James Dow - California State University, Northridge

Professor: James Dow

Department: TBD

College: California State University, Northridge

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: FIN352
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

He will assign homework and will never go over it in class. This makes it super hard since all the questions you do you are not sure if they are right or wrong. This effect on you during the exam because most of it comes from homework questions. if ur not good at math DO NOT TAKE HIM.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I had previously dropped an online FIN class due to the workload, but this class was the total opposite. His lectures are super easy to understand and follow and there is NO homework. There are 2 midterms and a final, which so far have not been hard. He curves and also gives study problems before each test. HIGHLY recommend choosing Prof. Dow!

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is an overall good professor. I struggled with this class because I am horrible at math but I attended every class and it all worked out. He also was able to meet with me to go over my first test and the mistakes I had and this really helped me for my next 2 tests. Everything builds. Tests are accumulative so if you dont understand LEARN IT.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great Professor! Take notes on his lectures and readings (provided online). Do all of the problems sets because his exams are usual similar to them. If you don't understand, he is willing to answer questions. He has 3 exams (2 midterms and 1 cumulative final). Its easy just keep up with the problem sets and reading.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: FIN452
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Prof. Dow is extremely knowledgable and teaches you the fundamentals of portfolio management. There are only 2 exam (40% midterm & 60%Final). His class is very lecture heavy and a lot of note taking is required. If you go over the materials you wont have a hard time on the exams. the second half of the semester is quite a bit of reading.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: FIN452
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Overall meh, the class material is not interesting and his teaching style is not preferred. No use of any material other than confusing lectures and very difficult grading system. I would not take this professor again

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

He's a good professor although he doesn't really teach. His class is only based on 3 exams and all three exams are curved. The benefit of this class is you don't have to buy the book. He provides the book online.

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: B-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Great choice for FIN303. His class sets you up for success. It feels like we're only taught the things that matter and we don't waste time on fluff. There isn't a lot of material to study and the work load for each week is extremely light. It is so easy to fall behind because homework is optional. Follow his simple instructions and you'll succeed.

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: FIN352
• 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:

If you want a clear detailed explanation about investments, Dow is perfect for it. Your grade will be determined by mostly the final and the midterm, but the test are straight forward and no tricky questions. Also, Dow slightly curves the test. Attendance isn't necessary, but if you want to do well, go to class.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 2.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

do not take the hybrid class, its extremely difficult and you will be left with half the things to study. if you're still not familiar with many aspects of finance don't take hybrid. you will need to do a lot of studying by yourself and there isn't much tutoring that can help.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: FIN352
• 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:

Professor Dow is extremely knowledgeable and clear. Getting an A is not easy, but if you take the notes verbatim you can do well. The homework assignments help you discover investments better. Attendance is not taken, but missing one day will be the difference in letter grades. Great teacher and wish everyone else in COBAE taught the way he does.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 3.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

attendance was not mandatory. I basically taught myself the day before the test. However, when I did attend , His method of teaching was clear cut. 3 test no work, no extra credit. DO well on his first exam. They get more and more difficult. I got a 100% on the first and a 67 on the final....( before the curve) ended with a B+ for the class.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: FIN303H
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Took the FIN303 Hybrid course. Very easy class if you are good at learning independently (No book just printouts. Even if you aren't, lectures in hybrid course cover ALL materials with no tricks on the tests. The only drawback is 2 Midterms and a Final dictate your whole grade and they are cumulative. I would say attendance is mandatory for course

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

Dow knows the material very well. Finance was very interesting, and I feel he teaches the material clearly and well. Read and do his handouts to get a good grade.

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

The homework is optional but if you want an A or B in the class do the homework and at home reading. Poor at responding to emails. If you have a question go to his office hours instead. His lectures are optional because he basically teaches what are in his notes and he does not take roll.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Took online. Great prof. Heavy workload. Subscription to Wall Street Journal is a requirement so boo. Essays on top of essays are required to pass. Did 22 (500 words minimum) just to get a B. Lots of chapter quizzes. 1 major timed exam. Financial calc a must. Flexible deadlines. If you are lazy you won't pass. Put some effort in and you will.

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

If you are taking Fin303 TAKE THIS PROFESSOR. It is so easy to get an A as long as you stay on top of things. 30 essays (500 words min), 1 TVM test, 14 Quizzes, and hitting all of the deadlines gets you an A in the course. So easy and trust me you want to take it with him.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: FIN403
• 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:

Why can't this professor teach all the business courses. The best business professor at Northridge. Organized, clear,answers questions and professional. I think a lot of the professor at the college should sit for one of his lectures and learn how to teach from him or aspire to be like him as a professor. Northridge please hire teachers like him.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: FIN303
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This class seems hard at first, but he grades rly easy and there is a huge curve. He doesn't explain things in depth so you have to ask questions. Great professor and class!

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: FIN352
• 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:

I took his Fin352 class in Fall 2011. His class is not an easy A class without you take the notes very clearly and remember them. Also, if you wanna A read the book is necessary. Only 16 online homeworks. Come On, just sounds a lot. It is very easy.