A good chunk of your final grade is based on participation, so you'd better talk!

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Cares about students a lot. very enthusiastic. can be a tough grader.

Becker is really a great guy and very passionate about the material he is covering. Class attendance is a must as is reading every word of every assigned chapter in the book. It's a tough class with tough exams but he does grade on a curve and is sympathetic towards his students.

He was my favorite teacher; he was really understanding about first test and trying to ease the transition for freshman. He would give tips on how to take notes and how to study. He is a little tough but as long you read and go to class, the course isn't impossible. He is very helpful and very approachable. He will clarify any questions you have.

The class was not too hard as long as you keep up with the reading. Very Knowledgable about what he is teaching and keeps class interesting. Do not take this class if you want an easy A, but it is possible to do well if you put some effort in and the class is pretty interesting.

Can be a tough grader, but if you go to class consistantly and do your work you shoudn't do too bad. Class is interesting too.

Becker is cool. He makes the class enjoyable. You have to read the book and do the questions. A lot of the exams are from book material. Going to lectures is crucial too b/c there is stuff on the exam that is covered in lecture but not in the book. Really interesting class that I highly recommend.

He's a really great guy. Fun to listen to, I was never really into the subject. If you're a sleeper a seat in the front might help. Also if you find you have an interest in what he talks about go to him and talk about it. He's a really great guy. His Aides grade your papers though so watch out.

He is a bad writer and grades your writing based on his standards. I have received A's on every paper I have ever written until this class. Now he is giving me b and c's. He is a fan of run on sentences.

Becker is extremely passionate about the subjects he teaches and will provide interesting insight on the course material. Class is interesting and engaging and improved my writing skills.

I think Becker does an amazing job teaching this course. Definitely one of my favorite profs so far! The class itself is manageable as long as you keep up with the readings and study. Highly recommend both this class and Becker!

He's a really cool guy who really wants his students to succeed. He does give extra credit opportunities and leads review sessions for exams. You really have to attend his lectures AND do the reading, though, if you want to do well

This is a REALLY interesting, and fairly easy class. He keeps it engaging by using lots of video clips and other media besides just lecturing. He really knows his stuff, and the topics covered are relevant and even sometimes fun (i.e. internet, music videos, etc.) He is a little bit awkward one-on-one, but I DEFINITELY recommend this class.

His class is very organized and well structured. Be sure to be SUPER CREATIVE for the last project...he was the leader in my small group and really wasn't helpful at all in letting us know how out of the box we could be. Hes helpful in office hours. Hes passionate about the subject. He's a hard grader though, don't study and you'll get a C at most.

Very, very knowledgeable on the subject, and gives very organized, structured lectures. Huge class. Gave ample chances for extra credit, and did much to help his students. Occasionally hard to reach because he has a hoard of UAs beforehand. Tests are fairly easy, all multiple choice, but the class sizes are huge.

Overall he's a pretty good teacher. The class isn't hard but the exams are difficult. You need to study your notes extensively. Write down everything he says, do all of the reading and take notes on it. Always attend class!

Becker is a great teacher that literally tells you everything you need to know to do well in his class. The review questions in the back of the book and going to every lecture are essential to doing well in his class. Most of the exams are pretty difficult- you must write down everything he says in the lectures and listen to his advice for an A

Great teacher. Really into the topic. Expects a lot of the students but is clear on what it takes to do well. Not for students looking to get by with an easy A or B.

Great teacher! If you're looking for an easy A, this would not be the class for you. The professor is clearly into what he is teaching, which makes it enjoyable for the students. He relates the material to modern everyday life. LOVE THIS CLASS!

Dr. Becker is a GREAT professor! Anyone who is rating him poorly is afraid of some hard work. The class is difficult if you don't read, but DON'T READ THE WHOLE CHAPTER, JUST DO THE REVIEW QUESTIONS as long as you go to lecture and can put examples with what you're learning. He explains everything perfectly clearly, take him if you can!!

Dr. Becker's class requires hard work and good attendance, but it is a very interesting class. He is very knowledgeable on the subject, and he is very helpful in his office hours (so go to them!) Read the book too - it's actually good and very helpful. He puts Qs on the exams from lecture that aren't in the book as well as Qs about videos from clas

Good teacher, really knows his stuff. Pay attention in lecture and do the assignments he asks and you'll be your A.

He is a great teacher who understands that students struggle with the concepts. If you ask questions that show you are interested, he is very helpful. People make the workload harder than it actually is. As long as you understand the concepts and their relation to each other, there's no need to write anything for the textbook questions.

Overall he is a good professor. The material is straightforward and as long as you go to lecture you'll get it. The media diary assignments can be annoying but he is very detailed with them so you know what needs to be in them.

Best teacher at miami. I have so much respect for him. He makes rules and sticks to them. No confusion and no exceptions. AMAZING

Honestly one of the hardest entry level courses for Communication majors. They try to weed out students who can't really handle a heavy work load. Crazy amount of notes taken in class along with weekly diary assignments. Grading is pretty hard and tests are average of 67% Most people will have to take this class, just keep on top of it. Not easy.

The best teacher Ive had at Miami, but he is hard. He has rules, he sticks to them, and if you follow those rules you can succeed. He is so passionate about what he does and will do anything to help you. Lecture is really interesting and you can tell he knows what he's talking about. I got a B only because I wasn't ready for how much he used book

Favorite teacher so far. Very organized, and offers a lot of extra credit and review sessions for midterm/final exam.

One of my favorite classes taken in college. When I first came into the class I truly thought it was going to be a super hard course, but as long as you study and take the time to go over the readings, you will get an A! DO ALL OF THE READINGS. However, only focus on the vocab and the review questions at the end of every chapter!

Becker is very particular and tells you his expectations up front. You won't pull off an A if you don't read the textbook (which isn't that dry), come to class and take notes, and study. I was super scared for the midterm and ended up pulling off a 95% because he warned us and lectured us so much about studying. Take advantage of his extra credit!

This class is super interesting. It is in a bigger class setting and although attendance isnt taken, its ESSENTIAL to go to class. Gives plenty of extra credit options. He engages well with the class for a lecture. There are UA's and you break into small group (GO TO UA MEETINGS) The journal entries are important to do well on. Not hard to do well.

Dr. Becker was a tough professor, he expects you to act like an adult and a student. You can't take his class off and you have to pay attention, but I thought he taught very well, very thoroughly and I was prepared for every exam. I liked him and I liked the class. No complaints at all, I recommend that you take him.

Dr. Becker is very boring and opinionated. His tests are almost impossible, but the journal entries help maintain a decent grade. Must attend class, and take great notes because he will test you on things that he doesn't even act like is important. Must do all the readings, which there are a lot of.

Dr. Becker is an excellent teacher. completely clear in his lectures and expectations. work hard, keep up with reading, study what he tells you to, and you'll be fine. It is very important to come to class AND read the textbook because he includes material from from both that aren't from the other. the class is extremely fascinating & worth taking!

Dr. Becker is very anal. He has strict requirements for every assignment, but the good thing is he makes those requirements clear. Was a tough grader and attendance and the book are absolutely essential to pass. Obviously loves what he does and was very nice but just tough and picky. Also the course was super interesting.

People think this class is really hard and the tests are impossible. If you do the reading, study really hard, and take good notes in class an A is completely possible. I finished with a 102% in the class, clearly it's possible you just have to be dedicated to it. Great professor, loves what he does and you can tell he is passionate about it.

Becker is not very friendly. While his assignments are very clear-cut and he is very specific on his expectations, the exams are still really hard. He does not seem interested in helping his students outside of class. His lectures are pretty interesting as he includes different videos to go along with the lessons.

This class was one of my favorites freshman year. Very interesting and EXTREMELY organized. Becker tells you exactly what will be graded and and what will be on tests. He tells half of the test is in lecture and not the book, but half is the other way around and this is exactly the case. If you don't miss and you read the book, you will do great.

Becker has really interesting lectures and their enjoyable to sit through because he's so passionate about the topics he teaches - really interesting course I would highly recommend.

Dr. Becker is one of my favorite professors at Miami. Yeah, its a pretty difficult class and he's very anal about assignments, but he tells you literally exactly what he expects and lays it out for you how to get a good grade. Both going to lecture and reading the book is crucial, but his passion about the topic makes this class actually awesome.

He is very clear in the beginning what it takes to do well in the class. If you do the work, it will pay off.

Required course for Strat Comm majors, changed my major for the hatred of the class. Becker is strict and very anal, his way or the highway no matter how much work and effort you put in. Tests are hard and very broad, gives lots of essay type homework, once a week, not there for students, has TAs do everything, changes office hours all the time.

The class is overwhelming at first with the strict guidelines, but the assignments are so simple and easy to get an A there needs to be some type of work done by the student. Exams are straight forward, require a lot of memorizing. Great teacher but a little cold, does not make the effort to get to know the class.

I think Dr. Becker is helpful. I went to his office hour for learning tips. Most of the context he talk in class is really important to exams, and for reading the textbook, you don't have to read all the context, but just clearly know about the key terms. Also, treasure the extra credit opportunities. They are useful for final grade.

Dr. Becker is amazing! He makes his lectures extremely interesting. He tells you exactly what he expects from you and if you turn that in, you will get a good grade. You must put in a lot of time to study, but you will get out what you put in. This class is very interesting and the assignments are interesting to complete. Highly recommend!

This class requires a ton of reading, but if you complete the readings and pay attention in class it is easy to do well especially with the extra credit.

He is strict about little things when turning in diaries but, he's one of the most fair prof's I've had. The course isn't easy but everything he provides for you is going to help you. Attendance isn't mandatory but it is if you want to pass and do well. And take notes!!!!! Extra credit, take advantage. You get out of it EXACTLY what you put into it

Dr. Becker is a great professor. He gives you everything you need to succeed, it is simply up to you if you want to learn it. This class will be easier for organized people and those who are willing to read the textbook and attend class. About an 1-2 hours of homework every week, plus an hour of textbook reading every other week. I do recommend.

Great Class - Exams require being there for every lecture and reading the textbook - Fair grading

At the beginning of the class he clearly states everything needed in order to do well in the class. It sounds hard/intimidating at first, but it's really not once you get the hang of it. If you take solid lecture notes, complete testable review questions before each test, and take the extra credit opportunities you will succeed.

I absolutely love his class! My fav class, not bad for those who are beginning to get interested in Mass Media! But if you want a great grade you cannot skip a single class. And that the lecture has little to do with textbook material but the tests has a lot of those so get ready to read A LOT. But it's easy if you're interested! Highly recommended

Dr. Becker tries really hard to intimidate you at the start of the semester. If you attend every lecture and put serious effort into studying, you'll get an A. It's not as hard as he makes it seem.

Dr. Becker is for the taste of a few students. He is passionate about the subject matter and can come off as a pushover sometimes, but his class is very enjoyable and the material is super interesting. You need to show up to lecture because material on the test is only talked about in lecture.

This class was definitely not easy. Becker is exceptionally strict and type-A when it comes to assignments. He does care about your success. If you are struggling, go talk to him and he will probably help you out. While the class is demanding and hard, if you read the book, show up to lectures, and do all of the work it isnt really that bad.

Becker is tough grader & is very specific with details but it's doable no problem. MAC 143 is definitely harder than most Miami Plan classes, but I absolutely loved it and learned so much from it that it was 100% worth the extra work. Professor Becker has such a passion for the topics discussed & he really wants to share his knowledge w/ the class.

Professor Becker is a very passionate professor. Many people struggle in his class, and I think it's because he wants everything done in a very specific way so that his job is easier. His lectures are very interesting and engaging, and as long as you do what he recommends when studying, you'll pass. This class requires you to follow directions.

Extremely nice guy and super passionate about media. He gives a 10 and expects a 10 in return. 2 attendance policies to choose from (Choose the mandatory one that gives extra credit, you won't pass without attending, might as well be awarded for it). 40% of test material comes from textbook stuff not covered in lecture. Easy if you put in work.

Dr. Becker is the best professor I have had at Miami thus far. His lectures are very engaging and his grading criteria is very clear. Media Diary Entries are the main assignments; they're interesting, but usually time-consuming. To do well on exams you have to take good notes, both in text and lecture. He made the course content very interesting!

Dr. Becker was one of the best teachers I've had. He does a great job at explaining things. The class is pretty difficult and in depth, but our exams were open note, so as long as you took good notes, you'll be fine. Make sure to take good notes!!! I've learned so many valuable things that will help me in my future career.

Strict on assignments but all you need to do is follow the instructions and youll get a good grade. Reading the chapters and paying attention is important. Need to really know the material to do good on exams. I was intimidated at first but it ended up being a fair class. He gives lots of extra credit opportunities so take advantage!

Professor Becker is a really good professor. There is quite a bit of homework, but it's very easy to get the. points as long as you read the rubric carefully. Would definitely take a course with him in the future.

Don't let bad reviews scare you! I took this class and received an A+. It's an easy course if you're willing to put in the time. I never read chapters assigned for homework, I only wrote down the key terms and definitions. All exams are open note and the worst one is dropped. Attend every lecture and take good notes. He offers lots of extra credit!

This class is definitely challenging. You cannot just cruise through if you want a B or higher. However, you can get C's and even a D on the exams and still get an A (like me). I got 2 Cs and one D on the exams and passed with an A- because of all the extra credit he assigned. If you go to lectures, and take organized notes, you'll be fine.

I honestly think he's an excellent professor. That being said, he does take the class and every assignment very seriously. If it weren't for the numerous extra credit opportunities, I wouldn't have ended with as good of a grade. He is a strict grader and the work load is very heavy. As long as you care enough to do well than you probably will.

MJF105 was pretty easy as long as you went to lectures and did the homework. If you want a good grade without putting in effort this isn't the class for you but if you put in the work and take advantage of the opportunities he gives then you will be fine. I really liked the class and Dr. Becker.

Dr. Becker is an amazing professor. If you go to the lectures, do the media diaries following guidelines, and do the definitions/bolded terms in the chapters you will be perfectly fine. There are many extra credit opportunities and the tests are open note. Electronics only for notes during lecture but that is purely to help you succeed.

This class is an easy A if you follow the syllabus. Every question asked on exams is either covered in the textbook, lectures, or both. Assignments are explained in depth. He doesn't give a lot of feedback on them. Material only takes middle school-level comprehension to understand, you just have to do the work. Lots of easy extra credit.

I would suggest NOT taking this for Miami Plan - unless required for major. This course is VERY difficult for a 105! Extremely lecture-heavy, read the textbook, & watch all linked videos (on all exams!) The homework is tedious & time-consuming. There are 5 small group days instead of lecture before exams. There are many extra credit opportunities!

This class is really rewarding if you put the work in. Everything you need is laid out for you, it's just a matter of if you do it. Dr. Becker emphasizes that he wants all of his students to do well but it is crucial that you apply yourself and put the work in, or you will fail. Really really nice guy if you do what he tells you.

If you aren't a Communications major and want an EASY Miami Plan credit out of the way, this class isn't for you. It's intensive and you need to go to lectures/study hard if you want to do well. With that being said, he's incredibly knowledgeable about what he teaches and if MAC is your thing, this class sets a great foundation! Go to office hours.

Dr. Becker doesn't deserve the bad rep he gets on here. He's genuinely a good professor and is extremely knowledgeable on the subjects discussed in class. So many opportunities for extra credit if you take notes during lectures and read occasionally it's easy to get an A.

The reviews on here are misleading. Dr. Becker is a great professor and great guy. If you can follow directions, be respectful, and study you'll be fine. Most of the bad reviews are from people who can't spend more than 5 minutes not scrolling on their phones and who don't apply themselves in class.

Bottom line, it's a very lecture heavy class with lots of required effort outside of class such as reading and GOOD note taking. He's a good professor who wants you to succeed and will help you. If you put in the effort and the advantage of the extra credit, you'll do fine. Exams are rough but he drops the lowest one and E.C helps in the end.

If your looking for a blow off class don't take it. It's a tough class but if you do what Doctor Becker asks it's well worth it. I took his class freshman year and it was one of my highest grades because I did what he asked. He's an extremely fair professor and your gonna have to put in work to do well. As long as you do whats expected you're good.

Do not expect a blowoff class. Despite coming off as a little much, Dr. Becker absolutely has your best interest in mind. If you follow the assignment instructions he lays out closely and put in solid effort you will do well on assignments. Good notes and reading are highly suggested to do well on exams. Offers tons of valuable extra credit.

Don't take as Miami Plan unless genuinely interested in the topic. LOTS of work but not complicated work. Easy to succeed if you pay attention in class and actually read the textbook. He offers a lot of extra credit I recommend taking. Very clear and intelligent lecturer but with a bit of an ego. Easy content just a ton of it. No phones AT ALL.

I am in MAC, so this class is interesting to me, but it is a lot of homework and reading. DON'T take it if you aren't interested in the topic. There are plenty of EC opportunities, and he drops your lowest hw grades. VERY strict abt tech use. Exams are open note, but make sure you take good notes on the textbook readings, or you're screwed.

Lots of busy work and a super busy Canvas page, but he's a wonderful teacher.