To make what follows more meaningful let me note that this course contains ten quizzes, each with 10 multiple-choice questions. Scoring 5 or less on a quiz AND not doing the homework for that Lesson earns a "zero" (but no one who does the homework ever scores less than 6, which is the point of the rule!) Earning three zeros during the course guarantees a final grade of "F". This arrangement is designed to motivate students who are not doing the work to drop the course, which in turn creates an in-class atmosphere in which everyone understands what's going on.

On the last day of the semester, during the final exam, I realized that the class had a number of students who had been in serious danger of failing the course since the midterm exam (several of whom had 2 zeros at that point) and who had nevertheless "hung in there" and improved their performances so much that they all had a chance of earning a fairly good final grade if they did well on this test.

So, belatedly, after a number of students had already turned in their exams and left, I interrupted the test and asked those who remained to take a few minutes when they were done to write YOU, my future student, a note telling you, on the first day of the new semester, what they had learned during the course about how to pass it without too much work.

My instructions were very close to this: "Imagine that it's the first day of a new semester and your best friend tells you he is in my Psych 101 class. What can you tell him about how to pass the course, and get the most out of it, with a minimum of effort? Write down anything you've learned this semester which will make the class easier for him and increase his chances of passing it."

Here are, unedited, copies of all the notes I received:

Read the book and DO THE MULTI-CHOICE. It really doesn't take as long as he says and it will help you do great on the quizzes. That's what I did and I didn't get a single zero. Oh and Cohen seems really tough and intimidating at first, but its all talk, he is a great teacher one of the best I ever had. Stick with his class I promise you won't regret it.

In order to pass Cohens class do the work and DO NOT be scared of him. He is brilliant and will teach you things that you wouldn't imagin. All what he teaches you helps you with your everyday thoughts, emotions and just everything else. His demonstrations are awesome. Whether or not you pass the class it was well worth it. Just stick it out ... and you will be amazed. Thanks Jack!! :-)

Your about to be entering a very important class. It's a class unlike any other, and it's a class that's better than any of the others. To pass your going to have to devote your time to this class. Make sure you do all the reading and work in the workbook. If you do that your chances of passing are very high. Just make sure you come to class, and don't be late. Enjoy

As long as you read you will be fine. The material is not that difficult to understand. It is also worth it to stay in the class.

The class is slow at first, hang in it gets much better. Absolute minimum for passing: 1. skim through reading and complete multiple choice. 2. take advantage of short chapters 3. if you plan on being lazy and are expecting to do no work save yourself the time and drop the course. I personally found it very worthwhile and interesting.

This class is easy (only if you do your work) you don't have to think too much. But just make sure you do the work as it is. I personally got good grades for the first half and as time went on I became lazy and my grades started to fall. Just do the work as is and don't get lazy after quiz 5 everything will be fun.

This class envolves work and detication. Study your hardest because in the end it pays off. The end result is you come out of the class with a passing grade. Don't be intimidated by the first class. The first class is the hardest beyond that it is a peice of cake.

Alright ... Easy. Plain and simple, come to class, listen attentively, do the work. If you don't want to do the workbook stuff, at least read the sections & do the multiple choice. HE GIVES YOU THE ANSWERS!! Just do it. Class wasn't hard, had a great time. Once you hit the 2nd half of the semester, the class picks up and is much more fun. GREAT DEMOS.

Listen to what Prof. Cohen says day 1. If you feel threatened or scared from day 1 don't be. Put in the time and effort and do the work. If you feel like being lazy for a lesson or 2 KNOW the 25 multiple choice. If you know them w/out reading a word of the lesson you can pass a quiz. The class is worthwhile fight to stay in it as long as you can. The demonstrations are absolutely amazing. The GAME is one of the best experiences of the semester. You must bring a friend it is fun and it's an easy class participation point.

THIS COURSE IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER HAD!