2.4

Richard Bogartz

Psychology - University of Massachusetts - Amherst

2.4
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
29%
Would Retake
85
Reviews
2.4
Quality
3.7
Difficulty
2.7
Helpful
2.2
Clarity

29%

Would Retake

85

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

13

4

11

3

16

2

18

1

27

What Students Say

TA office hours are your best bet

PSYCH240 - 2.0 rating

This class was HORRIBLE

PSY240 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

59%

Textbook Required

83%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
A- (2)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(2)C(3)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 13 reported grades
A: 3
A-: 2
B: 2
C: 2
Common Tags
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (8)
Tough Grader (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Respected (3)
Inspirational (3)
Get ready to read (3)
TEST HEAVY (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.18 avg change
Dec
Jan
Nov
May
Jun
Jul
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PSY392D

5.0

(1)

PSY391D

4.5

(2)

PSYCH391D

4.4

(7)

JRWRITING

4.0

(1)

240

3.0

(4)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

392D

5.0

PSYCH230

5.0

PSYCH1

5.0

PSYCH270

5.0

STAT240

5.0

Reviews (85)
5.0
4.0
240
Dec 12, 2002

No Comments

1.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Dec 14, 2002

He is awful, the TA should be teaching the class

3.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Dec 14, 2002

No Comments

1.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Dec 15, 2002

No Comments

5.0
1.0
PSYCH240
Dec 15, 2002

No Comments

2.0
4.0
240
Dec 15, 2002

he was impossible to follow, learned everything from the TA

5.0
2.0
PSY392D
Apr 22, 2003

Consciousness and Religion---very interesting junior year writing; makes you think.

4.0
2.0
PSYCH240
Apr 22, 2003

He goes off on tangents in class sometimes, making him hard to follow, but he tells very funny stories. I would take his class if you don't mind learning mostly from the book, that's what I did and got an A.

1.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Apr 29, 2003

I have a very hard time understanding what is happening in class. The TA explains everything much clearer, he is the only reason i'm not failing

1.0
4.0
PSYCH241
May 11, 2003

Worst class!! The guy can barely teach, his TA is a better prof. than Bogartz is

1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Jun 1, 2003

HE is the worst teacher ever. The TA deserves all credit to student success in this class. JIM IS AWSOME

1.0
5.0
392D
Oct 27, 2003

Conscience and religon - Nothing to do with JR. Writing. Class MAKES NO sense. One of the worst classes i took at umass.

4.0
1.0
JRWRITING
Jul 14, 2004

religion and consciousness....great class, one of my favorites. Has a great grasp of the material and is good with grading....also tells some funny stories here and there...

1.0
3.0
240
Nov 10, 2004

disorganized, confusing lectures

1.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Dec 3, 2004

Bogartz doesn't know what he's talking about. He is a confused old man. He gets angry and frustrated easily. He overcomplicates the material and makes those who talk in class feel like crap. His TA's are wonderful, though. Learn from the book, because it's your only hope of learning anything at all.

5.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Feb 3, 2005

He has a quirky sense of humor, and he's the sort of person who could make sawdust interesting. I hate statistics, but I'm enjoying this class!

3.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Apr 21, 2005

I agree that he doesn't have the best teaching skills but this man truely wants to help everyone to learn! He actually stopped me in the hall after i recieve a horrible grade on an exam and helped me through some material I wasn't understanding. He's a great man although not the clearest teacher!!

1.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Oct 4, 2005

No Comments

4.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Dec 15, 2005

He is a great guy truly cares if the students are learning...however does need to learn how to be more clear

1.0
5.0
PSYCH230
Apr 24, 2006

most confused teacher at UMASS

4.0
2.0
240
Apr 25, 2006

NO complaints. Bogartz was a bit eccentric, but he definately made the class interesting. The math was difficult to follow in class but one-on-one he was very helpful and kind. Enjoyable class.

3.0
3.0
STATSFORPSYCH
May 5, 2006

boring

2.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Jun 2, 2006

ok...PSYCH TAP STUDENTS, BEWARE! bogartz is a nice, old and eccentric man but also extremely confused and honestly should retire. I have never been so damn lost in a class in my entire life. I only went because he fails you if you miss 3 classes. Stay Away! After taking this class, i have one ques. What is Statistics?

2.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Nov 21, 2006

Absolutely terrible. Class was miserable and painful to sit through. He was condescending, rude, and impossible to follow. He made you feel stupid and taught nothing. If you're lucky you get the book with the penguin on it - and you can teach yourself. You'll learn nothing from him. Tests are extremely hard. Lab sucks. Nothing good about it.

5.0
1.0
PSY240
Jan 19, 2007

This class was great becuase it was video taped and you coul go back and see all the classes on tv. No going to class at 8 AM

1.0
5.0
PSYCH1
May 14, 2007

funny guy, but not a good teacher at all. doesn't explain the material well, requires attendance, and makes fun of his students. worst class ever

4.0
2.0
PSY391D
May 16, 2007

Consciousness is confusing so he may come across unclear but thats the subject. He's a fun old man who knows his stuff. The class was discussion only, no homework, there were some long papers but going to class and reading a little bit will get you a B or A. ****ing easy, Bogartz is the man

5.0
1.0
PSYCH391D
Aug 31, 2007

so he assigns alot of reading. he also lets alot of stuff by, and he's a generally good guy. in response to a previous comment: "funny guy, ...doesn't explain the material well...and makes fun of his students. worst class ever" that actually sounds like the best class ever. and as for attendance, i missed 3/13 classes and got an A. just talk to him

5.0
1.0
PSYCH391D
Aug 31, 2007

so he assigns alot of reading. he also lets alot of stuff by, and he's a generally good guy. in response to a previous comment: "funny guy, ...doesn't explain the material well...and makes fun of his students. worst class ever" that actually sounds like the best class ever. and as for attendance, i missed 3/13 classes and got an A. just talk to him

1.0
5.0
PSYCH270
Sep 28, 2007

Totally DISORGANIZED- he makes a diffucult class confusing and impossible. His idea of teaching is to offer no information but lots of quizzes, homework and tests. He figures if you work hard enough you'll learn something inspite of his inability. You'd be better off learning on your own.

4.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Nov 11, 2007

Lectures are fairly boring, but then again that's the nature of the material. Bogartz defiantly knows what he is talking about and if you pay attention and read the book you'll do well. However there is a lot of useless and repetitive work.

1.0
5.0
STAT240
Jan 4, 2008

he is the worst professor i have had here at UMass. He goes wayyyy to fast, he is completely unclear and his tests do not reflect what he teaches in class at all. Study the textbook and study it hard. It a VERY difficult read. but you dont have a choice if you want to simply PASS.

2.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Jan 5, 2008

if you take stats with Bogartz...good luck!!! you will need it!!!

4.0
4.0
PSYCH391D
Jan 10, 2008

It's a confusing subject, and there is a lot of reading assigned, but if you're struggling just go talk to him and he's pretty understanding.

3.0
5.0
PSYCH391D
Jan 19, 2008

The readings are tough and long in his consciousness class. He assigned difficult papers right on top of each other, But I really enjoyed what I learned from the class overall and would suggest taking it.

3.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Mar 13, 2008

I did ok with Bogartz. His tests were definitely not easy but he tried to be helpful. I dropped stats twice but managed to get through his class. Therefore, I can't say anything bad about him.

1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Jun 6, 2008

Will not offer assistance if you you don't get whats going on, this course is hard as it is and his way of teaching it was made you lost.

3.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Aug 28, 2008

Hard class, and Bogartz doesn't make it any easier. Actually, he makes it harder by not teaching the methods in the book but lecturing about his own methods. When it comes to the exam its easy to confuse the different ways. Always claims to want to help, however, never actually does.

5.0
2.0
PSYCH240
Sep 19, 2008

AWESOME TEACHER!! dont let the first day of class scare you because it will however it ONLY gets easier. Bogartz explains EVERYTHING you ask and wont stop until he makes sure you understand it. He goes out of his way to help you. He's hilarious and a VERY awesome teacher! id take a class of his again definitely

3.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Nov 18, 2008

Bogartz is the worst teacher. He's very unclear, He teaches you everything differently then in the book Test are hard! Ask him a question he'll make you feel like an idiot.

1.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Nov 23, 2008

The online course for Psych 240 has been an incredible amount of work with no real reason. The quizzes are really easy and the tests are based directly off the quiz questions. The amount of work required for each chapter is not needed to understand the concepts for the exams. The prof has also been very unclear and rude in some of his comments.

4.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Dec 21, 2008

If you attend class and do not fall behind you will be fine.

2.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Jan 11, 2009

I think he thinks he is teaching the material well but I had a hard time keeping up with him. I was better off reading the book and getting a good grasp on the material before his lecture on that chapter. If I didn't I was lost. He has a way of making simple concepts much harder than they really are. Read the book and attend the mandatory classes

1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Jun 19, 2009

Worst class EVER.. Take with a different professor ASAP! He's mean and doesn't care about his students.

3.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Aug 4, 2009

The material isn't easy, but you have to take the course. He doesn't explain material well.. so if you have trouble learning from the book don't take it with him. I got an A, but really deserved a B+, I think it was because I completed all the online quizzes. They are long and annoying, but do all the work and you will do well. YOU MUST STUDY ALOT!

1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Dec 10, 2009

This class is horrible. He makes you learn this computer program called "R". This takes up a lot of class time when you could be learning material for the test. He is very unclear in explaining material and moves much too fast. I am going to have to retake this class next semester.

4.0
3.0
PSYCH391D
Dec 17, 2009

Inspirational

1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
May 17, 2010

Great personality, rotten teacher

5.0
2.0
PSYCH391D
Jan 17, 2011

If you are a psych major, you HAVE to take this class! He's very interesting and outgoing and he will change the way you think about life. If you participate at all and read even a little, it's an easy A, but you have to be interested in it.

2.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Apr 30, 2011

He seems to hate using examples with actual numbers in it. Lectures are long and drawn out, so you lose the big picture easily. He uses a program called "R", which would be useful if it was taught better. TA, professor, and book all say different things. Funny guy, but...man... My AP Stats teacher was so much better.

2.0
4.0
PSYCH240
May 5, 2011

For your own sanity, do not take this course with this professor. I know some Psych majors must, but find another professor. He means well, but he, the TA, and the book are entirely different in their descriptions. The TA is VERY unorganized. I am going to have to re-take, and I am an A/B student. :(

2.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Jun 19, 2011

If you can, take this class with a different professor. He focuses too much on the comp program R, which most researchers in the real world dont even use because there are better stat programs. I hated this class with him. The only reason i passed was because of the TA and extra credit. If you are stuck taking this with him DO EXTRA CREDIT

3.0
1.0
PSYCH240
Nov 15, 2011

easier class ive taken here. gives you previous exam. that are exaclty like the one he gives you. you can put all the answers on the note card your allowed. very easy a. my ta didnt buy the book so we never had homework. no hw in lecture. hes very old, but hes actually kinda funny. i enjoyed him sometimes. otehr times very boring.but easy a

3.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Nov 18, 2011

He's a very particular kind of stats professor, you either love or hate him, hes been a great one for me to have. However, if you arent comfortable with programming, using the software he uses will probably be too much of a hurdle for you. If you know how to though you will love his class.

3.0
2.0
PSYCH240
Dec 12, 2011

I really did not mind this professor. Older guy but really nice. He wants you to ask questions and will go over a problem or concept as many times as necessary for you to understand. Tests are multiple choice, fairly easy. If you read the book and go to class/pay attention not hard to get an A.

2.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Dec 30, 2011

Brilliant man. Probably fascinating in a more philosophical course. NOT a good stats teacher. Frequently does his work in his head, and frequently forgets his students are not as brilliant as he is. It is possible to get an A in this course, but it will be self-led. Do all sample problems/reading before lecture, otherwise you will be lost.

2.0
4.0
PSYCH240
May 9, 2012

Real cool guy, really bad teacher. He has a great personality but cannot teach statistics. Spends the whole class fiddling with the R program which he makes very confusing already,but exams will be from the book, which you will have to teach to yourself because he offers little help. Extremely confusing class if you aren' a math whiz already.

1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Dec 20, 2012

He is a really nice guy, but a terrible professor. He uses a program called R, which is the worst and makes everything so confusing. The lab section and extra credit really help boost your grade (he also curves, contrary to what he tells you at the beginning of the semester). I'd suggest trying to find a different professor.

3.0
1.0
PSYCH240
Apr 10, 2013

This is one of the most entertaining older professors I've ever seen. He's hilarious, and makes sure to keep the class fun and light (though sometimes off topic. The material is really easy if you can understand basic math. I know, however, that many dislike him because of his proneness to get off topic, but I think it's just making it fun.

3.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Nov 10, 2014

He's a great professor. I took Stats over after getting a C- in Staub's class and it has never been so clear. He can be a little confusing but he really wants to help and makes sure he will do anything for you to understand the class material. He's adorable and really helpful.

4.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Grade: A-
Nov 17, 2014

He's awesome! He is super helpful and tries to make sure everyone understands the material before moving on. He moves through some things faster than others but is more than happy to take a step back and slow down. Definitely take this class with him. he also provides the textbook for free

4.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Nov 17, 2014

He's awesome! He is super helpful and tries to make sure everyone understands the material before moving on. He moves through some things faster than others but is more than happy to take a step back and slow down. Definitely take this class with him. he also provides the textbook for free. and he is hilarious

3.0
2.0
PSYCH240
Grade: A
Nov 9, 2015

Prof. Bogartz is honestly my favorite teacher at UMass. He is an extremely smart man and he truly cares about your learning. The work load may seem like a lot and the material may seem confusing but please WAIT IT OUT. It gets easier and you will absolutely love this class and his jokes. He occasionally gets off topic but this guy is the best.

3.0
3.0
PSYCH240
Grade: A-
Nov 16, 2015

Psych 240 is a combination of learning stats and learning the programming language R. It can be confusing, but Dr. Bogartz really tries his best to make sure everyone understands. He does expect a lot and he's a bit of an eccentric guy but if you ask questions and do the HW, you'll be okay. Also, he gives you the e-textbook so that's pretty great.

3.0
3.0
PSY240
Dec 14, 2015

Teaching methods make it extremely difficult to actually learn material. I know nothing and did well because tests only reflect your ability to memorize the questions on the practice tests. Teacher wrote the textbook, copy-pasted it onto power points for lectures. Google searchreal professor. Typos on literally every exam. He's very nice though

1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Dec 27, 2015

This is by far the worst professor I've ever had. First of all, he makes everyone jump right into a coding program with no prior experience and expects us all to master the program. He embarrasses students for not knowing an answer. Office hours don't help. The TA doesn't help. Sorry if you have to take this class. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone.

2.0
5.0
PSY240
Grade: B
Dec 28, 2015

nice guy. means well, but awful teacher, awful class. does not explain concepts clearly and rambles when you ask for clarification. changes syllabus so you never really know what you're going to get in the class.

1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Grade: C
Mar 10, 2016

Never explains anything1 and makes his exams way to tough for only a 50 minute class

2.0
5.0
STAT240
Apr 3, 2016

Long lectures, very confusing, made own book uses book in class, words from book are used on slides, wants you to learn it yourself before he teaches you. Pop quiz's given day after major test when there is not many students in class. The lab is very helpful do not skip the lab, pay attention in class take many notes. Try to not panic.

2.0
4.0
PSY240
Grade: A
Apr 5, 2016

Really, really weird guy. I have no interest in the class because he makes it have nothing to do with psych. Try not to take it with him. Class drags on forever. Luckily he lets you use an index card for tests, but take home tests with R are absolutely terrible. Try to avoid!!!

2.0
4.0
PSY240
Apr 12, 2016

Class sucks. Try to get out of this class or take it with someone else. Labs are important, attend the labs and study at least 8 hours a week, this is the only way you will pass the tests in this class. Gives pop quiz's a day after a test study things he says twice.

1.0
5.0
STAT240
Grade: C-
Sep 11, 2016
Wouldn't take again

The class involves the learning of a program called R. This means that the class is more about programming then it is about actually learning stats, which is already complicated enough that it should be studied on its own.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
SO MANY PAPERS
LECTURE HEAVY
2.0
5.0
PSY240
Oct 5, 2016
Wouldn't take again

I am a 4.0 student and a Psychology and Business Double Major and this class is one of the hardest classes I have ever taken. There is homework due every other day. He doesn't help with understanding R and coding. Also the fact that we have to code on a computer for stats. I would not suggest at all!!

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
4.0
PSY240
Nov 23, 2016
Would take again

Richard is an amazingly smart man. Personally, I took AP Statistics in high school, so this class was basically a review. The concepts taught here can be difficult to learn the first time around, but the textbook is extremely helpful and it even includes practice exams. R, a program used in the class, is super easy once you start using it also.

Respected
Inspirational
2.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Apr 18, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Lectures are unclear and confusing. He urges you to ask questions but will get angry when you don't understand. TA office hours are your best bet

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Get ready to read
1.0
4.0
PSY240
Apr 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The worst experience of my college career. If you end up in this class please do yourself the biggest favor and try to take it with another professor. Bogartz is completely incompetent. This class is a requirement for psych majors and is important for continuing in this major. I have been thoroughly screwed because I learned nothing.

Tough Grader
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PSY240
Grade: C
May 19, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This class was HORRIBLE. The textbook is horrible to navigate, he assigns way too much homework, there are 5 in class exams and 5 take home exams, and we got our final grades late! The final grades were supposed to be up two days ago... and still none of my take home exam grades are up. Horrible professor, save yourself and dont take it.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
TEST HEAVY
1.0
5.0
PSY240
Grade: Not sure yet
Sep 25, 2017
Wouldn't take again

This is by far one of the worst classes I've ever had to take. He often pauses when he forgets what he is doing, which makes the class even more difficult to understand. You MUST pay attention in order to do well. I'd suggest seeing your TA outside of class or getting a tutor. With Bogartz as your prof, you'll need all the outside help you can get.

Tough Grader
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
LECTURE HEAVY
5.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Nov 17, 2017
Would take again

Richard Bogartz is a highly honorable Professor, that will always leave an everlasting impression on me. His wisdom encourages and inspires the very purpose of coming to University. He reminds you that learning is experiential, not just memorizing. Using R requires a lot of trail and error and patience, yet Self-Testing is key to success!

Respected
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Caring
1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Grade: D
Dec 21, 2017
Wouldn't take again

The textbook is difficult to use and not helpful. There's so much homework due weekly and many exams. He just reads off the slides and doesn't really explain things. DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WITH HIM

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Tests are tough
1.0
5.0
PSYCH240
Jan 24, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Prof Bogartz lost my class' take-home assignment grades because he didn't keep track of the TA. His grading is confusing as he changes the syllabus without notice. It is easy to get lost during his lectures and if you meet with him during office hours, he gets irritated if you tell him you're confused about something. Don't know why he is teaching.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
PSYCH391D
Nov 1, 2018
Would take again

This class (consciousness) is probably the most influential class I have ever taken at UMass. I am learning things that will change my life forever. The professor combines science, philosophy, and the spiritual aspects of religion to give a well-rounded idea of what consciousness means. This class is a must.

Respected
Participation matters
Inspirational
5.0
2.0
PSY391D
Grade: A
May 9, 2019
Would take again

This is an amazing class that will make you think more than any class you've taken. The discussions are engaging and often open-ended (you could end up talking about anything), and Professor Bogartz can give great advice if you ask for it. Do most of the readings and go to class, and this course will be a unique experience!

Skip class? You won't pass.
Inspirational
Hilarious
2.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Grade: B
Jun 13, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Bogartz makes this class way harder than it has to be. He writes his own textbook so if you don't understand him in class there's a small chance you'll understand the textbook. He discouraged me when I tried to go to his office hours and told me I didn't understand any concepts. Somehow I landed a B but never again.

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Tough grader
2.0
4.0
PSYCH240
Grade: B+
Jul 29, 2019
Wouldn't take again

He means well, and he does care about his students, but he's so out of touch that it makes the class unbearable. Your learning depends heavily on the TA you get, and he isn't great about clearing up point of confusion. He's fun to talk to as a person, but as a teacher he's difficult to learn from

Lots of homework
Get ready to read
Test heavy
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

59%

Textbook Required

83%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

86% confidence
Based on 12 grades
Most common grades:
A (3)
A- (2)
B (2)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(2)C(3)D(1)F(0)A-/B+(3)
Based on 13 reported grades
A: 3
A-: 2
B: 2
C: 2
Common Tags
LOTS OF HOMEWORK (8)
Tough Grader (4)
Skip class? You won't pass. (4)
Respected (3)
Inspirational (3)
Get ready to read (3)
TEST HEAVY (3)
LECTURE HEAVY (2)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.18 avg change
Dec
Jan
Nov
May
Jun
Jul
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

PSY392D

5.0

(1)

PSY391D

4.5

(2)

PSYCH391D

4.4

(7)

JRWRITING

4.0

(1)

240

3.0

(4)
+9 more courses
Difficulty by Course

392D

5.0

PSYCH230

5.0

PSYCH1

5.0

PSYCH270

5.0

STAT240

5.0

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