Profesor Coan is awesome! Tests are very hard though; know exact percentages. There were a few questions regarding the Axis system (which is obsolete) that he denied were on the test; this was annoying as he did not give back credit. Reading the textbook is very necessary; also take notes on the clips he plays at the beginning of every class.

This class was one of the most entertaining psych classes I have taken mainly because of Professor Coan's anecdotes and nervous laughter. I would recommend this class to all psych majors. You have to read the book and memorize the powerpoints- especially the percentages. If you put in the work you will do well in the class.

Professor Coan is probably one of the best professors at UVA in terms of his enthusiasm and his down-to-earth attitude. He will try to make the class fun (and usually succeed) even though some of the material that we talk about can be sensitive to some people. He likes to crack jokes and poke fun at himself and some surprising information to lighten up the mood.

The class covers A LOT of information by the end so take it from me when I say you should keep up with all the reading. Not only that, go to all the classes because the tests will have information that is not in the book that he will discuss in class (i.e. important experiments). The topics that are discussed are very interesting topics so try to enjoy and think critically about them.

The class has three tests during the semester and a final at the end. He drops your lowest test grade of the three semester tests. The tests can be very difficult as it can ask very specific questions like specific frequency of disorders. You also have to be able to know and understand the diagnosis for certain disorders as there are questions where he will describe a situation and you have to diagnose the disorder. Read everything and never assume anything is irrelevant. There will be material that is not on the book or not directly on the powerpoints. Don't solely rely on the powerpoints either as there will be specific book only question as well. Most importantly, read questions very carefully as the nature of these disorders is base on very specific principles so one word can change a lot. Overall, the tests were fair as there won't be anything that was not talked about.

As for grading, Coan will not "curve". He does however grade the tests out of the best score rather than the total score. For example, a 50-question test with the highest score only being 49 will be treated as if it was a 49-question test. The cutoff for an A is at a 95 and above so attaining an A is actually quite difficult. An A- is significantly easier. If you study hard enough, you will do well.

If you are a psych major, you MUST take this class. Coan is brilliant! He keeps the class tone light while discussing some pretty heavy topics. Tests are fair, but you definitely need to study. I wish I could take this class again!

Coan is the nicest most fun professor I have ever had the pleasure to have. Class is easy and interesting too.

Prof Coan is fantastic. He's funny, and really makes the material interesting, which is no small feat because it's actually somewhat dry. The only strange thing is that he bursts out in random nervous laughter a lot. For exams, make sure you read the book (especially for random statistical things), but they are mostly based off powerpoints.

Makes the class very interesting. Awesome professor.

You have to work for your A in this class but once you put in the time you would be fine. Do all the readings and go to class, his exams cover material from both and are very specific.

I absolutely loved this class. The material is interesting though it can get very tedious to learn sometimes. Make sure to read and understand the slides and what he is trying to get at for the exams which are fairly straightforward.

This class is really interesting and Prof. Coan is really nice and funny and very laid back and down to earth. He is basically that professor that doesn't look like a professor when you first see him. The material is challenging and there are a lot of percentages and symptoms and such but he definitely tries to make it fun. I would recommend this class for anyone with an interesting in Abnormal Psych. The tests are straightforward like all the Psych classes in the dept. So read the material and go to lecture!