Class was ok. This class is on virology and contagion, then tied into social networking. For example, you'll learn math formulas and topics surrounding the concept of contagion, then it's applied to social networks. Topics are interesting but quizzes will be very random and on the smallest things (in a three hours class the entire quiz we had was on a chart that was only shown and not discussed) Midterm was difficult but final was a little easier. All exams and quizzes are intentionally wordy and confusing to help you learn, but it is ineffective and leaves you feeling unprepared for the final. Homework assignments are cool but take many hours to complete. I wouldn't really recommend this class because it can be frustrating. Being asked questions on exams that are so left field is disappointing, coming from someone that studied rigorously. Utilize the TA cause Professor doesn't show up for most office hours without notice. Do any extra credit if offered. Do the homework early, it takes hours, literally 15 hours per assignment for me. Buggy software and complex structure makes the assignments long. This class has so much potential, but fails to meet the mark. Spent all quarter overwhelmingly stressed about my grade.

This class was a surprise and I enjoyed it a lot. I never imagined that creating mathematical models of digital networks could be interesting, much less creative. Lamberson is smart, funny and makes the material fun and engaging. He posts the slides for all of the lectures BUT a fair amount of each exam is drawn from the lectures - take good, concise notes and review them soon after class or you can get lost. Five quizzes, a midterm, a final and two or three homework assignments. The exams are substantially more difficult than the quizzes, don't get too comfortable. A small amount of very simple math. My only concern was a general lack of support for students seeking help/tutoring. The TA was pretty useless, and Lamberson didn't keep very accessible office hours, but it got better as the quarter went on. He was new to UCLA this fall so there were some adjustment issues that I feel will probably get worked out moving forward. Good class. I wo take him again.

Highly recommend this class! One of the best comm studies classes. The Professor is engaging and efficient. The course material is tough, but Prof Lamberson does a great job introducing you to the material and making the class enjoyable.

Idk how he got such a good review. He's condescending, not helpful, constantly cancels office hours and isn't very clear on what he wants. Honestly, just don't.

PJ is a great professor overall. While I would not consider Comm 150 easy in comparison to the other upper division Comm classes for the reasons that this class is more logic, procedures, and numbers-based, the class is at an appropriate difficulty level for the topics we are covering. I would recommend refreshing on some basic stats material as the latter half of the course focuses on this. However, PJ is aware that most Comm majors aren't too familiar with heavy stats so he makes sure to go over the more confusing concepts thoroughly and answers your questions in the clearest of ways to the best of his abilities. The homework is a combination of book exercises and his own personal questions, but again, they are not too overwhelming and the amount is fair for the material covered and time given. If at any time the students express that the homework is too much, he is willing to negotiate the due date. There is a large group research project due at the end of the quarter but he goes over this well in advance and you will have plenty of time to finish. Tests are a combination of multiple choice and free response, but are subject to change. Tests are fair. If you are willing to put in the work, you should be alright. PJ is a great professor who prioritizes student learning and I would recommend others to take his course.

He cancelled a lot of office hours, made the tests vague and tricky, barely gave us any practice problems to prepare for the final (and the book is not helpful at all so I would not even bother getting it). If you're not a fan of math, don't bother with this class and take Petersen instead. The average on our final was a 73% ... generously, he gave us 1 extra point to curve it. Made a huge difference! *sarcasm*. Really regret not taking it with another professor. It's all about the math. If it's not your thing - take another professor.

I couldn't agree more with the two previous reviews about Lamberson. Although he says he understands that some students may not feel too comfortable with statistics, he is condescending when students ask questions regarding the math portion. He does not provide you with enough practice problems and does not properly prepare you for the exam questions. When I visited him in office hours to discuss my group project, he was not helpful and simply told me "keep thinking", without offering any guidance. I would suggest to take this class with another professor.

I thought this class would be horrible, but I took it to fulfill an area requirement for my major. I can easily say this has been the best class I have taken at UCLA so far. Of course this is a subjective matter, but the material was so relevant and teaches you so many useful things in life especially towards the end of the quarter. I thought it was very related to marketing in a way as it teaches you how things spread within the population, how to identify relevant information through a network, and how to make use of the data you find. Professor Lamberson is amazing, his lecture was really fun and engaging, and he isn't afraid to repeat himself over and over again.
You should expect a quiz once a week, and the level of difficulty of the midterm + final are basically like the quizzes (which are not hard at all). There are 3 projects you do throughout the quarter that are relatively easy. Would recommend this class 100%

This class was incredibly interesting and actually applicable to real life I found myself applying the concepts even just for fun. Lamberson carefully and slowly goes through his lecture, ensuring every student understand what is going on. Some concepts are a bit tricky but nothing a quick trip to OH won't clear up.

Professor Lamberson is amazing. Absolutely brilliant to learn from, a great communicator, and super helpful. COMM 156 is such a fun class. Not too much work, and the "required" readings are not really required. Just come to class and you're pretty much guaranteeing yourself a good grade. 5 Quizzes per quarter, and the lowest grade is dropped -- he does have a tendency to make the wording intentionally tricky to make sure you actually understand the material. Exams are mostly multiple choice and super feasible. Also 2 really cool homework assignments are included in your grade. Would recommend him to anyone. Great upper division course, if you need to take one!