Browne, Ron  

Psychology and Human Development

3.80/4.00

48 evaluations


PSY 132


Sophomore
C
Required (Major)
Feb 2010
Ron Browne does all lectures from his head because he has been teaching for 30 years at poly. His class is disorganized. We only used his supplemental notes, never the textbook. His HW doesnt count as a % in your grade, he just changes your borderline grade if he see\'s you\'ve done it. His HW is only worksheets that he ONLY passes out in class because no one attends so he thinks it will motivate people to come. He doesnt blackboard or email HW solutions, he posts hand written solutions outside his lab. All exams are in variables and fustrating.

PSY 202


Freshman
B
General Ed
Mar 2000
I was always looking forward to Dr. Browne's recitation class. Even though the class was once a week, he presented the material in a way that was easy for me to remember, adding his own personal stories of people he's worked with. The class was entertaining, and it also helped me to better understand what was going on in the big lecture. I definitely recommend Dr. Browne for psychology. (A plus is that you get extra credit for going to recitation - this helps if you are borderline on the exams!)

PSY 254


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Sep 2005
Dr. Brown is a younger teacher and knows what college was like. He has many clever antecdotes and makes class interesting. Take Brown if you have the chance, it is a pretty easy and straightforward class and he gives extra credit. You cant miss many classes because he covers a lot in the notes everyday.

PSY 256


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Aug 2001
Dr. Browne is a great professor. Not only is the structure of the class well organized, but he gives pleanty of examples so the students can understand better. His personal stories (which are related to the topic) are very interesting and sometimes very funny. He also adds a lot of humor into the course. The class is always laughing, and his tests are easy if you pay attention in class- which is an easy thing to do. He is absolutely awesome! Take his course!


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Aug 2001
Dr. Browne has well structured lectures that prepare you well for the tests. He provides many examples that make the class very interesting and often funny. He's one of the best professors I've had here. If you take good notes and study them, you'll do well. If you want an A, you might want to read the assigned chapters at least once, especially for the final. A six page paper was required, but not worth a lot of points. Extra credit was available and easy.


Sophomore
A
Elective
Jun 2000
Browne is a very good teacher. He presents the material in and interesting and funny way. He realtes a lot of what you learn with examples he has seen working as a psychologists. His tests are pretty straight forward if you study. He always has his lectures outlined, so you know what to write down. He follows the book pretty close and he tells you what you need to read and what you dont. I didnt really use the book all that much, but you should use it on the final. The paper you have to write isn't hard, but it takes a while. I wouldn't recomend putting it off until the last minute, I stayed up 15 hours straight doing that paper. Great teacher.


Freshman
B
Required (Support)
Aug 2001
Mr. Brown was on top of everything. He REALLY knows his stuff. He was very energetic about his course, and I loved hearing his stories. He has the normal two midterms and a final. There was one paper that was challenging but I learned so much from it. No homework other than than, and the grading policy was norm. Take him!


Junior
N/A
Elective
Oct 2001
he is an excellent teacher and I recommend him to everyone


5th Year Senior
B
Elective
Nov 2003
I took this class my Sophomore year, but didn't realize I never evaluated him. He's one of the best professors I've ever had. I am a Psych Minor and this class was absolutely fantastic. I have never wanted to work so hard for a teacher (and the work wasn't horrible -- but I loved it, so I put a lot of energy into it). He really gets to know his students who visit during office hours. My one suggestion: Study hard for the tests.


Freshman
A
Required (Major)
Aug 2005
This professor is by far my favorite so far. I really enjoyed his lectures. The tests were mostly on what we covered in class. I learned a lot from this professor and felt very confident for all of his tests.

PSY 405


Freshman
A
Elective
Apr 2001
Dr. Browne is an extremely articulate speaker. His lectures are entertaining and inspiring. The tests he gives are a little nit picky which requires a meticulous reading, but he grades quite generously.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Jan 2002
the best course I've had since I've been at Poly. He is an awesome instructor and uses many examples from his own clinical experience to help you understand concepts and behaviors.


Sophomore
B
Required (Major)
Mar 2002
Professor Brown is awesome. He knows his material very well and uses his experiences in his clinical work to help clarify concepts. His test are fair and the class is real interesting. He makes his lectures as fun as possible and cracks some funny jokes here and there. Overall, I strongly recommend Professor Brown for PSY 405 and PSY 256.


Senior
B
Required (Major)
Jun 2002
His lectures were very entertaining. He is one of the best lecturers I have ever had. Take his class if you have the opportunitty to do so. His exams were difficult, but his grading scale was not. (he offered extra-credit) But read the book carefully.


Sophomore
A
Required (Support)
Sep 2002
I absolutely loved this class and this teacher! In fact, I am sad that I am not able to take the class again because it is so interesting and Dr. Browne make the class incredibly fun. TAKE THIS CLASS- even if you are not a PSY or CD major. It is fascinating- and I can imagine that all of his other classes are pretty great too!


Junior
N/A
Required (Major)
Feb 2003
He was awesome, he explained everything very clearly. I highly recommend this class to anyone, even for an elective. The course information was so easy and he uses excellent examples to help explain the disorders. It also helps that he works in the actual field of abnormal psychology, instead of just teaching it. So, he really knows his stuff!!!


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Feb 2003
Dr. Browne is one of the greatest teachers that I have ever had. I looked forward to his classes every week because they were always so interesting and entertaining. He was constatly giving examples from his own patients to illustrate the disorders and make them easier to understand and remember. I would recommend this class to anyone interested in abnormal psychology, whether for your major or just out of interest.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Feb 2003
So great and interesting. Don't pass up an opportunity to take a class with this professor. Honestly, everyone, psychology major or not, really looked forward to coming to class. Papers weren't difficult, but instead a fun challenge. Tests were okay as long as all readings and lectures were studied well.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Apr 2003
Fascinating class. Browne does an excellent job of illustrating concepts with clinical cases - which are also very interesting! The text for this class is great - it is actually "fun" to read. Grades are based upon one paper - a lot of work, but very interesting and two tests - a midterm and a final. The tests are not easy, but they are fair, and if you study hard you will be prepared. This class is great - I would recommend the class and Dr. Browne to anyone interested in abnormal psychology.


Junior
A
Required (Support)
May 2003
Dr. Browne is extremely intersting and funny in his lectures, making class actually enjoyable. Definitely read the book and come to class for the paper and the tests. You'll take lots of notes, but he's by far one of the best professors I've ever had.


Sophomore
B
Required (Major)
Jun 2003
By far my favorite professor here. I wish I could take every class from this guy. His stories are the best, his tests are fair, and the one paper for the class is not bad at all. I wasn't too sure I wanted to stick with Psych, but after taking his class I know I want to. He's wonderful.


Sophomore
A
Elective
Nov 2003
One of my favorite classes at poly due mostly to Browne's excellent lecture skills. He took every concept and gave it real world substance by relating it to a personal story or some sort of visual. He took what was already fascinating material and added levity and experience to make it a joy to attend class. Even if you arent a PSY major or minor, you should take this class just to experience the vastly interesting world of abnormal psychology and an excellent professor. Tests are really easy if you read the material and the paper is equally easy especially since you can give it to him to check before you turn it in.


Senior
B
Required (Support)
Dec 2003
Dr. Browne is great. He's passionate about Psychology and funny too. His tests are straight-forward multiple choice from the text and lectures. He keeps you interested.


Senior
A
Required (Support)
Mar 2004
Dr. Brown is an awesome teacher just to listen to. He's a very smart man, and he's definitely one of the better teachers I've had at Poly.


Senior
A
Elective
Mar 2004
This was a class for my minor, and I added it because it fit my schedule and sounded interesting. Little did I know that it would be one of my favorite classes EVER! Dr. Browne is an amazing professor who is funny, informative, and easy to approach. He takes interesting material and makes it more interesting by providing real life examples that will floor you. The class was managable. 3 midterms that were fairly difficult unless you study the text and go to class, and a 6-8 page paper. He also provides an extra credit opportunity that is very beneficial class. IF YOU EVEN REMOTELY INTERESTED IN ABNORMAL PSYCH, TAKE THIS CLASS WITH DR. BROWNE!!!!!


Junior
B
Required (Support)
Mar 2004
great professor. he makes an interesting class even better. he uses example of clients when he describes disorders. there is two mid terms and a final as well as a paper that takes some time to do but it's very easy to do. take browne if you can.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Apr 2004
Dr. Browne is a nice guy, but just an average professor. The class material was interesting but I didn't find it challenging at all (which is fine, this class was pretty much an easy A). The textbook is really easy to read (and be sure to do so because he likes to test on info not mentioned in class). There were two midterms, a final, and a paper. At the end of the quarter he gives a generous extra credit assignment (do it, it's cake, and it will really help your grade). Good luck!


Senior
A
Elective
May 2004
he is the best professor ! TAKE THIS CLASS-- you will feel enlightened and its a wonderful thing when a professor wants you to succeed!


Senior
N/A
Required (Major)
Nov 2004
Ok, so this is my second time taking abnormal and I must say that Dr. Browne is so much better than my previous professor. It doesn't even matter what grade I get b/c I know I did better than before and I actually learned something! He really clarifys questions students have and proves to be useful during office hours. His lectures might be kind of boring sometimes, but aren't they all? I would definately reccomend this guy to others who need to take abnormal psych.


Senior
A
Required (Major)
Dec 2004
Take Dr. Browne any time you can. You will not regret it. This class was challenging and fun. Getting an A in this class was just a bonus.


Senior
N/A
Required (Major)
Jun 2005
I really like having Dr. Browne for abnormal psych. He presented the information very clearly, showed really awesome videos, and carried a sense of humor that brings light to an otherwise depressing subject. The class in general is fascinating and he just makes it a lil bit more interesting with his firsthand experience. take him!


Sophomore
A
Required (Support)
Nov 2005
He's the man. Take him if you get the chance. Its not hard to pay attention in class cuz he fills the lectures with tons of entertaining stories about his crazy patients. Tests are straight foward so if you show up to class you shouldn't have trouble. I missed class once and was kinda mad about it.... And trust me, i miss a ton of fucking class and never give a shit. holla at ya boy Dr. Browne.


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Jan 2006
it was a joy to go to class. I was really afraid it was going to be a super boring class but he kept the topic light and really made it a lot of fun. there is a paper but dont stress about it, he gives you all of the information you need.


Sophomore
A
Elective
Mar 2006
Dr. Browne is awesome. He tells a lot of stories about patients, which always make class interesting, and he has a great sense of humor. There are two midterms and a final (which is worth the same amount as a midterm), plus a paper. The paper isn't hard though, he gives you two "vignettes" each about one patient, and you have to come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan for them. It's important to come to class most of the time, since you have to take a lot of notes and the tests and paper are mostly based off lecture, but it's okay because usually you wouldn't want to miss it anyway.


5th Year Senior
A
Required (Support)
Dec 2006
Dr. Brown is the greatest! I had him for Psy 256 and I was SO excited to have him again. He has really easy lectures to follow and he gives a TON of real-life examples which are awsome to hear about. He is really knowledgable, I don't ever remember anyone asking a question that he didn't know the answer to. His tests are all multiple choice and he doesn't try to trick you. Definitely take him! He is a GREAT teacher!


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Jul 2007
Best teacher I've had so far. He is very funny in class, without distracting from the actual material of the lecture. I cannot recommend him more highly.


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Sep 2007
Browne had great stories to tell, you will definetly be entertained and interested in all his tales. And he's a hilarious guy, makes class fun. Not too difficult.


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Sep 2007
Absolutely wonderful teacher. He is interesting, intelligent, kind, and knows how to really teach the material. I highly recommend if you get the chance to take him. His class is really straight forward, he won't try to trip you up and he is fully accessible if you need the help.


Senior
A
Elective
Jan 2008
I love Dr Browne. Absolutely the best teacher and best class I have taken at Cal Poly. He made everything so interesting and he is so knowledgeable, he really shows his expertise while not being stuffy or conceited. He's hilarious and makes jokes throughout the class which made it easy to go to at 6pm. He really cares about students too and wants you to succeed. Everyone should take this class, rearrange your schedule if you can't because it is sooo worth it!


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Mar 2008
Dr. Browne is the man! He is a great teacher and makes it very easy for you to take notes. The tests aren't too hard and neither are the few homework assignments he gives out. He is easily one of the best teacher here at Poly.


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Jun 2008
Professor Browne is the PERFECT Abnormal Psych professor, if only because he. Has. Interviewed. Charles. Manson. This professor is legit--if learning from the overhead is a little boring, the subject matter is not and his anecdotes are fascinating and candid. There are a few breezy homework assignments that are kind of fun, because you get to pretend to be a real psychiatrist. The first two tests are multiple choice and enjoyable in the same fashion. The final ended up being a take home essay test (open book, open note) because Browne had been sick and didn't feel like making us take a final on Friday--thereby winning my eternal devotion for being so cool and flexible. Does this class fulfill a GE? Who cares! Take it anyway.


Junior
A
General Ed
Jan 2009
Very good job on connecting with his students. If this is not achieved, not much learning takes place.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Nov 2010
This guy knows how to teach, he knows how to connect with the students, and he knows how to make the class even more interesting than it already is. He is definitely by far one of my favorite professors at poly, if you have the option pick Dr. Browne for 405. So many stories and in depth detail about how the field works and how the disorders work. Smart and funny dude.


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Dec 2010
Professor Browne is awesome! Even though all of his lectures are powerpoints (which are usually boring), he made every class really interesting. He also puts all of the powerpoints online so you don\'t have to worry about writing everything down, and you can focus more on what he\'s saying. He has a lot of experience in the field, and he tells a lot of personal stories that relate to whatever subject you are discussing. He presents the material very clearly, he doesn\'t try to trick you or make it difficult. Also, he\'s freaking hilarious. The class consists of 2 midterms and a final (but really its like a third midterm because its not cumulative) and online quizzes every week which are done online so you can use all your notes and the book. Take Browne if you can!!


Sophomore
B
Required (Major)
Mar 2012
Great professor!! He knows what he is talking about, very organized and interesting. More professors should honestly be like Professor Browne. A lot of psychology classes at Cal Poly overlap and reteach the same thing over and over but this class just focuses on abnormal (as it should!). He is also very relaxed, kind, and has a lot of experience in the field.


Senior
A
Required (Major)
Mar 2012
This was one of the most enjoyable classes I have had at Poly. Dr. Browne brings in real life to mental illness and really helped me to understand the distinctions. His lectures are entertaining and his powerpoints are full of information. Dr. Browne renewed my passion for the field and the direction I want to go in!


Junior
N/A
Required (Major)
Mar 2012
Dr. Browne is awesome! He is very intelligent and knowledgeable about abnormal psychology and has lots of experience with it. He presents the material very well and he has one midterm and final and in our class we had two quizzes. The quizzes were take home and were fairly easy. Our final was a take home which I thought would be easy but no it was really hard. It was scenarios and we had to do a 5 Axis diagnosis based on the scenario he gave us. The problem with this was we never did anything like this in class and it was really difficult. I got an A- on the midterm and a C on the final. But thankfully he gave a 15 point extra credit question on the final which bumped me up to an A- on the final. If it weren't from that I would've done poorly. So I wasn't too thrilled with the way he did the final because it wasn't anything we've talked about or did in class but other than that he is a very good professor and I would recommend him for this class!

JPNS 746


Senior
A
Required (Support)
Nov 2016
During this entire quarter all I could think about was how this professor reminded me of that small little dog that runs through the back of scene 23 in The Incredibles by Pixar. Seriously, if you look it up you will only be able to see it...