Midterm counts for 60 % of final grade. There are 3 midterms and the lowest one is dropped. There is a slight curve, but don't depend on it too much. Emphasis on lecture in the midterms but need to read the book also to do well on the exams. Currently in this class, and it gets much more enjoyable as the semester goes on.

The class is interesting and the readings are not difficult, but the exams are miserable. The reason why the exams are terrible is because the MCQs are basically all trick questions. The answer may be right, but it's not the best answer or you will read one thing in your book, but what he says in class is the correct answer. Also, the material we read for the first exam did not match up at all with what he was teaching, so you don't know what to study.

This class was wicked awesome, and I kind of wish I could take it again. Willingham is the coolest professor I've ever had, and I've had some seriously amazing professors. He's hilarious, easy to understand, very patient, and playful. Yes, playful. The class covers a wide range of material, but it isn't overwhelming.

A lot of people seem to think Cognition was super difficult, but I really didn't think so. What makes it sound difficult is that the three midterms and the final are graded on a legitimate bell curve--meaning most people will get a C. However, if you actually do what Willingham tells you to do (most people don't, and they pay for it), it's pretty easy to get an A. 1) Go to class. He posts the slides, but they aren't enough. 2) Read the book. There are always a couple of questions on the exams that you can only answer if you've read the assigned chapters. The reading is light, and it's worth your time. 3) Make the outlines. I'm convinced this was why I did well in the class. 4) Go to the optional discussion sections. They might seem like a waste of your time at first, but it's a great way to make sure you understand the material and to review what you just learned. 5) Take a look at the book Willingham wrote even though it isn't the assigned textbook. It's called Cognition: The Thinking Animal. It's basically a transcription of his lectures, so it's funny, well-organized, and a great reference. It used to be the class textbook, and I don't know why he switched because his book is better than the assigned one. If you only have time to read one textbook, though, read the real one (obviously).

It's a fantastic course, and it will change the way you think about the world! XD

Tests were difficult, so study hard. As for Willingham, you'll learn a lot from him and he's willing to help students during office hours.
Definitely recommend this class!

Dan is awesome and his lectures are very engaging. Interesting material and taught well. Exams aren't really as hard as everyone says they are if you do the reading and go in with high expectations.

Ok here we go... Willingham is a funny professor.. and that is just about the only good thing about this class.
Here's the deal: The tests will not reflect what you have learned in the class. I can get A's in organic chemistry, genetics, neuropsychology, but these are the most sinister multiple choice tests at UVA, hands down. You will spend hours studying for them just to see your grade plummet as you are tricked over and over on the exams. The test questions will only include 50% obvious answers. The other 50% is basically a toss up. Also, Willingham expects you to memorize minuscule charts, tables, and graphs that are tucked away into seemingly unimportant slides, and to refer to your memory of those graphs during exams. AVOID THIS CLASS AT ALL COSTS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE NOT A PSYCH MAJOR.

Prof. Willingham is an amazing professor. He's very funny, and really knows his stuff (He got his Ph.D from Harvard, to put into perspective) He's definitely worth taking the class. However, his tests are very tricky. Be prepared to put a lot of time into studying for midterms and the final. Overall, great class and interesting subject.

People say he's difficult, but it's not that hard. You have to study both the book and the lecture notes, but if you really do understand the material, tests aren't so hard because he a lot of times he just applies the concepts to outside examples (ie, it's not recall of experiments). He's a sweet professor. My favorite professor at UVA!!

Fantastic class! Prof Willingham is hilarious and the lectures are definitely worth attending. Willingham really knows what he's talking about and is great at explaining the concepts while also making lectures very entertaining. Some people say reading the book is pointless but some of the questions on the midterms use terms from the book so I think it's worthwhile to read, especially if you're interested in cognitive psych or just psych in general. Slides are also posted after the lectures

Willingham is very funny and his cynical comments make studying a bit easier.