This class was taken through an asynchronous format. Each week there are posted lectures and the most is 2 hours. There is a weekly module assignment due which is around 1 page about the lecture and it is simple as long as you follow all the instructions. One final essay around 4 pages and is easy. Recommend everyone take it since it's relaxing

To be honest, his lectures are very well-organized and thorough so I actually enjoyed going to lectures because I felt like I was actually learning something. However, to be honest I also had a professor crush on him so I WANTED to go to class HAHA. Overall, interesting class and manageable if you go to lectures and keep up with the readings.

I also had him for COMM89 as a freshman and he is awesome! He transitioned to online teaching well. He is very organized and makes lectures as entertaining as they can be. Had to do lecture module analysis for each lecture but it was pretty easy. You can knock it out within an hour. Then just one final paper that he gives multiple options for.

Best professor, did research with him and I remember in Comm 89, he was so thorough with every theory, explained everything in a way that didn't bore you but also helped you understand the material (probably why I wanted to join his research). Such a gem professor, take his classes if you actually want to understand the material. Taking his comm111

Merolla is absolutely excellent prof; the best Ive ever had Even during COVID & using Zoom his commitment/excitement for the class is still apparent & it enhances the learning exp Lectures are clear & concise, plus his voice is oddly soothing Class structure made learning effortless He also truly has students best interest at heart 10/10

Absolutely love him!! took his 3 weeks summer class and had 1 midterm and 1 final with extra credit options. The tests were multiple choice and taken strictly from lecture.

Andy is the best professor I've ever had. I took this with him as my second attempt at the course after force failing with Dunbar (avoid). But even though I had learned all the material already I still went because he made it so interesting.

Andy is one of the best professors I've had at UCSB. Cares about students, interesting and engaging lectures. Exams are extremely lecture-heavy. Do readings if you want an A, but not mandatory. Start paper a week before it's due. Midterm and Final exams are straightforward and easy to understand, start studying 1-2 weeks beforehand.

Andy has been my favorite professor Ive had at UCSB. The first prof Ive seen GENUINELY care about his students. Grades very fairly and the TAs were super helpful. This man is a homie

He is such an amazing human and professor. You can really care how much he cares about your success. He makes an 8am enjoyable and I genuinely enjoyed each of his lectures--so go to class because he gets sad when no one is there. The material is not very complex so if you read and go to lecture you will do great.

super interesting content and lectures. I loved this class. merolla made it as easy as possible as a pre comm class. 2 exams and 1 paper and weekly write ups. not much workload at all and concepts are easy to grasp. didn't get an A only bc my paper was graded by a strict TA! it's easy to do good on exams that are not tricky at all.

Merolla has been a FANTASTIC professor for Comm 89. By far the best professor I've had in my two years at UCSB. He makes lectures engaging and interesting, truly cares about his students, and designs the course to be challenging yet very do-able. His tests are fair and if you keep up with the pace of the class, you'll do just fine.

Hes only easy in the precomm courses. For 121, yes he knows his stuff but we only had 12 questions on midterm and 10 on final. All short answer. He gives SO much info to remember that come test day you blank out. Remember the important stuff and you wont find it on the test. 3 1/2-3 pg response papers. Hes nice as can be but unfair with tests!

Heard nothing but great things for this prof. Charming and smart he is. But when it comes to teaching com120 find someone else. Midterm/final are both shirt response 10 questions. He gives SO much information it's impossible to remember it all for 10 questions worth of a test is incredibly unfair. There's also 3 1.5-3 pg response papers 5pts each

Loved him! Such a great lecturer & so excited about his subject! Several papers & section attendance is mandatory. Grades hard because COMM major is very impacted. Make sure to explain theories clearly in essays.

GOAT. Makes lecture fun and easy. The textbook can supplement lecture but lecture is still worth going to. 1 paper, 1 midterm, 1 final, and section make up your grade. Exams are not meant to be tricky, with a solid understanding of material getting an A is very likely. Best pre-COMM class in my opinion and best pre-COMM professor!

Andy is super passionate about the subject and it really shows in his lectures which are super interesting and relevant to everyday life. This was by far one of my favourite COM classes. The tests weren't too bad and focus more on the lecture notes (he doesn't post slides) so you have to go to class, but honestly Andy is such a great lecturer!!

Andy is one of my favorite professors I have ever taken. He is very kind and approachable, but also very knowledgeable and respected. He really knows his stuff, and he is great at making class interesting. I enjoyed going to class and getting the opportunity to learn from him. I hope I get into the COMM major so I can take more classes with him

Fav professor at UCSB so far. A genuine and funny professor, who makes lectures not only interesting but entertaining. Go to lecture, maybe refresh on some topics with the readings.. really straightforward tests + one research paper. You won't regret taking him!!

Andy is so sweet and funny. He is the best pro I've ever had at UCSB. Questions on midterm and final are very straightforward. Don't worry about it, just attend to lectures and read materials. (ANDY, I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Andy is my absolute favorite comm professor at UCSB. He's organized, funny and clearly loves his job and he wants all his students to do well. His lectures are very straight forward. As long as you go to class and do the readings, you'll get a good grade. The midterm and final are both strictly blue book. All short answer & essay questions.

Andy is definitely the best professor I've had at UCSB so far. He made Comm 89 so fun and it's now my favorite class I've taken so far too. He's hilarious and makes lectures really interesting so the material doesn't feel forced but fun to learn about. If you pay attention in lecture (which is easy) and do the readings it's an easy A!

Andy is the best professor at UCSB!! He honestly cares about his students. His exams were really fair and does not intentionally try to trick you. He's also a super charismatic lecturer. HANDS DOWN BEST CLASS I'VE EVER TAKEN AT UCSB.

Andy is such a sweet guy! I have so far taken Comm 1 with Mullin and compared to her, his tests are way more fair. Just make sure to look at your lecture notes and do your readings and you will be totally fine. But honestly Andy is super nice and clear on what he is looking for. Definitely would recommend to take a class with him!