Kevin Caran - James Madison University

Professor: Kevin Caran

Department: TBD

College: James Madison University

Rating # 1

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is very good at explaining things. the class is pretty fast paced so you need to stay on top of studying because he gives 5 tests (drops one) plus the final. He's very nice and funny so the class is not boring.

Rating # 2

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is THE BEST option for Orgo. He gives a ton of practice and posts lectures (but I would still go). Office hours and PASS were extremely helpful and I highly recommend you attend if possible! There are 5 exams (one gets dropped) in addition to a final. Honestly, orgo I was the hardest class I've taken, but Caran makes it somewhat bearable.

Rating # 3

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

He is a good choice for organic chemistry. It is a bear of a class but he is good at making it make sense. Lectures are pretty much mandatory to pass the class, I also really suggest going to PASS if its available.

Rating # 4

Overview:

• Course: CHEM135L
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is the BEST!! I would definitely recommend him for Orgo. He tries to make orgo as fun as he can and he wants you to do well. The lectures are very helpful so even though attendance is not mandatory definitely go to class. He posts problem sets and practice exams before each tests that are very helpful!

Rating # 5

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: A+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is the BEST PROFESSOR I HAVE HAD. This class is hard no matter what, but he explains everything well, very good at dumbing things down & gives so much practice. Office hours saved my life, he is so funny and caring and willing to help. Attendance isn't required but lectures are so helpful & he drops a test. Test every 2 weeks plus final.

Rating # 6

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Orgo is hard no matter who you take it with, but Dr. Caran really strives to make sure you learn the material the right way. If you plan on going to orgo II, you really want to take it with him. I took this once before with Mohler and learned more in his class in a month than I did the whole semester. Lectures are recorded and posted w annotations!

Rating # 7

Overview:

• Course: CHEM242
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is AWESOME. His notes are clear, he explains the concepts well, and he really wants students to succeed. He gives you EVERY tool necessary to succeed. Organic is a hard subject no matter who you take, but his organization and level of knowledge make him such an amazing professor!!

Rating # 8

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241242
• Grade Received: C-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

By far the hardest class I've taken at JMU. I had Caran for both 241 and 242. He is very caring and just wants you to pass. He is easily accessible outside of class and is one of the most helpful professors I've had here. The low grades are just due to the course material being difficult, not because of the teacher. Study very early and go to PASS

Rating # 9

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Caran gives great lectures and is very helpful. The textbook is also really great. Overall this class was a lot of work and a good grade does not come easily, but it was nice having such a supportive professor.

Rating # 10

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 2.0

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

Comment:

I could not be more happy that I chose to take him for Organic, he is an amazing professor that makes learning a very difficult subject interesting and as easy as possible. You will have to work for an A in any 241 class, but his tests just seem to make sense as long as you study! And he drops the lowest exam! Funny, stand-up guy, have to take him

Rating # 11

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is such a genuinely sweet man and a GREAT teacher. He moves a little fast but is more than happy to clarify any questions. He offers tons of extra (optional) practice that prepare you for the tests. Organic is super hard and so are his tests but he's a great professor.

Rating # 12

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: B
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Hands down the best professor in the chemistry department. Dr. Caran is funny and explains very well. He's also really accessible outside of class

Rating # 13

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Kevin is the best hands down. So caring, always willing to help, tries to be there for his students as much as he can.

Rating # 14

Overview:

• Course: CHEM242
• Grade Received: A
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

Caran is the best professor I have ever taken. In order to do well in orgo you need to be very motivated to study and GO TO OFFICE HOURS. Dr. Caran can explain really small details from the powerpoint that are kinda choppy and can also help you understand chemistry better, as a whole. An A is definitely possible, just stay on top of things!

Rating # 15

Overview:

• Course: CHEM242
• Grade Received: N/A
• Overall Rating: 1.0
• Course Difficulty: 5.0

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

Comment:

WORST CLASS AND EVEN WORSE PROFESSOR. Does not know how to teach this course at all. Do not listen to these lies these people tell you. He is not helpful and does not care about his students if they do not "love" chemistry.

Rating # 16

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: C+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

if you have to suffer through orgo this is the best professor at JMU to do it with. Great professor, grades quickly, loves the material and will help you do so too. go to office hours dont get behind. great guy, actually cares about his work

Rating # 17

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is pretty awesome for organic. Its a hard class, but he posts his powerpoints before class so you can follow along and take notes making it easier to organize the material. He's funny too and makes class as enjoyable as possible. His tests can be difficult, but they're manageable. He's definitely a great orgo professor.

Rating # 18

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: B+
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is hands down the best professor I have had thus far at JMU. Its no secret that orgo is hard and he knows that, but it definitely makes a difference when you go to office hours on a regular basis, keep up with your readings, and ask questions. This class is very difficult but far from impossible with Caran as a professor.

Rating # 19

Overview:

• Course: CHEM242L
• Grade Received: A-
• Overall Rating: 5.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is the bomb. If you're ever confused, go to office hours. He will explain a concept in many different ways until you understand it. He is a tough grader, but he's fair, and if you have exactly what he asks for you'll be fine. His tests are hard, but once you get the hang of it, you'll know what to expect.

Rating # 20

Overview:

• Course: CHEM241
• Grade Received: Not sure yet
• Overall Rating: 4.0
• Course Difficulty: 4.0

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

Comment:

Dr. Caran is amazing! I honestly would not being as well if he was not my professor. Orgo is hard, really really hard, and it makes me cry on the daily, but because of him I feel better about it! His lectures are very informative and helpful, and he's super chill and nice! Definitely recommend him to get you through the suffering :).