2.4
Quality3.7
Difficulty41%
Would Retake100
Reviews41%
Would Retake
100
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
17
4
15
3
11
2
19
1
38
What Students Say
“Not much explanation to what is on the test, and no study guide”
FIN4305 - 1.0 rating“By far the hardest class I have taken at UHD”
FIN4305 - 2.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
20%
Textbook Required
36%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+1.11 avg changeRatings by Course
FINALL
4.0
(1)FIN4301
4.0
(1)BUSFIN3302
4.0
(3)4305
3.0
(1)FIN3302
2.8
(48)Difficulty by Course
FINALL
5.0
FINANCE
5.0
FINANCE3302
5.0
CASES
5.0
FINFIN
5.0
Reviews (100)
Dr. Penkar is very hard and unrealistic. You have to work very hard to get an b, and really hard just to get a C. I don't know anyone who has received an A in his class. Knows everything about finance, but his exams do not test what he teaches.
His test are off the HOOK!!! Avoid him
He is crazy...I think he likes it when students fail. AVOID HIM!!!
Very little tolerance and unwilling to explain concepts thoroughly.
Dr. Penkar has little tolerance for students who do not apply themselves. He expects a lot from his students but that doesn't mean he's a bad teacher. He's very clear in his expectations and doesn't cut much slack. He actually expects students to learn
This guy is rude and unhelpful - but offers extra credit! He knows his stuff, but is unwilling or unable to teach well. FOLLOW THE EXAMPLES IN CLASS! His tests are 50/50 book material/work problems. Not extremely difficult if you learn quickly.
I agree with the previous student. If you ask a question, he gets annoyed with you and makes you feel like you are stupid. The problems on the exam are not hard, but the m/c will get you. You get to do 10 points of extra credit though. Overall, he's ok
Took him online. Not my favorite guy. Worked very very very hard for my C.
Took online class - basically, you get the syllabus on day 1 and teach yourself the class - keep up with the chapters, do the HW - you can get an A - tests online, open book, open notes - you learn everything yourself from the book - no teaching from Penkar
This man is crazy...he is an awful professor. I can't believe he is still teaching...it seems has if he feeds off of making his students miserable.
Do not take this class online. If you are not a Finance Major the normal student will struggle in this class. I had to drop this class for multiple reasons (mainly due to no interaction and structure). I am on the Deans List, been taking online and face-face since 96 and this Prof. is "thumbs down"
He is the devil and he enjoys being rude and flunking students. RUN; RUN FAST!
God he is awful! It's obvious that he feels teaching is below him as he doesn't really care if you understand the subject matter or not. He runs through the class never stopping for an explanation and is quite happy to fail you. The only thing I learned
This guy is a jerk! He assigns homework problems but won't help you on the test. The questions are hard as s%#! . This class is a business core class, but he gives exams like were all finance majors. If you aren't a finance major, don't take his class. And like everyone else has mentioned, there is no structure or help so your on your own.
this guy is super hard! you can not miss one class or you will be gone forever! you need to practice all the problems he gives you and the homework. his multiple choice are very tricky. i did not feel comfortable asking questions in class b/c he will get mad if he thinks the question is retarded. he expects for you to know your crap about finance.
Smart dude! Can easily figure out if u know wa u r talking about. Plays a fair game. You do ur homework and ask sensible quesitons, he'll readily answer 'em, but beware if u don't make any sense to him!
This guy sucks. He tests over material other than what was instructed. Stay away from Sam Penkar. He moves too fast and is unwilling to help.
I just took the first test, everyone is dropping, trying to find out how many passed (he won't tell us), calling counselors to complain, etc. Info on test is not taught in class!
I took him for investments online and it was not hard...got an A! He does expect you to basically teach yourself and very little interaction from him when help needed...but if you read the chapters you will do fine on tests!
I like him, he is the best!
Don't believe the hype! It's the not the end of the world if you have to take this guy; excellent finance professor who is extremely clear on what he expects from his students. You'll learn a lot in his class!
YOU GOTTA READ THE TEXT TO PASS THIS CLASS! attend all classes to get worked out problems for midterms, take advantage of extra credit oppurtunity, it's a grade letter difference! he's not bad, very intelligent. you'll learn a lot in his class.
he is a really good professor. read the chapters and know definitions. know how to do the problems in class. homework problems didnt help much. he gives an extra credit assignment and gives about an extra 10 points on tests. he drops the lowest test grade. I dont know why other people think hes hard. i would take him again. thanks Dr.Penkar!!
Tests extremely hard over material other than instructed. Students dropping b/c of his teaching. Is unwilling to help & is annoyed by questions. If you do not believe all the comments on this professor see for yourself. Beware u were warned!!! Horrible Horrible teacher cannot believe they allow him to teach!
His very hard and unwilling to help student. If you take it on-line, you pretty much on your own. I don't recommend student taking this instructor.
everyone that reads this comment please be warn that this professor is the most incomprehensible professor in the face of earth, trust me i am a regester student who will be honest and just try to help another student out by warning you not to take this professor. TRUST ME...I HAVE NO REASON TO LIE. I JUST TOOK HIS CLASSINTHE SUMMERANDITWASNOTGOOD.
I took this class online during summer I. This was the hardest class ever!! Test were online, but they were nothing like the textbook or homework. Everyone was complaining so he gave extra credit points on all the test. He is not very helpful in answering questions!! If you don't have to take him, I would stay AWAY!!!
If math is not your strength, then don't take this class in the summer or online, because you will have to teach yourself. The test were open-book but it was the hardest open-book test i have ever had. I took it during summmer 2 and got an A, but it wasn't easy.
The students that have made comments are not making it up. Tests are open book but it doesnt help if the instructor did not teach anything. Take another instructor, anyone but him. He does not answer questions and getting back with students is not a priority.
i took this online-had to teach myself. he's no good with replying to emails. the tests cover mostly definitions & concepts but also a few problems worth a high %age of the test grade. you must read the chapters he says even though it only helps for~3/4 of the test. do the extra credit! the class seems hard but work hard & you'll do ok in the end.
BEWARE! The class itself is not difficult, but if you take him online you have to study extremely hard because the practice problems that are assigned are nothing like the problems given on the exam. The only plus is that he will drop your lowest test grade.
I had a hard time in this class. The test are online and very difficult, which are not curved - so don't even ask. The probs he assigned are not like the test probs, they are way more difficult. He doesn't have much personality either and doesn't appear to like people. I would never, ever recommend anyone take his investments course.
This Prof. is TERRIBLE! He is a genius, but just does NOT know how to teach. If you try to contact him for help, he either does not respond, or gives you some basic answer like "go read the book"...thanks professor.
He gives you practice problems, but they are nothing like the test questions. The tests are all open book, but many of the test questions aren't even covered in the book. I barely got by with a C and I'm an A student. He does not answer emails. Don't take him if you can avoid it.
Many students complained that this class was hard, but if you just buy the recommended calculator ($30)and learn how to use it, the material is a joke! Tests were not super easy but tests have extra credit built in. He also gives 2 generous and easy extra credit assignments. If you fail, you did not read!
Took the course on-line over the winter break. The course wasnt all that bad. Read the text, practice examples in the text,and take the quizzes. Be sure to utilize study groups. The tests were not easy, but consisted of some of the questions from the quizzes. Buy the recommended calculator and you'll do fine. Made a B in the class. Would recommend.
All material directly from the book. Quizzes are not graded, and multiple attempts are allowed, which is an excellent way to prepare for the test. Make sure you buy the calculator and learn to use it, it's invaluable in the class. Exams are hard, but manageable with a decent understanding of the concepts of each chapter.
Teacher is not helpful, or responsive. If you're prepared to do everything by yourself, take this class. **I'm taking this class online.**
Avoid this professor at all costs. Not worth money or time. I am really surprised he has a job.
He does not respond to emails. Took online and often he would respond only the day of exam if ur lucky. Does give extra credit, but overall two thumbs down
Are Penkar's exams completely different from his practice quizes? how many questions are there? Are only the problems different on the exam or the whole exam? Does he curve at the end?
I HAD LITTLE OR NO HELP AT ALL FROM THIS PROF. Quizzes are helpful, but not entirely because nothing is shown how to do the calculations. The book helps, but still doesn't ensure correct calculations. if you take this class online GOOOD LUCK!
Good Luck...Avoid if possible
I just took this class for May-mini mester (3 wk course) and I will say that the material overall is VERY DIFFICULT. I'm an idiot when it come to bonds, aprs, treasure bills, etc. You have to teach yourself otherwise, you won't get far. This is NOT a easy breezy class. The Professor is clear on his instructions & not his fault the material is hard.
I took Summer II online class.He does not give lecture notes but just a powerpoint slides to follow with the textbook reading. The final exam was much harder than the mid terms.
DO NOT take this professor if you are unable to teach yourself! I took this as an online course and ended up with an A but the prof will not respond to emails and there is NO study material other than a few quizzes that are not graded. Take the quiz NUMEROUS times because the questions are different and they are on the tests! Take a diff teacher
Professor was clear. Syllabus was exact. No surprises. I never had a need to contact the professor as the class was very straight forward. He did respond to other students emails promptly. If you do not have any finance experience, I would suggest taking this class face-to-face, so that any concerns can be addressed immediately.
just do the work and you'll pass easily, read over assigned material.
Easy class, the paper is 10 percent of the grade, study a little bit and you get easy A.
Clear cut grading. 3 exams (drops lowest, if you're happy with first two exam grades, take a 0 on the next). 1 final. All exams MC. Practice MC Quizzes available. Not too difficult, but not easy either. Read the book and practice the HW problems in the syllabus (not for a grade) and you'll be fine. Gives 10 extra credit points for WSJ articles.
This was by far the best teacher at UHD. He gave you all the tools to succeed. I would take him again. He is awesome!!!
Worst professor ever. Didn't learn a single thing, you ask him a question he say he will answer next class. teach yourself, or you wont pass. good luck. I wouldn't recommend him. unless you take online, then go ahead and google your life away
Only 3 tests to take, plus the "final", which is over the last 3 chapters of the class. The lowest grade of the first three tests is dropped. Practice quizzes are for your benefit only. The final was open book and open notes.
Just took this class for the winter term. 3 exams, the quizzes are not mandatory, but help for practice. Easy A.
Took his class online and he took a week to respond to questions and by then the deadline passed and when he would decide to respond, his explanations were not clear at all and left you with more questions. His tests are very difficult. You can't just google them, they are not online. Gives an individual project but his guidelines were confusing
You have 3 tests and a final. THAT'S IT. He drops the lowest out of the 3. Practice quizzes are up to you, not counted as grade. Final was open book, notes, internet and all. Never needed anything from him but class was easy. Just read and take those practice quizzes to understand better. Easy stuff!
Took this class online. 3 tests 1 final exam. Drops the lowest grade and give extra credit assign. worth 10 points added to the final score. Most test questions are on Google. 25 qs & 1 1/2 hr for each test Finance wasn't my major but if it is you will not learn anything. But easy A if you just have to take this course to fulfill major requirements
I didn't really have any questions because he lays everything out for you at the beginning of class. I learned a lot from this class, granted it was online but you don't have some one giving you a ton of busy work. Just 3 exams and a final.
He was the best! I thought going into this class I wouldn't do well at all but I was wrong. There are practice tests for every lesson and only 4 tests. He drops the lowest grade for the tests and offers extracredit. the final wasn't bad and you can use all materials!
he is great 4 test he drop the lowest. you must take him. i wish all professors are like him
Professor Penkar is excellent. He replies to emails in a timely manner and gives clear instructions. Took this class for winter mini and passed with an easy A. Two exams & 1 final exam. All exams were open book and open notes, including the final exam. Even though the final exam is proctored he allows you to use everything including all websites.
Great professor! Best one at UHD. TAKE HIM!
This was one of the worst classes ever! Do not take him because he expects you to do all of the learning yourself. He does not teach what will be on the test.
Very underrated professor. Allows you to use internet on the Final. Gives extra credit. The people complaining about him should study more and get a life.
Don't take him. Not much explanation to what is on the test, and no study guide. Some people are smart and have a lot of knowledge of a subject, but conveying that knowledge is something he doesn't know how to do.
By far the hardest class I have taken at UHD. The professor is nice and he is accessible outside of class. Test are mild, and he is a tough grader. YOU MUST read the book. 3 test (drops one), 1 final and 1 assignment. If you can take another professor, I would recommend that you do. Would not take this professor again.
AVOID!!! I've maintained a 3.85 GPA & I find this class extremely difficult. His exams have zero correlation to course materials provided. Although, his exams are open book, he hand-writes questions and purposely adjusts wording to confuse you. So even if you study vigorously, you may not understand his wording, and interpretation of the text.
This professor is hard to understand. The homework doesn't help you in exams. He doesn't explain well how the exams are graded by point system doesn't match the number of questions on exams. No study guide on for any exams. only good thing is that he drops the lowest grade. One project due at the end of class. Book and exams don't go together.
2 midterms - most answers are online, and one final - most answers are online for this as well. The final is proctored, but he lets you use all websites, so it doesn't really matter. Easily got an A in the class. (I'm really bad at FIN)
3 tests but drops the lowest grade, they are open book and notes. You can have your laptop/tablet out if your book is online during the tests ;) One final with open book and notes as well. Has an easy 10 bonus point extra credit added to overall grade! No HW, just graded by the 2 highest grade tests and final. Do the extra credit is easy
Ok everybody this was summer class online, we only got graded by 3 exams, open book, open notes, you may use ur resources (if y'all know what I'm talking about Lol) except for the final cuz it lockdown browser, no assignments, no tests dropped, no study guides or reviews, wish he provided some extra credit assignments, got a "B"
took this as a 5 week class. Syllabus is straightforward. Book is mandatory BUT it felt like the test questions were more complicated. Two "midterms" worth 45 points each and a final for 60 points. I wish he would have given extra credit, missed an A by a few points. Open notes/open book. About 10 chapters total, so its doable.
Five week summer course. 2 midterms, 45 points each, and 1 final, 60 points, non comprehensive. Exams are open book and open note. No study guides and the practice problems to prepare for exam were not helpful at all. NO extra credit and does not drop lowest test grade. INVEST IN CHEGGSTUDY OR COURSEHERO. Wouldn't take this professor again.
I took this Prof. on June (mini) only 3 exams. Open book open notes. Final with lockdown browser but again open notes/open books. Questions average 20-35 and about 4-6 math problems on each. He has all the chapter problems answered and worked for you so that you can understand the material. Is the easiest A you could get!
you have 12 papers to write, webcam, 3 exams, 1 final, avoid if u want to pass I'm good at math n this is my major hard class if it's not. teach is mia one of those classes self-taught his sample questions/book questions have nothing to do with exams take someone else if u want easy pass this is not it
exams are extremely hard and too many questions use webcam lockdown to avoid take someone else
final is webcm lockdown do not take him other professors are not doing this
the easiest class i've ever taken, never spoke to him directly. 100 on everything. 3 tests, one short essay assignment for 15 articles, must do it or you automatically fail. just do it, it's easy. cool dude.
Super nice professor. However, you would need to do the learning yourself. Videos/PPT. are not very helpful. No homework, just term paper (minimum 12pgs) and EXAMS.
PROCTER U lockdown video audio recording & live person watching $25 gotta pay to take exams online via that software all are on Procter u class is no hmw except 3 test 1 final. extremely hard questions on all test some are fill in blank math problems mc math and 1-2 definition concept base question no notes book nothing allowed 1 paper. fall 21
3 lockdown midterm, 1 monitored final, 12 pg essay will be your grade. No extra credit. Lecture videos are outdated. Prepare to study on your own.
Professor is non existent. Have to learn on your own. 2 test lockdown. Final is 60% and is nothing like the prior test. No review. Have to write a 12 page Paper as well. Sucks lowest grade I have ever received at Uhd.
You have to learn everything on your own. Tests are extremely hard and you have to write a 12-page paper, horrible.
Clear and to the point. Gives a 15 paragraph assignment with way more than sufficient time to complete. Do all your work and you will pass. Responds promptly and is available if you need him.
The worst professor you could possibly take. Save yourself time. I am a straight A's and B's Student, I have never gotten a C before. He will not even consider the thought of giving you extra credit opportunities not to mention the fact that he doesn't even provide his students with any reviews for the tests or the final exam which is 40%.
WORST PROFESSOR YOU COULD EVER TAKE. MAKES YOU STRESS SOOO MUCH AND BASED ON THE WHOLE CLASS NO ONE WAS EVEN ABLE TO GET A GOOD GRADE!!! HE WILL RUIN YOUR GPA!!! AVOID HIM AT ALL COSTS EVEN IF HE IS YOUR LAST RESOURCE (LIKE HE WAS FOR ME)!! DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!
This is a teach yourself kind of class no lectures. I would recommend getting the book to help you study, it isn't mandatory, but he does allow you to use it on the final. Only 3 tests, a 12 page paper and final. Tests on lockdown, no other daily assignments. If you are able to teach yourself material and don't mind the hands off approach then take
One of the worst classes I've taken. The entire grade depends on 3 exams, 17 WSJ reports (written as one document) and the final. I taught myself all of the material, and he was terrible about getting back to emails, even urgent ones. When/If he does respond, he responds with 4 words max, leaving you more confused. I would avoid him at all costs!
Strongly recommend staying away from Professor Penkar. He is a very disorganized professor and does not even follow his own syllabus. He will change the rules at the last minute and makes TONS of exam errors. He does not own up to his mistakes. The course is just 4 exams and a 12 page essay. You're on your own. Professor is incredibly unhelpful.
3 midterms are open book, open note with no camera. Lowest midterm is dropped. Textbook REQUIRED; solutions will be posted for textbook questions. 12 page paper is assigned beginning of the semester on any finance topic of your choice. Final is 40% which is scary. I haven't taken the final yet.
RUDE. DO NOT TAKE. FINAL IS WORTH 60% of grade and taken on proctorU. Honestly just a rude person, i would avoid him on that reason alone.
All I can say is that I am amazed Penkar is allowed to be a professor. 3 exams, 1 proctored final, 12 page essay. It is possible to pass, but you are most definitely not getting an A. If you take him, don't bother to contact him because he will not care, let alone respond. Avoid.
THE FINAL DETERMINES EVERYTHING. THE FINAL IS 40% OF HIS GRADE. I HAD AN (A) IN HIS CLASS AND THEN THE FINAL DROPPED ME DOWN TO A (C) WHICH AFFECTED MY GPA GREATLY!!! PLEASE DO NOT TAKE HIM!!!! THE CLASS IS EASY UNTIL YOU GET TO THE FINAL!!!! I WOULD BE GRADUATING WITH (summa cum laude CORDS) BUT INSTEAD GOT (magna cum laude) THANKS TO HIM! DONT!!!
Do NOT recommend this prof. 3 exams, 12 page paper, and proctored final worth 40%. His videos are VERY dated and difficult to understand, failed to upload a module to canvas that was covered on the final. There were frequent errors on his exams and our course grade was hidden the entirety of the semester. Highest final grade for my class was a 71.
3 exams he drops the lowest grade (respondus but camera off). MANY errors on exams and emailed him many times to fix them before he finally did! 12pg paper but he graded it leniently, my paper was terrible and I still got a 90. Final was 40% and was VERY difficult but I had 3 pages of notes on earlier test questions and made a B in the class
One of the worst experiences I have ever had in a class. Exams were difficult, with a 12-page essay being the only other assignment for the course. Only 1 or 2 other students in my class were able to pass the final. Very poor communication, no test reviews, and lack of guidance in the class. Never felt like there was any care about the students.
Most difficult A of my undergrad. The midterms are fine, no webcam. Essay is not bad either, nearly everyone got an 90%. I went the extra mile to include tables/charts and got a 100%. What can kill your grade is the final, it will probably bring you down a full letter grade or more. Make sure to ace everything else so you're prepared to take a hit
Professor Penkar's class is no walk in the park, but with dedication and the right study tools like unstuck AI, it's manageable. The exams are challenging, but dropping the lowest midterm helps. Stay on top of the 12-page paper and you'll likely walk away with a solid grade.
This class is straightforward! There are only a few assignments, and if you understand finance, you won't encounter any issues.
Just complete the assignments he opens all of them at the beginning of the semester, so it's basically self-taught and you can work at your own pace. The only proctored part is the final exam which has no more than 30 multiple choice questions. I'm not great at math but as long as you do the work, you can earn a good grade
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
20%
Textbook Required
36%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+1.11 avg changeRatings by Course
FINALL
4.0
(1)FIN4301
4.0
(1)BUSFIN3302
4.0
(3)4305
3.0
(1)FIN3302
2.8
(48)Difficulty by Course
FINALL
5.0
FINANCE
5.0
FINANCE3302
5.0
CASES
5.0
FINFIN
5.0