I loved this class! For reference, I'm a first year and the only exposure I've had to psychology was with AP Psych in high school (though only a handful of ideas from the class were brought up in this one).
The class was divided into 3 units, with the first unit having barely any reading and the last 2 having a considerable amount, but definitely not unreasonable. For the first exam I got a B-, probs because there was no reading to clarify points that were quickly taught in lecture, but on the last 2 I got a solid A and A-, with an A on the final.
I do agree with a previous reviewer that he tends to speed through some things and it can be confusing when he presents multiple theories and at the end of lecture briefly mentions how the theories aren't all so valid, but that didn't prove to be a huge problem since there were review sessions, office hours, and a discussion board that Prof. Willingham checked frequently.

If you can spend 2-3hrs reading/notetaking per week, this class shouldn't be bad at all. Like others have said, it's important to go to lecture since he only posts a select few slides to post on Collab. I thought lectures were pretty entertaining though so I didn't mind... And honestly the textbook readings were actually pretty interesting, and this is coming from someone with zero interest in science!

Going to lecture is crucial and the book readings, though dry and boring, is also necessary. Though Willingham is a funny and engaging lecturer, he talks way too fast to write down all the fundamental points and the way he presents the material is "this is correct but this is more correct but this theory still isn't right," which makes it really confusing. Overall, interesting class but semi difficult. Make sure to take the practice exams since some questions show up on the final and midterms.

If you don't plan on attending every lecture, you probably shouldn't plan on taking this class. Why? Well, to begin, tests are about 80% lecture and 20% textbook. You might think, "It's okay, I'll just get notes from Collab." Wrong, you won't get notes from Collab because DTW doesn't post anything helpful to Collab. If you do go to lecture, you'll probably be ok. Not to mention the lectures are actually interesting most of the time. The textbook is pretty drab and not a very easy read just because it's so dumbed down and uninteresting. In terms of what is good, DTW and the TAs make themselves pretty available so if you need help, they're there. The tests are pretty hard and most people get low to mid Bs. If you want a class that is a relatively easy A, this class is not for you. Take this class if A) You need it for your major, or B) You want to challenge yourself with something different from any class you've ever taken.

It's not too hard a course work wise. However, you absolutely must show up for lecture. Readings are also necessary, as they tend to account for 1/4th of your test grade (although he doesn't gives you a very reasonable amount of reading). DTW is a great lecturer, and is definitely hilarious, but you will need to take notes on a laptop to do well. I didn't do well on the first midterm, but after I switched to taking notes on my laptop I did much better. There are two practice tests on collab for each test. TAKE THEM. A lot of those questions, or at least ones similar to them, find their way onto the actual test! Basically, if you learn how to take his tests, you'll do well in his class.

I COMPLETELY disagree with the review below- Willingham is a phenomenal professor. Although he goes so fast during the lecture that it's almost impossible to copy down relevant information, I highly recommend taking the course if you have any interest whatsoever in the material. Don't expect it to be easy-I've never taken a psyc course and I'm sure that made it a bit more difficult for me, but you definitely have to work hard. I recommend reading the textbook and taking the practice tests on Collab--it seemed like nearly half the questions on the final were from previous exams. Overall, I definitely recommend the class!!

Prof. Willingham's exams do not test you on the material, I love the material and I believe it's really interesting, but he cannot teach them well. He teaches incomplete ideas, does not focus on the main takeaway and the exams don't make sense. Points are abitrary, DO NOT TAKE ThiS CLASS, whatever interest you had in cognition you will lose it.

DTW is awesome. He loves to joke and have fun and loves what he teaches. The class isn't exactly easy, and even though you'll be tempted to skip out on the lectures- DONT. You will miss too much! Tests are usually 25% of readings as well so you need to do them. He is incredibly helpful if you're struggling but you need to make sure you study because other than a small percent of your grade is participation- the rests are tests!

I am not a psychology major however this class was one of my favorites. The professor is wonderful, funny and very personable. I recommend studying the readings and not underestimating multiple choice tests and definitely recommend taking this course!

Willingham is a really funny guy and a interesting lecturer... that being said, GO TO CLASS, because his exams are heavily based on his lecture material. The book is comprehensive enough but it will not be enough to keep your grade afloat - exams are tricky. Not an easy class, but a good one.

As of now Professor Willingham is my favorite professor here!! Being a psychology major I've taken a lot of psychology classes, and this was definitely hands down my favorite one. Throughout the entire semester I never dealt with the internal battle of whether or not I should skip class or not - I would make sure to make it to every single lecture.