Nicholas McBride - University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Professor: Nicholas McBride

Department: Journalism

College: University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: JOURN201
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Very easy class, the hard part is making sure you participate and do the readings because this class is very discussion based. Work was very reasonable at this level and our final assignment was a podcast although it was previously stated we would have an exam which is cool? Class would always change up the syllabus was only good for the projects

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: HONORS391A
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

honors seminar on american music is fantastic if you love music! class consists of watching documentaries and discussing the films and the readings. we learned about a good variety of music history. since the class only meets once/week and it is a small seminar you really have to show up. there is a project at the end of the semester

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: HONORS391A
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Each week the class watched a documentary about specific musicians. The following week the class discussed the documentary and handed in a one-page response paper. Easy A! At the end of the semester, each student has to do a 10-15 minute presentation and a 5-page research paper. McBride is awesome! Take the class you will be so happy you did!!!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: JOURN393B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

His Philosophy of Journalism course consists of nothing more than reading text/watching movies, writing a 1 page essay about it for homework, and taking about it in a circle with other students. In class, he did little more than sit, nod, and give the occasional explanation. If u are looking to spend ur $ wisely on ur education, he is not the prof.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: J225
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

The most fun I've had in a classroom at UMass. Show up, talk, write a few short papers, and you can't fail. But you'll still learn more than you will in any lecture. You will literally be given no direction or explanation for anything. However, everything will work out. Take this class, it really is unique.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: JOURN224
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Really great guy and inspiring professor. He is sometimes unclear about assignments but doesn't really believe in the grading system anyways. Way more into class discussions and opinions about readings and different social issues. Eye opening class on our corrupt country. Definitely will get you interested in the problems of our society.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: JOURN491CJ
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

McBride is, hands down, my absolute favorite professor. He understands that education is not just about sitting around, memorizing information that you'll soon forget. He gives merit, value, and validation to student thought. His classes are wholly discussion-based, and I've never loved it more. It's a real breath of fresh air.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: HONORS391A
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Absolutely loved his honors seminar about music! Met once/wk for about 2hrs, though I wished it was more often! Class was thought-provoking and interesting. He guides the discussion by making with a thoughtful statement here and there, but lets the students do most of the talking. Occasional 1pg paper for homework and a final presentation. Take it!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: JOURNALISM225
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

LOVE HIM !!! This class was one of THE best I have ever taken at Umass. He encourages you to think critically and question society and the books we had to read were all super interesting. There's lots of freedom when it comes to writing essays which is a plus. AND OH MY IS HE A FIIIIIINEEE MAN !

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: JOURN393B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Need structure and guidance? Then Nick's Philosophy of Journalism class will disappoint. Class consisted of 12 books and other readings and writing short papers for each which we sometimes read in class. Nick did very little instructing aside from assigning the reading. The final was to answer a question we had written. I don't recommend it.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: JOURN394C
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This class has been one of my favorites at UMass. You're required to read 3 books and write a one-page response to those readings. The core of the course is working as a peer mentor with students from Springfield High School of Commerce. You are required to go to Springfield and write a blog entry ten times during the semester (300-500 words).

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: PHILO393B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

A really unique professor. When you think back about a class of his you've taken, you'll see the genius and careful thought he put into it. The workload might seem difficult initially, but it?s easily manageable if you work consistently. The material is engaging and will really change how you think. Definitely take one of his classes early on becau

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: PHILJOUR
• 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:

Professor McBride was the best teacher I had at UMass. For those that hated his 42-page paper, you obviously didn't speak with him after turning it in. If you're curious as to how he graded it, talk to him. He has written numerous recommendations, and truly cares for his students. UMass is lucky to have him.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: JOURNPHIL
• 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:

Professor McBride is an original intellect. He knows his material very well and does not impose any specific thought, or any other information on any person, place or thing. He does expect you to read the material and allows you to think for yourself. There is a lot of work, but if you are looking for an intellectual challenge, then McBride is it!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: JOURN393B
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

This was one of the easiest, yet one of the hardest classes I ever took at UMass. The class was useless, I didn't even turn in half the work. Last day of class he gave us a 42 page final paper after telling us we'd have no final. He somehow graded all of them (like 4000 pages worth) in 1 week. I'm sure he was very thorough.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: JOURN497
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

At this point I think I've taken every class McBride has taught during my stay at Umass, and I've loved every one. His style is unique in that he encourages thinking that doesn't revolve around grades or academic success. You must be able to read, write, and critically argue your stance. Paper topics are open ended and reading material is great.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: JOURN393
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

If you're willing to think, willing to write (A LOT) and willing to read (A LOT), you won't regret taking a class with Nick. He is extremely smart & doesn't want to spoonfeed his students. Encourages discussion, provides thought-provoking material ... one of the most caring professors I've had the pleasure of working w/.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: JOURPHIL
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Likes to get to know his students on a personable level and encourages them to pursue their areas of interest. there was a 30pg paper, but the questions were well thought out and got your mind working. I definately suggest taking him.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: JOURN393B
• 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:

Great teacher. brilliant and funny. he is one of my favorite professors. easy to talk to and very helpful. the class was very interesting but we had 32 pg final paper. worth it if you're willing to do the work

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: COVERINGRACE
• 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:

Go to his office hours. You won't be upset.