2.6

Jack Hou

Economics - California State University Long Beach

2.6
Quality
4.4
Difficulty
26%
Would Retake
134
Reviews
2.6
Quality
4.4
Difficulty
2.5
Helpful
2.7
Clarity

26%

Would Retake

134

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

25

4

14

3

26

2

36

1

33

What Students Say

Do NOT take his class

ECON101 - 1.0 rating

He's one of the smartest professors I've ever had

ECON310 - 4.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

55%

Textbook Required

61%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 37 grades
Most common grades:
A (13)
B (10)
C (4)
Grade Distribution
A(14)B(10)C(6)D(5)F(2)A-/B+(2)
Based on 44 reported grades
A: 13
B: 10
C: 4
Not sure yet: 4
Common Tags
Tough grader (18)
Test heavy (15)
Lecture heavy (11)
Skip class? You won't pass. (9)
Graded by few things (6)
Tough Grader (5)
Respected (5)
Get ready to read (3)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.57 avg change
Jul
Dec
Feb
May
Aug
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

333

5.0

(1)

ECON471

5.0

(1)

ECON472

4.0

(3)

ECON372

3.1

(7)

ECON333

3.1

(37)
+11 more courses
Difficulty by Course

101

5.0

ECONOMICS

5.0

MANAGERIALECON

5.0

ECON04

5.0

ECON471

5.0

Reviews (134)
4.0
4.0
ECON333
Mar 7, 2004

EXPLAINS REAL WELL, IS FUNNY, BUT HIS EXAMS ARE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. YOU MUST STUDY, STUDY, STUDY!!!!!!

5.0
3.0
ECON333
Mar 24, 2004

there is quiz every week... you have to study to get good grade since exams are hard... but he's one of the best teachers for econ major.

2.0
5.0
ECON333
May 10, 2004

he sucks, tests are harder then you know what. doesn't like to explain things twice and doesn't like to help, goes on tangents and just stops talking about econ. always makes you stay afterclass so he can make up for the time. his is a must avoid.

5.0
3.0
ECON333
Jun 2, 2004

Good teacher~ Just simply focus on his clear HINTS from his lecture and study hard~ Not too much TOPICS to handle, but you better understand them in DETAILs. If you want to ask him questions, you better know something, not just go for answers~

4.0
2.0
ECON333
Aug 19, 2004

average. not too hard. of course you have to study formulas, graphs, etc. but not too bad. i have heard horror stories about other 333 professors.

5.0
4.0
333
Oct 23, 2004

Jack is the man, he is not an easy teacher by any means but he is a great one. The best in the Econ dept. Don't expect A's on your weekly quiz b/c there tough, the same goes for the mid-terms. The reward is finishing his class, it makes you feel that you are able to take on any econ class & its true

5.0
4.0
ECON333
Oct 31, 2004

This professor is very hard, but he's one of the best teachers I've had. If you actually want to learn something about Econ, this guy is a must. Honestly, this class is one of the hardest I've ever taken and he makes sure it's hard, but if you're serious about your degree, you need to take his class

1.0
5.0
101
Nov 13, 2004

Didn't cover material well because constant tangents. I recorded a lecture to prove this. Tests had extra material not explained well in the book. He told the class to go to the library and use different books instead of giving explainations.When I dropped the class, he slammed the door in my face.

5.0
4.0
ECON472
Nov 15, 2004

Test is not hard, but he requires you to understand materials covered in his lec. Make sure you understand every single quizzes he gives, and you'll be fine. Work hard and you'll come out of the class with clear understandings.

5.0
3.0
ECON333
Nov 18, 2004

Was a great Professor. He made an extremely difficult to understand and boring subject interesting. He does go off on alot of tangents, but they usually can be related to the lecture.

3.0
4.0
ECON333
Grade: A
Nov 23, 2004

his tests are very hard but it's worth to take his class if you are Econ major. It is ture to say that HE'S THE BEST TEACHER IN THE DEP. but he lacks in interpersonal communication skills, so he's not nice in the office. Be prepared.

5.0
2.0
ECON333
Jan 31, 2005

I love his lectures!!!!!! The best college professor i ever had!!!exams are hard, but I garantee you will learn a lot from him!!!I wish he teachs more other courses!!!

5.0
5.0
ECON472
Feb 23, 2005

Best teacher I've ever had. Exams are extremely difficult, but he grades on a curve and you learn a lot along the way. He goes off on tangents sometimes, but it helps ease the learning process. I highly recommend him to anyone. I took him for Econ 441 & 472 and I thoroughly enjoyed them both!

3.0
3.0
ECON333
Apr 26, 2005

Wow, you really need motivation to study for this class. Goes thru notes, but not to detailed. Book helps mildly. Bad attitude when you approach him at office. And Yes, goes off for about at least half the period, trying to tie his madness to the lecture. Quiz weekly!!!!

2.0
5.0
ECON333
May 30, 2005

40% of lectures are about his life, he gets irritated if you ask questions or ask him to clarify problems,says bad jokes, weekly quizzes, makes exams impossible to finish, to sum it up he was the worst prof I've ever taken. do not take him

2.0
5.0
ECON333
Aug 7, 2005

The biggest jerk ever. He talks so much about his life and doesnt go over the material enough. Dont ask him questions because he will be upset. Tests are way too hard!!

1.0
5.0
ECONOMICS
Aug 27, 2005

No Comments

3.0
5.0
MANAGERIALECON
Aug 31, 2005

econ 333

2.0
5.0
ECON333
Grade: A
Sep 4, 2005

THE SINGLE WORST PROFESSOR I'VE EVER HAD IN MY FIVE YEARS AT COLLEGE! He's rude, completely spoke down to my class, spent 80% of the course rambling on about the Superiority of Singapore and not on class content. He raced through material and expected us

1.0
5.0
ECON333
Nov 1, 2005

Horrible teacher. YELLS at you for going to his office hours or approaching him after class. Although, there is a major curve. He is very rude and sarcastic. If you like to ask questions and you can't learn everything on your own don't take him. There is a test every tuesday.

3.0
4.0
ECON333
Jan 27, 2006

He is a smart prof. His lecture is very clear but quiz every week and his tests are very hard. But if you are Econ major. you should take this class. (But don't ask any questions to him. He will nail you for asking questions and approaching on office hours)

5.0
4.0
ECON333
Jan 31, 2006

GREAT TEACHER... HARD CLASS. GRADES ON A CURVE THOUGH.

5.0
5.0
ECON441
Apr 16, 2006

Great Professor!!! Although it's a hard class!If your major is Economics, you should take his class.

4.0
5.0
ECON333
Jun 5, 2006

Prof Hou is very knowledgable. Hes also really entertaining during class. He goes off on tangents quite often, but I didnt mind becasue I can't focus the whole time anyway. If you need additional clarification, go to office hours, dont ask him during class.

2.0
5.0
ECON333
Aug 6, 2006

DON'T TAKE this class unless you are good at econ! I did learn a lot about history though; too bad this wasn't a history class. I went to class everyday and studied the book, and it still didn't make sense. If you ask him a question while he's teaching, he'll tell you to read the book. What kind of teacher is that?! Teachers are supposed to teach!

3.0
5.0
ECON333
Dec 21, 2006

You are in for a rough ride if you are the type of person who waits to the last minute to study and expects to get a decent grade. This class is not joke. Lectures are comlpicated to follow, he does not pity your laziness (u know what I mean), and his tests will fry your brain, BUT I leared a lot.

2.0
5.0
ECON333
Jan 8, 2007

Hard, You will not get an A in this class. But you'll learn a lot! You won't learn that much from him, but you'll have to study your @$$ off just to get a B in this class. So if you want to put yourself through hell, and guarantee yourself a C or maybe a B then take this man. FYI out of the whole class, with the curve, there was only 3 A's

2.0
5.0
ECON333
Jan 29, 2007

This professor has no interest in ensuring his students success, nor does he devote any of his time preparing a lesson plan which will enable his students learn the material he has to provide. He tests only on essays written in blue books in class and a quiz once per week; and he grades absurdly: 65%=A?! This class was the worst I've ever taken.

5.0
5.0
ECON333
Apr 29, 2007

His class is definitely not for those who want to squeak by. I hear a lot of negative feedback from his students, but he's only being strict so that it would push you to be a better student. Take his advice on study habits. Pay attention, and study. If you don't, you're gonna regret it after your first midterm. By the way, his exams are written.

1.0
5.0
ECON333
May 21, 2007

How did he get tenure? He is a horrible teacher. He brags about having a 40% failure rate once. Absolutely the hardest class I've ever taken while learning the least. Take Medoff, he is a great teacher.

2.0
5.0
ECON333
May 30, 2007

The class is really hard, in order to get a good grade you need to study a lot, and know how to do problems in every situation not just the way he does the examples in class. He complains he has to review math because it takes time but he talks for at least 30 min in class about nothing. I learned a lot but it was hard, his arrogance gets annoying.

3.0
5.0
ECON333
Jun 4, 2007

The hardest class I've ever taken. You must devote 110% effort to studying for this class. Weekly quizzes, three written exams. Don't take more than 12 units the semester you take this class. You won't have time to study for other classes. Book is useless. Go to every class and take the best notes you've ever taken.

3.0
5.0
ECON333
Jun 7, 2007

tests are almost impossible, but has huge grading curve

2.0
5.0
ECON333
Jun 8, 2007

if you are taking this class then you probably didnt have much of a choice. He's really hard! For our MT the two highest grades were 50% and 42%. He curves but it's impossible to do well. Just study the study guide-but even then he can ask anything. He likes you to know everything in DETAIL. I wouldnt take him again-just not worth it

1.0
5.0
ECON333
Jun 8, 2007

Jack is one piece of work. Get out of the class while you can. He enjoys seeing people suffer, he doesnt use the textbook!(How can you REALLY study with no book!)The textbook is ALL reading, his class is 100% math and calc. He also strays off subject and talks about the most random things....he looks like Kim Jong Ill!

2.0
5.0
ECON100
Jul 11, 2007

probably the hardest class i have ever taken. jack is a cool guy but he is full of himself and thinks he is gods gift. dont bother asking for help because he will either tell you to go look at the book or explain it in a way which you will not beable to understand. it seems as though everyone is failing and he could care less

3.0
4.0
ECON333
Nov 28, 2007

class is pretty interesting. its hard but most test questions mirror his study guide with past midterm answers.

2.0
4.0
ECON333
Apr 22, 2008

This is one of the hardest class that I ever took! There are 2 midterms and 1 final exam. All of them are ESSAY and CUMULATIVE. Just study from study guide is not helpful at all. Believe me, he won't give u the same questions as study guide. You have to think outside the box if u want to get a good grade.

1.0
5.0
ECON100
Dec 3, 2008

Jack is literally an Economic Genius.That being said,why would you have a genius teaching a 100 level class?He obviously knows what he is talking about,but he takes these simple concepts and twirls them out of proportion until the class is boggled.If you can learn easily from a mathematical approach take him.Otherwise,find another class immediately

5.0
4.0
ECON100
Dec 4, 2008

Highly recommended! Jack is an Econ GENIUS! He is really smart and knows what he's talking about, probably the most knowledgeable professor in the econ department. He is funny and direct with his lectures. Always relates world news into his lectures and it really helps. There are 2 midterms and a final. Take this class, you won't regret it!

5.0
4.0
ECON100
Mar 10, 2009

OMG I love this guy! I could sit in a bar and listen to this guy talk! He has a Degree from Yale, and hes a Genius!!! You probably won't do well in his class unless you study. He has a curve, 2 midterms and a final, You will learn so much. Great Teacher, has a great philosophy on life. I had him in a night time class. NEVER SLEPT ONCE!!! ENTERTAING

5.0
5.0
ECON100
Mar 10, 2009

This guy is so awsome! His class is extremely hard, but hes just telling you not to be lazy. He wants people to study, thats it. He really teaches, and he is open in for office hours for those who don't understand concepts. Hes really funny, unique way of teaching. Got me interested to minor in Econ. Great guy, from yale, will demand alot, A+++++

3.0
5.0
ECON100
Apr 28, 2009

Great, funny guy but a horrible teacher. His lectures are fast paced and vague. He doesn't stop to clarify things. You must be willing to go to office hours to really learn. Tests are very hard but curved. Expect to do poorly but get a decent grade. If thats what you're looking for, go for it. If you want to really learn economics, don't take him.

3.0
4.0
ECON101
May 4, 2009

Jack is a very interesting professor. He is an intelligent humorous man. But Jack is by far the worst professor i have had a LB State. Its almost as if he wants his students to fail. He did not help me at all when I went to his office hours. He is the last teacher I would recommend any person to take. He is self centered and fullof himself. HATED H

3.0
4.0
ECON441
Jul 3, 2009

Great instructor! Tough class, but he does curve. Very interesting guy. Uses alot of the basic econ principles and applies it to lecture. Hardest class I had to study for, but at the end it was all worth it. I failed my 2nd exam and failed 70% of my quizes, but still managed a B in class. Definitely worth to take his class!

4.0
4.0
ECON100
Jul 4, 2009

Definitely my hardest class by far. 2 Midterms and a final. No homework but quizzes every Tuesday to make sure you know the stuff from the last lectures. Everything is curved which saves your life. If grade on final is higher than grade in class that is what you get. Extremely hard but learned a lot!!

1.0
5.0
ECON300
Aug 19, 2009

DO NOT TAKE HIM! Especially for this class, econ 300 is already a tough class, don't make it any worse. If the class was about his life and wife I would have passed with flying colors, horrible teacher, can't understand him, the book is no help, and office hours are a joke!

2.0
5.0
ECON333
Oct 1, 2009

Brilliant economist, horrible educator. He conveys far more information than what is reasonable and expects students to retain all of it. Also useless during office hours. i went to his office before class once, and he actually closed the door in my face when i asked hima question about some material. Three tests, huge curve, only about 5% get A's.

3.0
4.0
ECON100
Jan 19, 2010

Jack is a funny guy. I don't know why everyone is so scared of him? Just show up to class and listen, take notes, and read the book! This is college people! His tests and quizzes are hard but he grades on a curve. I did no math and pulled off a B in the class.

3.0
4.0
ECON100
Apr 19, 2010

Jack is a good teacher, he knows economics and he uses real world scenarios to explain it. I wanted to go to class just to listen to his stories. However, he expects students to have retained all the info they previously learned in their life, which is unrealistic, but his grades are weighted which makes his class mission possible...

2.0
5.0
ECON300
Jul 19, 2010

DO NOT TAKE HIM, PERIOD. He is crystal clear, but he wants us to RETAIN too much information. Ex: a quiz that requires a good 20 minutes, he will give you 5 minutes to complete, IN DETAIL too. He is NOT lenient either, his curves save you. 80% of his lectures are personal stories of his, he teaches second to his own life experiences.

3.0
4.0
ECON300
Aug 21, 2010

You do learn a lot, but it is a very hard class. Goes off tagent, and wastes time. Final 50 x choice & about 10 essay ?s NO ONE FINISHED. TOUGH PROFESSOR.

4.0
4.0
ECON300
Aug 21, 2010

Summer Session ? Class taught like an engineering one: lecture is to introduce/reinforce/clarify concepts from the book, NOT present the book. Due to curve, you only need to do avg. to get C, but you need to earn an A/B. 1 hour per chapt. reading, 1 hour review per class to keep up. Tests long, but can be finished if completely know material.

1.0
5.0
ECON301
Jan 23, 2011

Avoid! He teaches the class several levels above the level at which the dept decided to teach the class; therefore, the book will do you no good. His lectures are all over the place. By the time he is finished his notes look like scribbles. Learning shouldn't be this hard, but with him it is impossible!

1.0
5.0
ECON04
May 14, 2011

Worst teacher ever,75% of the time he talks about his personal life, he claims that he has never work on a real job (for a company) but gives you advices like he is your dad. During office hours,he becomes an arrogant person and if you question his lectures he becomes angry and rude and try to put you down. AVOID his class if you want to pass!

4.0
5.0
ECON333
Jul 14, 2011

this guy is INTENSE. Really, i think he is bipolar. One second he is happy the next he is yelling. He said i was a fool for waiting to take econ 333. Only good thing about him is he is funny during lecture. goes off on tangents that aren't related to lecture. I dropped because there are better teachers out there for econ 333. AVOID if you can.

4.0
5.0
ECON333
Aug 26, 2011

Toughest class ever. Dr. Hou is intense and intimidating. DO NOT wait until the last minute to study or you will fail miserably. On a positive, he teaches you the meaning/value of hard work, and it is the best feeling ever if/when you pass the class. At that moment he'll be your best friend and you'll appreciate him. He has interesting stories too.

3.0
5.0
ECON101
Nov 8, 2011

He's a nice guy but his class is hard. Dont ask him a question about what he just went over or he'll yell at you. Show up to class everyday and keep up with the reading or youll fall behind quickly. He prides himself on being really hard so study a lot. his exams are incredibly challenging. FORM STUDY GROUPS

2.0
4.0
ECON101
Dec 12, 2011

He's very interesting with great stories. No homework. Only 2 tests and a final. If he asks always ask for a curve! This class is very hard. Make sure you read. I would fail if not for the curve. He does care but he's not a good teacher at all!

4.0
4.0
ECON101
Dec 15, 2011

This class some may say was hard. I don't think it was that difficult. Just HAVE to come to class, or you will be lost. He has good stories that give you a break from the lecture at points.. if you have to take econ, take another teacher. And if you take him and he asks what grading system you prefer, say the one that he's used for previous classes

2.0
5.0
ECON470
Jan 11, 2012

He makes it very difficult to ask questions, and puts down students A LOT when they do not understand the material. His lectures are all over the place, and mostly consist of his little tangents and how awesome he is. I tried really hard and got a B. Everyone fails everything but he grades on a curve.

1.0
5.0
ECON333
Jan 25, 2012

Worst teacher on campus. Puts student down and constantly compares cal state students to UC students-in a negative way. If you don't know Calc from Math 115, don't bother with his class. He'll be in the middle of a problem, and start talking about how he served in the Taiwan army. Impossible to retain anything. Tests are half mc/blue book.AVOID HIM

2.0
5.0
ECON101
May 1, 2012

Do NOT take this class if you just want an easy, chill class. Professor Hou's class is definitely one of my hardest classes this semester. I studied hard for exams and only managed a B average. BUY the book and listen well to his lectures. DO NOT PROCRASTINATE IN STUDYING. If not willing to put effort into class, avoid and take a different class.

3.0
3.0
ECON101
May 25, 2012

I am so impressed with Professor Hou. His midterms are so easy. People who don't study won't do good on his midterms. His midterm is multiple choice and essay. During finals, I procrastinated and had to study three chapters a day. It made me realize if I didn't procrastinate and studied a chapter a week it's doable. All in all, study to do well.

2.0
4.0
ECON101
May 30, 2012

It is not too difficult, but he does not explain things very well. He gets mad if you ask a question that was already answered, yet he spends about forty percent of the time story-telling about things that are irrelevant to class. I would not recommend this prof. to anyone, unless you are an Econ major.

3.0
4.0
ECON101
Aug 11, 2012

I got an A but it was tough, you have to attend class because half the material on the essay portion is not covered by the book. Most of the m/c is covered by the book. Exams are curved. There's optional hw then the answers are shown a week later. Read the chapters, take class notes and do the optional hw if you want an A.

4.0
4.0
ECON333
Feb 21, 2013

Class is tough, you really need to understand economic theory like demand and supply, the math is easy just derivatives are used in class and easy algebra. DO NOT miss any classes, test are long and hard. Go for the hard part to the easy!! He gives partial credit and grades on the curve.

2.0
5.0
ECON100
Mar 8, 2013

I wasn't sure at first when I looked at what others said. Now I got to agree definitely. He does spend most of the class time talking about things not related to the subject matter and he often spends only the last few minutes or so to talk about the subject.

3.0
4.0
ECON101
Apr 9, 2013

Very hard teacher to follow. Tangents very easily and lectures about 1/4 of the time and the rest is semi-relevant stories. Makes his own tests which are very lengthy and hard. Grades on a huge curve, two midterms and final. Would suggest taking another teacher if you have a choice

1.0
5.0
ECON101
Jul 17, 2013

I know the Summer Session barely begun, but WORST PROFESSOR EVER AT CSULB!!!!! Goes way off tangent with his stories, yells way too much, quizzes & exams are super difficult, & very rude during office hours. AVOID THIS PROFESSOR AT ALL COST!!!!!!!

1.0
5.0
ECON100
Aug 2, 2013

This professor seriously needs to get fired. He does not seem to stay on task when he lectures because he talks about unrelated subject matters and yells too much. I often tend to need to avoid him.

2.0
5.0
ECON101
Dec 12, 2013

He seems genuinely upset that he gets bad reviews, even though he tries to play it off. Maybe he should work on not being such a jackass instead of complaining about getting poor reviews. Rambles too much off topic about his life in China, overall just seems pretty rude. I love econ, but this guy is awful.

5.0
5.0
ECON471
Dec 14, 2013

Jack Hou is an incredibly difficult teacher. If you have more of an interest in grades than getting an education then avoid him, but if you want to get the most out of your $3000 this is the class to take. You will be a better economist for it.

1.0
5.0
ECON101
Dec 27, 2013

Dr. Hou rambles alot about unrelating matters. He is very slow to respond to email. His combat stories in Taiwan are interesting, but save it for office hours or teach history or something. I would often take notes and barely comprehend them at the end of the day. His exams are purposely tough in an attempt to teach some concept of discipline...

2.0
5.0
ECON100
Apr 8, 2014

He talks about china a lot. QUIZs every Tuesday. for the midterm(2 miderms 1 final) mostly everyone was failing and he said it was an average thing. His lectures are all over the place

5.0
4.0
ECON333
Apr 11, 2014

This professor is very smart. If you love Econ, you will love his class. Sometimes he told jokes that is not funny but makes you laugh. Quiz once a week but keeps you on track. Difficult exams but he curves, pay attention in class, take good notes, you will be fine.

3.0
5.0
ECON100
Apr 30, 2014

One of the best lecturers from CSULB, I really enjoyed his class. Unfortunately, it's beyond difficult because there's no practice material but he grades on a somewhat generous curve, otherwise everyone would fail. Attendance is mandatory or you'll definitely fail. Book is optional, his notes cover pretty much everything.

2.0
4.0
ECON100
May 20, 2014

He is a TERRIBLE professor. He was rude to students on multiple occasions. He got off topic for half of each class session. He has a very generous curve, although it is very necessary to even pass the class.

2.0
5.0
ECON300
May 21, 2014

half of his lecture is about china. Not a good instructor. His lecture is not interested at all. He makes Econ be a boring subject. His rude to students. He tries to lecture you about life/moral values. Does not follow the book. I learn more from the book than from his lecture notes.

1.0
5.0
ECON100
May 22, 2014

lectures are all over the place.13 quizzes every Tuesday from the last week's lecture.2 midterms one final.buy text book from amazon $2-4 older version. does not give out study guides.If you connect his lecture to the reading only then can you understand what he was teaching.scores are usually low, and he grades on a curve

4.0
3.0
ECON100
Grade: B
May 24, 2014

Quizes every tuesday which serve as attendance and questions that may be in the exam.I didn't really mind him going of tangents because they were somewhat related at times. I didn't try at first. But I managed to get a B, because he kept us in class with the incentive that if we got a high grade on the final he'd give us that grade. I deserved a F

4.0
5.0
ECON300
Grade: B
May 25, 2014

Incredibly intelligent and experienced man with great stories. However, his class is incredibly difficult if you're not already interested in economics. Since I was pursuing a B.A. in Econ, that's not an issue but I can see how if you're there for a pre-req, this professor is the absolute worst pick for you. Stay clear unless you're in the program.

1.0
4.0
ECON100
Nov 13, 2014

From a non-econ major: He is terrible and gives the sloppiest lectures, spending half the time lecturing about anything but economics. After reading some of the bad reviews I just figured people weren't willing to study hard but no, I can honestly say in my 4 years at CSULB he's been the worst professor I've had. You can pass but avoid if you can.

1.0
5.0
ECON101
Dec 22, 2014

Do NOT take his class. He goes out of his way to make a 100 level class ridiculously difficult. Going to class only makes you more confused. Really rude guy. If you ask a question, he'll basically call you stupid in front of the whole class. Wish I had dropped this class at the beginning of the sesmester like half the people who registered.

1.0
5.0
ECON300
Grade: A+
Apr 15, 2015

This guy has serious issues. Sent us email saying he was depressed because students were complaining about him. He cares more about opinions rather than the actual material. Worst professor by far. He lectures about anything but economics. Talks a lot about his wife and his life in Taiwan. Tests and quizzes are extremely difficult. Stay away!

1.0
5.0
ECON300
Grade: B+
May 12, 2015

Complete lack of any coherent lectures that jump from Econ to his life in China and Taiwan. Has a ridiculous scale on his curve because no one no what they're doing due to his lack of teaching skills. Expects you to memorize exorbitant amounts of equations. Absolutely do not take this man if you don't want to take a class from hell.

3.0
3.0
ECON300
Grade: A
Jul 9, 2015

truly one of the best in the field. I found the class easy since my algebracalc is strong. I noticed a lot of my classmates lack these skills, so it hurt their grade. Can ruin your GPA. Review your math skills, read the book, and write everything he writes on the board.

2.0
5.0
ECON310
Dec 9, 2015

Spends half the class time talking about China and his personal stories. Midterms are long and difficult. I'm only passing because YouTube is more helpful than his lectures. Do not take him even if you are an Econ major.

3.0
5.0
ECON470
Grade: B
Dec 16, 2015

ECON 470 with Dr. Hou has to be the hardest class Ive ever taken within the dept. The subject matter is complex, so while attendance is not mandatory, you wont pass the class without it. Dr. Hou's grading criteria is very unclear, so your grade depends on his mood a lot. NOBODY would pass if it weren't for the curve. 12 quizzes 2 Midterms 1 Final.

3.0
4.0
ECON470
Dec 24, 2015

Dr. Hou is one of the toughest graders out there. There are quizzes every week to prepare you for exams. There is no guessing in his class because he expects you to explain your work. He is good at explaining the material, but you have to do alot of the work on your own. His flaw is that he gets off topic way too much.

2.0
5.0
ECON310
Jan 11, 2016

The guy knows his stuff, but has difficulty or lacks the skill to teach the material to others. This is due to the fact that he goes off tangents on numerous occasions cutting into the class time we have to learn the material. The exams are hard and quizzes are assigned weekly. Take this professor at your own risk and good luck if you do.

2.0
5.0
ECON300
Apr 14, 2016

i never failed a college class ever. However i failed a class with this instructor. avoid at all cost he is too difficult . you will be having a quiz every week and really tough final

1.0
5.0
ECON100
Apr 22, 2016

I ended up with this professor, not good experience. He yells too much, makes us all think that he is always mad.

5.0
3.0
ECON310
Grade: A
May 2, 2016

It's immediately apparent that he is very knowledgeable when it comes to economics. The class itself is difficult, and the professor expects a lot from his students. You need to go to class otherwise you will be left behind. As long as you study consistently and give a genuine effort you should be fine. Can be a tough grader at times.

5.0
3.0
ECON300
Grade: A
May 14, 2016

Professor Hou is one of the best professors at this school and students don't realize it. He purposely tries to make you pass the class by adding 25% to your raw test score, so 50% is a 75%. Plus he curves the class This might sound harsh but if you're an engineer and you can't get an A or a B in his class you might be in the wrong major.

2.0
5.0
ECON300
Grade: C
May 18, 2016

He is a hard teacher, but don't give up don't drop, if you study a little bit you will be ok at the end.

4.0
4.0
ECON372
Grade: C
May 19, 2016

He's generally a pretty good lecturer, a lot of people complain about how he goes on tangents but they're typically pretty helpful to understanding the material and even when it's unrelated it's still interesting. The only negatives really were that he's a tough grader and HATES questions. All in all I'd recommend him he's tough but it's worth it

4.0
4.0
ECON300
Grade: A
May 19, 2016

Dr. Hou grades really harshly to test both knowledge AND competency, but his grade scale is so much in your favor, it balances out. If you can do algebra quickly and proficiently, you'll be fine, but that's what most people found "too hard." Make sure your math is not rusty. I loved his personality, but I can see why some might find him grating.

2.0
5.0
ECON372
Grade: B
May 22, 2016

Dr. Hou is very tough grader. Almost all the time he deviates from the subject he is teaching to talk about China and his personal life. Sometimes his stories are related to the subject so that's good. He is funny at times but very strict when he is actually teaching. Does not like being interrupted or asked questions. You must take him seriously

1.0
5.0
ECON100
Grade: Audit/No Grade
Feb 26, 2017
Wouldn't take again

He grades very harshly, but is not easy to understand. Does not like being interrupted and does not like those who would ask questions. Also, yells too much. When I took his class, I felt that he is always mad and that anytime I go and see him, or try to ask him a question or talk to him, he just seems to get mad.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
ECON310
Grade: A
Mar 23, 2017
Would take again

I took him during my first semester at CSULB after transferring from a CC. He's one of the smartest professors I've ever had. He pushes his students a lot more than other professors might, but the class isn't impossible. He wants his students to pass, but he wants them to work for it. Getting an A is very possible, but the class requires dedication

Tough Grader
Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
5.0
ECON470
Grade: D
Apr 15, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Almost never satisfied with students' answers on quizzes/tests. Average quiz score for students that semester was about 2 or 3 out of 10. Can have right answers but you won't get credit unless HE likes how you explained it. Often VERY unfocused, digresses into irrelevant life stories, China, his wife, but sometimes economic history. TOUGH CLASS.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
5.0
ECON372
Grade: A
Jan 22, 2018
Would take again

Jack is one the most difficult professor you'll ever have. You either love him or hate him. He expects too much, he pushes his students to the maximum, but that's only because he wants them to be ready for the real world. If you read, go to class, go to his office hours, and repeat the quantitative and free response problems an A is very possible.

Tough Grader
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Caring
1.0
5.0
ECON300
Grade: D
May 23, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Professor spends majority of the class talking about his life and past experiences. Writing is not legible, but notes are mandatory for studying. He doesnt really provide anything to really study for his exams, which are extremely difficult. I missed class a lot due to an issue I couldnt control now wont be graduating because of him.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
4.0
ECON441
Grade: A
Jun 21, 2018
Would take again

Dr. Hou is hands down one of the best professors I've ever had. This is a university, be prepared to produce university level work. After the shock of the first exam, you'll need to adapt and get an understanding for what he's looking for. Taking notes is essential to success. Put in the time and effort and you'll be better off for it.

Gives good feedback
Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
3.0
4.0
ECON310
Apr 2, 2019
Wouldn't take again

Truth is, Dr. Hou will say things in the beginning that you should stay and trust him when really you shouldn't. He's a good person but he tries to motivate you with his learning logic from the 1980s and he doesn't really like questions. It is hard to understand what he expects from the class but just avoid taking him if you can.

Get ready to read
Participation matters
Lecture heavy
3.0
4.0
ECON301
May 3, 2019
Wouldn't take again

If you have the time to teach yourself, his class can be interesting. But he has a hard time making the material understandable for someone who has only taken introductory econ. He expects a lot from his students, but does not provide any homework or much to study with. EVERY student fails his quizzes (which are given every week).

Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: Not sure yet
Nov 12, 2019
Wouldn't take again

I don't usually leave a review, but this is so far one of the hardest professor I've ever taken. He expects too much from students. He doesn't give study guide, and his lecture is everywhere, very unorganized and hard to follow. Quiz every week and you won't pass if you don't go to class.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ECON310
Jan 4, 2020
Wouldn't take again

goes off in a tangent in almost every class, taking away valuable time to teach us the concepts. i really should complain the econ department about how he abuses class time. a few side stories and talks is fine, but not when it's taking more than half of the class time. and because of this, he crams the last 5-10 minutes of class with the lecture!

Lecture heavy
2.0
4.0
ECON310
Grade: A
May 9, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Dr. Hou brags about his communication skills but I feel that he has lost touch with how to effectively teach his students. He takes pride in his course being difficult/dreaded by students. If the class is online due to Covid do NOT take it. Taped lectures are illegible and sometimes the content is not even visible, does not offer detail/help.

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: Not sure yet
May 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I don't even go to CSULB, but I had to warn y'all about this professor. I have nightmares from the pain my friends endured in this class. Don't take him unless you want him getting triggered at you just because your exam winded up in his junk folder, despite it not even being your fault . A WOAT experience overall and I recommend y'all avoid him

Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ECON310
Grade: Not sure yet
May 18, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I created this account just to warn anyone to not take this professor unless you cannot get your schedule around it. The problem with Professor Hou is he is very easily sidetracked and provides almost no supplemental examples to help you prepare for quizzes and exams. He grades impossibly hard and gets angry when you ask questions. Avoid.

Test heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: C-
Oct 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

I dont recommend if you learn by practicing examples. Very vague lectures. Calculus heavy. Minimal amount of examples in lectures. Lectures are pre-recorded which is nice but there is one example for an entire concept. Timed exams which is less time than the class actually runs about 45mins to finish and submit on dropbox (not enough time at all)

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
2.0
ECON310
Grade: F
Oct 26, 2020
Wouldn't take again

His explanations are short and lack very great detail. Asynchronous, so cannot ask questions immediately. Some textbook graphics does not match that in lecture. Does not provide solution sheets to practice problems.

1.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 15, 2020
Wouldn't take again

One of the worst professors I've had, try to avoid him. Excessively strict and has no sympathy for students (even though we are dealing with this pandemic). Pre-recorded lectures are difficult to see and understand and very few examples are given. Only gives 45 minutes for exams and seems eager to penalize students in whichever ways he can.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ECON301
Grade: B
Dec 20, 2020
Wouldn't take again

He has prerecorded lectures which are fine. He pushes his students pretty hard and his exams can be difficult. But that is not the issue. For online, because of Covid, he was unbelievable strict. I got a B on an exam based off my knowledge of the material. But he failed me because I put 2 pictures per PDF file Page. Absolutely unreal. Dont take.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: C-
Dec 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Do not take ECON 310 with Dr. Hou. He makes the lectures and tests extremely difficult. He gives practice questions without ever giving the answers so you never really know if you understand the material until you take the test and fail. He loses his train of thought a lot and expects the student to know material he doesn't teach. DO NOT TAKE HOU

Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
Tough grader
3.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: B
Dec 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Mixed feelings here. I learned more in his class than any other class & I understand econ so much more now. However, hes a rude person and very condescending. His tests are HARD. No one will pass. you depend on the curve & have to do better than everyone else to do well. I studied for entire days before tests. You have to want it and stay focused

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
2.0
5.0
ECON472
Jan 10, 2021
Wouldn't take again

There are 3 midterms and 1 final. These are the only things that make up your grade. His exams are very hard and long. His lectures are videos he uploads (no meetings). His lectures are kind of hard to understand. There are some things he expects you to read on and understand on your own for the exam.

Graded by few things
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
ECON441
Grade: A-
Mar 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Could not teach the material and would become frustrated if you didnt pick it up immediately. Ask a question at your own peril. And he would go on long, pointless tangents. He once went into detail about how Mulan mustve been incredibly ugly since she was able to blend in so well with the rest of the army. Bragged about how 50% of the class fails

Lecture heavy
So many papers
Tough grader
1.0
4.0
ECON310
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 18, 2021
Wouldn't take again

The material isn't extremely hard, but I gave him such a low grade because he loves to say how poor students do in his course. He doesn't give us many practice problems and gives us only 45 minutes for our exams for problems that need at least an hour and a half. Four exams plus a cumulative final, that's all we get graded on. Avoid taking him

Graded by few things
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: A
May 19, 2021
Would take again

Learned a lot from this class compared to any other classes I took. Dr. Hou is a really tough grader but getting an A is not impossible. You dont need to perfect his exam to get an A cause he grades on a curve. Just follows his rules and youll do fine.

1.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: F
Dec 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Save yourself from a huge disappointment and just don't take him, you'll regret it if you do. He shouldn't even be teaching, he takes pride in how many students DONT pass his class, that should tell you something. His lectures are confusing and goes on a tangent all the time... Also, he's extremely condescending towards his students, just awful.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
ECON372
Grade: D
Dec 29, 2021
Wouldn't take again

AVOID TAKING HIM. The material is not that hard but he makes it hard to understand and follow along, does not provide answers for practice questions and if you reach out to him he'll give you a defensive/passive-aggressive response. He loves to talk about himself and ALL that he does... worst professor I've taken.

Test heavy
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
ECON333
Grade: A
Jun 21, 2022
Would take again

This professor is tough. BUT, he pushes you to study. You learn the material in a format that you can solve whatever problem he gives. His tests are hard when you don't study the material. In all honestly, if you pay close attention to the material he teaches and previous tests, you know that it all aligns.

Tough grader
Respected
Test heavy
5.0
3.0
ECON372
Feb 13, 2023
Would take again

Although I just had professor Hou for a month (he was subbing), I was able to understand the lectures perfectly. He is passionate about his job so that makes it better. Take notes!

Amazing lectures
Respected
2.0
3.0
ECON372
Grade: B
Jan 5, 2024

Professor Hou is old school and not in a good way. He'll go on funny tangents for 1/2 hr and then lecture past the end of class claiming that we're getting our money's worth because he went longer. With that, I couldn't help but be amused. He grades on a curve so think in terms of survival - as long as you can outdo your classmates, you'll be fine

Tough grader
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
ECON441
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
May 10, 2024

I created an account here on RMP just to warn y'all about this professor: FOR GOD's SAKE, DO NOT TAKE HOU! His gradings although are solely based on weekly quizzes and 3 exams, he goes off tangent every lecture, bragging about his 'US-citizen' life and scolding China (he's a Chinese guy). Teach yourself! He and Guy Yamashiro are the worst @ CSULB

Tough grader
Beware of pop quizzes
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
ECON310
Grade: A
Jul 24, 2024
Would take again

the G.O.A.T

Respected
3.0
3.0
ECON372
Grade: B
Dec 2, 2024
Would take again

Professor Hou can be a bit unorthodox, but engaging with his specific teaching style pays off. The textbook and lectures are helpful, and tools like unstuck AI can make studying more efficient.

5.0
3.0
ECON470
Grade: C
Feb 27, 2025
Would take again

Dr. Hou is a ridiculously intillegent individual. (470/441) second course with him in my senior year and i have learned more economics from hm in two semesters than i have in the last 3 years. Hes the goat and said many times that he sees us as 0.00001% of his children. Very passionate and if u truly want to learn actual old school econ take him fr

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Inspirational
2.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: C
May 5, 2025

He's going to tell you that his class is one of the hardest classes you'll ever take, he's not lying. I will give him credit, he is extremely smart, but he went on crazy rants about mormons, how Jews control Hollywood, and a lot about China. Use the TA for help, he does not provide many resources or any practice for his exams.

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Graded by few things
2.0
5.0
ECON310
Grade: B
Aug 28, 2025

I'll give this class something: It forces you to develop good study habits and a lot of these topics will essentially be drilled into your head by the end if you want to pass. You're essentially on your own though as the lectures can be frustratingly dense and are often sidetracked. You'll get the most help from the TA or online

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
ECON310
Grade: B
Oct 6, 2025

He's fine but most of the time your on your own, his lectures are pretty dense and he often gets sidetracked by talking about something unrelated half the class, most of the help came from the TA

Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

55%

Textbook Required

61%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B

95% confidence
Based on 37 grades
Most common grades:
A (13)
B (10)
C (4)
Grade Distribution
A(14)B(10)C(6)D(5)F(2)A-/B+(2)
Based on 44 reported grades
A: 13
B: 10
C: 4
Not sure yet: 4
Common Tags
Tough grader (18)
Test heavy (15)
Lecture heavy (11)
Skip class? You won't pass. (9)
Graded by few things (6)
Tough Grader (5)
Respected (5)
Get ready to read (3)
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Ratings by Course

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5.0

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5.0

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4.0

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3.1

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3.1

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