Tom Discenna - Oakland University, Rochester, MI

Professor: Tom Discenna

Department: Communication

College: Oakland University, Rochester, MI

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: COM2200
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Tom doesn't really lecture, he just feeds the class a concept and gets a conversation going. It's a little intimidating at first but it makes every single class interesting and it makes you think about things differently. He isn't a hard grader either.. definitely take him! It's a great experience.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: COM2202
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

This class is half lecture based half book based. Hes a bit of a tough grader, but fair and gives good feedback. A couple of papers and then a midterm and final. Engaging lectures based on readings and current events that tie to what youre learning. Just read assigned reading, attend class (no attendance taken) and be respectful and youll pass.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: COM150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I had Tom for a 1000 level class so it was not super difficult. He lectured everyday (but they were interesting) and I highly recommend taking notes because all of the tests and papers are based on the lectures. However, we did have a text book and followed the syllabus pretty good so you could read on your own if you happened to miss a class.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: COM150
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Tom is basically a super chill guy. You can learn a lot from him and his classes arent super high stress.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: COM150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: Yes
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Discenna is my favorite teacher by far! He does state his opinion on politics but it's nothing that will affect your grade. He is super funny and easy going and there are very few papers and tests. For tests you will need your textbook for review but for in class discussions (every day) you won't need your book. 9/10!

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: COM150
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Tom is so great. He tells you the real truth behind everything and anything. His lectures are hilarious and vary in length. Take him for com 150 because it'll be the greatest experience ever.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: COM311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: Yes
• Textbook Used: Yes
• Would Take Again: No
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

He will assign projects/papers but the instructions are so confusing. The papers are due one week after the theory you write about is discussed, yet he does not state that and its in the fine print of the syllabus. Do not take this class in the morning. He is a very understanding guy but its a hard class to pass. Good luck.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: COM311
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

The class was nice because there are no tests or homework. Four main papers with little to no direction. Lots of reading, but class discussion rarely relates to reading. Felt like I learned nothing and never skipped a class. Wouldn't have taken it if it wasn't required.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: COM150
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Had this guy one semester. Best teacher/professor I've had, by far. Very engaging and interesting in his lectures.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: 31376
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is my favorite professor so far at Oakland. He is very intelligent, and a great teacher!!

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: COM201
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

TAKE TOM FOR COM 201! He is the most amazing and caring professor out there. He made me want to minor in communications just so I could have more classes with him. He is so inspirational and he makes your class feel comfortable getting used to each other and giving speeches. TAKE HIM IF YOU CAN!!

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: 303
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He is very conversational when it comes to his lectures. The book is not necessary. His lectures are more than enough to get your info. He is interested in what the student has to saythink about the topic. He will relate the subject to the real world and current events and it really helps. If you complete the study guide completely you will pass.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: 150
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He tells lots of stories that involve his personal life that make understanding concepts easier. The syllabus for this class was the same for all classes, so the amount of assignmentstests is the same with any professor, 3 of each. But, he gives review sheets that are essentially the same as the test. He's a pretty easy grader over all.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: 314
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

I took this class with Tom my last fall semester at OU and after four years here this was my favorite class. He is so down to earth that even though attendance is not mandatory he makes you want to come. Always has great examples for every topic and doesn't force anyone to participate that doesn't want to. He is great.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: COM303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Tom is a great Professor. I would take him again no questions asked. Has a unique sense of humor, but is very down to earth. Requires you to think on your own and expects you to have an opinion; rightfully so, it's college.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: COM303
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

The research proposal has you come up with a research question centered on a theory and how you would test it. You then find 8 scholarly articles and answer specific questions per article using an annotated bibliography.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: COM303
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Other than brining his liberal views into lectures at times he is a great guy overall! Be skeptical of his liberal viewpoints! Corky for sure! The application essay has you apply a theory by analyzing a movie, speech, ect. The article review has you review a scholarly article on a theory and discuss the theory its application.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: COM303
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Must come to every class and take detailed notes, if you do not you will fall behind quickly. Exam questions come from lectures and will be found in notes. Do not buy the book, Tom lectures on everything you need to know. Come to class, pay attention, start early on the papers and you will do fine. Take theory with Tom! Has liberal tendencies!

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: COM303
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

Course consists of a midterm and final which a both online and the review is the exam. Also an application essay, article review essay, and research proposal. Start early on the papers especially on the research proposal! They are not difficult but do take time! Email them to Tom before they are due and he will help you fix any issues!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: COM303
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

• For Credit: N/A
• Textbook Used: No
• Would Take Again: N/A
• Attendance: Not Mandatory

Comment:

COM 303 is great with Tom! He is a corky guy but makes theory interesting! Every class is him lecturing on various theories going in great depth but he presents them with great examples! My only gripe is that it’s a verbal lecture with some blackboard use. Does not supplement lectures with video or technology.