4.6
Quality3.0
Difficulty91%
Would Retake139
Reviews91%
Would Retake
139
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
118
4
8
3
4
2
1
1
8
What Students Say
“But this class was a struggle for me”
SMAD101 - 1.0 rating“their test format changed for the worst”
SMAD101 - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
90%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.52 avg changeRatings by Course
SCOM472
5.0
(5)SMAD150
5.0
(3)SMAD201
5.0
(5)SMAD210
5.0
(2)SMAD472
4.8
(12)Difficulty by Course
SMAD202
3.3
SMAD472
3.1
SMAD101
3.1
SCOM472
3.0
SMAD210
3.0
Reviews (139)
Ryan is a phenomenal professor. By far the best class I've taken. He really makes your opinion feel valued and he's so passionate about his job that he makes you feel passionate. He never has a boring lecture, he's funny, entertaining, and professional. He has a different activity each class so be prepared for that. Only 3 papers. Test are online!
You can tell that Ryan is incredibly enthusiastic about this class! He makes this class really enjoyable and cares about his students. I would 100% recommend this class with him. Plus the average grades on papers and tests are about a B, so getting an A is completely doable!
One of the best professors I've ever had! He takes the time to get to know everyone and is always available when you need help. He really knows his stuff and class is always enjoyable. You learn a lot in this class but he makes sure everyone is capable of succeeding.
Loved this class - very organized, keeps class entertaining, and super accessible outside of class. Even does review games for tests with candy! Definitely worth taking!
One of the best professors I have ever had. He is genuine, honest, and caring with all students. Also one of the nicest guys if you go to his office hours. If you put in hard work, he will recognize it and reward your efforts.
Ryan is the best professor I've ever had at JMU!!! He is absolutely hilarious and really cares about each and every one of his students. He wants his students to learn and really understand the class. He's so approachable and I really enjoyed this class!!! TAKE HIM HES AMAZING
Ryan Alessi was the best professor I have had at JMU so far! He is extremely nice and does a great job getting to know his students. He is knowledgeable in his field and it shows in his teaching. He grades very fast and always takes the extra time to write up a page on what you could improve on. I looked forward to going to his class every Tu/Thur
Awesome and so nice! Makes the classroom a comfortable atmosphere.
Ryan Alessi is one of the best teachers i have ever taken. He keeps you interested in the class and is energetic. You have to show up to class but honestly, you want to go, its so much fun with him. He also is very helpful with assignments and tries to give you the best grade possible. I would take him for every class if i could.
Ryan is the best professor that I've had my entire college career. First off, you can sense his passion for the subject from the jump. Secondly, he is the most personable professor you could ever have, he makes a point to get to know each student and care for them well. Ryan is very knowledgable on the subject and always willing to help. 100% take!
He's amazing. He's so passionate about the subject and is so enthusiastic and funny. It's impossible not to pay attention because his energy is so infectious. He gives great, kind-hearted feedback and really cares about his students. His personality is rare in professors, so make sure you take him any chance you get. Projects are fun and easy-going
LOOOVEEE Ryan amazing teacher and so personable. Makes classes fun and interesting and always tries to accomodate his students.
Alessi is really sweet and a great addition to JMU. While his passion for the course sometimes takes him off topic in class it's clear that he cares about his students. Explanations in class for projects are clear and he gives good examples in lecture. Doesn't mess around with attendance, focus, or grading. Not an easy A but still great.
I truly enjoyed going to this class. There was a decent amount of assignments but he gave excellent feedback on all of these assignments. He makes discussions so open and productive. His office hours are so helpful, and he makes all readings online so no textbook.
Truly an amazing professor. He is very passionate and always finds a way to make things fun. He is very knowledgeable and loves Star Wars
Tougher grader than I expected, but super great guy whos willing to help you out with anything you need. Seems like hes always at 100% energy, which is refreshing and makes kind of dull lectures more fun. Projects are boring at first, but by the final theyre really creative and enjoyable. Take 202 with him!
Professor Alessi is such an amazing speaker during the lectures, he is very energetic and clearly passionate about the material he is talking about. The exams are a little difficult because there's a lot of material. There are weekly open note quizzes and usually 2-4 videos to watch on your own but other than that, no homework.
The best professor you could ever get for school. EVERY SCHOOL NEEDS A PROFESSOR LIKE RYAN ALESSI. I'm benefited so much for his class and it's helpful throughout my lifetime. He doesn't just teach you how to be a good journalist but what to think about as being a good person
Really great professor, super energetic and very passionate about the subjects covered in SMAD 101. Would definitely take him again if given the opportunity! Just don't miss than 3 times and your grade shouldn't suffer, make sure to watch all assigned videos and read chapters.
Professor Alessi is so nice! His lectures are great because he cares about the material and he cares about students. He will gladly meet with you during his office hours. Gives very in depth and responsive answers to questions. Make sure you read the book thoroughly and watch the videos. interact with the material and you will do well!!!
Professor Alessi is so passionate about what he taught in the class and was always willing to answer questions or help you in his office hours. He co-taught this class and I always looked forward to his day to teach. He delivers the material exceptionally well and finds interesting ways to connect each unit to real life and one another. TAKE HIM!!
Really energetic and works hard to make his lectures interesting and engaging. Sometimes there are questions on his quizzes (and occasionally his tests) that seem a little unfairly specific, but it's an easy A provided you pay attention in class and DO THE READING. Really fun and nice teacher. Would take again.
Alessi is one of the best at JMU! He makes lectures fun and is always there to help his students. Lot of information to absorb and studying for tests can be tricky. Tests are mostly fair but sometimes cover information that is not highlighted in lecture or the textbook. You need to know virtually everything in the textbook if you want an A.
Alessi seems like a genuinely nice guy, funny and passionate about what he does. But this class was a struggle for me. And in the midst of this pandemic i feel like he (and mellinger) are lacking compassion, they made the test in a new format and overall are being extra hard ab it. Idk this whole experience has changed how i feel ab him as a prof:/
TAKE ALESSI. The best prof I've ever had!!! He gives great lectures, is passionate about the material, gives constructive criticism and discussions, and is helpful in office hours. Gives great feedback and really cares about students. As long as you show up to class, take good notes, and put in the work on the projects, you're going to get an A!
This pandemic is hard as it is and they are giving you. their test format changed for the worst..... 50 minutes to complete 50 fill in the blank questions from 6 different and long textbook chapters, 120 slides of lecture and numerous videos like we have photogenic memory or something...
This Professor was fine when we were in class, but changed with the pandemic. He has been very unprofessional in his email responses, and he has been anything but helpful. He turned the original plan of four multiple choice exams into 50 short answer questions that contained mainly direct quotes and names and then accused the class of cheating.
Alessi is hilarious, knows his stuff, and is very informative. Feedback is thorough and helpful, although you will have to work for it. 8 projects over the semester, which is definitely a lot so be prepared. Very responsive to emails and adapted well to online learning due to the pandemic. Highly recommend. One of my favorite professors!
I'd definitely stay away from Ryan if you're trying to get an easy A. It won't happen especially if you don't know how to write the way he wants you to write. He's a pretty nice guy and tries to cheer up the class but is actually quite strict when it comes to coursework and attendance. Take another elective if you want an A
The pandemic already stressed students out, &Ryan/Mellinger made it worse for everyone in 101. Tests were extremely difficult and too specific. Multiple choice questions changed to 50 FILL IN questions for 100+ lecture slides &over 10hrs+ of vids. When students couldnt finish on time bc it was THAT hard, he blamed it on all of us trying to cheat.
Lacked compassion for students during the pandemic. Changed the format of the tests to questions asking for direct quotes from the book/lecture and not something we studied for. Work included 150 lecture slides, 45 page chapters, and 15 videos. He was rude in his emails, especially when a student told him how hard the test was. He didnt listen.
He was fine in class but once it switched online he changed. His email responses actually had me shocked. Very unprofessional and made himself sound unapproachable. Changing the test format put a bad taste in my mouth. He really had to make everything harder during the pandemic. And for what? That just left me and my classmates even more stressed.
Professor Alessi is horrible handling class during this pandemic. Sure he's a cool guy but his exams are simply way too hard. The exams are 50 questions 50 minutes fill in the blank which is ridiculous and the exams are on 3 chapters and more than 9+ videos. He is very rude in his emails. This class really makes me not interested in SMAD anymore
Alessi is such a good teacher. He really cares about the content and knows a lot about it. He also is happy to help you if you're struggling. It's important to read the book and take good notes also. It's not that hard if you just put the effort in.
Ryan Alessi is incredible. He really cares about his students and wants them to succeed. Make use of office hours even if it's just to get to know him, especially if you are a journalism student. Study for this class and go over lecture notes and readings and you'll do fine.
I love Alessi. He really cares about his students, and will really help you if you are struggling. He created a study techniques video bc some people needed help with that. The only downside and this is just the class not the teacher but you absolutely have to read the book and take notes. If you don't you'll fail the test. do that and your good
Alessi is a great professor, but in my opinion your grade really depends on your own work ethic. Keep up with the readings and you'll be fine. The only grades are exams and quizzes. Quizzes are open note and easy if you take good notes. Exams are open note, timed, fill in the blank and one question at a time.
Alessi was by far the rudest and hardest professor I have had to date. 50 open ended questions in 50 minutes is too much to ask of students in a pandemic when things are already difficult enough. And to top it off I have been accused of cheating twice because of something sus on my test. It sucks hes the only one you can take for smad101. Dont take
hardest class and even harder in a pandemic. the tests questions are oddly specific, 50 fill in the blank for 50 mins, and you cant go back to change answers. i studied so hard for the tests. you need to read the book (30 pages), watch the lectures (1 hr), and 12+ short vids or you wont pass. only take this if you can put in the work
Alessi is great, he cares about his students and makes sure to be available for any extra help. The readings and lectures are a lot of work but it's easy material. Quizzes and tests are open note so as long as you put in the work and take good notes you'll do fine. Fun lectures and great feedback, no pressure to participate.
I'm sure Alessi is a nice guy, but the class was so unnecessarily difficult! The class is very exam-heavy, but the exams are almost impossible to do well on if you don't remember every vocabulary word/concept/specific detail off the top of your head. You need to study hard to do well in class, and I wouldn't take it again if it wasn't mandatory :(
Alessi is a great guy, hes very nice and super passionate about journalism which is great. However, this class is harsh especially for freshmen. With 90% of your grade being tests and the other 10 for quizzes theres no room for error. 50 fill-in the blank questions in 50 minutes with no word bank?? And this is coming from someone who got a B+.
Ryan is a supreme professor! During the pandemic, his hybrid 202 class was one of the things I looked forward to the most during my week. He may seem like a harsh grader, but his constructive criticism is there to help students grow as filmmakers and storytellers. He's definitely a great guy to get to know as you learn from him!
Ryan was the most understanding professor in 101 last fall. He helped me bring my grade up by telling me how to study more efficiently. I got a 78 on my first exam and then for my final I got 96. You have GOT to study hard for this class. I was able to confide in Ryan about my struggles and will 100% take him again if I can. Alessi is supreme.
Alessi is a great professor! He is so passionate and enthusiastic about SMAD it made me so excited to come to class. They put so much effort into making this course interesting with all the videos. I can't imagine how long it took them to make those! It is not an easy A so you must study to pass, but the topics should be things you WANT to learn!
Great professor. Always there to help with open office hours and honestly cares and believes in each of his students. There's a bit of reading with the textbook and required video lessons but if you put in the time you can pass the class. Super funny and outgoing. Highly recommend.
Alessi is excited about the material and he's very understanding (gives flexible due dates, lets us work in groups for some quizzes). Class gets more writing heavy throughout the semester, and be prepared for lots of short quizzes! I would totally take his class again though :)
As long as you study the material, you will be just fine. Alessi is a great professor who cares and is obviously very passionate about media. Attendance is taken daily through TopHat, one quiz and discussions during the week based on video lectures and usually a speaker or review on Fridays. Super easy class if you're also passionate about this!
Alessi was AMAZING in SMAD 101. You can tell he's very knowledgable and passionate about what he does. He kept lectures interesting and is accessible outside of class. Take him!!
I love Alessi! He is very passionate about SMAD and you will learn a lot from him. Weekly chapter quizzes and 4 multiple choice exams. As long as you stay on top of everything, you should do fine. It's a decent amount of material but not hard to get an A if you put in effort and study. Class is very organized and I always looked forward to going.
He is so passionate about what he teaches, and it definitely makes his class more interesting. No exams, quizzes are pretty easy, and as long as you follow the rubric for writing assignments, you'll do fine. The semester gets more writing-heavy near the end, but it's nothing crazy, and every assignment is meant to help you learn.
Professor Alessi is so passionate and an amazing teacher, but the grading in this class is ridiculous. If you are not a good test taker do not take this class because 80% of your grade is the tests with barely any room for mistakes. Participation points and the weekly quizzes will not help your grade. Lots of reading and attendance is graded.
Alessi is great! He keeps his lectures entertaining and is very passionate. In order to really do well on exams you do have to do the textbook reading. The chapters can be pretty long so do your best to not let it pile up before exams. Despite all of the reading I did love this class and always looked forward to it!
Ryan Alessi was one of the best professors that I've ever had! This class is very fun, interesting, and truly expands your knowledge of media. The lectures aren't boring and the content is fairly easy to learn. To pass simply read the textbook, watch the video lectures, and attend in-person lecture. The exams are fairly easy, but worth 80%!
Ryan is one of the best professors at JMU! Funny, passionate, and gives great feedback. No textbook & grades are mainly based on writing assignments. But be prepared: Ryan is a surprisingly tough grader, exam time limits are short given the writing involved, and dossier is no joke. Stay on top of current events and do EC and you'll get an A or B.
Professor Alessi is very knowledgeable and such a kind teacher! SMAD 101 is a hard class and you definitely have to put the work in. There are 4 exams and a quiz every week based on the in-person lectures, ch readings, and video lessons. The exams were VERY HARD, STUDY EARLY! Setting up office hours really helped with understanding how to do better
Listen- people always complain about the difficulty of this class but in actuality most that are complaining are not putting in the work required to do well. You NEED to read every week like the syllabus says and you need to be caught up on videos. But if you are, you will NOT fail! Alessi is an awesome professor! But his lectures can't carry you.
so energetic and loves teaching, if you put in the work and go to class you will do very well.
Alessi is seriously one of my favorite professors. He makes the classroom a fun place to be and I feel so much more engaged than most classes. He does have a really hard paper at the end of the year but in my opinion it’s a interesting assignment.
Prof. Alessi is seriously great! Made SMAD 101 very interesting. Definitely need to read and watch the video lectures. If you do that it is very easy to be successful in this class. Prof. Alessi surely cares about his students and their success. He is the best professor I have had so far at JMU and I will definitely be taking him again.
I seriously couldn't have asked for a better professor. Alessi is the most solicitous, attentive professor I've had so far. His lectures are not only interactive but also incredibly compelling. Tests do require extensive out of class preparation from the textbook and video lessons, which can be time consuming but it really pays off! Take him!!!!
AMAZING professor, loved his energy and enthusiasm while teaching the class, the material itself is really interesting too.
When I say Alessi is the best professor I've had at JMU I do not lie. Alessi truly cares about what he teaches and his background in media and politics is perfect for the class. Not only is the class fun, its entertaining for every student. If you see Alessi on a course list do not hesitate to select him. Highly recommend!
Class graded by attendance, reading quizzes, and 4 exams (which make up 80% of grade). But Alessi is an engaging & passionate lecturer. If you care about SMAD, you won't be bored. Readings are a little long, but if you do them, go to class, and watch his videos, I promise you'll do well on the exams. Highly recommend his class for SMAD 101.
Professor Alessi is very passionate about his job. As long as you do the work you should be able to pass. I didn't buy the required textbook and still did okay. He insists that attendance isn't mandatory but does attendance questions that are part of your grade. Pretty easy class just have to memorize a lot of things.
Professor Alessi is hands down the best professor I have had at JMU. He genuinely cares about his students and wants them to actually learn. He frequently rearranged the schedule to allow class discussion and gave a very manageable workload. I wish I could've taken him for more courses - his passion for teaching is so clear.
The greatest professor I have ever had. Give this guy a raise!
One of my favorite profs ever! Engaging lectures & activities. Funny, kind, passionate, cares about students. Taken him 3x since a Freshman (a senior now) and loved each class. Grades kind of tough but offers extra credit opportunities. Drops lowest quiz grade. Approachable, all my friends love him. Can't say enough good things about Alessi.
TAKE ALESSI! HE IS THE BEST PROFESSOR EVER! Honestly one of the most passionate teachers I have ever met. The reading is a little heavy but he makes it so interesting you don't mind it. I can't even stress enough TO TAKE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Alessi is SO GREAT!! He's a funny guy who really knows what he is talking about. If you're interested in SMAD101, you're in great hands with Alessi. There's a lot of textbook reading + a weekly quiz, but the energetic and welcoming class environment makes it worth it. You will easily pass if you do the readings and pay attention!
Alessi is the best professor I've ever had. He is funny and his class is sooo engaging. It's a tough class and you really have to be willing to put in the time outside of class to get a good grade, but I legitimately would not have enjoyed this class if it weren't for Alessi. I couldn't recommend him enough!
Alessi is a fantastic professor. SMAD 101 is a tough class that you really have to apply yourself to. But he is such an engaging and caring guy and really wants to see you do well! He's passionate and really seems to enjoy teaching. Great dude
Very passionate about his job. Smad 101 lectures are fun in the class but exams are crazy hard. READ the textbook. he assigns a lot of reading from the textbook but u like actually need to read it. U whole grade is 5 exams. Read the textbook over and over again.
I have taken Alessi for SMAD 101, SMAD 210, and SMAD 472. He is hands down the best professor at JMU. He is so enthusiastic in his lectures. He is so caring. He is willing to work with you outside of class on any subject matter. He is so passionate and actually makes class fun. I have never been bored in one of his classes. TAKE ALESSI!!!!
I love Professor Alessi with my whole heart. I have never had such an amazing teacher. I was so scared of SMAD 101 but Alessi made the class so enjoyable. If you listen to his lectures, read and watch the videos, you are bound to excel in his class. Not only is Alessi such a great teacher, he also truly cares about his students and the material.
Loved Alessi! He made everything make sense and I loved smad101
Alessi is such a great professor! He makes the class fun and exciting by utilizing interesting videos and interactive clicker questions. Be prepared to study for the exams because attending the lectures is not enough to get an A out of this class. If you feel prepared for the exam, then you will do fine as they are multiple choice. Great professor!
Prof Alessi is one of my favorite professors at JMU. He cares so much about his students and the material he teaches. In a lecture of 200 people, I bet he knows at least 2/3 of our names personally. SMAD101 is not an easy class and the tests weigh heavily, but Alessi truly wants everyone to succeed and makes his lectures super fun.
Alessi is a very personable professor and truly cares to see his students succeed. Although the class isn't an easy A, he will help you and give you study tips in order to succeed. Make sure to come to class because participation matters. Definitely will be taking Alessi for future SMAD classes.
Absolutely love this professor. Is engaged with the class even though we're a huge class. Makes the class interesting and is super accessible. One of the view professors who seems to actually care about his students and wants them to do well. The class isn't necessarily easy, but it's not hard either. Would definitely take him again if I could.
Alessi is an incredible professor and is so passionate about the SMAD program. SMAD 101 is a difficult class but he makes it exciting and interesting. The tests can be difficult, but if you pay attention in class and read the textbook you will do just fine.
Alessi is the best professor I've had so far at JMU. His lectures are always interesting and funny and his office door is always open. Even though, SMAD101 was a large class he took the time to get to know students and learn our names. He cares very much and is SO passionate about SMAD.
You can tell Prof Alessi loves teaching and you can't help but fall in love with Alessi. Absolutely wonderful man whose passionate in both his job and subject. When note taking for the tests in SMAD101, make sure to take note of even the small details because they will show up as questions. Just assume anything is fair game on the tests.
My favorite professor yet. Having a 9am on a Friday is so worth it with Alessi. He's so fun and "trendy" as a professor and talks about things in media that you have probably watched or saw. His video lectures are so entertaining and fun to watch. By far my favorite class at JMU and I wish everyone can experience a class with him.
The odds are good you'll be guaranteed to have Alessi for 101, but if you can take him for any other elective or major course, DO IT! He's one of the best teachers/professors I've ever had the privilege of being in a class with. Amazing guy, super smart and in the know about media culture, and just makes everything fun and interesting.
Alessi was amazing professor for media and politics. He is very knowledgeable and has engaging lectures.
He is a great professor and super caring. i really enjoyed taking this class with him because he always made the lectures so engaging and interesting. he really wants to help and see his students succeed. def take him and go to office hours if you have any questions or even to help study.
TAKE ALESSI. quite literally the best professor i've ever had. grades very clearly and has a great class structure that can be difficult but if you put in the work, which isn't hard bc Alessi makes it fun and encouraging, its very do-able. he's also so funny and makes the effort to know you. 5 exams and attendance is important, but you'll enjoy it!
Alessi makes his lectures super interesting and has a lot of energy. He also includes up to date stories. He's amazing and its really not a hard class as long as you go and watch the video lessons. Only a quiz each week and 5 tests. 10/10 would recommend
Please take this professor if you can. He is the best professor I have had.
Alessi is such a fun professor! I totally recommend taking this class if you want to be in the SMAD major. He is really helpful and responds quickly! Easily one of the best professors here. He gives you a lot of resources to reinforce the lectures like videos and the textbook. Also, super organized and clearly wants you to succeed.
Best professor ever!! Makes all his lectures really engaging and fun. Really cares about getting to know his students, even with such a large class. Organized so it's easy to learn all the material :) Study for the exams and you'll be a-okay. Take Alessi's class!!
By far best professor I have had so far at JMU. He is hilarious, well versed in media literacy, and overall a great person. While there is heavy reading in the class, it is the only way to pass the exams (the only grades in the class besides attendance). If you come to the lectures and pay attention, you will easily pass.
One of the most enthusiastic and energetic professors you'll have. Is genuinely passionate about the subject matter, which makes learning much easier.
Professor Alessi is a fantastic professor very funny lectures all round great guy. If you really need help just ask and he will assist you in any way he can so you may succeed in SMAD
Super nice, funny, and caring. Overall good guy and easy class, take him!
Greatest teacher you could ask for! Cares about his students in and outside of the classroom.
Alessi was amazing. I had so much fun in SMAD101 this year. It was my first ever JMU class taken and I enjoyed starting my week off in his class. His lectures were always so entertaining, and his canvas page was organized like no other. It was so easy to know exactly how to succeed in his class.
Alessi is a great professor, very interesting lectures and you can tell he cares about subject matter and students. There are weekly quizzes on the readings, 5 in-person tests (no final or midterm!) and participation is graded. The textbook can get pretty boring but he has supplemental videos to help you better understand it. Highly recommend!
Loved Alessi so much. He had super fun and entertaining lectures. Textbook reading is heavy but he breaks it up throughout the week to make it easier for us. He is always open to questions during lectures and outside of class. The exams are very easy as long as you pay attention during class and watch the short video lessons he makes.
Amazing professor. This class is all test grades but the content is easy if you just study. He has video lectures to watch before class and it is VERY obvious what he wants you to know for tests. Just do the work and it will be easy. He is so charismatic and excited to teach it, and I looked forward to his class every day.
Alessi is truly an awesome person and a great professor. You won't regret taking one of his classes.
The GOAT
Online learning has always been a drag for me. Ryan Alessi's video lessons have effort put into them like no other, they deliver information in a concise way with witty editing and large amounts of pop culture weaved in. His class is engaging and he often offers you the chance to get points essentially for free in class. This dude deserves a 5/5.
Alessi is the best Professi. Full of joy and whimsey, every day I leave his class feeling as though "Today is a new day!". One time as I was leaving, I saw him walking out the back door with his briefcase, clicking his heels Mary-Poppins style. Alessi cares about his students, he will not over-Stressi you or make you feel Depressi!
Alessi was one of the best professors to start your day with. I had him at 10:20am and he was always full of energy and ready to teach. He definitely cared about his students and wanted them to succeed. There were chapter readings every week, quizzes on the chapters, and 3-4 exams. Study and you'll do fine.
I had Alessi for SMAD101. He is everything you would expect/want for media-related lectures, and I found him very accessible outside class. He obviously cares about making sure every student does well and learns. There are 5 mcq tests counting for 80% of the grade (content is exactly what we learn), but the other 20% is easy if you show up.
The perfect person to introduce the School of Media Arts and Design. High-energy, passionate, and funny. I looked forward to his class even though it was early in the morning. Take his class!
Alessi is the BEST professor I have had in my time at JMU. He is always full of energy and excitement in all of his lectures. He provides honest feedback and is very accessible outside of class. Highly recommend going to his office hours after each test and he can easily explain everything to YOUR understanding. Study & you'll be fine!!
Alessi is a wonderful teacher! He knows how to keep his class entertained and engaged. There were exams in the class that weren't bad if you studied and paid attention, but no essays. He does take attendance but allows you some free absences. Really straight-to-the-point class that I enjoyed.
what is there to say that hasn't already been said. alessi is king
One of the great professors. Incredibly nice and knows exactly how to put on a good show and lecture. His classes are very fun and diverse in terms of content (videos, graphics, lecturing)
Awesome guy who is excited to be there and makes it fun. Loved the class, you just actually have to study to succeed. I would 100% recommend Alessi, he is one of the most passionate teachers I've ever had.
Who doesn't love Alessi?!?! He'll make you love SMAD so much, his lectures are interesting and engaging. Weekly open-book quizzes, and five tests. I went to his office hours and he walked me through my questions amazingly. I'll definitely be trying to take his other courses.
Alessi's SMAD101 is a blast - his high energy and passion for the subject make the lectures super engaging. Use unstuckstudy alongside the textbook to nail the multiple-choice exams.
the BEST!!!
I loved smad 101 it was a fantastic introductory course and made me really excited about smad. He is extremely knowledgeable, energetic, and passionate about what he teaches and keeps his lectures engaging. The video lessons are great, and the tests are easy as long as you take good notes from lectures, readings, and videos and study them well.
Alessi is the best. Thats it. He is the kindest, funniest most amazing professor you will ever have. He pours ever bit of himself into his classes and helping students succeed. I still believe that he wants me to do well more than anyone I know (including myself). He is the best cheerleader you will ever find and has good music taste.
he is awesome! he really cares about each student. there are weekly 5Q quizzes on canvas and four exams + the final. the exams are all multiple choice so make sure you know the material. he makes every class fun however, make sure you show up to get credit. meet with him if you need help with your smad application, he gives great advice.
The best ever!!! He is the most engaging, kind professor I have ever had!! I looked forward to going to every class! The tests are a little hard but make sure you pay attention and listen to what he says in class, you will do amazing!!
Out of all the professors I've had, he is easily the best by far!!!
Professor Alessi is a MUST TAKE fantastic professor. He is very cool and very nice to students in my SMAD 472 class and in 101 when I took it. He makes boring topics like media & politics really fun and really engaging in his own ways. When you get the chance if ur in SMAD or not TAKE ALESSI'S classes.
I absolutely loved Alessi's class! He really cares about his students and them doing well. His lectures are fun and engaging, and he's undoubtedly passionate about it. If you attend class, do (at least most of) the readings and watch the videos (which are hilarious tbh), you will pass. He was one of my favorite professors, take him if you can!!
I loved this class! As long as you actually go to the lectures and put in effort, it will be a super easy class and he gives lots of extra credit opportunities. He's really passionate about his lectures and the video lessons are super entertaining. HIGHLY recommend.
LOVED ALESSI. He is so postive and entertaining for a professor. The class material was actually fun to learn and I enjoyed coming to class. Graded on 5 tests, around 14 take home quizzes, and a couple extra credit opportunities. This class is very memorization based, but still the best class and best professor ever.
Alessi is a super fun professor!! He's really fun and his lectures are always engaging, especially if you care about politics. 472 isn't too hard if you have a rudimentary understanding of politics, it's just essays and the occasional "current events quiz"- just keep up with current news and don't be a boring centrist and you'll be fine.
I LOVED smad 101 with Alessi! He is a wonderful and passionate professor and made the lectures so interesting. The class is made up of 5 tests and are easy if you study what he says to study. He is so knowledgable and I hope to take more of his classes in the future. Easy to pay attention b/c so interesting and energetic.
He's clearly so passionate about what he does. His lectures should be 1h15min because the end of the class feels rushed. The only grades are tophats, 5 exams and some extra credit, which is kinda annoying.
I LOVE ALESSI! My favorite professor at JMU! There are 5 exams, and you'll need to put in effort to keep a B or higher. Quizzes and extra credit help a little, but missing them can hurt. Lectures are engaging and tied to pop culture, and he provides helpful videos for each chapter. The textbook is a must, which should be tweaked.
Alessi is probably one of the best SMAD (or in general) professors to take at JMU. The media & politics class may sound daunting or boring, but he makes it so much fun and engaging. There are projects scattered throughout and current events quizzes, but he makes it a fun time while still learning a lot!
Alessi is the best professor at JMU dont miss out on taking a class with him
One of the best professors in this school. I've never felt bored in his lectures and despite being in a huge class, he still makes an effort to recognize his students. The tests are mostly 50 questions, but as long as you take notes, review the videos, you'll pass! The professor's assistant was also incredibly helpful.
The best! This was a while back, but u dont wanna miss any exam days. There are NO redos. I wasn't good at memorization n missed an exam; I got a C- n u need a C at least. So, I had to retake it back then. He loves what he does n it's very knowledgeable. Reminds me of Dr. Lo another great asset to SMAD if u put in the work. Looks like Salvador Dalí
Very passionate about what he does and the lectures are actully interesting. Would defintly recommend him and very understanding. The tests aren't too bad if you really try.
The goat. Show up to class and pay attention, there's a reading before every class from the textbook, read it and take notes and watch his video lessons before class too. He explains all the concepts soo well and the tests are very straight forward. Pay attention to the multiple choice questions he gives in class because he will reuse on the test!
I have taken 101 and 204 with Alessi, and it's been such a pleasure both times. He is simply the best!!!! He's iconic
TAKE HIM! Class is so interesting and Alessi is one in a million. Get the textbook, go to class, and study- the tests are more than fair and he often drops hints in class. There are also plenty of opportunities to cushion your grade. I am lucky to have been in this class and have already convinced two others to switch majors to SMAD because of it.
Best professor at JMU! Had an amazing time in his class, his lectures are highly engaging despite having a large class! He knows his stuff and is glad to help out with anything you need! There were a few multiple choice exams that were very easy if you keep notes in class and review the videos! Passed every one!
Probably the best professor at JMU. Brings great energy to every lecture, and you can tell that he is very passionate about what he teaches. I will be miserable if I never have him as a professor again. Can't recommend this class enough.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
90%
Textbook Required
0%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.52 avg changeRatings by Course
SCOM472
5.0
(5)SMAD150
5.0
(3)SMAD201
5.0
(5)SMAD210
5.0
(2)SMAD472
4.8
(12)Difficulty by Course
SMAD202
3.3
SMAD472
3.1
SMAD101
3.1
SCOM472
3.0
SMAD210
3.0