3.2
Quality3.1
Difficulty23%
Would Retake94
Reviews23%
Would Retake
94
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
24
4
26
3
15
2
13
1
16
What Students Say
“This class is the absolute worst”
COM101 - 1.0 rating“One of the most arrogant and rude professors I've ever had”
COM101 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
25%
Textbook Required
83%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.89 avg changeRatings by Course
COMST351
5.0
(2)COMM
5.0
(1)COM420
5.0
(1)BROADCAST360
5.0
(1)COM360
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
COM102
4.0
COM101
3.5
COMST351
3.0
COM420
3.0
BROADCAST360
3.0
Reviews (94)
Taflinger proves copious acid consumption in the '60s equates to a very satisfying and extremely enlightening college course today. Out of my 9 semesters @ WSU, this one had the most discussion, interaction, humor, camaraderie of any class I've ever taken
Very easy! He is cool and funny. If you get a chance take this class.
No Comments
Taflinger is soo funny! The class is interesting and I enjoy going to it. No test, but many papers and they aren't that easy to write. I would recommend this class- fun and you get to watch movies and tv all class and make fun of the people in them.
One of my absolute favorite professors of all time. I have never and will never have another educator as funny, smart, and intelligent as Taflinger. His courses are ones I would sign up for in a heartbeat.
Taflinger is by far the very best professor at WSU. He is confident in his teachings and enjoys his job. Although I was unsure of the class as well as Taflinger in the beginning, I discovered what talent WSU had found. I would take this class over again in appreciation of his humor.
As a working Alum in the profession of Film, I look back at some of the teachers that effect one's life and career. One is Taflinger! He loves his job, loves the students and is a kick to talk to. Taflinger IS Washington State U!!!!!
Professor Taflinger is hands down my favorite teacher of all time. The man's a genious. He took me from writing a one page script in the first week of class, to writing a 26 page television pilot by the end of the semester. Just incredible.
I was expecting a media critism class to critize the way the media operates, instead we learned the obvious about sitcoms and watched bits and pieces of jaws and friday the 13th. Really easy though.
Taff is one of the few assets left at the Murrow School of Communication. A fantastic professor
This teacher is a little crazy, but he's a genius!! Take him if you have the chance!
Agreed. Taflinger is one of the best teachers you'll have in your life. At the very very least he's the most entertaining. It would be a waste of his great wisdom to only be entertained by him though. No less than a world-class educator.
An erudite, well-spoken man who is quite possibly one of the best kept secrets in an otherwise blowhard department. Savor his teaching, shut down you inner monologue and just learn from the man. A fool will think he knows everything but listening to this man will expose you to what true wisdom is.
Are you guys on crack? This guy is absolutely one of the worst professors I've ever had. He asks students for their opinions, then tells them they're wrong. He spends entire class periods on things like OPTICAL ILLUSIONS and other things that are completely a waste of time. If you're not an idiot, you already know everything he teaches in Com 460.
I took 3 of his classes. He's a lot easier than he makes it seem. Just stroke the ego and you'll do just fine. He's a lot of fun!
Taflinger is undoubtedly the mosy intellectually gifted professor I had in my experience at the two major universities I attended. His course will open your eyes to things in the media you have perhaps never thought about but which have an effect on you. Exceptional
Taflinger is simply the best asset to the school of communication, but you get the sense that he's somewhat undervalued in the department due to his 'senior instructor' standing and not professorship, even though he's been there years. Deeply intelligent with lots of fresh insight and a brilliant way of communicating this to students too.
Taflinger is a legend and lives for his students. Get on his good side and you'll do well. Cross him and beware the fury!
Brilliant! Very eccentric, excellent teaching style and he knows pretty much all there is to know about everything. Take his classes, you won't regret it.
Taflinger's brilliant. You can tell he loves teaching and communicating his wacky ideas. He does a great session on sitcom during this class, and makes class fun to come to.
The class was fun and easy. Taflinger pretends to be a tough grader but he's not. The class lost shape towards the end and some of the stuff he talked about was generally irrelevant, but this wasn't a bad class.
Is there anything this guy hasn't done? According to him, he's been an actor, ran his own ad agency, wrote scripts for Hollywood and gives training seminars to businesses. Methinks he is prone to telling the odd lie or five. The class is weak on content and theory, his claims are often unsubstantiated.
Taf is brilliant. He gets off topic really easily, but this is because of the inane questions he gets asked by some dumbass students. If you have any questions, go to his office hours, where you will find he is an extremely decent guy, who is willing to take the time to explain concepts discussed in class, and is overall extremely helpful.
Taf is a B.S'er. A self-engrandizer. He says he respects people who disagree with him, but he's way too insecure for that. He belittles students. Just shut up, write the papers and you'll do fine. Waste of your time though.
Easing his way into retirement. I felt like a lot of the material we covered was way too simplistic. We spent a WHOLE CLASS talking about optical illusions... in a media criticism class?!
The great thing about Taflinger is that he really enjoys teaching. The bad thing about Taflinger is that he's not very good at it.
For the first few classes, I was pretty interested and his lectures were a lot of fun. Gradually then, everything because less and less relevant and more difficult to understand. I don't ever know what's going to be on the exams or what we're supposed to study.
I really liked Taflinger. His class was very informative. The tests were pretty difficult, but when I started attending class EVERYDAY I did really well.
Awful. The man has no idea what he's talking about, but certainly believes that he does. The lectures were useless and he often went off on 20 minute tangents. If questioned he would hem and haw for 5 minutes before finally giving a less than acceptable answer. If you want to put up with and be tested on a man's opinions, you'll love this class.
HE'S THE WORST TEACHER EVER! ignore all the prev. ratings that say he's a good prof. he has no idea what he's talking about & contradicts the book ALL the time! test are impossible theyre so specific quest. on a make up exam one question was what pattern was lucelle balls dress. REALLY?! theres gonna be a new com101 teacher next yr. WAIT till fall!
I can't even describe in 350 characters how ridiculous this class was, and how poor of a teacher Taflinger was. Fact: he wrote the entire series of lectures like a scrip and read it verbatim (they were posted on his site - stupid jokes included). Exams totally irrelevant, tons of True/False questions. Overall, I walked away learning NOTHING.
Worst class I have ever been in. He thinks that history is more important than the presents and lets face it: in Communications the past is the past. His tests are completely random and are impossible to study for. Worst teacher ever! DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS WHILE HE IS TEACHING!
For a 101 class, this instructor is unnecessarily difficult on his students. A couple hints though: Skim the book, don't read it; focus on his online lecture notes for studying; and don't bother meeting with him if you are having difficulties. Interesting but difficult instructor! No other option for 101 though as I know.
Horrible Teacher. Book is wrong and he is always right. When you ask him for help he just says use the website. He powerpoints are useless and he enjoys tricking students on test so we fail, which he loves to watch his students fail. His excuse for everything was that it was his first time teaching Com 101. Stick to broadcasting and script writing.
I really liked this class. Taflinger is a very interesting man. I found that if you just listened to his lectures the tests were very very easy. It was not hard to pay attention as he made his lectures relevant and entertaining. The upset students are just that way cause they were facebookin on their laptops during class. Or skipping.
to the last comment - i like how everyone but you thinks this was a good class. don't believe it. This teacher is the WORST teacher at wsu. i'm a junior and I have never experienced a class like it. DO NOT TAKE TAFLINGER!
I see a lot of negative comments about him but those are students who can't handle a challenging 100 level class and wanted an easy A. Wake up call: com 101 is a weed out class. At least he made it funny and really interesting. I thought he was great. Just be prepared for killer tests.
I loved this class. Before going to WSU I was pretty sure I wanted to be a communications major, but this class made me certain. Taflinger makes the lectures interesting by making connections to current events. Prepare for tests though, those are what count for your whole grade and they are HARD if you don't study.
This is not a cake walk comm 100 class. You need to go to class and study because it is hard work to get a good grade. The tests count for 100% of your grade so don't take them lightly. Thank god he curves!!!
Probably one of the worst teachers I've ever had. He liked to talk about himself more than the actual material. It was impossible to study because the material he covered in class and the actual exam material were COMPLETELY different.
I have no idea why everyone is saying this is a difficult class, it is really pretty easy. The only sucky part is that the exams constitute 100% of your grade but they aren't too bad! Taflinger is interesting and funny! Plus he puts slide shows and lecture outlines online!
He is really hard to listen to because he goes on rants that just go off topic! His tests are the hardest things you could take! He wants kids to fail not pass! Dont take this class!
He looks like Santa. But he does know his stuff, although some claims he made were a little far fetched..like how he can read 1000 words per minute. His lectures are read off a script, the textbook is useless to buy, and all his lecture outlines are online and tests based off them, so attendance seemed pointless.
Trickster. Exam Qs are worded to mislead you. There was an exam multiple choice Q no one in our class of 500 answered right. Instead of explaining, he yelled for 30 mins on how the answer was "so obvious." He makes some funny jokes, but you wont be laughing once you almost fail. He also contradicts the book with his own opinions. So full of himself
Tries to trick you with his test questions. All four answers are correct and acceptable, must find what he believes to be the best answer. Lectures filled with meaningless and irrelevant information. Take this class with someone else, at all costs.
Class was held in Todd Aud, so this was a mass lecture course. Normally that means I'd do well. But his multiple-choice questions are deceptively worded. He did curve the grades up so most students got Bs.
Gods gift to comm students ( or so he thinks)! He's a great teacher, you WILL learn alot, however he tries to trick you on tests. Buckle and and get ready to learn
Not too bad for an upper division class, but he makes you work for your grade. He's a good professor and really knows what he's talking about, he's just a REALLY weird guy. If you're a good writer and listen to what he wants in your papers, you'll get an A.
Comm 101. It was boring to attend class, but i found it interesting sometimes. I did not attend often however and still managed an A-. Tests are somewhat hard, but go with your initial guess if unknown. Class structure is simple. 4 midterms (lowest dropped) and a final. DO NOT BOTHER WITH BOOK. His site has everything you need to know. Pretty easy.
I did not attend often and still managed an A-. Tests are hard, but go with your initial guess if unknown. He test on names, inventions, and critical thinking which memorization is key. 4 midterms (lowest dropped) and a final. DO NOT BOTHER WITH BOOK. His site has everything you need to know. Pretty easy overall but put effort into memorization.
Taflinger is awesome!
Taflinger is extremely condescending and wants you to talk in class discussion even though no matter what you say he will shoot your opinions and answers down. You are always wrong. The class however is easy and only based off 5 papers usually only 2 pages and final paper is 10 pages. He grades somewhat easy minimal effort will get you a B-B+ range
Taflinger is quirky and eccentric, but that only adds a dash of fun to a somewhat dry topic. I missed a good deal of class and still got a good grade, so needless to say, it's a pretty easy class as well. I never read one chapter of the book either. It's pretty much never used.
Class is not mandatory, which is very nice. All the lecture notes are online and his book for the class is straight from his lectures, he will even occasionally add his jokes. Tests can be tricky because he covers so much information. Going to class doesn't really benefit you when it comes to the tests, just read the book. Go to his office hours!
He does not provide clear study guidelines for tests and goes off on tangents constantly. He does make the class interesting but be sure to read both the books. He loves throwing in random specific factual questions and tries to trick you on true and false questions.
This class was boring and difficult. I get good grades and I study hard, and for his tests there was no clear way to study. The test has the MOST RANDOM questions on it, and he words them into a way that's difficult to understand. This was my worst class by far and I studied endlessly for the tests. Asking questions was also difficult.
Great Class, he is an existing professor who makes it fun to learn the material. On syllabus day, he made the syllabus interesting to watch. He knows what he's talking about. All the PP are online and tests are all multiple choice and true false. Hallelujah.
Possibly the most arrogant professor I've ever had. His lectures come straight from his textbook (which is actually pretty good) but often don't have much to do with what's on the test. His tests are way harder than they should be and, no matter how much you study, the questions are so random and convoluted that it's hard to get them right.
He is a very arrogant and pompous professor..His voice alone is enough to make you want to drop out of school..but don't worry, even without ever going to class you can do well by reading the textbook he personally wrote. The book itself is really good, but the fact that the book and his lectures are identical is a little redundant.
I've gone to this class less then 10 times the whole semester and I aced every exam. He curves each exam so much that even my lowest score (88) ended up being an A. Honestly the dude is super weird and kind of funny. There are so many copies of the test floating around and he never changes them.
Taflinger thinks he's God's gift to humankind (he's a pompous jerk) but he really is smart and a good lecturer. His exams do require studying and he does not give a study guide. He teaches a lot of historical context and will sometimes tell you exam questions if you show up to class on a low attendance day. Pretty good teacher for a big class.
Taflinger is pretty full of himself, but he knows what he is talking about. I would suggest either going to class and taking notes, or just reading the book. Both is usually unnecessary, seeing as he takes his lectures directly from the book. Verbatim. Interesting class, very interesting professor. Easy A.
Ol' Taf. Definitely makes class interesting. You never really know what to expect but he does read directly from his own book. Easy A.
Very little work to do for this class. Lectures are fairly boring but not mandatory. Whole grade is based on four tests plus final but they are pretty difficult (one test gets dropped). The textbook is written by him and is literally his lecture word for word, so I usually just read that.
Taflnger is my favorite professor at WSU. He is an expert in his filed, he is helpful, quirky and interesting. He will give you quick and to-the-point answers. Be ready to have your writing heavily critiqued... but in a constructive way. Excellent, professor!
It was an intercession course and there is an exam weekly. I had a question and he took a week to get back to me.
Taflinger has interesting lectures and he is usually funny. This is a media critique class so be prepared to write. Not an easy class but also not extremely hard.
This class is the absolute worst. I would never recommend this professor. The tests are very random and impossible to do well on. He is also extremely egotistical and hates young people.
Class is not mandatory as he reads WORD FOR WORD from his textbook (even the corny jokes in there). Tests are quite tough, but if you were to follow his tips and study 30 minutes every day they do become significantly easier. There are two books, one written by him and one not YOU ONLY USE THE ONE WRITTEN BY HIM. Everyone I know got a B.
Best professor ever!!
Generally, easy. Semi-clear on concepts and history of communication. Exams are a bit difficult compared to his teaching style, but is to be expected. Great prof though!
Taflinger is by far my favorite teacher at WSU. He's tough and he probably hates you but speak up so he notices you and he might not think you're stupid. Lectures are interesting and he's crazy. I would take any class if he was teaching it.
His lectures are word for word by book. I took this class in the morning so i dozed off a bit. Thankfully the lectures were word for word so i just went back to the book. The tests are HARD NO MATTER HOW HARD I STUDIED the test was challenging. Thankfully one test gets dropped and i received a curve. but dont rely on the curve
Having Taflinger for as small of a class as Com 460 has been great. The lectures are incredibly interesting and he is amazingly knowledgable on the topic. If you have a chance to take this class do it! Only essays throughout the semester, no tests. Learned a ton and actually enjoyed each lecture. Participation matters.
His class is very straight forward, go to class, read his book and do a little studying and its easy. His lectures are always entertaining, and very useful.
This is a lecture-test class, but the lectures are very engaging and interesting. Taflinger is a very animated professor and a funny guy. The exams are difficult, but make sure you study both textbooks and you will be fine!! The content was very interesting to me, but I am a communication major
Taf is a pretty easy going professor. His lectures for Com 101 are basically straight out of the text book that he wrote. He has a few corny jokes, but as long as you show up to class and read the material, you should have no problem getting a good grade in the class.
Four 2 page papers and one 8-10 page paper. He explains the different ways to analyze mass media in class (what your papers are about) and he explains what he wants doesn't want in your papers in class. Attendance isn't mandatory but you'll understand better how to write the papers if you go. I stopped going at the end. He just kinda rambles too.
I'm not sure how this professor has an overall B+ rating. He is lazy, and not helpful at all (even when you go to office hours). There are no study guides, and he does not provide power points. Also, don't expect him to answer questions through email quickly if ever, no matter how many emails you send. His tests are extremely hard too.
The class itself isn't hard. The tests are based on lecture notes. He doesn't post his lecture notes online so attendance matters. The exams are a majority of your grade besides two essays. Overall it wasn't my favorite class but it wasn't the worst class I've ever had.
Professor Taftlinger is hilarious and actually a pretty nice guy. People think he is mean but if you talk to him one on one he's pretty cool, and the most interesting person I have met. He is a no nonsense person, you have to go to class and give your best, as well as turn in all the assignments. Did not use textbook.
A bit of a throwback professor, if you will. He isn't for everyone, but if you aren't the type that obsesses over structure and guidance he might be for you. Classes are easy going and it's basically just a group conversation. He says whatever he thinks and doesn't make it pc. He loves to debate and is extremely cocky. However the class fly by.
Class isn't mandatory, but your grade will absolutely suffer if you don't go. His lectures are fantastic and went by quickly. Take Writing for Television if you get the chance--you won't be disappointed. He is smart and says what he wants. He acts tough but I think he's a little more sincere and supportive than he lets on.
The only important classes to show up to are the first 2 weeks when he goes over analysis techniques, what your papers are about all year. Very opinionated, hate his writing style, hard grader, no extra credit, I find him to be wrong about a lot of things but he thinks he's right 110% of the time. Gives out A's if you write about what he likes.
No tests. 5 papers. Every paper that you will write are going to be about what you learned in the first 2 weeks of school (Analysis techniques) He is extremely cocky and expects too much in return for what he teaches. I respect him but his class has been my least favorite class in a while.
What you do in class has nothing to do with your papers. You learn about different analysis techniques in the first 2-3 weeks and you need to use them in your papers. You might as well skip the rest of the semester (which most people do). It looks like he is trying too hard to prove that he is better than everybody else. Also, he grades tough.
any questions i asked him were met with a rude attiutde. causing me extreme anxiety. did not like him, wish i had know earlier how he was like cause i would have not taking my class with him.
One of the most arrogant and rude professors I've ever had. His recorded lectures are weird and awkward - it's obvious that he wrote a script and then read it word for word. He made it obvious early on that he looks down on younger people and thinks he has everything figured out. Do yourself a favor and skip his classes if you can.
Essays are pretty easy if you try. Three recorded lectures a week, about three hours worth. Jot down every name, term, example that he mentions, even if it's not on a slide!!! The exams are closed book and brutal (tricky wordings). No study guides. Previous exams are leaked and usually 95% accurate but don't fully rely on past leaked final exams.
Avoid this class at all costs. It is too difficult for a 101 class and you won't take away much. Exams and papers are on material that isn't covered. Everything is graded at the discretion and opinion of the professor.
This class is WAY too difficult, especially for a 101-entry class. There re hours of lectures that you have to listen too. The tests that he gives are about things that we have never discussed. You can tell he knows a lot and is passionate, however you need to answer questions based on what he thinks is correct. Overall, wouldn't it again.
Honestly one of if not the most unprofessional professors I've ever had. Overall a poor professor. Would highly recommend looking for an alternative if possible.
Taflinger is a wealth of knowledge. But his lectures are long and his voice is monotone. Which is ironic for a person so versed in communication and media. He absolutely knows his stuff though and is happy help if you reach out to him.
The only issue I ever had was the tough grading. The assignments themselves weren't bad, especially since you pick what you talk about. Outside of the speeches, you have smaller readings and discussion posts that are very easy.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
25%
Textbook Required
83%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.89 avg changeRatings by Course
COMST351
5.0
(2)COMM
5.0
(1)COM420
5.0
(1)BROADCAST360
5.0
(1)COM360
5.0
(2)Difficulty by Course
COM102
4.0
COM101
3.5
COMST351
3.0
COM420
3.0
BROADCAST360
3.0