just the night before and I highly recommend attending class every day. Go to his office hours, he wants his students to do well!
Is lecture heavy but has powerpoints that are very helpful. He doesn't take attendence but has in-class mini quizzes that you get credit for. Was a good professor and explained the material thoroughly. I would recommend him and would take him again!
Pop quiz literally every class. Loves talking about Asia. He personally would talk about me to the class without saying my name. This class drained me and lowered my mental health. Please take any other professor. If you look at the highest grades for psych 100, theyre Cs if youre lucky.
Akutsu is a pretty entertaining lecturer and I enjoyed his class. Tests are pretty easy (all multiple choice), but some questions can be worded oddly/inconsistently. The group paper is a big part of the class with multiple graded components and I felt like he consistently graded those harder than he clearly explained would be expected.
Is Prof Akutsu the worst professor? Nah. But is he the best? Not Remotely. If you're planning on taking Abnormal Psych and are neurodivergent, please be careful. I get that the world isn't going to always be gratious respectful about things, but Akutsu handled sensitive topics so terribly, I'd never want to take another class from him.
One of the worst professors I have ever had. Doesn't post the test until the day of, I work full time and it was hard to accommodate his terrible scheduling. Still haven't received grades or feedback on any assignments besides the tests. Makes assignments due days before their canvas due date, so it won't be marked late but is technically late.
Not the best professor. Doesnt post tests until the day its due which makes it hard to navigate for those who work full time. Also doesnt grade journal entries until the semester is over so theres no feedback or room for improvement for the upcoming journal entries. Wouldnt recommend.
Heartless & insensitive. Handled some very controversial topics very unprofessionally. I got an A in the class, but only because I studied hard out of the book. I attended every class and participated & did every assignment completely. Even still, said he would not consider recommending me for a credential program. I will be a teacher after all.
Do not take this professor. Please. He doesn't care about his students and he just likes to hear himself talk. Total narcissist. Save yourself the trouble and find a different class.
He takes off points for minor things. I put "changed the emergency hold to 24 hours" instead of "changed the emergency hold from 12 to 24 hours" and he took points off. He sent an email out saying he got so many questions about if a D- is passing and that it is. I'm sorry, but why are so many students doing so poorly that they're emailing you that?
His class is made up of 4 exams and 6 class exercises. There is no other HW or extra credit to help your grade. Tests are difficult, worded weirdly, and lengthy. The mean grade for the tests we've taken are 39 (65%) and 41 (68%), that seems like an issue. No class exercise has been graded and it's November. Online lectures are OK. 10/100...
So I completed his course in October, its December and I still have no idea what my grade is and where I stand since writing assignments are not graded yet. His tests are detail specific. I had to screen shot each side in his lectures, and print them in order to get a passing grade on tests. Very picky professor. Very slow
Really nice guy, lectures are okay. But 4 tests took up 80% of the grade and the highest class avg on any of them was a C-. Be prepared to take notes on what he says down to exact wording and a lot of study memorization. Homework assignments are mandatory and graded slowly. You only need a D to pass, but good luck getting an A or B.
Annoying! Very unhelpful and does not care at all about students! Literally will only give 10 pts of extra credit and thats it but the exams are worth more in the class than anything! If you are a person who sucks at exams do not take his course he sucks!
Took his asynchronous online course, read a chapter a week and watched around 2 hours of lecture. There would also be a small assignment where you watch a video and answer some questions. These assignments and 4 exams throughout the semester were the only things graded. Pretty easy class if you just take notes on the lectures! Very simple structure
His asynchronous online course is not too bad, lots of lectures to watch & take notes on. Sometimes the wording on the exams were confusing. Overall, not too bad as long as you really pay attention while watching the lectures.
4 Exams, in-person. Recycled lectures from 2008. All tests are multiple-choice, but questions are multifaceted with tiny semantics separating possibilities. Tests are made to trip you up, even if you know the material. The course isn't tricky; HE is. NEVER take this professor, even if you are a good student. Your GPA WILL DROP. Goes for 168 too.
Dr. Akutsu is an old-fashioned professor, meaning he teaches lecture-style classes that cover A LOT of material - but if you're a Psych major, his class isn't overly challenging. Use his fill-in-the-blank PowerPoint slides, online quizzes, and the content checks/chapter quizzes in the book (no reading required), and you'll have no problem!
His classes are mainly graded on exams and a few short assignments. Though the tests are tougher, all of the material on the tests is presented during the lectures. As long as you attend lecture and take good notes, this class should be enjoyable. As someone who loves psychology, I really loved his classes because I learned so much.
Dr. Akutsu is a great professor and really goes in-depth to help you learn the material. His lectures are very engaging and are mostly based on the textbook. The exams can be a bit difficult, so it's important to read the textbook and not just rely on lectures.
Long, boring lectures. Long, difficult tests. Professor himself is friendly and approachable, but the class was not my favorite. Wasn't the worst, but wasn't the best. I'd recommend, but be aware that there is a lot of reading and studying; and you can't miss lectures!
Professor Akutsu is wonderful. His lectures and slides are easy to follow and contain everything you need to study for the tests. No group project, a couple of short video assignments, and one two page paper. Attendance isn't mandatory but he gives out quizzes during every class that are worth points.
Professor himself is nice, but the tests are extremely challenging. He is very slow to grade assignments which makes it hard to know your grade. Lectures are great, but the tests are for sure made to trip you up. Make sure to go to class every day for the pop quizzes because they will drag grade down if missed
Avoid this professor. He does good lectures, but his exams are so difficult to do well on.
Dr. Akutsu is a fair and approachable professor. Lectures are easy to follow if a bit dry; show up if you want to do well on exams. I got an A without reading the textbook at all, but there are exam questions straight from the book's examples. In other words, just be prepared for a college-level class and you'll be fine.
Tests are very difficult and subjective. The entire class is subjective.
I really like this class, the material is really interesting. Tests are difficult but since the material is interesting its a balance. Tests are a personal downfall for me so I think it might have been more my experience. Dr. Akutsu is very responsive and reasonable, and has a wealth of knowledge in behavioral psychology.
Professor Akutsu was definitely a very chill/laidback professor. Sure his lectures had a lot of info and some lectures were a little boring. However, his class overall was great. As long as you stay consistent with the notes and studying, you'll pass easily. Overall Professor Akutsu wants the best from you and wishes nothing but success for you.
There were 4 exams total worth 60 points each all multiple choice. Quiz at the end of every lecture worth 2-3 points (total 60 points for the semester) and biweekly HW where you watch a video and answer questions. Good professor, but the study guides are not simplified at all they included everything for each chapter. Very knowledgeable professor.
4 exams, quizzes after every lecture, one research paper, biweekly homework. This class was doable but the exams are kinda tough.
I would take PSYC 100 with a different professor if you can. The material of the class is very interesting but the way the class is set up by this professor is not conducive of success. The tests are challenging and very detailed. He doesn't always get through the entire lecture in the time he's given and then makes it your problem.
The content was interesting, but Professor Akutsu hardly ever got through the lecture material, and would post an online video of the remaining lecture two days before the test, then gets upset when the class does not do well on the last chapter. 4 tests, 60 points each, bi-weekly homework, pop quizzes at the end of each class. VERY lecture heavy.
Akutsu's lectures are pretty interesting but his exams are pretty difficult, he provides overwhelming study guides but if you keep up with the content on your own time by reading the text book it facilitates it more often. Also if you raise your hand for questions he either doesn't call on you or takes forever to see your hand.
Very long and heavy lectures. lectures are so long that he can't get through them before the exam and ends up posting a video lecture 2 days before the exam. 4 exams that are 60 points each, gives quizzes at the end of lecture and if you miss class you can't make it up. Attendance is mandatory.
This class was lecture heavy. Professor was not able to finish lectures on time before exams so you have to watch last minute videos. 4 exams, in class quizzes(easy) take good notes , biweekly homework (easy) research paper(easy). Study hard for exams
8 wk semester - tons of reading, weekly assignment and 4 tests. Lectures are long and detailed and the pptx printouts often don't align with the lecture video pptx. Very knowledgable on subject. Doesn't grade assignments until the end semester.
Honestly, Professor Akutsu should be fired. He is the worst professor I've ever had and failed most of my class. He accuses students of plagiarism even when there was none. He acts out mental disorders during his lectures and laughs about it. He is so test heavy and will include lectures on tests that he only went over a day before.
Attendance req, quiz every class. Upon stu/faculty strikes through fall semester & war going on having students stressed out/ increase mental health crisis, he was less than understanding/compassionate toward students. I advise a diff prof if u have M.H. issues. He waited until last day to submit grades. Diff tests, avg scores did not exceed a C.
Will hesitate to award a couple of points if he forgets to add it to the grade book, u will need clear evidence even for 1-2 pts. Interesting but very difficult, would advise choosing a different professor if u know u have mental health issues like depression, PTSD, anxiety, etc. If u are mentally stable go for it. Takes forever to submit grades.
AVOID! I received D- UPSETTING! Never did I miss a class, assignment/exam. Commuter from Stockton I made to class everyday to get 2/3 participation points, did the extra credit and still failed this class. He also brought his assistant for the final to walk around and watch us take our final which was wrong and weird made students uncomfortable.
The ABSOLUTE WORST! I'm being really honest Dr.Akutsu is a nice person, but the class is really hard! Very hard exams( CLASS AVERAGE WAS ALWAYS A "C" OR" D") pop quizzes in every class(3 points each), he never grades any assignment till the last day of the semester. 60-QUESTION EXAMS, WEEKLY ASSIGN. PLEASE SAVE YOURSELF AND AVOID THIS PROFESSOR!!!
We were taught about ethnocentrism, when a person considers another culture weird because it's not their culture; an example was a tribe where young boys HAVE to give oral sx to multiple men in order to become a man... extremely hard to sit through. This class is abt how culture makes people different= common sense, but make it hard for students.
Professor Akutsu is a very knowledgeable professor and knows his material well, but the tests are absolutely insane. They are worded in the most ridiculous way. They are made to make you confused, and he expects you to be like a tape recorder and spew out all this information. It is awful when you have a professor who is nice but works against you.
Stay away, one of the worst professors I have ever had.
Dr. Akutsu is very knowledgeable & has solid experience in his field. He's a bit old-school & expects you to take good notes, use scantrons, and come to class. If you're an average student, look for a different professor. Exam questions can be hard to understand. Take good notes, come to class, pay attention, you'll be ok. Study guides not useful.
This professor is very tough, but the class is manageable. I think the "awful" reviews are from students who want an easy A where they can look up the answers online and don't want to study. If you read all the chapters study and attend class you should be able to pass no problem. The lectures aren't boring either just a lot of info thrown at once.
Dr. Akutsu has hard tests, but if you study you'll be fine. Go over your notes every week so you don't cram. Very nice professor, just stay on top of your studying and you'll be ok honestly. The in-class quizzes are easy bc you can use your notes + the assignments are easy too. Just STUDY for tests in a timely manner!!
I definitely could have done better in the class, but I also had a problem with the exams. I've never been a good test taker, but every unit test was a horrible reminder of that fact. He was definitely really kind and easy to talk to if you need help, but I was too scared to try when I first took the class. Great teacher, but maybe not my match
I was afraid coming into the class because of all the bad reviews but it wasn't bad at all. If you put in the work and read the chapters and go to class you should be fine. All the questions from the exam are straight from the lecture and book so you should know it if you review it. Only a few homework assignments which are easy.
The least compassionate professor I've taken a course with. He is like a robot so be aware of it and avoid this teacher if you can.
This class was very difficult. Exams were based on lecture so you have to show up to get the lecture notes. He posts the slides but it's blank so it forces you to show up to class. His exams were 66% of your grade and we had quizzes. The only thing that may be an offer is he offers some extra credit. And he didn't finish lectures on time for exams.
Dr. Akutsu is a knowledgeable professor. After every lecture, there is a mini quiz 1-3 questions to make sure that you were paying attention. There are 4 exams and 1 very easy conference research paper. Exams are a bit tough so make sure you read the book, study the notes, and do the study guides. I really enjoyed this class this semester!
If you read the textbook and copy the lecture notes, you should do well. I did this and did not do study guides and got A's on all of the tests. That being said, the exams are still tricky because of the wording. The class average on exams was around 71% meaning about half the class would fail exams. This is a class you have to put time in for.
This class is challenging, but manageable if you put in the work. Lectures cover a lot of info, so staying engaged and using resources like unstuckstudy for study prep is key. Exams are tough, but align with the material. Overall, a worthwhile course if you're willing to dive in.
do NOT do pop quizzes/attendance for others... you will be burned. also tests are 60 mins except the last one- multiple choice but very demographic specific. attendance matters and you have to stay until the end. He's funny but boy this was a tough class
horrible at understanding others and listening. prob overwhelmed and tired. time to retire
This class was really interesting, and the subject material keeps you engaged. The problem wasn't the professor but all the annoying people in class constantly trying to self-diagnose and monopolizing valuable class time. We had to watch multiple video lectures outside of class because of this. Regardless, class was a bit tough, but manageable.
4 tests total no final. Quizzes every day at the end of class so you HAVE to attend class missing one quiz dropped me 3%. Had to do multiple video lectures cause he does not know how to manage time with the humongous amount of note taking you gotta do. Use Quizlet to study for tests and you don't need to buy the book I never used it and got an A
He cant manage his time during lectures and goes overtime then gives online lectures 6 days before an exam expecting us to know the whole chapter. Just avoid him, talks way too much about irrelevant topics and in person quizzes for participating are stupid since even if you go to class and get the answers wrong the whole grade gets lowered
I've had Professor Akutsu for both Psych 168 &100, both online. His expectations are consistent, and he is responsive to questions, so all in all, I've had the worst professors. However, he is unenthusiastic about teaching, making it hard to engage with his lectures. The tests are tedious and feel never-ending. Take another professor if you can.
immediately no. do yourself a favor and take another professor. only take this professor if you have NO choice at all. lecture heavy, four exams, multiple choice, 60 questions, and a quiz at the end of every class for attendance. don't take it
I don't get why he gets such a bad rap. If you don't like to put in the work this is not the class for you. But if you're a dedicated student Dr. Akutsu is a very knowledgeable professor and he is very organized. It is lecture heavy but he has slides that you just need to fill in. His lectures are entertaining. He is honestly one of my favorites.
Horrible, lacks sympathy don't take him ever, the quizzes bring grade down a lot when its 2 points nearly impossible to redo them
He's a good lecturer but when it comes to exams, oh boy! good luck! He sticks to a traditional teaching style, which makes the class harder than it should be. He gives quizzes at the end of each lectures that brings down your grade if you miss class. He often goes overtime and doesn't seem to respect student's time.
Second time taking prof Akutsu and jesus christ.. I thought I'd get a hang of his teaching style but no. Heard from a bunch of people complaining about how horrible he is at responding back to emails. Quizzes after lecture, don't skip class ever! Doesn't take attendance but that is basically it. His exams are hard and lectures lengthy. Beware!
Pop quizzes at the end of each class, so attendance is vital to a good grade. 4 tests (hard), and maybe 6 homework assignments throughout the semester (easy, just answering video questions). Textbook's not that important, I didn't ever have to read it. Lecture vids outside of class sometimes because he doesn't manage lecture time that well.
Wow was this class tough. I have never really been the kind of student who has to study very much, but Jesus Christ did this man have me studying. This is my second time taking him (first time I got a B). You want an A you got to work for it. BUT! His lectures were super interesting and he keeps you engaged. Interesting class and good lecturer.
This was an interesting class! I learned about things that I didn't expect to learn in this course. Professor Akutsu is a good professor and cares about his students. He grades fairly just make sure to actually watch the videos and fill out the assignment sheets.
Honestly doesn't deserve the bad rap. He's traditional in his style of lecturing, but v knowledgable. Exams are tough but his study guides are useful and list all the material that'll be on the test. This is one of the few classes that has altered how I perceive the world. Lots of valuable info in this course if you're up to put in a bit of work.
By far one of the worst Professors I have ever had. Only class I don't have an A in, talks down to students in disrespectful manner, doesn't follow own syllabus, attendance is required if you want to have anything above a C. You cannot miss a day even if it excused, you will lose points. You can't use notes on exams. Hasn't responded to any emails
OMG. okay. where do i even start? overall, the class material is VERY interesting, but he is SO monotone it makes it boring. Dr Akutsu seems like a cool guy outside from class, but attendance is mandatory, and there's a quiz at the end of every class (it won't boost your grade but your grade will drop 1% if you miss one). overall it was awful
Lectures were neat and organized, though very old-school and monotone. He often added so much detail that class ran over. Assignments due at 9 p.m. are rough for working students. Exams focus on tiny details, quizzes punish absences (even when sick), and with so few grades, it's nearly impossible to recover. Consider another professor if you can.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
82%
Textbook Required
56%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
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B
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-0.72 avg changeRatings by Course
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