3.7

Thomas Donohue

Communication - Virginia Commonwealth University

3.7
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
100%
Would Retake
82
Reviews
3.7
Quality
3.1
Difficulty
3.5
Helpful
3.9
Clarity

100%

Would Retake

82

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

33

4

19

3

23

2

5

1

2

What Students Say

This guy is really funny at times

MASC101 - 4.0 rating

He really knows his stuff and puts it all into a very entertaining lecture

MASC - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

68% confidence
Based on 6 grades
Most common grades:
B (3)
A (2)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 6 reported grades
B: 3
A: 2
A+: 1
Common Tags
Hilarious (3)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
Participation matters (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
Clear grading criteria (1)
Lecture heavy (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.35 avg change
Aug
Nov
Nov
Nov
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MASC

5.0

(1)

MASCOM101

5.0

(1)

MASC393

5.0

(2)

GREATCLASS

5.0

(1)

PSYC401

5.0

(1)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PSY101

4.0

PSYC401

4.0

MASSCOMM101

3.5

MASC101

3.2

MSC101

3.0

Reviews (82)
3.0
3.0
MSC101
Nov 29, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
MASC290
Mar 8, 2004

No Comments

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Mar 25, 2004

Entertaining

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Apr 21, 2004

This guy is really funny at times. He knows his stuff, and the long lecture isnt too hard to sit through. I, as well as others Ive talked to, had a hard time on his exams. The questions get a little tricky.

5.0
3.0
MASC
Apr 23, 2004

Had him for MASC 101. He really knows his stuff and puts it all into a very entertaining lecture. He likes to show media examples for every type of media covered. Has an unusual grading system, but you should be okay as long as you study.

5.0
2.0
MASC101
Apr 28, 2004

A class where you learn and laugh all class long. Funny man and he breaks the information down. However, his test are tricky. But you atleast should be able to get a C on them.

2.0
4.0
MASC101
Jul 29, 2004

fun and intersting class, i did not understand the tests at all. i went to lecture and read and still got a d. tests are HARD i still dont understand them, i would not take him again. ever i didnt do well with his tests.

5.0
2.0
MASC101
Sep 15, 2004

I loved his class! He is such a good teacher. I saw him at his office hours and I was always able to make at least a c+ -b and that was even when i skipped like 5 classes. VERY funny and just all around a great teacher! Study the guides that he hands out!

3.0
2.0
MASSCOM101
Grade: A
Oct 8, 2004

This class is pretty easy. The notes are not helpful whatsoever. Read the book and u are guaranteed to get an A or B. Hes pretty interesting and makes the class very modern. The lab classes are a joke. He is the only mass com teacher so PUT UP. lol

4.0
2.0
MASSCOMM
Oct 26, 2004

Alright, I'll warn you now, the exams are not easy. But to listen to this guy's lectures, it is all worth it. He's a trip, very blunt. He levels with you like you're an adult. I really enjoy his class. Plus he shows a movie for the last hour of every class! Can't beat that!

5.0
4.0
MASC101
Grade: A+
Oct 27, 2004

Is kinda tough, but the guy is awesome. Study for your tests (lecture notes and book) and you'll do well, and you really will enjoy his lectures. So far, the only teacher who I have who DOES give good lectures. =)

5.0
2.0
MASCOM101
Oct 27, 2004

He is a good teacher but writes his exams to vaguely. It's hard not to read into the questions too much. But if you need a human behavior credit take this class, it's way better than soci.

5.0
2.0
MASC393
Nov 30, 2004

I had him for Creativity of Television. He is so cool. And ladies (and gentlemen), he's cute for an older guy. I said "cute." Not drop-dead gorgeous. I think it's the personality. He is definitely down-to-earth and will make you laugh tears.

3.0
3.0
MASC101
Dec 10, 2004

A very engaging lecture, but don't count on that to get you through the exams. His exam review lectures are a joke if you didn't come to the actual lectures. It's just a Q&A session, and if you don't know what the topic is about, it's hard to ask a question. Movies every Thursday, that's a big +!

1.0
3.0
MASC101
Grade: B
Dec 13, 2004

Great teacher, hard exams

3.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 24, 2004

Interesting teacher. However, his exams are very book oriented and the book happens to be long amd boring. His grading system is also pretty ridiculous and unfair I feel.

3.0
4.0
MASC101
Jan 18, 2005

material is easy to understand, but grading system is ridiculous. luckily the lab section teacher is the one who assigns the grades, so make sure you do all your labwork great and attend all the lab meetings. but also go to lectures for the notes for exams

2.0
3.0
MASSCOMM101
Apr 6, 2005

Funny as hell... but almost in a creepy way. He seems like he could be a **** or something. As... for his exams... well... you can't get much more vague than these.

4.0
3.0
MASS101
May 6, 2005

One of the most interesting classes I have taken. Test are tricky, but if you attend lectures, and do some reading, you should do fine. He is an awesome teacher, you will be entertained and learn alot. Book is an easy read too.

5.0
2.0
MASC393
May 11, 2005

Creativity for TV. Cool guy, extremely funny and down to earth. Fun class thats pretty easy. No exams, just creating commercials for products you get to choose. Take this as an elective if you need mass comm credits.

3.0
3.0
MASC101
Jun 2, 2005

tests are impossible to be sure if you have the right answer, tricky. same w/grading scale, you dont know till the end. i ****ed and moaned all semester but ended up with an A. hes a real good lecturer. interesting stories/comments. EVERY OTHER CLASS IS A MOVIE! the mandatory breakout class was a JOKE-totally useless. overall - the class is so-so.

3.0
3.0
MASC101
Aug 31, 2005

Not sure about this class... the test seemed harder then what he lectured.

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Sep 1, 2005

awesome teacher, but STUDY for the tests...they are hard.

3.0
3.0
COMMUNICATIONS
Grade: A
Sep 3, 2005

No Comments

5.0
1.0
GREATCLASS
Sep 12, 2005

No Comments

4.0
4.0
MASC101
Sep 18, 2005

boring lecture.............but a nice guy tho

5.0
3.0
MASC101
Oct 16, 2005

He seems like a good teacher, at least in relation to others. His lectures never seem that boring to me, but maybe I'm just weird. Tests are hard indeed. Studying is a must.

5.0
3.0
MASC101
Oct 19, 2005

He's really cool and I think the lectures are interesting but the tests are tough.

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Oct 20, 2005

Awesome guy. A little difficult if you don't pay attention to things. Relies on your ability to infer from events rather than memorizing the names and dates associated with them. Really reminds me of Mayor Wilkins from Buffy The Vampire Slayer

5.0
2.0
MASC101
Nov 3, 2005

This class is great. He talks very quickly, but if you take good notes you will have no trouble studying for the tests. Know the study guide, and you will be fine. The lecture is very interesting and the stories are both entertaining and relevant. I'd take him again if I got the chance!

5.0
2.0
MASC101
Nov 14, 2005

I think he is wonderful and hot for an old guy!

5.0
3.0
MASC101
Nov 21, 2005

He is very funny and tells great stories. THe tests are a little difficult (he even admits at the beginning of class that only about 8% if the people will get As, and about 40% will get Cs) but other than that its pretty good, and the thursday movies are informative and better yet, relavent.

4.0
2.0
MASC290
Jan 13, 2006

Donohue is a good teacher, go to his lectures and take his notes...he tells great stories...the tests are a little hard but come one he gives you a study guide! and he reviews that with you and answers any questions...the only bad thing is the bell curve grading scale...most likely you will end up with a C but still a fun class:)

3.0
3.0
MASC101
Jan 17, 2006

I was excited about this class before taking it, but not so hot about it afterwards! Be sure to take notes and study; however, read the book as well! His exams are pretty ugly, but your other grades will bring your average up. I ended up with a B, so it was okay I guess.

4.0
4.0
MASC101
Feb 2, 2006

He definitely does not like for people to come in late or have their cell phones go off in class, which is a good thing. Other than that he's not easy but he does teach the material well and he makes it very clear what his expectations are.

4.0
4.0
MASC101
Apr 19, 2006

Unlike other prof's, he doesn't drone on and on for 2 1/2 hours. After the break, a movie is shown, like the History of the Ed Sullivan show. He's hilarious, interesting, and really impatient with late comers and people with ringing phones. Be careful of the bell curve though, make sure you study for the tests.

2.0
1.0
MASC101
May 12, 2006

He isn't a very good teacher, mostly because he's bitter that his career in television failed. However, I went to class maybe 5 times in the whole semester and still got a B. He always says that coming to the lectures is really important, but he just repeats what's in the book and punctuates it with anecdotes. Fat.

3.0
4.0
MASSCOMM101
May 21, 2006

the tests were hard. definitely have to study his class notes AND read the textbook...and dont forget to go to the breakout sessions. i failed because i didnt know they were mandatory. :/

2.0
5.0
MASC101
Oct 6, 2006

Really HARD class...the first test the average was a 63%...Mr. Donahue said he took the test himself and got a C on it...not good...He took away the curve this semster and im wishing he brought it back...avoid him if you can!

5.0
3.0
MASC101
Oct 18, 2006

Um, I don't get why people think his tests are that freaking hard. I mean, he even gives you a study guide and spends 30 minutes before the exam answering questions. If you know the material, you'll get an A. I did.

5.0
1.0
MASC101
Nov 30, 2006

Great class. Like him or not, Donnahue knows his stuff. he is very funny in a cynical sort of way, and makes the material seem interesting. I never opened my text book and stll got an A. His outlines make the class very easy.

3.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 6, 2006

he hit on me and that was gross. he knows his stuff but is kind of a jerk. it didn't help that my breakout session sucked

1.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 12, 2006

I didn't really get much out of this class hence why I changed my major after this!...break out session was good and i scored the maximum points...tests were hard and I did good!...but he has a bell curve which kind of sucks so I ended up with a C! Some people think he's funny but you have to have his sense of humor..however he does know his stuff

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Dec 15, 2006

Everyone knows the two most discussed rules: Late comers and ringing cell phones; he HATES them. He also doesn't give As, he said it himself! More than likely, the bell curve will put you with a C which sucks! Make sure you take notes in class during his lectures-which were funny at times, and read the book as well...yea i know, that sucks too! lol

3.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 17, 2006

Dr. Donohue is a great teacher. His tests however, are not so great. Almost everyone fails his tests, causing him to curve all the grades. I would have had a C in the class had the exams counted.

2.0
5.0
MASC101
Dec 27, 2006

good stories, lectures are interesting, likes what he does, good participation in a 200+ student class, movies are okay. tests are impossible. study a lot. tests don't have the same info as lectures and notes. studyguides are very vague. breakout sessions are a waste of time. Good luck with this 101 class, its a doozy.

3.0
2.0
MASC101
Jan 16, 2007

i loved going to his class because his lectures were interesting HOWEVER his tests were HARD!They were hard for no reason. What I did realize is that if you READ the chapters you will do OK on the tests & if you get all your points from your break out session you can do well. I got an A but that was only because of the curve & i did all my work

5.0
2.0
MASC101
Apr 2, 2007

Interesting proffesor- really knows what hes talking about. good sense of humor and will help you with anything you need. break-out classes suck and are totally pointless. tests are easy and are mostly common sense. most students slack because its a 101 class so its easy to end up above the curve. i got an A and never even opened my book.

3.0
3.0
MASC101
Apr 23, 2007

Lectures were good, rushed, not going to learn much sitting in his lectures. Just read the book and do well in the breakout sessions, those points will really help you in the end. Tests are really hard, must study to perform well. peacee

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Aug 7, 2007

The lectures were entertaining, and he really knows what he's talking about. The breakout sessions helped a lot (my teacher was amazing) and the book was like my bible when studying for the tests. I ended with an 88 only because the tests were IMPOSSIBLE. I really like the teacher, but the tests still give me the chills.

5.0
4.0
MASC101
Sep 21, 2007

One of my favorite professors so far at VCU. His 101 class is challenging, but fun and engaging. Really, really, really study for the tests, and you'll do fine. I liked him so much as a teacher, I took his Media Ethics class, which I would also highly recommend.

3.0
3.0
COMM101
Oct 9, 2007

I really did not like him at all. His tests were rediculous, because the material he covers is SO easy that he has to seperate students based on random criteria. He does this by making many of the test questions have 2 or more equally correct answers, and you're supposed to divine which one is right. Its an easy B impossible A. Thats not right.

5.0
4.0
MASC101
Nov 19, 2007

His lectures were really entertaining and we got to watch a movie/video of some sort at the end of each lecture. I didn't really review the book and bombed the first test, but I read the book really thoroughly for the second one and did well..so read the book! His tests are pretty hard, but he does have a review session before each one.

5.0
4.0
MASC101
Nov 30, 2007

He can be a jerk. Show up on time. His class is interesting, he explains everything. No quizzes or papers. Tests are HARD! and the book and notes don't always help. most questions come from notes. movie one of the classes each work. They are boring, but he puts a question on the test about the main ideas.

5.0
3.0
MASC101
Dec 1, 2007

Fun and helpful.

5.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 3, 2007

The man's hilarious. Just don't take anything he says too personally. However, take good notes and use the book- his tests are impossible to ace (he says so himself), but if you study, you have a shot at passing. He uses a bell curve, so don't slack on exams!

3.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 12, 2007

i'm not his biggest fan. it's my major but i HATED that class. granted i had it at 7 at night but when you're tired and bored, professor donahue is not the cure. i wouldn't take him again and i'm pretty sure i didn't do too great in the class. although his exams are multiple choice they're super unclear and they're boring.

3.0
3.0
MASC101
Dec 12, 2007

u so need the book! half of the grueling test questions come from there.lectures are interesting,break out sessions so a waste!

4.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 15, 2007

loved him. he made the class very interesting. take good notes and you wont have to open your book. the lectures can be boring but he talks about really cool stuff. break out sessions are a joke but do all your work and get a C average from donahue's tests and you'll be good. tests are hard but somewhat common sense.

5.0
3.0
MASC101
Dec 20, 2007

awesome class

5.0
4.0
MASC101
Apr 16, 2008

Awesome teacher, tons of fun, really captures the audience with stories and visuals. down to earth nice guy with a funny attitude on life. Not creepy at all.

5.0
3.0
MASC101
Apr 22, 2008

Great teacher. Even though topics in class can be boring, he makes it interesting/funny. Good at holding attention of students. Attendance not mandatory in such a huge class, but DEFINITELY recommended. Used the book only a little for studying for tests, but take good notes. Tests can be confusing, read carefully and think. Breakout was a waste!

3.0
3.0
MASC101
May 21, 2008

his lectures were entertaining but his tests were pretty hard =/

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Sep 30, 2008

Bell Curve Crap! No fair that only 4 people per class get to have A's. I don't get an A just because my grade is a 91 instead of a 92!!! It's not a fair grading scale =[ On the other hand, the breakout sessions are good, fun, and my TA Brandon was very very cool and cute. Donohue isn't horrid, but that grading scale of his shouldn't be allowed.

3.0
2.0
MASC101
Nov 13, 2008

Pretty easy intro class and very reasonable professor. His notes are straight from the book and attendance is not mandatory- plus he's pretty flexible and will work with you if you need to take the test at another time (the class only meets once a week).

3.0
3.0
MASC101
Nov 19, 2008

The class is pretty much straight forward. He uses a bell curve, so most students get C's. His tests are pretty tough. There's a lot of note-taking. He changed the book after the semester started, leaving most people with the wrong book. The films he shows are mostly irrelevant to his tests.

3.0
4.0
MASC101
Nov 20, 2008

Nice guy. Likes to joke a lot. Exams are kind of challenging but he is very straight forward in his expectations of you. No homework but it helps to read the book and study for his exams. I got a C in his class which is better than a lot of others.

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Nov 25, 2008

Here's the deal... If you don't already like Mass Comm or Media Studies, then don't take this class, you will complain all semester. On the other hand, if you are really interested in Mass Comm, then this class is not bad! Most of the material is common sense, and the tests aren't bad if you study. Donohue makes class fun with his stories also.

5.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 9, 2008

Dr. Donahue is a great professor, you just have to be a good student. Read the book, go to the lectures, and watch the movies afterwards, and you'll get an A. Don't, and you'll fail. If you can't even come to class, how are you going to become a journalist, PR person, or advertiser? This is a weed out class, and if can't handle it, get a new major.

4.0
2.0
MASC101
Dec 9, 2008

Great professor! He knows what he's talking about. Bad thing to this class is that his tests are hard, the majority of the questions are totally different from what you might think from the lecture notes and the book. Just study and pay attention to the examples he gives.

5.0
4.0
MASC101
Dec 16, 2008

Bell Curve Grading gave me a "B". Which was what I expected. I didn't attend half of the classes and barely studied. Tests are non-cumulative which is great. Tells a lot of stories that may or may not be total B.S. Teaching assistants all but useless. Professor makes a lot of pot jokes...more irritating than funny.

5.0
3.0
MASC101
Mar 19, 2009

I was in his class from 7-9:40, never really stayed for the movies, but his lectures were interesting.

5.0
1.0
PSYC101
Mar 27, 2009

donahue is absolutely one of my favorite teachers! he makes class interesting because hes hilarious. i got an easy A in this class. he provides all of the notes in his lecture slides. the book isnt necessary..if u study the notes well an A can be easily accomplished!

5.0
2.0
MASS101
Sep 20, 2009

My favorite professor here. He makes an already interesting topic, even more fun and exciting to learn. He is very funny and interjectic. You watch a lot of videos on interesting topics, and all the notes are right there for you to copy. Just don't be late to his class, cause he will embaress the hell out of you.

3.0
3.0
MASC101
Apr 20, 2010

This class is hard because there are only 3 tests. He gives a study guide but the test is nothing like it. Hard to prepare for the test but I would just review notes and you have to read the book.

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Apr 28, 2010

The teacher will make this class fun, he will crack hilarious jokes, and tell many personal stories.. One thing that is a bit different is the study guide, the exam can differ for the study guide provided, but I would recommend this teacher. He does not put his slides on BB, so students can actually come to class.

4.0
3.0
MASC101
Aug 26, 2010

I received an A and highly recommend this class. Donohue made class enjoyable, lectures were clear, and the movies were entertaining. Just remember to not be tardy, come to class and pay attention, and focus more on the textbook than guide. He goes over the questions prior to the exam. It's really not a hard class. Just read the book.

5.0
4.0
MASSCOMM
Nov 13, 2010

Donohue is one of the greatest professors I've had as a Mass Comm major. If you're a creative he really pushes you and teaches you strategy. He tells it how it is, and it definitely helps you create great work. Love him! The guy is super smart. Take him for all the classes you can.

3.0
4.0
PSY101
Nov 1, 2011

I really didn't like this teacher. His lectures were long, boring, and drawn out. He treats his students like children, making them repeat things that he says. The course itself wasn't exactly difficult, there was just a lot of work to do. YOU NEED TO STUDY! And I would attend every possible class. I wouldn't take this professor if I had the choice

5.0
2.0
PSYC101
Nov 28, 2018
Would take again

super funny guy, all lectures are entertaining and fun and he gives assignments wayyyyy before they are due so you have plenty of time to get them done. MAKE SURE you go to class though bc for the most part he does take attendance or will give pop quizzes. papers aren't hard as long as you're on top of your readings and homework.

BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
4.0
3.0
PSYC101
Grade: B
Nov 26, 2024
Would take again

He's a funny teacher, he makes learning more interactive, and easy to remember. But make sure you do “SONA” it'll boost your grade if you have a C (happened to me)

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
PSYC401
Grade: B
Dec 10, 2024
Would take again

Dr. Donohue is one of my favorite professors that I have had. His lectures are very interactive and enjoyable, I had an almost three hour long class and would look forward to it! He is also very understanding about when things come up in life and is just a fun and kind guy.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Lecture heavy
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

100%

Textbook Required

100%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

68% confidence
Based on 6 grades
Most common grades:
B (3)
A (2)
A+ (1)
Grade Distribution
A(3)B(3)C(0)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(0)
Based on 6 reported grades
B: 3
A: 2
A+: 1
Common Tags
Hilarious (3)
BEWARE OF POP QUIZZES (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
Participation matters (1)
Amazing lectures (1)
Clear grading criteria (1)
Lecture heavy (1)
Rating Trend

Improving

+0.35 avg change
Aug
Nov
Nov
Nov
Nov
Dec
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

MASC

5.0

(1)

MASCOM101

5.0

(1)

MASC393

5.0

(2)

GREATCLASS

5.0

(1)

PSYC401

5.0

(1)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

PSY101

4.0

PSYC401

4.0

MASSCOMM101

3.5

MASC101

3.2

MSC101

3.0

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