Alan Musicant

School: Middle Tennessee State University
Department: Psychology
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Overall Rating
rated by 21 students
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Dr.Musicant is not easy, but is very interesting and willing to help. You learn a lot in his class.
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Pros: Great teacher, wants you to learn and wants to help you learn as much as he possibly can. Provides really helpful study guides. Drops lowest test grade, so final is optional.
Cons: The CLASS is difficult.
This class is difficult, and people don't like Musicant because he actually expects you to learn. He does not use a powerpoint, which is really the best way to teach this class. This material is not really something that can be learned through PowerPoint. The bad reviews on here are most likely people that couldn't/wouldn't do the work the class required. Musicant will do whatever he can to help you understand the material.
He can be picky when you answer questions in class, but he is really just giving you the correct answers for the test. If you put down what he tells you, you will get it correct. You have to listen, take notes, read the chapters, and look at the study guides. It is more work than most classes require, but you will learn a lot.
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Pros: You'll learn a lot.
Cons: Lots to learn..Difficult exams
Best option for this course, I'd say.
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Pros: He knows his stuff. Interesting person.
Cons: His tests and grading are seriously not fair. I've never taken a professor as difficult in my four years. He takes forever to grade homework and give feedback, and if he doesn't have time he will make an answer sheet for you to judge how close your answers are to his, which if they are not word for word you will be counted off.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS. If you are taking this because it is required, do yourself a favor and take someone else if possible. If not wait for another professor to teach it. Most of his questions are essay based. Lots of them. You will never get a question completely right, and he will take off partial points for it. (1/8,3/8,5/8 off of points) and yes they may only be fractions of points but they add up. The answer key to any of his tests are in HIS head. Even though your answer may say the same thing in different words, but if it's not what HE IS LOOKING FOR prepare to pay the penalty. "You may be correct, but that's not what I'm looking for". The questions for his homework and previous test questions for studying are challenging to find answers to. The book will help about 20% and even google will do you no good in trying to find some of his answers. Tip: When he asks if there are any questions, you better ask and be very specific in the way you ask.
An average of 2 ppl made As on his first and second tests. If that doesn't say anything, just look at the other reviews. Sucks he can't be fired because he has tenure. He is not a bad person and his reasoning is logical, it's just the way he grades and assesses students is completely unfair. Take one of his tests and tell me how your hand feels, because you will be writing the whole time if there is enough time.
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Pros: Interesting material. If you've had anatomy and physiology I this class will be a lot easier.
Cons: Lots of work! If you have not had a&p this information can be difficult to understand.
He's a nice man outside of class, in class though is a different story. If you are even 1 minute late on "his watch" he will call you out. You can't hide in this class somehow he can sense if you do not know the answer and will call on you so be ready! His test are extremely difficult there was always a few multiple choice, more short answer, and an essay question. He gives you the essay question in advance though. There is homework for this class due about once a week. The homework is usually over what you talk about the following class period (the day you turn it in) and he grades on correctness. Personally, I would take someone else!
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Pros: None
Cons: Everything! Do not take him.
I am an A student and was only able to pull off a B in the class. He write his notes on the board and they are messy as well as hard to follow. His lectures do not make much sense. He is very harsh. He is not a professor you feel comfortable asking questions. There are six homework assignments that take hours to complete as you will have to google all the answers (if you can even find them sometimes I just had to guess). Study guides are a joke. They are not really helpful as you don't know the answers to the questions it asks. What's the point is studying if you don't know if you are studying the correct answer? Tests are mostly short answer (require several sentences) and there is one 20 point long essay. There is NO extra credit. There are online quizzes and then questions change for every quiz. Get in a group and do your quizzes one at a time so you can see a lot of the questions and figure out the answers together. I only missed two days of class. There is no way you could miss more and still do well. On test #2 no one made an A and a 1/3 of the class failed and he still did NOT curve it!! Something is wrong with the test/teacher when 1/3 of the class makes an F! I only wish someone has warned me not to take him. This is your warning - RUN!
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Pros: I loved this class because I would literally learn something new and interesting every class period. Of course, if you're not a psych major you may not find him as interesting...but then why would you be taking UD psych classes?
Cons: There was a lot of homework, and really who likes that? But even the HW had it's purpose, it kept you up to date on class topics and prepared you for the exams.
Dr. Musicant is a quirky guy, but get past that quick because he is also one of the best professors out there. He is one of the only prof's I have ever had take an active interest in my academic career, and honestly he's helped me more than my advisors. His class is difficult only because there is so much information and you need to put forth actual effort. You will have to study, show up to class, and pay attention to get a good grade. If you're lazy or need an easy A, don't take him. But, if you want to learn something and move forward with graduate school, he's your guy. He knows his subject, and if he doesn't know something he will tell you instead of pretending to have omniscience.
The textbook is supplemental. If I had known how little I'd use it I would've just rented it around exam times. Also, I'd like to mention that his grading system is a little complicated, but it is such with the intention of equality and fairness. Anyone who says otherwise is just a case of sour grapes b/c they didn't study and made a crappy grade.
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He's SOOO boring. He talks in a complete monotone. The only time his voice changes even slightly is when he yells at someone.By the end of the semester,most of the class stopped coming because he was so boring and his powerpoints were not very useful.But the bad thing about that is if you miss a lecture,the stuff you miss probably will NOT be in the book.His study guides could be much better-they are not very organized,so you'll probably spend too much time trying to go back and forth in the book to find something that he conveniently left out his lecture.It's a good thing I took a psychology class in high school,because I don't think I would have done too well otherwise.And the sad thing is I didn't learn a thing in this class.He seems pretty smart and seems to know a lot about the subject,he just doesn't teach it well.So unless you are really good at teaching yourself,I would recommend taking someone else if possible.
Exams: study..and not just definitions
Homework: none..just either do an experiment or write two seperate reports
Textbook: If you haven't taken some sort of psych class before,you will need the book to study.The book is much more useful than his lectures.And if you're a psych major like me,it would probably be good to have the book anyway.
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He's hard. If you want a free grade, don't take him. He's very fair and understanding. He's willing to help anyone with anything but he doesn't take any bullsh*t either. But he is VERY HARD!!!
Exams: Dr. Musicant only gave 4 tests but kept the 3 highest grade to apply toward your final grade. He grades very hard. You will get frustrated because you know the material but he grades so hard that you miss things you don't feel you should. He generally gives about 10 multiple choice and the other 20+ questions are short answer. Each of the first 3 tests (non "final" tests) he gives a 20 point long essay question.
Homework: There were 6 homework assignments, he only kept the highest 5 grades. They're worth 10 points each. They help a lot on the test.
Textbook: I only used my book on homework when it was due before we had gone over something that he asked for in the homework. But I know several who used it religiously.
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Even though I got an A in this class, I came away with absolutely ZERO knowledge of sensation and perception. As a psych major, that kind of sucks. Perhaps I should have spent hours on my own studying the book and his endless lectures....I guess I had the idea that an online class was supposed to somehow facilitate learning the info. The questions on the tests and quizzes came from COMPLETELY left field. He counted off points for completely random things and would never explain why. Like I said earlier, he had no clue as to what answer he wanted for certain questions. The questions themselves were so vague and worded so weirdly that there were usually 2 or 3 answer choices that fit perfectly. I would mark an answer based on something I read straight from the book (DURING THE TEST) and it wouldn't be right. I don't know how Dr. Musicant is in a regular class, but I wouldn't recommend taking him for S&P online. The only good thing about this class (and what earned me an A) was the optional final that replaced one test. If you can, find someone else.
Exams: I'm not sure Dr. Musicant knew what answers he was looking for on some of the questions, especially the essays. I would answer a question in a homework one way, get a good grade, and then answer it EXACTLY the same way on the test (same question) and get points counted off. The tests were just way too complicated.
Homework: Several assignments were given where you had to answer about 10 questions. Most of them were easy enough to find, but some questions weren't in the notes OR the book. When a student inquired (online) as to where to find the answer, he posted back "you're supposed to look online for that one".....duh.
Textbook: I would get the book. I used it during quizzes and tests and also to find homework answers. The book isn't too bad to read.
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I worked my a** of for at least a B in this class. I might be only a freshman but throughout my schooling I have NEVER made a C. Not to mention that I was ONE point away from a B- and he would not bump me up. The final is optional.. but was probably the easiest test he gave. He walks around the lecture room, up and down the stairs, rambling about stupid examples about "furry critters." Also, when you ask him questions.. there was never once a YES or NO given.. it was always a definitly maybe? How the hell does that help us? Anyways.. if you are a psych major like myself I suggest getting [another teacher]
Exams: The tests were REALLY hard, if you don't understand how to apply the stuff you learn in class and remember stupid examples that he gives you during lecture.. a C is the best you can get.
Homework: No homework, but there was a Experiment study sign up where you had to participate in 4 credits worth of psychology experiments or write a written report.
Textbook: To even understand what the hell he is talking about you have to read the text books. Most of the time the textbook put the definitions in a very simple, understandable way.. which is not the way his tests ask you about it.
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Dr. Musicant is a very challenging teacher and presents very complicated material but he does so very, VERY well and he's willing to help you outside of class if you just seek it out. If you're looking for a class to slack off in, dont even waste your time. If you're looking for someone who can really stimulate your brain then Dr. Musicant is the one. Be wary though, he can get a little sarcastic sometimes.
Exams: they require a very complete and thorough knowledge of the info to make an A. you will have to study your tail off for these.
Homework: about once a week there were 10 questions. very helpful to learning the info and when he gives you the study guide for the exams, most of the info comes straight from the homework
Textbook: the text can be a little confusing. i had another book from when i had previously started taking the class but dropped it. the second text was IMMENSELY helpful!
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Do NOT TAKE HIS CLASS! He is rude and will often yell if someone even whispers in class, and is not afraid of yelling at you in front of a class of 300 students in it. I am an A and B student, and I take my grades seriously!! This is the only reason why I have a 3.3. If you are tired and not feeling well before you come to his class... DO NOT GO TO CLASS!! because he will make it worse. I WILL REPEAT DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS. Trust me my major is chemistry and I made a B with one of the hardest professors!!! This class was a complete waste of time and you will fall asleep multiple times while taking his class. CHOOSE ANOTHER PROFESSOR
Exams: The tests were really hard but were multiple choice. You literally would have to remember everything what he said in class. Some of the questions did not have anything to deal with what he said in class or in the book, and he would word a lot of the question strange. So a student would literally will just have to guess to figure out the answer!!!
Homework: no home work was given
Textbook: the text book is easier to understand then what he is saying in class and more interesting. Yes, the book is more interesting then him. Without the book I would have failed every test!!!!
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Dr. Musicant is one of the best professors at MTSU and within the Psychology department. He will make sure his students understand this difficult material and will meet with anybody and he repsonds very quickly to emails. He is not an "easy" professor, but for this senior level class don't expect it to be easy. The material is difficult because you are learning everything that happens within the sensory systems, but Dr. Musicant will help clarify any material for you. He expects a lot out of his students, as any good teacher should, and you can not miss a day of lecture! That is really the biggest key, go to class and take very detailed notes and you will make it through!! I highly reccomend Dr. Musicant over any other teacher who attempts to teach Sensation and Perception~ TRUST ME!
Exams: Dr. Musicant is a very smart man and he expects his students to know the material and how it relates to all subject material. Application is a key to his tests.
Homework: There are 9 homeworks and they take up some time, but are very helpful for tests. The questions will prepare you for what you need to know and how to answer the short answer/essay questions on the tests. YOU HAVE TO DO THE HOMEWORK, and it will help your grade at the end of the semester!
Textbook: The text is helpful for clarifying the material. But you have to go to class everyday to take detailed notes becuase if there is contridicting information in the book, Dr. Musicant will expect you to know the information he issued in class.
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He seems to like his subject but cannot teach it that well. Of course with about 300 students in one class, it's hard to hold attention but even those who tried to show up fell asleep. He is very monotone and hard to follow because often times he will just go off on a random tangent that could or could not be related to the topic. Which, therein, makes studying harder because while he takes these tangents he strays away from te material he was attempting to explain but it was hard to follow, initially anyway.
Exams: Most were application, so you have to thoroughly study the material and know how to use it or you won't do that well on the tests.
Homework: You were required to do 4 "experiments" and a writing assignment. Most of the experiments were just answering surveys but the writing assignment will literally take you about 2 hours. You have to read the article and be very thorough in your answers. If you just scan and answer the questions with short answers, you won't do well on it at all.
Textbook: The book is helpful and a lot of questions on the test come from the text. In addition to his lectures and the application, you need to read the text.
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I love Dr. Musicant. He is SO helpful and understanding. I moved over the summer during his class and freaked out about personal stuff a few times and he was SO cool about it and ALWAYS there to help.
Exams: I didnt find the short answer or essays very hard, but I actually paid attention in class and did the homework. You have to spend time with it. If you like and understand Biology you will enjoy this class. Oh yeah, the sample tests online were VERY helpful!! Actually take the time to do them, get a study group, FOR REAL.
Homework: There were 9 homework assignments. (3 per test) Explain yourself clearly, he takes of 1/8 of points...sounds bad but it is SO much better than getting the whole thing wrong or even 1/2...it saves you sometimes.
Textbook: The text was definetly used. It is kinda hard to read his writing/diagrams sometimes on the board, so the diagrams in the book helped alot.
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Dr. Musicant is VERY anal about people not talking during his big classes (which is nice in some ways because it can be super disruptive when people do talk). His powerpoints are pretty basic, so you need to take additional notes--don't ONLY copy down what is on the powerpoints because it will not be enough. He's a pretty nice guy and will work with you outside of class, and answers emails promptly. If you are willing to devote the necessary time, you will do fine in this class.
Exams: You must know more than the definitions. You need to understand the concepts, particularly on the third test. Some of the questions are worded poorly, but often there will be hints in the question to help you answer the question. 50 questions. All multiple choice.
Homework: Written report and experiments (or second written report). If I were you, just do your experiments early in the semester and get it out of the way. Most of them are super easy and mind-numbing. Most involve just filling out a survey. There's no reason to not get these points.
Textbook: Lectures alone will not get you an A. You need to read the text and study it too. He gives out study guides but they merely are meant to direct your study, not to be the only thing you study. But if you just want to get a C, don't buy the book.
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Dr. Musicant is a wonderful teacher. He makes learning sensation and perception interesting!! The class is definately a challenge, but i wouldn't want to take it from anyone else.
Exams: To pass the tests you need to know the material front and back. Dr. Musicant makes this easy though. He always gives examples of things he is trying to explain and he is availible to answer your questions anytime you may need him. He also gives you old tests to study by (which are very similar to the real test).
Homework: There were 9 homework assignments. He handed out the assignment about a week (or more) before it was due. It was usually 7-10 questions that were easily answerable with the info in the book (some digging may be nesessary but it helps you learn!).
Textbook: There is no way to pass the tests without reading the chapters through at least once. And the homework is all from the text and notes in class.
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Dr. Musicant seems to be very interested in the lives of his students. Everyday he asks people how they are doing and what is going on in thier lives. He is very much to the point and is never misleading in his expectations. He is someone that one would really have to get to know to fully appreciate his character. the subject matter in this class is hard, but Dr. Musicant is very knowledgeable and is able to clearly get the information out to his students. If you decided to take this class, I highly recommend Dr. Musicant.
Exams: The tests are not set up for you to get the answer wrong. Becasue the topics are hard to understand just by their nature, the tests are challenging. A good note is that he gives out a copy of old tests to practice with and some of the old test was the same as the one we took. He also gave us the 2 or 3 essay questions he would ask on the test, though on the test he only gave us 1.
Homework: We did 9 or 10 homework assignements. They were a good resourse to have when exam time came around because most of the time, if you could do the homework you can do decent on the test.
Textbook: There is often information missing out of the text that Dr. Musicant goes over in class. So it is important to attend class to get the information and also because he can explain topics better than the book can.
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Of all the psy courses, this one I learned the most from. It is practical stuff. It illustrates how your 5 sences and the physical environment interact which is in many ways the basis for psy. I really enjoyed this class. Dr. M. was always quite willing to help out and takes time to help you learn.
Exams: The tests were intense. However, he thoroughly explained every concept in class. He makes it a point to present it more than once for you. Each idea builds on the previous one.
Homework: There were nine homeworks consisting of ten questions mostly from lecture and some from the reading. If you do the homework, the tests are much easier. He gives you at least a week for each homework assignment.
Textbook: The textbook was very helpful. It is very needed. It would be difficult without it. It breaks the material down for easier understanding.

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