2.6
Quality3.7
Difficulty41%
Would Retake114
Reviews41%
Would Retake
114
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
114 total ratings5
29
4
11
3
10
2
15
1
49
What Students Say
“Honestly, the professors name on the syllabus should just say Pearson Microecon Theory”
ECO420K - 1.0 rating“DO NOT take Micro Theory with Pflug”
ECO420K - 1.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
28%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.41 avg changeRatings by Course
ECO330T
3.1
(29)ECO320L
2.7
(16)ECO420K
2.4
(67)Difficulty by Course
ECO420K
4.2
ECO320L
3.0
ECO330T
2.8
Reviews (112)
This class is one that I would recommend to everyone regardless of their major because there is so much useful life information that one can get out of it. Sometimes, it's a bit hard to get all the information from lectures, but he is always available after class for questions. Get started on the Financial Plan and journals sooner than later.
Highly recommend this teacher and class. The assignments were very broad but he graded fairly. There are only two test, each are 25% of your grade, two journals which are 5% of your grade and a financial plan due at the end of the class which is 40% of your grade. He records every lecture so you can be flexible with your time. 10/10 recommend.
His lectures are slides that he goes through quickly. The class is 90 min but we get out 30 min early. The extra time could go into explaining the concepts more or more examples. Exams average are about a 50 and he doesn't curve. There is extra credit equal to 1.25 exams though. He skips over a lot, so you MUST learn the concepts yourself. Nice TA.
Professor Pflug is a knowledgable professor and has a lot of experience in the economics field. His class is extremely useful and has real world application, and he is a very fair grader. The lack of assignments make this class hard to stay engaged with throughout the semester; the class lacked structure. Start on your financial plan right away.
Although I did drop the class (personal reasons), I enjoyed the environment Pflug created during lectures. He prompts students to engage, has a lighthearted demeanor, and is ready to help. However, you should read the textbook for deeper understanding and complete more practice problems than given on the homework. I would definitely take him again
It's important to listen and take thorough notes during lectures, especially the guest speakers. Very specific questions are asked on the exams. Also don't be like me and start your personal financial plan last minute, I suggest looking at the rubric and work on the plan while the coordinating topic is being taught in-class.
Exams are really harsh, it is important you attend TA session because they're really helpful. Most helpful exam review was practicing homework problems so you answer quickly enough. Extra Credit is available to outweigh if you do badly on the exams though.
This guy is the goat. Great teacher, portrays personal finance in a way that is easy to understand as long as you pay attention during the lectures. After taking this class I am comfortable with the idea of managing my future finances. All that aside, Pflug is a great guy, I encourage you to visit with him after class.
Professor is very passionate over this topic. He notices who shows up & who cares for the class. PFP is very time consuming if you procrastinate. Tests are not hard, but make sure to answer every single questions. Overall, the class is very useful for personal finances and future investments. TA's do not help unless you reach out.
old grumpy man. lectures are fine, but he's just not helpful
Super conceptual lecturer. Hard to grasp and he doesn't explain the math well. 3 pop-quizzes 15% of your grade each so always be ready. Exams not representative of classes so become comfortable with the content & concepts. Graduate TA's carried. Stay updated on content weekly, ask questions, study groups, and office hours. Not the worst.
God. if you see his name... all i can say is run. extremely rude and cuts students off. Don't fall for the eco330t reviews, that one is just powerpoints and reading. On top of being a difficult class, he makes it even more difficult to ask questions. will embarrass his students in front of the entire class. Definitely not your advocate, your bully
Don't know where these 2 recent fake reviews came from but I can assure you he is not a good "prof". Please don't take him. not only is he not a good prof but he is also not a good person. that should say enough about his teaching.
i love getting berated for coming up not even 2 minutes late to turn in my exam after waiting for the line to die down. he's so empathetic!
This prof is really good. The material is challenging but he does example problems and goes over concepts. I would take his class.
I think Pflug is a good prof. He spends time to make sure you know the material and that you do well. Go to office hours. Also the sample exams are really helpful. TA's are great.
It surprise me that Professor Pflug makes attendance mandatory, when he teaches the same thing that your online book says at home, "WORD FOR WORD". Honestly, the professors name on the syllabus should just say Pearson Microecon Theory. That being said if you want a class where you struggle and are on the verge of failing take him.
Atrocious does not begin to describe how horrible of a professor he is. Not just as a professor, but human being. Literally harasses students, demeaning attitude, doesn't care about anyone but himself. ESPECIALLY if you are a girl who is smart, DO NOT TAKE HIS CLASS.
bad quantitative skills, bad lecturing, and difficult tests. powerpoints with a whole bunch of language conceptual stuff, then makes the tests all math. I can accept a bad professor, but I refuse to believe how bad of a person he was. Won't really work with you, is super passive aggresive. Thinks hes a wall street hotshot but rly needs therapy.
I do not really understand the other reviews, I think Pflug was a great professor. Yes, you have to put in effort outside of class if you want to do well, but I think his practice problems and lectures were very helpful.
To the commenter below this, it makes "you kinda sad?", tbh his teaching makes me kinda sad. Absolutely no help whatsoever and extremely passive agressive.
Reads straight from the textbook and is very rude to students. I went to office hours one time and instead of receiving help, I received attitude instead. If you do not want to go through an entire semester wondering whether or not you will pass Microtheory, avoid Pflug at all costs.
I answered a question in the middle of class and got absolutely dunked on by Pflug, Completely belittled me in front of my classmates and said "WRONG!' . Ruined my entire self confidence, and led me to never ask or answer a question in class. Don't do this to yourself and if he's the only one left in the course schedule just wait for next semester!
You will have to rely on a curve to pass. He gives you practice problems but they barely help. I'll spend over 40 hours preparing for an exam just to get a 40. It's just not worth the effort. If he had been more straightforward with what was expected of you, maybe it would have been more doable. But he's not so avoid this class.
has a powerpoint teaching style method, but they are not his powerpoints. no effort to actually produce something to prepare his students, hence why averages are the way they are. very little exam time, for what he asks.
Seems to be having a review bomb so heres an actual review from his class (Fall 2023). Exams are pretty easy if you do the supplemental problems in textbook (he mentioned repeatedly). Lectures arent great so textbook is needed but thats for any prof that teaches 420K, hard course in general. Decent job for a hard course in the Econ Path
took him for 330t was pretty chill, but for 420k his lectures were very conceptual, text heavy, and nothing over test content. the problems he does in class dont even prepare you for the test but often are on the quizzes. he has very dry humor that can come off as offensive and a hot shot. also 3 pop quizzes worth 30% of grade.
reads stuff off doesnt answer anything grades exams wrong
Took him last semester, and in macro theory with him. Hes kinda okay, but i can see why the current class doesn't love him. I wouldnt suggest him for 420k but macro is pretty chill with him. But taking him is really alot about teaching yourself so just know that when adding him.
He is the worst professor I've ever taken at UT. Isn't reachable or helpful at all, is proud of the fact that a big percent of the class either drop and retake or switch out of major due to this class. Tests are extremely heavy and even if youre allowed a cheat sheet, it doesn't make any difference. Grading is extremely strict.Don't take this class
DO NOT take Micro Theory with Pflug. His lectures are just a rereading of the textbook (almost word for word) and only works out a handful of problems. Tests are pretty much impossible, the reviews do next to nothing to help prepare for them. If you take it with Pflug be prepared to be lost the entire class and on the verge of failing.
This is by far the worst economics class that I have taken. The tests are impossible because they reflect nothing on the test review. The slides in the lecture are taken straight out of the textbook. There is no way to prepare for the test due to the lack of practice material
Hes my favorite professor Ive ever had. just get to know him. go to office hours. dont listen to the other reviews everyone is just mad bc they r failing. The class is hard bc its Microtheory and every Econ class is hard. If you dont want to put the work in to do well in this class with Pflug OR ANY PROFESSOR then drop Economics. Hes the best
My favorite professor so far at UT. People give bad reviews because the class is difficult but that is due to material and not Pflug. I am registering for his other class next semester because he is very enjoyable. I recommend doing practice problems and going to office hours, it will help a lot. there is also a huge curve at the end.
Gonna fail - It's on me, not Professor Pflug. The first 2 exams had some "apply it" type of questions, pretty difficult. 3rd exam copied homework. There is 3 pop quizzes. If you copied problems from the board, homework, and textbook on a (allowed) cheat sheet, with a lil know how, you can def do well. Nice and cool guy who loves a laugh. Ty Bruce
Very solid professor that made it clear that his course would require some extra studying. The problems he works through in class are reflective of his tests; He does a good job of explaining. If you read and practice consistently, you will succeed. The poor ratings seem to come from people in my class who are not willing to work for a good grade.
THIS WAS MY FAVORITE CLASS AND PROFESSOR AT UT! Dr. Pflug is very passionate about this subject and is able to clearly define concepts and expectations throughout the course. He is very accessible outside of class. I think everyone at UT should take Financial Literacy even if they are not an econ major! Very easy A and very useful in life!
Dr. Pflug is a great professor! He cannot control the rigor of the course material. If you attend class, do the practice problems, and study the notes you will be fine. All the bad reviews are BITTER and the people who wrote them probably did not attend class or do practice problems. Best economics professor at UT!
I personally think he's a nice professor/person. I'm in his macrotheory class and yeah the material is pretty challenging but if you go to office hours and put in the work you'll be fine. Seeing all these bad reviews kinda makes me sad tho.
The class is definitely doable, but is not based on actually learning the concepts. Pflug lectures poorly, doesn't know the material, and can't do a problem without the work in front of him. You need to do a lot of work on your own and be ready to try and find his errors so you don't confuse yourself. Makes the material seem harder than necessary.
I honestly can't explain the level of diffculty experienced by the first exam. 12 questions and 3 of them require a full on page of math, all expected in an hour an a half. sound easier said then done. he got substanially better at staying on topic for his exams in the end but now i dont even know if ill pass.
this is a 420k review not a macrotheory review. pay attention to this when looking at the review bombs. giving my honest opinion hes not a bad prof as long as you are part time. do not attempt this class with any extras as he will have you looking up and down the book since he saids exams reflect hw but they dont.
I am going to be honest and say that I have not done well in this course and it is to nobody's fault but my own. He is appreciative of effort given outside of class and has helped students to the best of his ability. The class is a lot but Pflug is willing to help you if you show you need it. Although I'm not doing great, I'd take him again.
Easy, but has issues. He changed it from past semesters & implemented pop quizzes, & mylab hws that were randomly due. Went from 1 due every 2 weeks to multi part question hws every couple days w/o notice on canvas or the syllabus. He also discretionarily grades all assignments, so making a 100 on anything is impossible. One mess up & no A.
Pflug was the most difficult professor I've had at UT thus far. He made it nearly impossible to be successful in his class, he withheld class averages, lectured on concepts that were not tested on exams, and was extremely unwelcoming toward students who were expressing concern about their grades. If you can take 420K with a different prof do it!
he made me have a spiritual reconnection with god. that should say enough.
This class was very difficult, and the difficulty he added to it was completely unnecessary. He would make lectures confusing and seemed to be confused with exercises himself. Not considerate with his students, very unapproachable if you were worried about a grade.
Such a warm and caring professor. His lectures are engaging (and hilarious!) and he goes over practice problems in class- super helpful for homework/exams. Really approachable and explains difficult concepts in simple terms. He truly cares about his students which is not something that can be said about all professors. I can't recommend him enough!
I actually enjoyed the class, just didn't like Pflug. He can be crass and condescending, though what he teaches is very useful for your life. In my pfp He took off points because he didn't believe I had no debts as well as things he explicitly stated he would not take off for, including my goals. I can only imagine the horror his in micro theory.
completely no empathy for his students and ruthless in terms of understanding people, unless its students he likes or has personal connections to. would not recommend.
He really cares about his students! If you go to office hours and ask the right questions and put in the effort then you should be fine. Wasn't the easiest class but I had so much fun and learned a lot. I can't recommend him enough
terrible dont take for 420k at all costs
Extremely awful professor. Doesn't lecture well and is occasionally condescending. He's receptive to questions in class, but doesn't explain it fully. His Canvas is not organized and he sadly does not provide a lot of extra resources. His teaching heavily relies on the Pearson textbook and his presentations which are weak/not comprehensive.
Nice guy and is passionate about his work, but he is not a good teacher for you unless you are willing to do almost everything yourself. I'd just take Oettinger. Phlug flexes that most people fail his test, but most people attend class and participate, he is just not a great teacher unless you are naturally math/econ inclined and locked TF in.
Mean and unhelpful :/
Everyone says his classes and lectures are difficult, which I do agree it is fast paced and the lectures can be a bit more difficult and confusing. However, as long as you attend every class, show effort, he is very understanding and tries to help you as much as he can. Make sure you review materials and not cram--this class is not crammable.
Took his 330T class & enjoyed it, so decided to take 420K with him. He's nice, but very strict! Grades are just weekly homeworks, 3 tests, and a final that's worth 40% of your grade. Majority of the class failed the first exam which he claimed was "normal" compared to how his classes performed in the past. Super fast paced, and tests are very hard.
Professor Pflug made this awful, terrible, stressful course less awful. I didn't do so well however I did feel like his teaching style was very graspable and he genuinely tried his best to help his students out. THIS CLASS IS NOT EASY!!!! Learn from my mistakes and don't try to cram before the exam:-)
I absolutely love this class because of Professor Pflug. He is the only professor I had at UT who is so willing to help out students taking this class---only if you show him that you put in the work.
This class was nonstop pain and suffering, truly. However, Pflug cares about his students a lot and wants them to succeed, and it's not his fault that the content is so horrible. He's always available outside of class but you HAVE to put the work in and spend a lot of time outside of class going over the content if you want to do well.
Lectures are not that helpful as often he speeds through the material (many times we are finished within 30 minutes of what is supposed to be a 50 minute class) and does not explain well (I learned mostly through self study). Tests are graded leniently and it is pretty easy to get an A on. The project is very long and hard so start early.
final grade is made up of only homeworks and exams. homeworks are graded hard and exams are pretty difficult even when you study. take someone else if u can!
This is the 2 time I take Micro Theory and for those wondering which prof to take, choose PFLUG! The final grade is heavily influenced by midterms and especially the final exam, but you will succeed as long as you attend ALL lectures, take notes & do the HW. Study for exams by practicing procedures of all HW problems until you know them by heart.
His RMP should not be this low. I saw the reviews and I was terrified. Those reviews are from the slackers that don't understand that simply micro-theory is hard. For what he lacks in explanative ability he has tenfold in wanting you to succeed. Ask questions. Don't worry about seeming annoying or dumb. Don't quit. You will get an A.
worst professor ever. dont take him
After finishing our first midterm I can confidently say the reviews for this guy are insane. He's a knowledgable guy who explains his content well and has very understandable slides if you need to self teach. Super fair and quick grading and wants you to do well. Stop bashing him on reviews because the hardest class for the major was hard (shocker)
Only made an account to express how horrendous this guy is take quite literally anybody else.
I love the way this guy teaches. I took this class summer 2024 and all the lectures were recorded which was helpful. He has a lot of slides that we are not tested on so make sure to watch lectures and see what he focuses on. 2 free response exams, and part 1 and 2 of your personal financial plan was the only grades so be smart and do well. Easy A
The most important thing about this class is going to every class and taking notes. Practice, practice, practice problems alot and you will do fine on exams. This class is more algebra heavy than it is calculus. This is the hardest class of our degree plan so it will be very time consuming and a lot of work but it is very much doable I love pflug!!
He is an unapproachable, unknowledgeable, and unempathetic person. I know most of you have to take this class, but proceed with caution. I wouldn't recommend trying to receive help from him because it won't be of any use; you will probably just be berated. He is so bad at teaching.
I took Microtheory with him a year ago, Macro with him is completely different. Homeworks are a little weird (fill in the blanks and I don't really know what write sometimes). He goes through VERY similar problems in class before exams and all the math in this class is basic algebra. Definitely an easier professor, maybe not as interesting tho.
Pflug is kinda hilarious, in an accidentally-douchey way. Soft disses anyone beyond 5 rows back the entire semester, for "not participating". I sat around row 3, so I thought it was hilarious, but maybe someone would feel uncomfortable. Dislikes how noninteractive students have become, and the silence after posing a question is strong. Work was meh
So sassy for no reason.
Lots of lectures, graded on literally 3 things and he is super passive aggressive and mean for no reason sometimes. I get that he's a finance bro turned teacher but he doesn't have to insult you when you get one thing wrong during his test review.
Don't be scared to take professor Pflug for 320L. His tests are comprised of material that he teaches in class or provides on homework assignments, so as long as you try, the class is very manageable.
Best class I ever took at UT. Pflug is a great professor and fun to learn from. I took multiple courses with him but this was by far my favorite. This class is extremely easy to get an A in if you go to lecture most of the time. Course material is straight forward and I feel much more capable as an human because of this class.
I don't think Mr. Pflug has a basic understanding of economics. I'm convinced the main reason people pass his class is because he gives out half the answers to exams and homeworks the lecture before they're due. He is not very empathetic or understanding either. He doesn't have a PhD and it shows. Avoid Pflug except for his FinLit, which is ok.
The lectures aren't mandatory, but they're helpful to attend. The exams are manageable since the questions are often taken directly from homework, lectures, or example problems. However, he can be particular about how short answer questions are worded. This course is very exam heavy, with four exams making up 80% of the final grade.
He is knowledgable, but isn't constructive in his criticisms. On test review day, he asked us if we had any questions, and when nobody responded basically threatened to leave. Then when people asked questions, he was very standoffish and rude in his reponses to basic questions. He also held a test review a day early to spite those who didn't showup
Pflug is a horrible professor. I took him for Macroeconomic Theory, and this is the worst experience I've had with any class throughout my 4 years of college. There are only 4 tests, and hws, and he claims exams are just like the practice but that is a lie. He never responds to emails, and when he does, it's as if he didn't even read them. Avoid.
He was pretty rude when I tried to ask him a question after class and overall is not very nice. Tests are not very hard as the practice tests were very similar almost word for word (only for the first 2 tests). He also has a test review day the class before the test in which he gives you answers to a problem or 2 that is on the test.
Took him for Microtheory, 3 Tests + Final, HW needs to be turned in, in person before the lecture starts or he won't accept it. Curve is not that big either
After finishing this class, he wasn't as bad as the reviews make him sound. It's important to go to class and to review the math after class because sometimes he does skip certain steps which can get confusing. He provides sample exams so the actual exams were pretty expected and the final was very fair and combined questions from previous exams.
biggest joke of a human
His tests were interesting, but honestly he's not as bad as everyone makes him out to be. Best way to study for tests is just working out HW problems until you know them by heart (exam reviews weren't that good for preparing imo) and going to discussion. Lectures weren't very helpful. He's also pretty generous with partial credit on the exams.
Pflug is funny and can explain concepts well, but he is picky on how he wants answers to be (you have to know everything) and the Financial Plan also must have all the elements he requires. Attend lectures because there will be questions from the speaker series on the exam. Exams are also very writing heavy, but I think the grading is fair.
Prof Pflug is so funny, I am taking him again but he is the best and very caring!
This professor is clearly a joke. How can UT even hire him? Trust me bro. I am not alone.
Professor Pflug's 330T course features a few straightforward assignments and tests that he grades easily. If you know anything about financial literacy, you won't even have to show up to class. I would recommend this course and Pflug for anyone looking for an economics elective.
This professor is terrible, does not care about the students and is overall rude to everyone. Would NOT recommend ever taking his class.
He doesn't respect his students and is very strict.
Horrible professor. Extremely sarcastic. Everything you read about him on here is true
Don't take this class if you want to actually learn macro theory. It's just memorizing and doing fill in the blank homeworks, as well as seeing him make so many computational errors in lecture. Does not explain concepts well but it's easy to get an A
Looking at these reviews I'm very confused, if you attend the lectures and do what is asked(which is not a ton) it should be a relatively easy A. The class is super helpful for personal finances, and I would absolutely recommend the class to anyone looking for an Econ elective.
Terrible Lectures. He makes mistake after mistake and looks at you like you're stupid when you ask for clarification. Ask him to explain something? He'll just point to the incoherent garbage he wrote previously. You lose points if you don't simplify exactly the way he does. Exams don't reflect problems extensively worked in class.
Very rigid with grading. 22 homeworks, only in person printed out turn in. Does not post HWs on canvas and HW due dates are random days on syllabus. If you miss one HW it is a 0, no drops. 4 exams, and HW grade.
The actual Devil from the Bible.
Professor Pflug can be sarcastic and sometimes a bit rude, but he's really not a bad professor. Financial Literacy is definitely a class you need to show up for. He could explain the PPF better, sure, but he does give plenty of examples. I got a 75 and honestly don't feel bad about it. Exams answers are weird, very weird
harsh grader for no reason. took points off on my pfp for his assumptions about MY finances, as if he would know better than i do the money i spend or have
These reviews are definitely true in some regard, he is strict, only has 3 assignments and is pretty ambiguous on directions for a 40% project grade. But if you just go to class and take notes, itll be the easiest A ever. I guarantee the naysayers here are the ones who only came to class today all semester. (the last day) totally is a frat prof tho
Exam questions and answers are verbatim from the slides, practice problems, and homeworks. Barely learned anything in this class and only got an A because I memorized everything.
Just when you've thought UT Econ professors couldn't get any more horrible, UT hits you with the final boss of horrible professors for your last Econ class. If you are a freshman Econ major, my one piece of advice for you is to get tf out of this horribly run degree while you can.
This is the most horrible teacher I've met in UT, arrogant, strict, and his lectures are so boring, no wonder few would attend. There are 3 grade components: 2 exams and 1 pfp. The reason he gave me 85 on PFP is that I missed some parts, however no grading instructions are given, only some students examples while some of them are incomplete.
many of these awful reviews are true and he can be so difficult to speak with and get any kind of help or direction. everyone in these halls knows that Pflug's classes are avoid if able, but getting an A is possible and just might require some more effort than it should tests are super easy if you go to review day PFP grading and guidance is awful
Terrible. Just the worst professor out there. Doesn't have any decency or respect for students in respect to grading. Its a tough class enough, and he cureves based on the highest grade in the class (e.g. if someone has a 99.6 in the class, the overall curve is a 0.4 for everyone). Do a weighted avg bro. Terrible.
Take this class for its practicality alone. Attend lectures and guest speakers because they'll help you understand what exactly he wants to see on tests and in your PFP. Pflug can come off as arrogant sometimes, but he's actually pretty helpful if you come to class and participate. Tests are too long to be able to thoughtfully answer each question.
Extremely hard. The exam reviews on canvas don't help at all with the actual exams. He was sweet in class, but the ONE time I worked up the nerve to ask him a question during the exam he was very rude to me. Exams are doable if you basically disregard ur other classes and spend all ur time studying for 420k.
He is an amazing professor! I think people who write bad stuff about him never studied… honestly the best professor for micro theory! Exams are very similar to the problems we did in class and the final has questions from 3 midterms. He is very nice and helpful! If you take him you won't regret it!
He is one of the best micro theory professors. Students who write negative reviews likely did not attend lectures or discussion sessions. The exams closely reflect the problems covered in class. I recommend him. You won't regret it.
I have mixed feelings on Pflug. On one hand, the class is super easy if you just show up and read the lecture slides. But he also has a bit of an attitude when it comes to answering student questions. Class is really useful though and applicable to real life.
this guy is an ineffective lecturer and very boring. That said, the class is formulaic and easy to pass if you do the supplied materials and problems. Pflug is old and very unkind. I'd recommend taking someone else.
Do not take his class. His grading standards are completely and utterly ambiguous. Super high ego and has zero respect for his students. Can't wait to see dinosaurs like him thrown out of the professional world.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
28%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Improving
+0.41 avg changeRatings by Course
ECO330T
3.1
(29)ECO320L
2.7
(16)ECO420K
2.4
(67)Difficulty by Course
ECO420K
4.2
ECO320L
3.0
ECO330T
2.8