Professor: Monti, O'Leary Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 8 Total Enrollment: 11 Class Composition: Froshs: 0 Sophs: 1 Jrs: 5 Srs: 4 Concs: 1 Non-Concs: 7 Don't Know: 0

Instructor Average: 1.59 Course Average: 1.59

“Alcohol Use and Misuse” is a seminar course designed to give students an understanding of alcohol use, misuse, abuse, and dependence from a multidisciplinary perspective. There are no prerequisites, but some students recommended a basic background in psychology and neuroscience.

Students felt that both Professor Monti and Professor O’Leary were extremely knowledgeable about the subject matter. Many members of the class appreciated both professors’ ability to explain complicated subject matter in an understandable way. Survey respondents also appreciated the professors’ use of well-organized PowerPoint presentations, but many students complained that the class discussions were few and poorly facilitated. However, students found both of the professors to be very approachable and helpful and open to questions at any time. There were no comments about either of the professors individually.

The course entailed weekly assignments (to prepare a minimum of two questions or discussion points related to the week’s required readings). Handing in eighty percent or more of these assignments was factored into the final grade. Students were also required to take both a midterm (forty percent of the final grade) and a final exam, and to write a final paper (sixty percent of the final grade). The required readings were described as useful, especially the readings from the textbook and the course packet.

Students reported spending one to three hours per week on the course, and more time on it before papers or exams were due. Most students expected the time commitment to be more than it actually was. Members of the class highly recommended the course, calling it interesting and relevant to college life.

View BC/0168 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.