Reviews for COMM401

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Damien Pfister COMM401 Expecting an A+ Anonymous 01/13/2021	Professor Pfister and his TA's were great, especially during this pandemic. All assignments, except the exams, could be turned in late because they were cognizant that COVID-19 was a weird and tough time for a lot of people. The exams were exceptionally fair and open note. They asked for an acted upon feedback from students mid-semester. Assignments wise, there were 3 exams (non-cumulative), weekly reflections on readings (200-400 ish words), 2 short papers, a group project that was like a podcast (15 minutes), small video assignment (group or individual), and some in class participation points. The lectures were asynchronous and came in podcasts with associated readings. They had transcripts for these lectures as well. The discussion were held every other week and were synchronous.
Wesley Lawson COMM401 Expecting a B Anonymous 04/24/2013	This review is for Professor BILL Lawson in the comm department. Lawson is...interesting. He can be funny and does have an earnest interest in his material, but he has a serious lack of professionalism and has crossed so many lines I don't know if there are any left to cross. He curses like a sailor and makes wildly inappropriate jokes for any circumstance. His sense of humor is caustic and oh boy does this man play favorites. Ego is out.of.control. If you aren't on his good list (the criteria for which is undetermined, but if you're an attractive female it helps) be prepared for an uphill battle. He is purposely unclear on his assignment guidelines (to get us thinking outside the box, so he says) and as a rule does not respond to email. Exams are comprised of open-ended essays and a smattering of jargon definitions for words you will never again use. Expect a B in his classes as a rule, although an A could be possible if you're willing to do some personal extra credit for it.
Trevor Parry-Giles COMM401 Expecting a B+ letsgoterps 08/12/2010	Cool professor, he made the class really interesting. However his tests are really hard and he doesn't give you a good idea of what is on it. Make sure to talk to him or the TA about the paper, it will definitely help.
Trevor Parry-Giles COMM401 bgeltz 04/02/2010	Such a cool guy. His exams are difficult, but he is by far one of my favorite professors I've had at Maryland. He's funny, topical, and he explains things very clearly. If you can, try to get this professor!