Barbara Roche - University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Professor: Barbara Roche

Department: Journalism

College: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: JOURN301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

People will say she's tough, in my opinion she's just flat out disrespectful. I get that journalism is cut-throat, but BJ won't hesitate to talk down to you, and say it's "constructive criticism." Avoid her class. She's a tenured professor, so she doesn't really care about students, she only cares about her own reputation.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: JOURN301
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

She's tough and makes you work for an A, but you will never feel so satisfied after earning that A in her class. I wish I could take more classes with her. She's highly respected, and if you visit her office hours she might teach you a thing or two about internships or life.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: JOURN397G
• Grade Received: P
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Everyone should take this course. Launchpad demystifies the process of getting a job and transitioning from college to the working world. Class assignments forced me to reach out to my network, write cover letters, perfect my resume, and prepare myself for life after graduation. It even helped me get my first job. I only wish I had taken it sooner.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: JOURN397EJ
• Grade Received: P
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

I recommend this class to anyone looking to improve their public speaking skills and learn more about the business side of journalism. Students present frequently throughout the semester, and receive feedback from BJ and their classmates. The skills honed in this class make networking and job interviews much less stressful. I highly recommend it.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: 301497G
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

If you're looking to get serious with journalism, it is imperative to take at least one class with BJ. About half of the students in her launchpad class have found a job directly after graduating if not sooner. She teaches you how to protect your finances, how to interview and handle different types of work situations. EVERY SENIOR SHOULD TAKE THIS

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: JOURN301
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Be prepared to work in BJ's class. She is tough but you will come out of this class with valuable skills that will help your career in any area of journalism. News quizzes everyday, don't be late, and a lot of reporting and work will have to be done outside of the classroom but that's expected in any journ class. Meet with her and work hard

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: JOURNAL301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

BJ is the best professor I have had so far. Her classes are challenging, stressful, and at times seem impossible to pass... but it all pays off, because you learn so much from her. She cares so much about her students and truly wants everyone to succeed. I am a better writer because of her and I owe a lot of my success to her.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: JOURN397
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

BJ is a good teacher. Some dislike her because she is very blunt and straightforward sometimes, but it's not a bad thing. She helps her students become better writers and assists with other things too. Overall, she is a solid teacher and I would recommend her to incoming students.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: JOURN000
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

BJ is clearly one of the most helpful teachers at UMass. Outside of the classroom she is awesome as a resource for positions that are open. She knows who to go to and what career path to go down. Definitely go to her for advice!

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: JOURN497
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Best professor at UMASS. Will help you in so many ways, a reasonable person. Yeah, she will definitely make fun of you and make jokes but its refreshing and she does it to everyone, including herself so its hilarious. Great professor, can't wait to take another class with her.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: JOURNSECT
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.5
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

bj is a terrible teacher. she openly mocks her students and i think i've seen her make someone cry at least twice. she's got a nasty personality and she's really discouraging. absolutely do not go to her if you're doing an internship...avoid her at all costs.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: JOURN300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

One of the best teachers I've had. Very, VERY helpful and is great if you want to improve your newswriting skills. She will love you if you do your work on time and go to the classes.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: JOURN301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

BJ is a great professor. She helps out each student and will absolutely improve your writing. Also great if you need an internship.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: JOURN300
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Mandatory

Comment:

Great Prof. BJ is extremely helpful and will definietly help you improve your writing and "make you smart." She's great..definietly recommended to journalism majors.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: JOURN300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

No Comments

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: JOURN300301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

BJ is by far one of the best professors in the journalism department. she is tough, but you will learn a lot. she is also a good person to stay in contact with, as she can help you with internships and the job hunting process. she's awesome.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: JOURN300
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

Best professor I've ever had... Hard grader but will show you how to make your work better... Has helped my writing a lot

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: JOURNALISM
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

She was by far one of the toughest prof's I have had in four years. I learned a lot though. She will pick apart your writing, tell you what is wrong with it, and then tell you how to make it better....that is why she is one of the best.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: JOURNALISM
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

One of my top two teachers. BJ was tough, but taught me what I needed to know for a so-far successful journalism career.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: JOURN301
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: N/A
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: N/A

Comment:

awesome professor; she will make you a better writer, as long as you are willing to work hard. Fair grader, always showing you how to improve your writing, great personality. Learn as much as you can from her and you'll be a better writer.