I took this class several years ago, because I thought it was an interesting topic (and I needed a non-major course). It was a great class - lectures were interesting enough and the material (despite having to read Supreme Court cases) was easy to understand once you got used to the legal stuff. The part I didn't really like was going to discussion - we had an 8am section with like 5 people in class and like no one would show up so participation for those of us who did go was a big thing.

I got an A in the class. One of the best classes I've taken at UCLA ever.

I took Valle for both Comm 101 and 197C so let me break it down. Comm 101 was an extremely organized class and Valle came to lecture nicely prepared. He did an excellent job breaking down the material for us (especially to those of us who were unfamiliar with law). The cases he selected were quite interesting and he really delved into them that come test time, as long as you had written thorough notes (along with the help of the TAs and IRACS), the exams were very manageable and straightforward. He did expect us to remember a lot and to apply ourselves, but he knew our limits as undergrads. I learned a good deal in this class, and I would definitely recommend his for this class.

As for Comm 197C (propaganda & media), this class had more of a laid back feel. It was definitely more discussion based, and oftentimes, he went off on tangents which at times made it frustrating. Some of the material got repetitive and overlapped quite a bit, which again, got a bit frustrating. He just didn't seem as organized which made him less of a compelling lecturer. But that's not to say he didn't get his main points across--he did. And also, that's not to say I didn't learn anything because I did. Exams in this class were a lot easier than Comm 101, but he also expected us to do a 15 page group paper applying one of the propaganda models. It's not as daunting as it sounds, considering we get to have about 8 people in the group. This class overall did not really live up to my expectations but it wasn't a bad class at all. You do come away having a better sense of why we should question the media. I definitely wouldn't say that it reduced his credibility as a professor.

Overall, I can't really pigeon-hole Valle because while he was organized for one class, he wasn't really for the other. But, what I can say is that, as a whole, he is a good professor--he is interesting and engaging, knowledgable and has a strong concern for student learning. He actually TEACHES his students, and as we all know, that is rare in many of our classes. All in all, I would recommend him as a profesor. He knows his stuff.

Valle is great! I really enjoyed his lectures, he is dynamic and very well organized. The lectures were interesting and read like stories (more like a history class than comm). Tests were long (I was there all three hours furiously writing during the final) but kind of fun to take, very straightforward and easy to study for (I just studied the day before). Don't buy the reader, it is useless!!! I never opened it once and I got an A. Section isn't necessary either. I never went once. Just go to lecture, take good notes, and memorize the rules. Simple, fun, informative...

I was hesistant in taking this class with Valle because a few of the reviews said he was a difficult grader. However, the tests are not that hard and straight to the point. He prepares you for the questions by going over the material with in class. Furthermore the TAs offer several outlines on the discussion board to help summarize the information. Valle is an engaging Professor and does a good job of keeping the information interesting. I really dont understand the continual references to his looks, since it doesnt affect your grade nor the material, which is why people read this in the first place. But just to join in, he's cute. Anyways, I got a B+ and I didnt feel pressured nor did I study excessively, so its easy to do well.

This is the professor to take for Comm 101. When you pick up you reader and flip through the material you may have second thoughts about taking the class as it is composed completely of court cases in a raw form (not summaries). Valle breaks each case down in his lectures making the cases easy to read and understand. It is not only a great Communications class, but a great intro to law if you are considering law school. I highly recommend this class and this professor!

Valle defintely has a lot to offer for this course. He is very interested in the material, and that shows in the way he lectures. The only problem is that sometimes he can get a little off track and carried away. Make sure you get Mike as your TA, and he'll make sure you know the stuff thats important.

He is seriously one of the most entertaining professors I've had at UCLA. It takes a lot for me to stay awake during a three hour class and he only made me fall asleep a couple of times. The information is really interesting. You should definitely take this class if you are interested in law. His lectures are really engaging. The tests are not too difficult, it's just that you have to know a lot of information.