John McNamara - University of California Berkeley

Professor: John McNamara

Department: TBD

College: University of California Berkeley

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: ART8
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 3.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

If you want to be the next Da Vinci he's really supportive. However, if you like to do art for fun and you're not a remarkable talent he very obviously doesn't have much use or interest in you. He decided the 1st day of his upper course class to limit it to just art majors and literally told everyone else to leave & he was quite rude about it.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: ART8
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

No finals. The lectures aren't necessary, but they are very interesting. He is very helpful and he is a very knowledgeable man who would make you see the world in a different perspective.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: ART13
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

So nice and laid back, very encouraging, just wants you to do what YOU want to do. If you don't ask him questions, he'll just leave you to your work (so as not to bother you); this is what happened with me, but now I regret not asking him for more help. I could've learned a lot. Sad about that, but I still loved the class and John!

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: ART102
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Prof. McNamara is epic! I took 3 of his classes (Art 8, 102, 117) and was never disappointed. Although 102 is geared toward students who already knew how to paint, he took time to coach me (since I was a noob). He encouraged me greatly. If you only get one class with him, I recommend an upper-div (not Art 8) so you get more personal interaction.

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: ART102
• Grade Received: N/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:

John has expanded my view on what art can be. he is always going around the room talking with students and making sure they are doing okay. i wish there was a bi-weekly check-in so that direct feedback could take place. a more formal approach to student teacher meetings would be of value.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: ART117
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He really helped me out in discovering what it is to be an artist. He is not just there to teach you technique he is trying to teach you something deeper, it is passion and love for art. He is an inspiration. Love him to death. Even after i took his class he was there to help me work through my art.

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: ART117
• Grade Received: N/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:

Keeping it real

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: ART8
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

His lectures were very interesting if you enjoy looking at art. When he did his rounds in section, however, you could tell when he hated/loved, but mostly hated, your ideas. But never fear, your GSI is the one who grades you!

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: ART8
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

lectures are pointless to attend, but mcnamara is a great help if you meet with him to discuss projects. he has a lot to say and a lot of ideas to make your work better. really nice and approachable.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: ART13
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

really laid back instructor, didn't teach a lot about technique, but encouraged students to paint what they wanted to paint and how they wanted to paint.

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: ART8
• Grade Received: N/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:

Supportive, encouraging professor, always willing to listen to your ideas and give feedback.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: ART13
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 3.0

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

Comment:

One of the best professors I had at Cal!!! Opened my mind up to ideas and concepts I had never known. Changed my understanding of my work which eventually changed my understanding of how to approach life... an overall great guy.

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: ART8
• 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:

Very nice, understanding, supportive. Never seemed distant or above anyone. It was hard to interact a lot with him in class. The lectures were always hard to make it to, but he's great to talk to when possible.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: ART8
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

Very nice guy, only really interacted with him during critiques but he's obviously very knowledgeable. Didn't go to lecture for this class as it seemed pointless....

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: 13117HONORS
• 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:

awesome professor.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: ART12
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

Amazing professor. Is really good at teaching you to work hard at your work and bring your own ideas to it. Wants very personal work, lots of detail. Show passion in his class!

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: ART12
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

This is a great class with a great professor. People who like art are sure to enjoy the informal, intimate setting... but make sure to do all the work! An A is easy as long as you don't slack off. Note: The Fri/Sat class only meets a few times, and is usually optional.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: ART8
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 1.0

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

Comment:

really inspiring, especially when talking about his own art. encourages you to believe in your own art. learned a lot from him.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: ART12
• 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:

Very good teacher, he gives helpful advice and has a nice balance between technique requirements and letting you do your own thing.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: ART117
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 4.5
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

The way he teaches the class is very relaxed; he's more interested in you developing your artistic style and interests than... well, even drawing and composition (which is the official name of the class). Took this class twice (both Fall Semesters) and loved it both times.